The SDP have a candidate in my constituency, and I will be voting for them. Until a few years ago I did not know that the SDP existed, until I learned that Ben Cobley had joined them. (He is the author of 'The Tribe - The Liberal-Left and the System of Diversity', if you have not come across him, or his book which is well worth a read.)
Coincidentally, I have just started to read 'Blue Labour' by Maurice Glasman, which has a comment by you on the back cover. I am finding it very interesting. One important issue it is reminding me of, is that the Labour movement in Britain has an important strand that goes back at least to the eighteenth century British Enlightenment, with its emphasis on moral philosophy and the 'social emotions', with links to Methodism and the cooperative movement.
Thank you for this - was completely unaware of the SDP’s continued existence! I lean left on economics and right on culture…a charmed fantasy land Brigadoon that ceased to exist many decades ago. I must investigate.
The SDP seem right up my street politically, but sadly do not have a candling my constituency. I guess the next best option is Reform. I think the impact if NF on Reform shows how much 'star power' can aid a lesser known party. Perhaps one day you may consider joining the SDP Paul?
Wow! Who knew the SDP were still around? That takes me back. I look forward to seeing what happens to them in the future. You are right to describe it as the ‘sweet spot’ because this is where many of us place ourselves but there was nothing out there for us. You are the only reason I have not totally turned my back on Labour. I listen to you talk and have your book. You have such a reasoned and calm approach to political issues that I always hoped you would stand yourself. Labour does not represent the working classes any more and probably never will do but I am certainly encouraged by the early shoots of the SDP. Thanks for the heads up.
Between SDP (Those policies are pretty much what I signed up for up to) and Reform, who I see as the equivalent for the more right leaning disenfranchised, you have in my view the replacements for our broken, disconnected and terminally useless main parties. Problem is that fptp keeps these zombie parties in place. I hope though that the talk of the disillusionment amongst the electorate can be galvanised into forcing the real change this country so desperately needs.
I can't see them doing well to be honest, wise choice bending to Reform as I feel Reform would crush them, I predict Reform will do really well this election.
I hope one day you’ll stand for them, Paul. Star power matters. You’ve got it.
I couldn’t agree more with you, William Clouston is superb.
The SDP have a candidate in my constituency, and I will be voting for them. Until a few years ago I did not know that the SDP existed, until I learned that Ben Cobley had joined them. (He is the author of 'The Tribe - The Liberal-Left and the System of Diversity', if you have not come across him, or his book which is well worth a read.)
Yes, Ben's book is very good.
Coincidentally, I have just started to read 'Blue Labour' by Maurice Glasman, which has a comment by you on the back cover. I am finding it very interesting. One important issue it is reminding me of, is that the Labour movement in Britain has an important strand that goes back at least to the eighteenth century British Enlightenment, with its emphasis on moral philosophy and the 'social emotions', with links to Methodism and the cooperative movement.
Thank you for this - was completely unaware of the SDP’s continued existence! I lean left on economics and right on culture…a charmed fantasy land Brigadoon that ceased to exist many decades ago. I must investigate.
Yes, I heard it mentioned on the news and I thought "hang on, that's a party for me - at last!" I'm 54 and have never had a political home.
Thanks for this lucid outline of what The SDP stand for; if they were standing in my constituency I would seriously consider voting for them
The SDP seem right up my street politically, but sadly do not have a candling my constituency. I guess the next best option is Reform. I think the impact if NF on Reform shows how much 'star power' can aid a lesser known party. Perhaps one day you may consider joining the SDP Paul?
No SDP candidate in my area either. I’m in a Tory stronghold - Theresa Villiers. But there is a Reform candidate
Wow! Who knew the SDP were still around? That takes me back. I look forward to seeing what happens to them in the future. You are right to describe it as the ‘sweet spot’ because this is where many of us place ourselves but there was nothing out there for us. You are the only reason I have not totally turned my back on Labour. I listen to you talk and have your book. You have such a reasoned and calm approach to political issues that I always hoped you would stand yourself. Labour does not represent the working classes any more and probably never will do but I am certainly encouraged by the early shoots of the SDP. Thanks for the heads up.
Thanks., Donna I appreciate the kind words.
I think you probably know already that the SDP is your political home 😉
We are the party that Britain needs, Britain just hasn't realised it yet, but they will.
Between SDP (Those policies are pretty much what I signed up for up to) and Reform, who I see as the equivalent for the more right leaning disenfranchised, you have in my view the replacements for our broken, disconnected and terminally useless main parties. Problem is that fptp keeps these zombie parties in place. I hope though that the talk of the disillusionment amongst the electorate can be galvanised into forcing the real change this country so desperately needs.
Comment should have said *I’d sign up to” - should read first before posting!
Nice one Paul ! We need PR more than ever - make it a close relationship between votes cast and seats won in Parliament.
I can't see them doing well to be honest, wise choice bending to Reform as I feel Reform would crush them, I predict Reform will do really well this election.
Yes, I agree. It would be lovely if Paul became a candidate for the SDP