1) Politicians are out of touch with how ordinary people live

At the next election, we will be given a black-and-white choice between Labour and Conservative. One of them is helmed by the richest man to ever lead Britain; both keep failing to understand the needs of ordinary people.

Politics as usual won’t solve the problems we face in our society. If we want things to change for the better, it’s time to organise in our own communities and make decisions for ourselves.

2) Politicians are focused first and foremost on ensuring an election victory

A great many politicians are solely focused on winning elections at any cost, meaning they will say and do whatever they think will get them votes. How can we claim to live in a democracy, if politicians care more about their careers than the people they are supposed to represent?

Politicians can't save us. Only community organising can. We ordinary people do not have political careers to think about. If we organise together in our communities, we can create a proper democracy where we make decisions that benefit us and not the careers of politicians.

3) It is undemocratic

Realistically, the Labour and Conservative parties are the only parties capable of forming a government after the next election, and they are becoming more and more alike as Labour abandons its older policies. Such a limited set of options cannot reasonably be called democratic.

We should have a real say in the decisions that affect our lives. Choosing between two increasingly similar groups to make those decisions for us isn't working.

4) It divides us

The party system is needlessly divisive, encouraging us to argue on issues we should be working together to solve. In reality, we all want similar things: healthy families, happy neighbourhoods and a safe and positive future to look forward to. Party politics makes us forget the areas in which we can agree and cooperate.

When we sit down together and talk about the issues we face in our society, we find there is so much we agree on — and we're much more likely to come up with a proper solution. Why fight amongst ourselves, when we can do more together?

Self-organisation is the only way forward

Cooperation Hull is seeking to create a democracy that actually works for ordinary people through People's Assemblies. We need 2,000 people to sign the pledge to support the Hull People’s Assembly.

Help us build real democracy by adding your name today.

26 October 2023

By Cooperation Hull

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