We need a better politics, and it needs to happen in person

Passionate political discussion still matters. But social media isn’t the place for it to happen, says Tim Gibson

By Tim Gibson

Let’s make a promise to each other. We’re not going to fall out over the next 800 words or so. You’re not going to bombard the post with Below the Line comments declaring my idiocy or calling me out for my political bias.

Why? Because this isn’t a comment about any particular political ideology. It’s not a defence of Corbynism or an argument in favour of Boris’s Brexit. It’s not a call for a second referendum or free fibre-optic broadband, nor is it an attempt to advocate free enterprise and a low-tax economy.

    I was heartbroken the other day to see two of my friends falling out over their differing political views.   

It’s just a chat, between people who are affected by these things, about the nature of political discourse today.

I was heartbroken the other day to see two of my friends falling out over their differing political views. I don’t just mean friends in the Facebook sense. I mean people I actually know, who I grew up with and would gladly share a pint or two with on any day of the week.

But it was on Facebook that they were disagreeing. More than disagreeing. They were shouting vitriol at one another. Threatening never to speak again. Wondering aloud what they ever saw in one another.

And here’s the thing. Had that conversation taken place in person, over that pint or two in the pub, it may well have got heated. There may well have been raised voices and the occasional ad hominem attack.

That’s what happens when tensions run high, when people argue about something that they really care about.

But by the end of the evening, once the conversation had returned to England’s win over Montenegro or the merits of the new Range Rover Evoque, we’d have all gone back to being friends. We’d have been reminded of how much we like each other, of our shared history, of things that transcend politics. We may have even got to a stage where we could tease each other about our political opinions, celebrating our differences rather than feeling angry and confused by them.

Alas, in the virtual world, such healing is impossible. You bash out your frustration with those who don’t see things your way, share the odd insulting meme about their position. Tell them they’ve got it wrong and need to think again.

And then you walk away, probably still seething. As far as you’re concerned, the conversation is over and you’ve said your piece. Unless they have the temerity to offer a rejoinder, in which case you’ll happily knock them back down, entrenching your position and further damaging your relationship.

But think on this: what would you do if they were in your kitchen with you as you angrily boil the kettle, ranting about their political naivety and chucking your phone on the worktop in rage?

Ask them to leave? Tell them they’re stupid? That they only care about themselves?

I’m guessing not. I think you’d carry on talking, circling around the difficult subjects until you found some way to disagree lovingly. You may still feel your blood boil when they defend a position you simply can’t agree with. But you’d be reminded by their presence of their good points, of the reason you became friends in the first place.

So I’m calling for bold action. Not an end to political discussion. This general election is too important not to think carefully about how to vote. There’s too much at stake not to risk having your views challenged and reshaped through a constructive conversation with your opponents.

But let’s do it in person, rather than via angry thumb taps on a phone. Let’s meet weekly, in the pub or a local café, and chat it all through. You can invite anyone you like: friends, neighbours, colleagues. Maybe even your local parliamentary candidates.

But the crucial rule is that no one’s allowed to storm out. You have to end the evening talking about other stuff, the stuff that really matters in friendships: your health, your happiness, your common interests. Your shared humanity.

    There’s too much at stake not to risk having your views challenged and reshaped through a constructive conversation with your opponents.  

Then resist the urge to continue the debate online or via text. Keep on thinking, keep on watching and reading the news, letting your opinions gestate and undertaking careful research to ensure you are properly informed. Read the party manifestoes, check your facts. Don’t engage with simplistic memes or internet propaganda that you know in your heart of hearts is designed only to manipulate you.

And return to the conversation next week, and the week after, ready to engage in loving disagreement once again. Because that’s how we’ll get out of our current political mess. By talking, constructively, and coming to appreciate a spectrum of opinion.

Who knows? You may even be able to spend election night together. And the greatest success, the best possible sign that our democracy is alive and well? That’ll come when you can look your friends in the eye and congratulate them on a victory at the polls, even though you disagree with their views.

