Reflections from WOMAD – celebrating unity in diversity
Last weekend I had the joy of attending our own “Glastonbury” – the WOMAD (World of Music, Arts and Dance) festival just outside Malmesbury, originally founded by Peter Gabriel of Genesis. It was a truly uplifting experience, a celebration of global culture and diversity that left me thinking deeply about the power of music and arts to unite us, especially when we have often felt like a nation divided.
Since Brexit and the rise of parties like Reform UK, our nation has faced significant challenges and divisions.
Isolationism is not the answer – of this I am sure.
We need to foster understanding and cooperation across borders to tackle organised crime, the climate crisis, boost prosperity and create opportunities, especially for our young people.
The forces of isolation and division have fed on the frustrations of those who have felt left behind and ignored. So I was proud to use my first votes in Parliament to call for the end of the two child benefits cap that is keeping so many families in poverty. (Sadly, the vote didn’t pass, but I live in hope.)
I also supported moves to build cross-party consensus on the future of social care. Too many people are stuck in hospitals who could be back in their own home if the right care package was available to support them.
We also need more help for our family volunteer carers. They save the NHS a fortune (an estimated £162 billion) but are not properly supported or recognised. It was disappointing to see our new Government oppose both these sensible measures.
As your representative, I’m dedicated to promoting policies that create opportunities, help those that really need it, bring people together to tackle the challenges we face and embrace our international connections.
Together, we can: invest in culture, education and exchange programs that enrich our communities, support local arts initiatives that bring people together in our communities in celebration, and developing policies that tackle economic inequalities and social divisions, all while encouraging open dialogue and understanding, and bridging the gaps between differing viewpoints.
The WOMAD festival filled my heart with hope. It reminded me of the Britain I want to see —a place where we celebrate diversity and inclusivity. It’s a country where different cultures and ideas come together to create something beautiful and unique, much like the fusion of musical styles I enjoyed at the festival.
When we have a story that unites us in all our diversity, the whole becomes greater than the sum of its parts.
Thank you for your continued support and for being part of this journey with me. Together, I believe we can create a more harmonious and inclusive Britain – for everyone.
LIB DEMS ARE HIRING! South Cotswolds Liberal Democrats are looking to recruit a full-time Campaign Organiser. Details here. This is an important role, and we’re keen to fill it ASAP, so please take a moment to think what smart, energetic people you know in the Gloucestershire/Wiltshire area and forward this email on to them. Or maybe this description fits you?!
ANNOUNCEMENT FOR DYSON DESIGN ENGINEERS: There will be a jobs fair in Bristol on Monday 5th August specifically for design engineers who lost their jobs at Dyson, giving them an opportunity to meet prospective employers, and/or to talk with advisors on setting up their own business. Please contact Brad Harper via LinkedIn for more details. (I will be saying a few words at the event too.)
A few of the things I’ve done this week…
✅ Recruited a second caseworker to help handle the workload
✅ Started the process of setting up an All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) to address issues relating to the River Thames and its tributaries
✅ Site visit to a charitable organisation severely impacted by sewage overspills
✅ Met with Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown MP (Conservative) for a meeting to ensure continuity of care for projects already in motion in the part of my constituency that used to be in his constituency
✅ Wrote a letter of support for Kington St Michael Community Pub, and a letter to the Secretary of State for Levelling Up (Angela Rayner) asking for her assurance that the Community Ownership Fund will continue
✅ Wrote to the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions to seek just and fair compensation for WASPI women
Quote of the Week
“Diversity: the art of thinking independently together.”
– Malcolm Forbes
Have a great week!