Wales must deliver a kinder politics, says Jack Sargeant
POLITICIANS should set an example to the rest of society by acting kindly towards each other and stopping infighting, according to Labour AM Jack Sargeant.
Mr Sargeant, who was elected to succeed his late father, Carl, at the Alyn and Deeside by-election in February, led a debate at the Senedd on why Wales should lead the way in delivering a kinder politics.
He said: “I entered this Assembly during the hardest of times for me and my family.
“Back then, I pledged to my constituents, people in the Labour Party and indeed to people across Wales, that I would play my part in delivering a kinder politics, and build on my dad’s legacy.
“He embodied kinder politics with his ability and willingness to never be a bystander and always strive to work cross party. He called out bullying when he saw it and supported people through their difficulties.
“I intend to do the same. To build a kinder politics, not just in politics itself, but kindness in life too.
“We will at times hurt people, because that’s life, but we should never intentionally do that. And we should all be conscious to be kinder to everyone and look after those who can’t look after themselves.”
Mr Sargeant said that for all the great progress we had made as a country, Wales was part of a UK that faces many divisions – not just on the issue of Remain and Leave, but also young and old, north and south, rich and poor, urban and rural.
He said: “Many people look to my party to lead and heal divisions – but it is a duty on us all to play our part and lead the change we need.
“The next generation and people across Wales look to us to act in their interests. Future generations want change.
“In the Senedd Oriel, there is a display board with things that the people of Wales want to see. I had the opportunity to read through some of the ideas yesterday, and wasn’t surprised to see many children and young people refer to the need for better mental health services and to ensure we end bullying in schools. This will of course take time, but with the right leadership we can all ensure our own political parties lead the way by ending the bullying within our ranks.
“It will take leadership to change. I firmly believe leadership is about listening.
“The public look to political parties, often without much trust, to lead by example. For our democracy to be effective, parties at the very least have to function. Implosion, infighting, attitude – all issues that impact all parties. Ultimately, the current tribal nature of UK politics runs the risk of MPs and AMs no longer being able to unite those at the furthest end of society.”
He said the job of government was to take the anger and frustration that so many different groups in the UK and Wales are feeling about their future and turn it into success: “It is important to start crafting new and competing political projects. A kinder policy platform. A return to kinder politics means also the possibility to offer more viable policy alternatives for people to choose from, rooted in sound and factual analysis.
“A route to a kinder politics also means tearing down echo chambers and disconnect between the public and elected members.
“We no longer see a proper exchange of ideas, but rather a solidification of one’s already formed mindset – the ‘bubble’ mindset.
“One consequence of this is that extremist positions can thrive more easily than they used to.
“Personal interaction has now become virtual, and that has allowed a radicalisation in the tone of discourse, with news and debates on social networks turning nasty.
“It appears that some, including the powerful in our economy, and in political life, cannot imagine that kindness works as a political strategy.
“They see kindness as weakness. It is a character trait avoided and mocked. I do not, and I will not, give in to those that suggest a change in culture, a kinder politics and kindness in life isn’t possible.”