That’s when you’ll know you’re doing it right. And that the future of our country is in safe hands: not those of the politicians, but ours. The people who can really make a difference.

© 2019 Just Recruitment Group Ltd

Published: 20 November 2019

If you enjoyed this article, you may like: From the horse’s mouth: six books about political leaders from 1997 - 2019

You may also enjoy: What are catalytic mechanisms?

 

Jobs currently available

New job
Business Development Manager
Sector: Sales
Salary: £35,000 - £40,000 per annum
Location: Ipswich
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: JC14
About the role

Just Recruitment has a fantastic opportunity for a dynamic and results-driven Business Development Manager to join an exciting company based on the outskirts of Ipswich.

You will play a crucial role in driving the company's growth by developing and executing strategic sales plans, expanding the customer base, and ensuring high levels of customer satisfaction. This role is essential for achieving the company's sales targets and maintaining its competitive edge in the market.

Duties include:

  • Developing and implementing a business development sales plan to achieve company objectives, including: Team leadership, development, motivation, performance monitoring and reporting.
  • Carrying out outbound sales calls to meet sales targets/telemarketing.
  • Managing client sales appointments.
  • Client visits to determine needs and develop proposals to meet these.
  • Securing new sales orders via quotations, proposals and trials.
  • Identifying and targeting new business opportunities to expand the customer base.
  • Building and maintaining strong relationships with existing and potential clients.
  • Monitoring market trends and competitor activities to identify opportunities and threats.
  • Preparing, presenting sales reports and forecasts to senior management.

Skills required include:

  • Strong negotiation, presentation, and relationship-building skills.
  • Highly motivated, proactive, and able to work independently and with the sales team, willingness to learn.
  • In-depth understanding of sales performance metrics and data analysis.
  • Ability to travel as required and manage multiple priorities effectively.

Benefits include:

  • Competitive salary and looking to develop performance-based bonuses.
  • Supportive and collaborative work environment.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. The actual salary paid will be dependent on your level of experience, qualifications and skill set.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
New job
Accounts Administrator (Full or Part-time)
Sector: Public Service and Administration
Location: Colchester
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913707
About the role

Just Recruitment is working with a well-regarded and long-standing family business based on the outskirts of Colchester to recruit an Accounts Administrator to their team.

Working hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30am–5:30pm. The hours can be flexible, including a four-day work week or school-friendly hours.

Please note that due to the location, you will need to drive.

You will need to have a minimum of 3 years’ experience working with Sage 50 accounts and Sage payroll, with the ability to work on your own initiative.

The role is focused within the remit of bookkeeping up to the trial balance, using Sage software.

Duties include:

  • Ensuring timely and accurate recording of financial transactions.
  • Daily financial operations, including posting supplier invoices, reconciliation of supplier accounts, accounts payable management, creation of customer invoices, accounts receivable management, etc.
  • Performing bank/credit-card reconciliations, including a factoring banking account and petty cash accounts.
  • Quarterly VAT returns and analysis. (including RTI submission to HMRC).
  • Preparing weekly aged creditors reports and processing the weekly supplier payment run accordingly.
  • Preparing monthly aged debtors reports and providing credit control where required.
  • Maintaining the cashflow forecast for the Finance director to review.
  • Processing monthly payroll, payments, journal entries and year-end procedures (including RTI submission to HMRC)
  • Managing auto-enrolment pension contributions, submissions and legal returns to the pensions regulator.

Skills required include:

  • Significant experience in finance or accounting.
  • Proficiency with accounting software Sage 50 and payroll.
  • Advanced knowledge of spreadsheet software such as Excel.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Experience in data entry.
  • Effective decision-making and problem-solving techniques within a finance environment.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
New job
H&S & Facilities Support Coordinator (12 month contract)
Sector: Public Service and Administration
Location: Ipswich
Role: Full Time
Contract: Temporary
Job ref: JC13
About the role

Just Recruitment has a fantastic opportunity for an H&S & Facilities Support Coordinator to join an exciting company based in Ipswich.

