Concentration on one topic, has led to divisions between and in parties and the emergence of a Central grouping of MP's who have resigned their party whip to join in with them.
It looks like some of the large parties are in danger of schism and our traditional choices between Socialist, Tory or more liberal parties are becoming blurred or even deceptive. People are defining themselves by single issue politics, instead of the greater good.
I have thought for some time that our 'first past the post' electoral system is broken and some form of proportional representation is needed, the traditional parties have resisted this, as they seen their traditional electorate vanishing in different directions. They seem resistant to change, perhaps walking into disunity and chaos with their eyes firmly shut.
Another argument deployed is that this would mean chaos with the need for coalition governments, citing countries like Italy, where you can have a different government every year or so, despite this actually being untrue.
The Tory/Liberal coalition from 2010 is cited as an example of a government who could not achieve anything, apart from the IDS benefits regime, which has damaged the fabric of our society so much and driven even working families into poverty.
I don't accept that, as much was achieved. Why not have a true, cross party coalition that brings the best from each, into governance and works for the whole of the community?
If we had such a government of national unity, would we have the current chaotic situation? Perhaps it might be difficult, but legislation would have been passed by now, and perhaps a deal with Europe might have been negotiated taking account of the needs of the whole of our country.
Many people are frustrated and no longer trust politicians, which is unfair on those individuals who have not been grabbing the head lines, but work hard for those who elected them.
I pray for peace in reconciliation in politics, both national and international, with a sincere hope that common sense will prevail.
