Recently the SNP’s youngest MP, Mhairi Black, said that she is unsure where her future will be. She said that Parliament was ‘depressing’ a lot down to the travelling to and from her constituency on a regular basis. However, she raised a lot of valuable points and underlined the fundamental issues with our current parliamentary system. Yet she has received a fair amount of criticism from the public and some reporters for her honest interview.
She was seen mouthing “you talk sh*te, hen” during parliament which caused a bit of a stir. But this has also further endeared Black to her fans.
She has often represented people superbly and articulates how we all feel about parliament regularly.
Underlining issues
Her feelings about parliament and politics highlights the issues and feelings that surround politics. The public left feeling lied to, mislead, unrepresented and unfairly treated by those who run the country. Her age is significant because despite a higher interest in politics from those who are below the age of 25. A large chunk of earlier generations still claim naivety and lack of experience but will not allow or campaign for real change to tool those who are future leaders properly.
The current parliamentary system is cumbersome and clunky, it is by no means perfect but there is no real alternative or improvements put forward.
Firstly, the House of Lords should be disbanded and replaced with a fully accountable second chamber, with more research on exactly what would be needed. Real house representation through the Proportional Representation (PR) voting system and an overhaul of government departments and the bloated civil service.
The reforms needed to government departments are substantial with significant amounts of waste throughout.
Better investment in education is vital to ensure that future generations are equipped with the right tools to thrive in the areas suitable for individuals. Better investment in energy to improve the efficiency of our energy system and move onto a carbon free renewable future. Science and innovation investment is vital for a sustainable future, and more power to local communities.
The future of politics?
Politics needs to be more accessible from a younger age but taught with enthusiasm, finding a way to engage youngsters is vital. The current government are the most regressive in recent history but a large proportion cannot or will not see this; ignorance is bliss. Black’s comments further to cement the idea that young people are not welcome in politics and that even those who want to be involved, find it difficult to assimilate in an aged system.