In this fast-paced role, you’ll play a key part in supporting the Health & Safety and Facilities teams by coordinating procedures, managing documentation, and ensuring smooth day-to-day operations. The position requires strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to thrive in a process-driven environment.

As this is a maternity cover position, you will need to hit the ground running; previous experience within a similar role will be vital to your success in the role.

Duties include:

  • Maintaining up-to-date maintenance records and electronic files, ensuring compliance requirements are met regarding the servicing and repairs at the company premises.
  • Providing reception/switchboard cover (during lunches, absences, and holidays).
  • Assisting with the management of the programme of planned and unplanned works.
  • Taking responsibility for contractors working on the premises.
  • Supporting H&S/ISO team in all aspects of administration.
  • Performing admin support with amendments/updates to H&S/ISO policies, procedures, and standards.
  • Assisting with ISO standards administration.

Skills required:

  • Strong attention to detail with a high level of accuracy.
  • Ability to prioritise tasks and manage workload effectively.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a confident telephone manner.
  • Proven organisational and administrative abilities.
  • A proactive, supportive team player with a hands-on approach.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office and database systems.
  • Comfortable working under tight deadlines.

Hybrid working is available after successfully completing the probationary period. The role requires 3 days per week in the office, with the option to work up to 2 days from home.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
Field Service Technician – Taunton / Gloucester
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Salary: Discussed on application
Location: Taunton, Gloucester
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913724
About the role

Due to continued growth, the world’s leading provider of vehicle washing technology is recruiting a Field Service Technician to support its customer base in the Taunton or Gloucester area.

The role will involve Service and Installation of Car and Commercial valet equipment. You will be involved in all aspects of planned and breakdown maintenance, equipment service and repairs, keeping van stock levels to the standard requirement and completing job sheets.

Role requirements include:

  • Having an Electrical or Mechanical engineering qualification
  • Be willing to travel and stay out overnight as and when required
  • Be willing to take on additional training and relevant courses, including evening courses that the company may pay for
  • Can work on your own initiative or as part of a team, and have problem-solving skills
  • Have a valid, clean UK driving licence
  • Good people skills, presentable and able to liaise directly with customers
  • Should be punctual and able to keep accurate and timely documentation
  • IT literate with Microsoft Office and Outlook experience.
  • Work within Health & Safety guidelines as set by the company

Benefits include:

  • Company vehicle
  • Mobile phone
  • Pension scheme
  • Death in service benefit
  • Uniform and tools provided

Hours:

Monday to Friday, 40 hours per week, plus 1 in 3 weekend cover.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
Field Service Technician – Leeds / Bradford
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Salary: Discussed on application
Location: Leeds, Bradford
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913725
About the role

Due to continued growth, the world’s leading provider of vehicle washing technology is recruiting a Field Service Technician to support its customer base in the Leeds or Bradford area.

The role will involve Service and Installation of Car and Commercial valet equipment. You will be involved in all aspects of planned and breakdown maintenance, equipment service and repairs, keeping van stock levels to the standard requirement and completing job sheets.

Role requirements include:

  • Having an Electrical or Mechanical engineering qualification
  • Be willing to travel and stay out overnight as and when required
  • Be willing to take on additional training and relevant courses, including evening courses that the company may pay for
  • Can work on your own initiative or as part of a team, and have problem-solving skills
  • Have a valid, clean UK driving licence
  • Good people skills, presentable and able to liaise directly with customers
  • Should be punctual and able to keep accurate and timely documentation
  • IT literate with Microsoft Office and Outlook experience
  • Work within Health & Safety guidelines as set by the company

Benefits include:

  • Company vehicle
  • Mobile phone
  • Pension scheme
  • Death in service benefit
  • Uniform and tools provided

Hours:

Monday to Friday, 40 hours per week, plus 1 in 3 weekend cover.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more