Thought for the Week

Although there have been murmurings of a possible ‘split’ within the Labour Parliamentary party it was quite a surprise that seven MP’s had resigned the party whip and would now continue as Independents in the House of Commons.   By their demeanour in the press conference called on Monday to announce their decisions it could be seen that they were in a place they never thought they would find themselves.   Their individual statements were tinged with sadness as they outlined their reasons for leaving a party they could no longer call their own. Their decisions will, no doubt, have a profound effect on their political futures and already there are calls for by- elections in their constituencies.  They did, after all, stand by the Labour manifesto at the last general election and all increased their majorities.  Many are also asking as to why, with Brexit causing so much division and dissent that they made this move now, adding even more to the increasing uncertainty as the clock ticks down to the end of March.   Their decisions may well, of course, be the path into the political wilderness on the other hand could we even dare to think that this may be the catalyst for change across the whole political scene at Westminster? – time will tell.

When it comes to deeply held principles and beliefs there’s always going to be a time when such convictions will be challenged.  This is especially true of those who are elected on our behalf. If, however as the seven suggest that honest convictions and beliefs have led to bullying, intimidation and even the call for exclusion by others within the same party then the ways of tolerance and co-operation are lost and that party could as a consequence risk great loss of support.    We have the ‘Mother of Parliaments’ grounded in Biblical principles which give honour and respect to every individual and where toleration and free speech without fear or favour has historically bridged many divides even when there have been profound disagreements.

Despite the present political climate those who seek office are in the main dedicated to improve society. That’s why those elected deserve our support and our prayers as they represent us nationally, locally and in the wider constituency; that they may uphold the Biblical perspective of justice, mercy and the God given gift of freedom and liberty for all under the law.  The Bible says “Righteousness upholds a nation” and the command Jesus gave to his disciples “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you’ surely says it all.  To do just that by putting differences aside in seeking the common good. At times the best of political opponents by becoming and remaining the best of friends!