This Should Be the Climate Election, But We’re Distracted by Fantasies
As I sit with Catherine Mayer and Sandi Toksvig, founders of the Women’s Equality Party (WEP), alongside Caroline Lucas and Siân Berry, outgoing and prospective Brighton Pavilion Green MPs, I find myself in a space that feels refreshingly rational. Unlike typical political settings, this meeting is devoid of lies and filled with sensible discourse.
In an ideal world, Sandi Toksvig would be the political insurgent, advocating for policies that reflect the real needs of people. She speaks of valuing unpaid labor, creating long-term policies, and breaking free from polarized debates. Toksvig highlights absurdities, like the Conservative manifesto’s single mention of poverty, which pertains only to international aid, ignoring domestic issues. This reflects a troubling reality: the conditions of many in the UK seem irrelevant to those in power.
The WEP, led by Mandu Reid, should be a household name given her focus on issues like childcare costs, which affect many. However, figures like Richard Tice of Reform UK, who represent the millionaire class, receive more attention. This misalignment underscores the irrational priorities in current political discourse.
This meeting’s primary announcement is the WEP’s endorsement of Berry for Brighton Pavilion, highlighting a shared policy platform. Despite logical alignment, political rules hinder such collaborations, reflecting a systemic aversion to constructive, cross-party cooperation.
Labour’s stance towards the Greens exemplifies this irrationality. Many Labour members openly admire Lucas and Berry, yet the party feels compelled to compete fiercely in Brighton Pavilion. This competition is counterproductive, given their shared environmental priorities. Labour’s need to suppress the Greens, who advocate for urgent climate action, is a symptom of a distorted political system.
This election should focus on the climate crisis, with Berry as a pivotal voice advocating for immediate action to achieve net zero and sustainable growth. Instead, the discourse is dominated by figures like Nigel Farage, who aim to shift the narrative to immigration, diverting attention from pressing climate issues.
In a brief respite from this frustrating reality, our conversation in a modest London hall feels coherent and hopeful. Yet, stepping back into the broader political landscape, the sense of purpose dissipates, replaced by the usual confusion and misdirection.
Conclusion
The current political climate distracts from critical issues like climate change. Figures like Sandi Toksvig and Mandu Reid, who focus on pragmatic solutions, should be at the forefront of political discourse. Instead, we are trapped in a cycle of irrelevant debates and misplaced priorities. To address the climate crisis effectively, we need a shift towards rational, cooperative politics that prioritizes long-term, sustainable policies.
