can this be my answer?
Durham would not have been more guarded about what he said, as modern politicians often are, because at his time, there were very few policies which helped. For example, today’s politicians might say something, but they usually have evidence. At Lord Durham’s time, there were laws, but those laws were not completely put into action. In modern society, people have the right to stand up for themselves and vote for others when needed. Durham was probably not supported properly because people were scared to speak against the French. Despite having free will, they were hesitant to use it.