Brexit and Christianity
his is a bit of a detour from my Christian journey, but I just really felt a need to write it. As a Christian and an individual, I have a view on Brexit. In terms of a specific outcome – ie leave or remain I believe we should think carefully how we express ourselves. We should speak with respect to those who oppose our own views and never assume we are right and others are wrong. A definitive right or wrong is rarely the case in politics - there generally is no absolute right or wrong in an objective sense– merely our own subjective opinions. Unfortunately, a respectful conversation between opposing sides has rarely been seen in the Brexit debate - whether that be between the general public, politicians or political commentators.
The focus of this writing however is on the roles of Parliament and political commentators. I am not prone to sensationalism and like to consider both sides and all angles, but I am aghast at how Brexit is being dealt with. I voted leave, but to be honest whether we leave or remain is not my concern anymore. What is my concern is the loss of democracy in this country – courtesy of Parliament and aided by political commentators.
It is quite simple logic – if there is a referendum then it is the duty of Parliament to action the result to the best of their ability. I do not believe this is happening. With over two thirds of the MPs being Remainers they are doing whatever they can to block the UK leaving of the EU under the guise of getting the best outcome for the Nation. This is not democracy.
I have always held strong views on the media. My belief is that the media only present a world view supported by themselves and is not a true reflection. This has become extremely apparent in terms of Brexit. The political commentators of both the BBC and Sky News and other news agencies seem to be complicit with Parliament with their bias reporting. Let’s look at the wording of the remain rally held last weekend and the leave rally today. Whist the former is reported as a remain ‘march’ or ‘rally’, the latter is described as a leave ‘protest’ with the participants described as ‘demonstrators’.
And there seems to be an increased occurrence of leave voters being referred to as far right by both Politician’s and the media. Yesterday I was appalled to hear Labour MP Mary Creagh speak in Parliament and refer to leave supporters in today’s rally as the Far Right. She stated:
‘……… Is it not extraordinary, Mr Speaker, that this comes right on the day when we know that far-right demonstrators will be gathering in Parliament Square?’ (Hansard 28 March 2019)
On a lighter note, poor Adam Boulton of Sky News was heard saying off camera just this morning (29 March 2019)
‘See, this thing about the right wing, I think it’s b*****ks.’
I use the term ‘lighter’ loosely in respect to his unfortunateness of being aired. However, his sentiments are very serious when put in context of the conversation in progress prior to his comment. Again, he is implying those who support leave are right ring – and reading his Twitter feed concerning this, there is absolutely no doubt about this.
It is almost like there is a bubble which includes Parliament and political commentators – and this bubble exists in isolation to the rest of the general population. We are being led by personal bias and not facts, scaremongering, and condescension. We are also observing such a lack of respect between politicians – especially relating to Theresa May. I am not going to go into the rights and wrongs of her deal or her performance as a leader. What I will say is that Parliament should not treat a fellow colleague with such little courtesy
I believe it will be interesting to see the fall out from this. I would speculate we could see constituents not being prepared to vote for the existing political parties, or perhaps the rise of a new popularist party. In a way, Parliament is playing right into the hands of the far right – which undoubtedly would be undesirable for the country. My view is our Nation works the best under a middle of the road party – but of course others will have their own views – and that is fine – we are a ‘democracy’ – or supposed to be!
I feel it is important for those who feel the same to express their discontentment at Parliament and political commentators in as firm a manner as they feel is needed. However, this is with the following proviso – it should be undertaken with integrity, honesty and respect – along with Prayers
The focus of this writing however is on the roles of Parliament and political commentators. I am not prone to sensationalism and like to consider both sides and all angles, but I am aghast at how Brexit is being dealt with. I voted leave, but to be honest whether we leave or remain is not my concern anymore. What is my concern is the loss of democracy in this country – courtesy of Parliament and aided by political commentators.
It is quite simple logic – if there is a referendum then it is the duty of Parliament to action the result to the best of their ability. I do not believe this is happening. With over two thirds of the MPs being Remainers they are doing whatever they can to block the UK leaving of the EU under the guise of getting the best outcome for the Nation. This is not democracy.
I have always held strong views on the media. My belief is that the media only present a world view supported by themselves and is not a true reflection. This has become extremely apparent in terms of Brexit. The political commentators of both the BBC and Sky News and other news agencies seem to be complicit with Parliament with their bias reporting. Let’s look at the wording of the remain rally held last weekend and the leave rally today. Whist the former is reported as a remain ‘march’ or ‘rally’, the latter is described as a leave ‘protest’ with the participants described as ‘demonstrators’.
And there seems to be an increased occurrence of leave voters being referred to as far right by both Politician’s and the media. Yesterday I was appalled to hear Labour MP Mary Creagh speak in Parliament and refer to leave supporters in today’s rally as the Far Right. She stated:
‘……… Is it not extraordinary, Mr Speaker, that this comes right on the day when we know that far-right demonstrators will be gathering in Parliament Square?’ (Hansard 28 March 2019)
On a lighter note, poor Adam Boulton of Sky News was heard saying off camera just this morning (29 March 2019)
‘See, this thing about the right wing, I think it’s b*****ks.’
I use the term ‘lighter’ loosely in respect to his unfortunateness of being aired. However, his sentiments are very serious when put in context of the conversation in progress prior to his comment. Again, he is implying those who support leave are right ring – and reading his Twitter feed concerning this, there is absolutely no doubt about this.
It is almost like there is a bubble which includes Parliament and political commentators – and this bubble exists in isolation to the rest of the general population. We are being led by personal bias and not facts, scaremongering, and condescension. We are also observing such a lack of respect between politicians – especially relating to Theresa May. I am not going to go into the rights and wrongs of her deal or her performance as a leader. What I will say is that Parliament should not treat a fellow colleague with such little courtesy
I believe it will be interesting to see the fall out from this. I would speculate we could see constituents not being prepared to vote for the existing political parties, or perhaps the rise of a new popularist party. In a way, Parliament is playing right into the hands of the far right – which undoubtedly would be undesirable for the country. My view is our Nation works the best under a middle of the road party – but of course others will have their own views – and that is fine – we are a ‘democracy’ – or supposed to be!
I feel it is important for those who feel the same to express their discontentment at Parliament and political commentators in as firm a manner as they feel is needed. However, this is with the following proviso – it should be undertaken with integrity, honesty and respect – along with Prayers
REFERENCES
https://hansard.parliament.uk/commons/2019-03-28/debates/8BB6353C-4D35-4A58-B721-CDDFF67AF707/SittingsOfTheHouse(29March), accessed 29 March 2019
Church of England
https://hansard.parliament.uk/commons/2019-03-28/debates/8BB6353C-4D35-4A58-B721-CDDFF67AF707/SittingsOfTheHouse(29March), accessed 29 March 2019
Church of England
