In it for others.

· by · in agency, europe, philosophy, politics, power. ·
Vote Labour
Photo of voting reminder July 4th 2024 by @warwicklanguage CC BY

I had so many thoughts about a blog post to publish before the election – so many reasons I wanted to spell out for why I would be voting Labour. I rehearsed them many times over in my head. However I didn’t write them, I felt I didn’t need to. Anyone watching my Twitter (X) posts would already know my position and I didn’t feel the need to reflect further on my reasons using my blog space. Just too busy playing a very small part in pushing for a victory for Matt Western

Today I do wish to think through what comes next as we wake to the news of a huge Labour landslide.

I expect Kier Starmer to oversee a return to a fairer UK, a kinder politics and a more hopeful society. I’m no fan of flag waving and I am not attached to the idea of nationhood, more interested in the international, more concerned about the fate of our planet – or rather the sustainability of the human race. I am glad to see the back of some very unpleasant individuals:

The new Reform Ltd seats will no dout disappoint those who have been tricked (again) into voting for them:

You cannot fool all the people all the time.

I am no idealist. I understand that Change will be difficult and that there’s lots of work to be done. This morning the satirists are able to breathe and reflect on all the material the last 14 years handed them:

and rather than the anthem we used to celebrate in 1997, we could maybe do a remix called “Things can only get less bad in the short term” However, I have hope. Hope because Labour believes in cooperation and collaboration to bring about a fairer society. Hope because there will be natural affinities with the Greens and the Lib Dems which will improve the UK’s standing and restore confidence in our international role. We will no longer be the fool in the sea, cruelly complaining about small boats and pushing a “Rwanda plan”. Hope for those who need help. I feel proud that many Brits did indeed think of others who are more vulnerable and voted in their interests. They were in it for others. That shows the very best of us.

This is not the end. It is the start of a new chapter. Let’s stay involved and keep pushing for a regime which concerns itself with:

  • restoring our NHS
  • reclaiming our education system to work for all
  • rebuilding our transport network and infrastructure
  • providing decent housing
  • regulating to ensure that decency replaces profiteering
  • supporting those who need help

We can be better together.

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