Tony Blair’s former communications guru, Alastair Campbell, says the UK political system was too quick to revert to overheated rhetoric and polarisation after attacks on MPs, urging politicians to “re-win the argument for democratic politics”. More than a week after independent MP Helen Haines was allegedly targeted in an attack outside her electorate office in northern Victoria, causing her to lose both legs, Campbell said the tenor of political debate in Australia should better reflect Haines’ own approach. Speaking to the Guardian’s Australian Politics podcast on Wednesday, the commentator said the killings of British MPs Jo Cox, David Amess and former politician Ann Widdecombe had not brought about lasting change in political culture.
So I think it is about how we genuinely try and generate a different way of talking to each other and about each other now.” A 43-year-old man has been charged over the alleged attack on Haines and the incident continues to be investigated by police. The co-host of popular podcast The Rest is Politics, Campbell said Haines’ eventual return to parliament would help bring about change. I think remembering is so important.
He is due to visit Australia for a speaking tour next month. Campbell said politicians and the media should reflect on how they speak to everyday people, and why their professions are so poorly trusted. Discussing the rise of populist politics, Campbell said the world was still struggling to grasp the effects of the 2008 global financial crisis.
The bestselling author’s latest book is Persevilience: The Word the World Needs Now, published by Allen and Unwin.
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