As a countryside dweller I regularly write about the particular issues facing people like me, isolated by geography and historical allegiances of political parties. Labour, Coast and Country is working to create means for rural lefties to act collectively, across boundaries.
Some of the factors driving this campaign to reduce our isolation, though, apply to town dwellers. Isolation comes about from a variety of causes, not just where you live. Just as we hicks in the sticks share metropolitan concerns for rents, welfare, housing etc so urbanites may recognise some of the particularities of country folk. Not least among these can be isolation, a key issue which Labour should actively address. City crowds mask the presence nearby of citizens who, for no fault of their won, find themselves outside the mainstream. They may lack money. They may have mobility issues or sight impairment which prevent them from actively availing themselves of what the city has to offer. They may simply be lonely or suffer from mental health issues which lead them to stay indoors. Whatever the cause of their isolation, they are as important as citizens and voters as anyone. Labour can ill afford to ignore votes wherever they may be found and, as with remote rural supporters, ways need to be found to engage with everyone if we are truly to be One Nation.
Some of the factors driving this campaign to reduce our isolation, though, apply to town dwellers. Isolation comes about from a variety of causes, not just where you live. Just as we hicks in the sticks share metropolitan concerns for rents, welfare, housing etc so urbanites may recognise some of the particularities of country folk. Not least among these can be isolation, a key issue which Labour should actively address. City crowds mask the presence nearby of citizens who, for no fault of their won, find themselves outside the mainstream. They may lack money. They may have mobility issues or sight impairment which prevent them from actively availing themselves of what the city has to offer. They may simply be lonely or suffer from mental health issues which lead them to stay indoors. Whatever the cause of their isolation, they are as important as citizens and voters as anyone. Labour can ill afford to ignore votes wherever they may be found and, as with remote rural supporters, ways need to be found to engage with everyone if we are truly to be One Nation.
Labour Coast and Country is exploring how to bring solitary voices together. Perhaps some of the same tools need to be applied towards enfranchising isolated people wherever they are.
Tom Serpell
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