Here at CARE we long to see civility, decency and good debate in our politics. We believe that rigorous debate is a key part of a healthy politics and can help politics to be a great force for good. Sadly, though we often see plenty of examples of bad debate, incivility, and downright poor behaviour.
Each week we will bring you some of our favourite examples of civility, decency, and good debate in our politics, as well as some sad examples of the darker side of politics.
The Good
Hugs all-round
With the dissolution of Parliament, we say farewell to various prominent MPs in recent years, and indeed, one PM. As they left the House of Commons for the last time, it was lovely to see Ian Blackford and Theresa May, forming sparring partners, laying aside their old differences in a warm embrace.
Wishing opponents well…while it lasts
In the aftermath of Iain Dale’s announcement that he would be leaving his job as a presenter on LBC in order to stand as a Conservative candidate, he was inundated with good wishes from people who wouldn’t be his natural political bedfellows. It’s rather a shame he then withdrew his candidacy two days later…
The Bad
Taking the speck out of your own eye
Some of Labour’s social media content this week has been laugh-out-loud funny (in a good way). But this attack on Rishi Sunak for taking a helicopter as he went round the country canvassing was somewhat undermined by the news the next day that Keir Starmer had taken a private jet to Scotland to launch Labour’s new green energy policy.
The Ugly
Former PM appears on far-right platform
Liz Truss, the former Prime Minister, has appeared on a platform run by a man who said “nobody has enough beer” to make him sexually assault the Labour PPC for Birmingham Yardley, Jess Phillips.
What made us laugh
Politics has its good moments and its bad moments but sometimes it’s just quite funny. Each week we will bring you some of our favourite highlights from the week.
The Lib Dem strategy
Seemingly seeking for a way to cut through the press, Lib Dem leader Ed Davey has taken an unconventional approach to his campaign so far, having gone paddleboard, cycling and down a water slide…
