There seems to be a growing trend for politicians to make claims of success in the face of at best uncertainty, but also increasingly where it is clear that the opposite is true. Current events in the presidential elections in the USA show this trend at its most extreme, and our own prime minister has proven himself not averse to rewriting reality and history.
Because this seems to be a particular characteristic of the so called “populist” movements, where conspiracy theories abound and reality is a victim, it is worrying to see our own local MP, Sally-Ann Hart, playing the same games with her constituents.
Much has already been said about her heartless response to the call for the extension during holidays of free school meals for the most needy children, and her blanket blaming of their parents for making wrong spending choices, when most do not have that luxury, particularly with the current additional financial pressures from the effects of the Covid-19 disease - while at the same time claiming the government had already done more than enough to protect poor families.
Now her own party leader has U-turned in response to pressure from the Marcus Rashford campaign, public pressure, Labour Party calls for justice, and anger from some of his own MPs. Too late for the recent half term, but in time for the Christmas holidays. Will we hear an admission from Sally-Ann that maybe she was wrong?
What victory for fishermen?
She has also claimed a victory for British fishermen, particularly for our own local RX fleets that have been under so much financial pressure from quotas. She claims that she has a guarantee from her government that “the 12 mile nautical zone off the coast of the UK will be sovereign to our fishing fleets, and vessels from other countries will not be allowed to fish in these waters or be given licences in the future.”
Yet negotiations with our European neighbours over the terms of Brexit are far from over, the deadline being December 31 2020, and it seems that right in the middle of seeking a deal - that will ensure that a “no deal Brexit” does not happen - is getting an agreement over fisheries. Many commentators sense that Boris could well sell our fishermen out to get a deal, knowing the potentially disastrous economic consequences of “no deal”.
And we all know how much we can trust Boris's promises. Seems like Sally-Ann maybe hasn't worked that one out yet. Or maybe she is also caught up in this new fashion of falsely claiming victory.
One of the great signs of hope
One of the great signs of hope throughout this most difficult of times have been the many many ways that people have stepped up to look after others – witness Rye Mutual Aid, NHS Volunteer Responders, food banks, etc.
There have been so many great examples of communities coming together and supporting the most vulnerable in their midst. But communities can only work together if honesty is at the forefront of all they do.
