Dec 19

Dec 19 We’re beaten, but not broken: UK General Election 2019

For a minute there it seemed like we might just have an opportunity to banish Boris Johnson and a hard Brexit forever. How could we get our hopes up?

If you were a die-hard Corbynista, voting Green for Greta Thunberg, or rooting for the Libs Dems in the 2019 General Election, you’re probably in despair about the results. The outpourings of anger, fear, and upset this week have been overwhelming - but understandable. There’s no doubt that another four years of a Tory government will have devastating effects on some communities in this country.

But as we face a politically frightening 2020, it’s crucial that we don’t give up. The far-right are louder and more united than ever, and (exhausting as it may seem) it’s up to the rest of us to stay resolute against them. Now is not the time to disengage.

Here are a few ways to enter the New Year feeling like you’re putting up a fight...

Refuse Apathy

Change is possible, even if recent British voting trends and Donald Trump’s enduring reign make it seem otherwise. Widespread support of the status quo, in combination with the myopic rage of the far-right, may seem like an insurmountable obstacle, but young people are voting against conservatism. For now, keep informed about what the different political parties are up to, and join one that reflects your beliefs. Next time there’s an election you’ll be ready to help them win seats.

Get Involved

If the Conservative government has given us anything, it’s a decade of bitter austerity. Between the unforgiving housing system and cuts to vital national services such as women’s refuges, our government continues to persecute vulnerable people. It’s not enough to talk about it - we need to volunteer more, donate more, and rally more. If you don’t have the time or the funds to support a local charity, or can’t physically go out and protest, get writing to your MP about the issues that matter to you - and don’t take no for an answer.

Be Critical

This year, Diane Abbott received almost half (45.14%) of all abusive tweets in the run up to the election. Even the supposedly independent BBC was the subject of bias controversy, seeming to sabotage all opposition to Boris Johnson and his Conservative big boys club. Both the news and social media are ruthless and biased spheres of information - but this is how most of us form our political opinions. It may be easy to accept a compelling headline (or tweet) as fact, but resolve to break out of the echo chamber and consume news from a wide variety of sources.

Support Each Other

One of the biggest challenges facing the left is our tendency to turn against each other in times of crisis. We tear down devoted activists over their mistakes, while the likes of Jacob Rees-Mogg get away with consistent bad behaviour and appalling voting records (unsurprisingly, Rees-Mogg has historically voted against gay marriage, abortion, and the 1998 Human Rights Act). Instead, let’s commit to learning from past errors and focus on raising each other up. Now is the time to use your voice to protect each other’s rights and show solidarity, especially with Britain’s health and welfare service workers. Our allies are our greatest strength.

So don’t give up on 2020, because there’s plenty you can do to make a difference. Start with the following links:

Talk if you’re feeling overwhelmed - https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/

Help the homeless - https://www.streetlink.org.uk/

Find a food-bank - https://www.trusselltrust.org/get-help/find-a-foodbank/

Volunteer - https://do-it.org/

Fight climate change - https://www.campaigncc.org/

Check your local MP - https://www.theyworkforyou.com/mp/

Give blood - https://www.blood.co.uk/

Join the Labour party - https://labour.org.uk/

Detect news bias - https://fair.org/take-action-now/media-activism-kit/how-to-detect-bias-in-news-media/

Title illustration by Erin Aniker in collaboration with @creativity4change