I have been following British politics for the last 50 years, since 1968 when we moved to London from Tanzania. Although national politics has changed beyond recognition, one common factor has remained unchanged, that is to oppose the government at any cost, whether it is fair or foul, as long as it helps opposition’s cause. Unfortunately vote-bank politics has raised its’ ugly head here as well, imported from Indian subcontinent.
There are very few politicians who are ethically honest, work for the good of their constituents as well as the nation. Most are fiduciary, affecting core of British politics. Brexit has divided both our MPs and public in equal measures; no one wants to give an inch unless they could exploit the situation for their own benefits, akin to feudalism, fiddlers on the roof!
No one can doubt sincerity of PM, Mrs. Theresa May who has fought tooth and nail to honour the decision made by 17:4 million British voters to leave EU, often taking insults from the unelected, over-bearing EU bureaucrats. But to be honest, PM is no match to these cunning, conniving and determined bureaucrats whose main purpose is to punish Britain for daring to leave EU whose fear is, if Britain can prosper outside EU, it may lead to mass exodus, ultimately made EU redundant, thus Germany and France losing their influence and hold on Europe. It is akin to the rise of Soviet Union from the ashes, after a short interlude!
Since becoming PM, Mrs May has tumbled from one crisis to another, her judgement in question. When she called snap election with 20% lead in opinion poll, everyone expected Tories to win handsomely, increasing their majority, instead they suffered a humiliating defeat, losing their overall majority, now depends on DUP to govern and keep Labour out.
The defeat was mainly due to two reasons; one was their naïve, unbelievable manifesto many described it as the longest suicide note in British politics and PM’s unwillingness to participate in open TV debate, as well as her lacklustre canvasing, mainly addressing party’s own core supporters rather than the public at large, preaching to already converted audience!
Unfortunately Labour party is also in turmoil, consumed by anti-sematic raw that refuses to go away. When someone like Chukka Umunna who I considered to be the next Labour leader, leaves the party followed by a few more, it is time for stock-taking before even more MPs follow into the footsteps of Umunna! A strong and united opposition is absolute necessity for democracy to work as intended!
Bhupendra M. Gandhi
By email
