The debates are almost turning into a conciliatory measure in order to sate the feral starvation of a baying mob. Said mob is in fact the politically impoverished masses of the UK populace. A dull ache of austerity has dulled our senses in regards to our vigilance apropos the proper governance of our nation. We have, by and large, abandoned the pursuit of democratic representation. Voter turnouts are falling faster than broadband speeds are rising, couple this with the desire of many young voters who feel none of the major parties speak for them. Politicians need to at least be seen to act. A Daily Mirror Voice of a Generation poll, in conjunction with an ICM poll and the British Future think tank found that 70% of 18-22 year-olds would select ‘None of the Above,’ in an election, were that a viable option. But this is not Brewster’s Millions.
However, 52% of young adults have lent their voice to petitions on issues that are dear to them, apathy is not ostensibly a factor when it comes to political entropy. Scotland was an apt demonstration in how to galvanise the electorate and make them care, the debates of the back of the popularity of 2010’s spirit, is aiming to resurrect the spirit of fecund democracy and social justice. So it is with anticipation that the main contenders of the upcoming election are seen to be so invested in the debates.
More clarification on the nature, time and airing of the debates have surfaced today. The first of them will commence on April 2nd and is to be broadcast on ITV, the BBC will take it’s turn on the 16th of the same month. Each of those debates will feature the Conservatives, Labour, Lib Dems, UKIP, The Green Party, SNP and Plaid Cymru. The debating match ups will cease with a head-to-head, Cameron versus Miliband, which will feature on Channel 4 and Sky News – each channel having drawn lots to determine which debate is shown where.
Although, as of yet, there has been no solid commitment from David Cameron in regards to his participation in the debates. Despite Douglas Alexander writing to the Conservative Party Chairman, Grant Shapps in order to ascertain the whether Prime Minister deems us worthy of giving us an opinion on the government he so painstakingly earned (I’m being sarcastic).
Essentially these debates are a boon to a public wandering in a mire of disinterest. Although being able to see each leader of the party held to account over real issues that affect our nation, there is still an air of the removed pervading this route. Despite leaders being held accountable on TV, a glass screen divides them from us and we only are treated to the top of the pile, removed in the Palace of Westminster, whereas the grass roots are ignored. So, what is really needed to wrench the bought-up-and-paid-for business thralls, suited and booted in Westminster?
