Scanning a blazing horizon for a green oasis; a place where watermelons grow amid an arid political desert?

It is painfully evident that the impacts from current political instability are being felt broadly, both within the UK and further afield. Like others, I am tired of systems that appear to constantly favour the elites whilst consistently shitting on the rest of us. The electorate are crying out for a body politic that favours the delivery of care and hope to its citizens; a system that has integrity, some moral fibre, and one that can be trusted. Is that really too much to ask for? Yet the major worry for many people is… there’s no apparent sign of things improving any time soon, always assuming and hoping there is any real possibility of change. Unfortunately, many are suggesting and expecting further deterioration is likely before conditions improve; positive change cannot be assured at this time.

The division within our political landscape is increasing, with opposing viewpoints becoming ever more entrenched. As a result, discourse is losing its effectiveness as a conduit for constructive decision-making, frequently devolving into personal criticisms that are intended for little more than short-term political gains, within the constraints of contemporary news cycles. I find myself constantly asking the pertinent questionn; Where is this all leading us? Sadly, I’ve been struggling to find an answer, let alone advocate for an expediant [political] escape route. Until now, perhaps?

Keir Starmer is finished… But this crisis goes much further than Starmer. It exposes systemic failure in Labour, growing paralysis in government, and deeper institutional rot that threatens the Union and the monarchy itself. This is not a scandal. It is an executive collapse in slow motion. (Richard J. Murphy)

The prevalence of short-term emotive headlines within a 24-hour news cycle often results in the oversimplification of major political policies; reducing complex issues to soundbites and fleeting controversies dressed in vitriol and hatred of ‘others’. This approach often hinders the prospects of any public ability to engage with the deeper, longer-term implications of political decisions, if or when they are made. Genuine analysis and informed debate is frequently overshadowed by sensationalism and the pursuit of immediate populist attention. Consequently, the public understanding of future social impacts suffers. More and more people are being left unaware of the broader social consequences and nuances behind policy changes; which ultimately serves to undermine any meaningful and informed civic participation in what a productive discourse should be.

This decline of public trust in politics and politicians is rooted in the widespread belief that the system only ever benefits an elite few while neglecting ordinary citizens. On an almost daily basis we are witnessing continued instability, deepening social and ideological divisions, and an environment saturated by short-lived, sensationalist media coverage. All of which has amplified increasing mistrust. Meaningful debate and long-term solutions are mostly ignored and replaced by populist polarisation and controversies; all of which serves to foster increasing scepticism about whether politics can truly deliver progressive improvements, or any real and lasting social change.

In the past twelve months alone, several high-profile UK political scandals have further eroded public confidence in the political process. For example, the resignation (or replacement) of senior government officials over breaches of the ministerial code, and allegations of misconduct have fuelled perceptions about the lack of accountability and transparency at the highest levels. After six years we are still seeing the ongoing controversy around the awarding of government contracts during the COVID-19 pandemic; sometimes referred to as “VIP lane” or “cronyism” scandals. The fears around ‘preferential’ treatment and the ‘misuse’ of public funds are real. Additionally, emerging revelations about party funding and lobbying are raising serious questions about undue influence within political decision-making. These recent incidents have deepened public cynicism and highlighted ongoing issues of fairness, transparency, and trust in UK politics.

In short, the British (and world) political machinery is awash with corporate, ‘dirty’ money and sleaze, all of which appears to be controlled by an extremely small band of self-interested greedy people, all hell-bent on their own individual advancement. And the recent Peter Mandelson debacle is nothing short of icing the proverbial cake.

Could we finally be witnessing some real scrutiny beginning to emerge; focusing on the longstanding connections and influence within party politics and the wider business world? I doubt it. But if we are, how long will that last? And again, what of the social fallout for the rest of us? Questions have rightly been raised about Mandelson’s involvement with lobbying activities, and his advisory roles which have undoubtedly blurred the boundaries between public service and private interests. But Mandelson is not alone in this political cesspit, where sleaze and ‘dirty’ money is commonplace.

In a recent speech to parliament (HERE) Jeremy Corbyn outlined where things have gone wrong, and suggested some actions that need to be taken, if we’re truly focusing upon trying to restore any trust in the British political machine.

All the current calls for transparency in political consultancy are welcomed. The demand for improvements to the regulations around lobbying are long overdue. Policies and procedures, designed to reduce potential for conflicts of interest in decision-making, can’t come soon enough. The electorate needs clearer rules, greater transparency and accountability around the relationships between governments and corporations.

The political commentator and economist Richard Murphy recently suggested that there could be a way out of all this mess; to build a political machine that is finally focused upon care and hope, but his favoured road ahead won’t be devoid of potholes. Or an easy journey without some clear focused and prompt action (see podcast).

Until we can all see, at the very least, a modicum of trust restored and compounded, politicians continue to flounder, continually creating an ever-deepening void. One that will only ever be filled with increasing direct action. And sadly, the march of extremist actors – within our political discourse – tends to suggest that some of that activist angst is likely to become increasingly more violent.

Following on from Murphy’s analogy, I also find myself morphing into a watermelon. I too want to see a body politic that is (apparently) driven by a desire to deliver social care. A growing group of people who are (apparently) striving to Make Hope Normal Again. Because holding onto some optimism – when hope is all you have left – can also be therapeutic. I’m feeling like Green ideology could deliver at least some of what many of us are looking for. However, given the lack-lustre calibre of so many politicians for so long, and the landscape they skulk around in, I’ll probably remain a tad sceptical for a little while longer. As the adage goes, the proof of this particular pudding will be in the eating. But, like many others, I’m desperate for a more palatable political meal than the ones we’ve been fed on over recent years. So, get a move on, we’re all hungry!