Every politician's dream – the online tool that changes votes from 'no' to 'yes' | George Monbiot

When users discovered a computer glitch on a Welsh government consultation on allowing scallop dredging in a dolphin reserve, it wasn't the only thing wrong with this supposedly democratic process

It's every politician's dream: an electronic feature that automatically changes people's votes from no to yes. It's the perfect antidote to those tiresome folk who insist on having their voices heard. You know, the ones who claim we live in a democracy.

This marvellous innovation has been pioneered, no doubt accidentally, by the Welsh government, but I'm sure David Cameron is taking notes. EU referendum: solved. Consultations on academy schools, a new runway at Heathrow, privatising the NHS and drowning the poor in ornamental fish ponds: sorted. Next election: in the bag.