A sad day for the UK

I don’t often post anything political on my blog, at least not about my personal views, but today’s news that we are to be subjected to another 5 years of Tory government has made me feel angry, upset and disillusioned.   

This morning I posted the following status update on Facebook:

To which one of my friends – one of the few Tories I do associate with – replied:

I know she said this in jest and that much of the rant that follows does not reflect her views, but nonetheless I feel compelled to respond.

I am not a communist; there is not one historical example of it working in reality and contemporary examples are hardly textbook. However, I do believe that people less fortunate than me should be given a chance to succeed and that means affordable education and a welfare system. I know there are some people who take advantage of this, but what about people who are disabled or from an impoverished background who haven’t had the chances I was given in terms of education and a loving and nurturing family environment?

The NHS is also at threat now; I don’t know about you, but I like being able to go to the doctor for free and the dentist for a small fee. I can’t afford private healthcare and nor can most people I know; good, honest, hardworking people who have a right to good health.

I also believe the EU does us more good than harm and we are now at risk of losing that. Selfishly, this is because I like to travel freely in the EU and I like knowing that if I fancy moving to Spain one day to improve my Spanish and eat like a queen, I can do. 

Unselfishly, I think it benefits our country economically, socially and politically. This view is not unfounded. I read a lot of papers on my Masters course about food trade within the EU. It is a niche area but it is relevant across the board. A few things that I recall off the top of my head are:

• We are part of the world’s largest single market – amongst other things, this enables free trade with other EU countries without customs or duties, boosts our GDP and creates jobs 
• Actually, lets repeat that: being part of the EU creates jobs. It is a point in its own right
• What is good for the economy is good for business. Not only does it lead to foreign direct investment here, from both Europe and further afield, but it allows UK businesses to expand more easily in Europe
• Returning again to food issues, cause they are close to my heart, we have the EU to thank for the fact that there are no GM crops in Europe
• Also, the EU protects foods which are seen to be embedded in cultural customs and tradition. For example, cheese - long may it remain unpasteurized!

All this is EU talk is clearly tied in with the immigration issue. The most ridiculous thing is that it is often second generation immigrants who are most concerned about people coming in and “stealing our jobs”. Well, I would implore them to stop reading the Daily Mail and start reading articles like this. This country was built on immigration.

Foreign foods are often an area of complaint for xenophobes:

“It smells funny.”

"There’s more Polish food in the supermarket now than British stuff.”

“I just want a good old English pie.”

Well, let’s not forget that we raped and pillaged the world to build this island nation. Without those colonial links we would all be eating carrots, cabbage, oats and barley. We wouldn’t even know what a f**king potato is, so you can forget your bangers and mash and cottage pie. But, no, you're right. Now we have it all, let’s lock the doors and keep it for ourselves.

I have used food examples here not just because it is my passion and this is a food blog. Food is vital to our existence and, therefore, it can be argued that it is the most important commodity traded globally. For both these reasons it is inextricably linked to politics. Food is about community and conviviality, about nourishment and nurturing, about health and welfare. Our ability to eat as well as we do well into the future is dependent on sustainable environmental policies. All of these things are under threat with a Tory government at the helm.

Comments

[Charlie Brown]

Vix,
This is a seriously great article and I wholeheartedly agree. You have managed to brilliantly articulate the core issues I also have with conservative governments (which I find myself seldom able to do so well as you have here...so thank you!) - not just in Britain but all around the world and sadly here in Australia too.
I really like that you've highlighted the food aspects - obviously it makes sense given your area of expertise and the blog, but you've provided an interesting insight into a sector I constantly associate with but rarely delve into in any meaningful way...other than via my mouth ;-P ...so 'thank yous' all round. If only more people thought like you!
xx

[Jenny]

I whole heartedly agree, and well said! Along with all the domestic woes that come with a conservative government. My biggest fear is losing our membership in the EU. Let's hope we can manage to rally enough people who can shout the benefits of free trade in Europe.

[Ma]

i share your disappointment. And I commend your passion and your analysis, apart from GM. Ever since mrs Thátcher turned UK into a nation of homeowners and mum and dad share holders the left have not stood a chance. What happened to community ? Brotherhood/ sisterhood? It's all about I'm all right jack, buGGER me neighbour. The Lib Dems did the nation a favour, and got slammed for it. They kept the Tories a little bit pink. I bet mr Cameron will miss having them as a buffer - he will be struggling to keep his hardright under control, in particular re Europe. Re GM, What is Natoora's line? My understanding is that GM per se is not bad , it is when it is abused by big corporations.
As for sustainable environmental policies , I despair. On the latest science show on Radio National Australia, I learned that sustainable fishing is a joke. All the International stats under estimate the parlours state of the fish stocks in our oceans. The EEC does the right thing , legislating re the number of fish allowed to be caught. Trouble is , the individual fish boats go and trawl , over catch , and chuck the surplus as waste overboard !!!! Omigod. Humankind! We are on the road to destruction.

[Vix]

Hi Cha, thanks for your lovely comment. I was just ranting really, but glad you felt I summed it up well.

Hi Jen, thanks so much for commenting and sharing on Facebook, really appreciate it.

Hi Ma, thanks for your detailed response. I am so scared of where we are headed with food and the environment. I used to turn a blind eye, but it becomes harder and harder to do that after my Masters and now working in the food industry. Re. GM - I felt the same as you until I did my course. I read some extremely interesting and insightful papers on the subject which made me feel very differently about it. Here is a good one to start with if you are interested. I have plenty more I can share if you want.

[ma]

Our fears back in May were justified and are now compounded. Now that the UK Labour Party has a leader that's divided the party and is therefore probably unelectable , George Osborne is showing his true colours. What can we do as individuals? At least this blog , and your recent articles on the Borough market blog are small beacons that celebrate a multicultural society. Keep up the good work.