Frustrated? Bored? Tired? Disengaged?
As a councillor, I’ve had countless conversations with residents about the UK Parliament, and many people still feel disillusioned and angry with the way our democratic institution works.
I wondered quite a bit whether being involved in November’s Parliament Week, for the ninth year running, made any sense.
However, I managed to convince myself that every moment, conversation or simple initiative can help to restore our faith in democracy, and restore at least some political hope for us and our communities.
I was absolutely delighted that, in Welwyn Hatfield, we marked Parliament Week by inviting Ukrainian refugees to the council chamber.
The meeting, hosted by the Mayor, brought democracy closer to our friends, colleagues and neighbours from Ukraine, and we discussed some of the issues and challenges they face, including housing and employment.
It was fantastic to be invited back to the Polish Saturday School in Welwyn Garden City and to talk to older students about the role and functions of the UK Parliament. Two heated debates encouraged a lively discussion about the importance of wearing uniforms or attending classes at the school.
Parliament Week culminated in our town centre, with a debate about the ways in which Parliament affects our lives, and what each of us can do to actively support the democratic process – for example, by volunteering for a cause that is close to our heart, writing a letter to a local newspaper, signing a petition, or standing for election.
Democracy is not only our right, but more importantly our responsibility, to support a process that gives us the freedom to choose and select our representatives, who then shape policies at the local and national level.
I will never give up trying to encourage people to take an interest in politics. I hope that, wherever we stand on the political spectrum, we will continue to build opportunities for real dialogue and seek solutions to some of the issues that affect us all.
