Introduction
The election of a new government in 2024 hailed the end of 13 years of the chaos of the Conservatives. They left this country in a mess with a broken economy and an electorate signalling change but divided on a replacement. In the end, a Labour government won the day with a massive majority. However, Sir Keir Starmer’s honeymoon period was short-lived with a backlash over means testing the Winter Fuel Allowance for pensioners, a result of having to fill an economic black hole. Yet some want to attack this government that has only been in power for four weeks and yet people want them to solve every problem in this country in five minutes. That is highly unrealistic and those who attack must see that the new government has started to make bold steps to create a better society. Rome was never built in a day and will probably take the best part of this government’s term in office before we actually start seeing change. That is the realistic truth.
Unity
I have always been very proud of how this country comes together in difficult circumstances but a few with extreme right-wing views have decided to use demonstration to wreek havoc on our towns and cities. Attacking the police with physical violence, burning cars and shops and looting. The EDL and a number of young people who are using this opportunity to capture the headlines of “We want our country back” are fuelled and emboldened by social media that spreads misinformation and stoaks hatred. Mosques have to be guarded night and day for fear of attack when the Muslim community have done so much to help those in need with food and charitable acts.
I despair that some can’t accept that we live in a multicultural society. Dragging us back to the terrible days of the National Front is a sad state of affairs. People need to live in harmony and not attack someone for the colour of their skin or their country of heritage. It’s abhorrent and racism has no place in society. It’s vile, ignorant and attacks good and loving people who just want to lead a peaceful life. I will always stand up to racism and get emotional when it rears its ugly head in this modern world. Violence against others should never be tolerated and we must find a way through this awful situation.
As those affected try to get back to normal life, helping to clear up the debris left by these mindless attacks, just take a moment that the majority of this country is prepared to demonstrate peacefully and express their political views through the ballot box. Democracy will always win the day but some think it can erode with hate and violence. We must never give in to the destructive mind and let it poison our views. Love and peace must prevail and treat people equally as everyone deserves.
