How is representative democracy working well in the UK?

Our government is drawn from Parliament and depends on the confidence of the House of Commons for survival.
It is arguable that MPs have become increasingly assertive in defending what they believe to be in the best interests of their constituents. Under the 2010- 15 Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition government, backbenchers rebelled more than in any Parliament since 1945.
In March 2017, backbench Conservative MPs pressured Chancellor Phillip Hammond to delay a planned rise in National Insurance contributions for the self-employed as the party’s manifesto had promised not to raise income taxes.
The use of free votes, where MPs can vote solely with their conscience, rather than follow the party line, also encourages MPs to consider more than just the opinion of party leaders – Cameron in coalition same-sex marriage.

UKIP has struggled to win seats in Parliament, but, by giving critics of the EU a means to express their views electorally, the party placed increasing pressure upon former Prime Minister David Cameron to promise an in/ out EU referendum.
Pressure groups help protect minorities from the ‘tyranny of the majority’. They provide an alternative means of political participation for those who are uninterested in the main political parties, or who feel that their vote is wasted.
They encourage voters to share their views, and hold government accountable, in between elections.
E-petitions have also proven a popular means for pressure groups to encourage Parliament to debate overlooked issues. Parliament debated 31 e-petitions from 2011 to 2015 after they received over 100,000 signatures.
The UK also has a free media, which similarly plays an important role in holding elected representatives accountable for their actions.