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Cllr Hanif Abdulmuhit
During the current climate of economic downturn and uncertainty, the British public do not want to see our politicians grandstanding and trying to score political points over one another.
I am not an economist and much of the discussion around the cause and the consequences of this unprecedented economic climate are beyond my grasp. But one thing I and millions of other ordinary people understand and nearly all credible analysts agree is that the economy needs a major confidence boost. People need to feel secure enough to resume a normal level of economic activity for it to start on a course to recovery.
I feel it is highly irresponsible of politicians to turn this recession into a political football. In times of national emergency, it is expected that our political leadership, irrespective of political affiliation should work together to find solutions to common problems. Not dig into ideological trench warfare and put their selfish political interests before that of the nation.
The blame culture will get us no where. How can we blame the policies of one party alone when there has always been consensus on some of the underlying issues which have triggered this recession, most important of which is the greed generated by an insufficiently regulated financial services sector.
What makes me annoyed is the fact that most of the people attacking Alastair Darling’s budget last week and the government’s recovery strategy, never complained as aggressively as they are now, when as a result of this government’s economic policy, right or wrong in hindsight, benefited enormously as a result!
You do not have to be a rocket scientist to also note that, Britain could not have possibly escaped this recession no matter which leader or government was in power. Although national policies have to take some responsibility for the crisis, on the whole, this is a global problem as our economic system and culture is intertwined with those of every other country in the world, especially with America.
I am also bitterly disappointed not only with politicians, but with the media and political pundits, who have been stirring up hatred and fear, conjuring up sensational twists to every move made by the government to tackle this huge beast on our doorsteps.
It is not enough only for government to legislate to ease the problems we face now, it is also essential for ordinary people to play their part. The public have to remain positive and continue to responsibly spend in order to help boost the economy. However in order to do this, those who have influence over public opinion, must use this gift to instil hope, courage and confidence to the nation and remind the public that there is light at the end of the tunnel!
I for one have chosen to stand by those who have to make difficult decisions in impossible conditions to help get our country back on track, no matter what their political views are.
I will not put obstacles in their way so they fail. Because if they fail we will all fail. I believe this is a time to show unity!
Cllr Hanif Abdulmuhit
London Borough of Newham
www.abdulmuhit.co.uk
April 2009
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