ON MY MIND

NOW that Bojo has lost his mojo and Keir holds no fear, perhaps there will be a seasonal lull in Westminster confrontational politics. There was some conciliatory activity during the height of the pandemic, but strangely the threat of a common foe in Covid has not brought the UK or many other countries together.

In fact, there has been a rise in disruption, protest and polarisation in many areas of the world. The political temperature has risen and populist and authoritarian leaders have been able to take advantage of the situation.

So now we know that our own populist PM knows more about Peppa Pig than the world of business, although many in his party doubt whether he can bring home the bacon and think he is now roast pork. Embarrassingly for him, Peppa Pig was bought in 2019 by US company Hasbro, which made the move at the time of the Brexit uncertainty. ‘Look out, Peppa; Oh dear’.

But what’s cooking in the Senedd is far tastier than a pork chop. Plaid is cwtching up to Labour while the Conservatives, outflanked, are making desperate Peppa Pig noises in the background. A new three-year deal has been agreed between the two parties and, while not a coalition but a ‘bespoke agreement’, will be radical and reformist and result in co-operation in 46 policy areas including crucial areas such as second homes, a publicly owned energy company, a north-south railway, a national care service and free school meals.

This is an exciting and hugely aspirational development in a Senedd which has always looked sensible, civil and progressive when compared to the pantomime politics of a dysfunctional Westminster. And why be afraid of talking about coalition, which is the norm in 30 European countries and where multiple parties govern, providing a wider representation, more ideas to discuss, increased democracy and better continuity.

Just one little problem. Have the politicians in the Senedd told the daft finger-waggers and petty despots in the local corridors of non-power that peace has now broken out and collaboration is trendy and productive.