St George’s Day Lunch with Guest Speaker – Paul Hartshorn

Paul Hartshorn – IT Consultant, Councillor, and Community Advocate

In the past five years, the political landscape of the UK has undergone significant transformation, influenced by domestic and international factors. The resurgence of Donald Trump’s presidency in the US has sent ripples across the Atlantic, affecting British politics and public discourse. Simultaneously, the rise of Reform UK under Nigel Farage has challenged the traditional two-party system, securing four parliamentary seats and over 4 million votes in the recent election.

These changes have had a profound impact on local democracy. The influence of populist rhetoric and social media-driven politics has altered the nature of public debate. We’ve seen an increased polarisation of opinions and a tendency towards more confrontational political discourse.

Are we becoming more American in our political approach? There are certainly signs pointing in that direction. The rise of personality-driven politics, the growing influence of social media on public opinion, and the increased focus on divisive issues echo trends in the US.

However, we must question whether this is the right path for British democracy. Has our standard of political behaviour devolved into “who shouts loudest”? While passionate debate is essential in a healthy democracy, we must be cautious not to sacrifice nuance and compromise for the sake of sensationalism.

As we move forward, it’s crucial to reflect on these changes and strive for a political culture that values substance over spectacle, ensuring that local voices and concerns are not drowned out in the cacophony of national and international politics.