Election Special:
Getting past the expenses scandal
It may have dominated the headlines and our thinking about politics and politicians, but here are some reasons why it may be time to move on...
The expenses scandal dealt a crushing blow to the public’s faith in politicians. Many of them have been branded dishonest crooks, out to fiddle the system. But, according to the three heads of the Christian fellowships, this perception is not an excuse for disengagement.
Elizabeth Berridge, executive director of the Conservative Christian Fellowship, says: ‘I would challenge whether it is appropriate for Christians to have such a judgemental and cynical perception of MPs. Should we really be casting such stones? Most MPs work very hard and by doing so sacrifice time with their families. On this note, as someone who has lived in Africa, I do hope we are also appropriately humbled and look into the values of our own politics before we are so quick to condemn and castigate the governments of other nations.
‘It is not just a job for the ‘government’ to recover faith in politics, it is for all of us to do and it will only happen little by little. Faith in politics is not just about faith in a transparent and fair MPs’ expenses system but faith and trust in the people that govern us. Christians need not only to vote but to take seriously the role of being and supporting local and national decision makers. We are commanded to pray for those in authority and this would certainly bring about change in us and in our nation.’
Zoe Dixon, director of the Liberal Democrat Christian Forum, says: ‘I think often, people say of politicians: “Oh they’re all terrible,” then you ask them about their local MP, and they say “Oh mine’s ok, but the rest are awful!” I think there were a handful, maybe more, of people who genuinely broke the law and they should be prosecuted for that.
‘By getting out there and getting involved, you realise that most MPs, while they are well paid in terms of the average wage, [put a lot of] time, energy and passion into the job. Most of them are in it for the good of their constituents, I find it upsetting that people are so disengaged.
‘I would want to say to people to re-engage – to get involved with your local party, whatever colour you are – and you’ll see that most people are in it to help. Politicians want a better society, just disagree on how to get there!’
Andy Flannagan, director of the Christian Socialist Movement says: ‘As the expenses crisis wears on, I do worry that we are losing sight of the big picture. I don’t for a second want to defend illegal or immoral behaviour, but when all the hubbub dies down, will we realise that we have yet again allowed the media to only tell part of the story?
‘Much of the criticism is absolutely valid, but it lacks a contextual understanding. The MPs I interact with are desperate to do a good job for their constituents. They are under-resourced, over-stretched, and stressed. The media spotlight on them is continuous. For most they have to work in two different geographical locations to the detriment of their family life and health. I want them to be better resourced. I don’t want paranoid, exhausted, troubled people making my laws. I want them to have the support they need. None of this excuses anything, but at least starts to explain why folks are tempted to cut corners as many of us do when faced with the opportunity of spending money to create some much-needed time in our lives. My other fear is that in two years time will it be the case that only the rich will be able to afford to enter politics? Are we heading towards a more American scenario? I can’t believe anyone seriously wants that.
‘The door is wide open. The future is there for the taking. Until you become part of it you don’t realise that democracy can actually work, that anyone can get involved and how easy it is to do so. If you are appalled, then all the more reason to step forward and serve in politics. Light DOES shatter the darkness.’
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