Westminster

"Westminster" is a place we British love to hate. It's often portrayed as a place of intrigue, quarrels and sleaze. I won't repeat some of the comments I've heard whilst campaigning on peoples' doorsteps!

Yesterday it was attacked again. There have been bombings, murders and assaults many times within the Palace of Westminster. 

We were reminded of what goes on each day in this small area of London. Children were in the gallery watching the House of Commons at work. There had been tours for citizens and visitors explaining the history of the buildings and the institution which is Parliament. MPs and Peers, assisted by an army of assistants, were scrutinising; helping solve the problems faced by constituents; legislating and negotiating. Outside there were tourists who had come to see and photograph an iconic building - and who were killed or injured.

Parliament matters. Yes, it is imperfect. It can fail to do its job properly. The temptation to enjoy its pleasures and privileges - to be self-indulgent, can, and does affect people working there. But it is a place where citizens can participate in the making of the laws that govern us. A place where important decisions can be scrutinised, and decision makers held to account.

Parliament matters - and as citizens we need to support efforts to enable more of our fellow citizens to understand how our democracy works - and how they navigate its institutions.

Interesting times?

As I walked around my local estates in the last few days of the referendum campaign, a number of people said that they were looking forward to the end of this long, long debate. I have to say I was joyfully anticipating a few days off - then the Tsunami hit! Thursday was just the start!!!

There is so much to be concerned about. We've seen the uncertainty about the future - our own personal futures, as the value of our pension funds have been hit; as threats to jobs begin to emerge; as opportunities disappear. It's very easy to feel very depressed about what has happened, and fearful of what is to come.

Yet, as progressives, we have to believe that a better future can be built. There are alternatives that we can choose - that can improve the lives of our fellow citizens - and those around the world. The environment may have changed beyond recognition - but, like reformers through the centuries, we have to look at the realities that face us - and think about the policies and actions which are needed to build that better future.

So let's leave off the grieving - and start thinking, and discussing, and planning to build for the future. We need to remember that politics is about citizens negotiating our collective future. The priorities for Britain (or whatever is left as events run their course) must be articulated. We mustn't let a vacuum exist, which will be filled by those who have ideas and objectives very different to ours.

Politics is not about shouting at each other - it's about thought and discussion. It's about generating ideas and getting things done. The front page from today's Metro has one message



...but today MPs & Peers will return. There will be a lot of noise - but also the more thoughtful work at Westminster will recommence. Committees will consider legislation and policies. There will be lots of discussion as to how to move forward. So too in council buildings; within the political parties at national and local level, within civil society generally. We all have our part to play.