A sorry state of affairs

WHAT is happening to our nation when MPs need bodyguards?

What are the influences that have created such an unprecedented decline in what we are told by some is still a world-leading democracy?

Yes the media and social media have deeply significant roles and our own tolerance of what we watch on our screens combine to threaten the foundations of our society.

But what is our Government, in power since 2010, doing to control the crisis of trust facing us. Their response appears simply to tolerate Tory “extremists”.

And is it not time that rank and file Conservative MPs started to show leadership? Shouldn’t they be doing something to give us hope against the onslaught of the manipulators. Are they prepared to see the so-called “natural party of Government” become a vehicle on which the advocates of extremism and racism, who clearly wish to divide our society, hitch a ride.

Why cannot these “normal” politicians see that tolerating such divisiveness is not only breaking their party apart but means that all the sacrifices that have been and will be made “to get Brexit done” will provide no advantages whatsoever?

We “escaped” from the so called “monstrous Brussels dictatorship” to face verbal thuggery and probably blood on the streets.

Examples of Tory acceptance of extreme views are multiplying. On US TV Liz Truss, the 49-day PM, faces an interviewer who states that

Tommy Robinson anti-democratic rabble rouser guilty of assault, fraud stalking and jailed for contempt of court is “a hero”. Liz says nothing.

Suella Braverman, formerly

Home Secretary, says that “Islamists (Islamic extremists) are running Britain”. The Deputy PM, Oliver Dowden, says that Braverman “hasn’t crossed a line”.

Lee Anderson, the Tory MP, stated that Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, had “given the city to his mates” – a meaningless but racist statement.

Braverman says that “British values are being diluted” by the citizens whose presence here she objects to.

In fact the British values of truth, honesty, tolerance, community and respect for others is being diluted by these profoundly outspoken, manipulative and dangerous “politicians” who set the agenda of our political discussions and who leave aside the real issues facing us all.

Jeremy Hall