On 4 July the UK elected a new Government and a new Parliament. Multiple crises of poverty, cost of living, underinvestment in public services, and unfair distribution of taxes made the economy a central concern for voters.
Meanwhile runaway climate change featured more than ever before in this election – reflecting the urgency of addressing this challenge. Now we want to see action: recognising that we are the economy – our wellbeing, education, health, employment and the very future of our planet are impacted by the economic decisions this Government will take.
We heard the Prime Minister’s speech at the end of August about ‘fixing the foundations’ of the country and that ‘those with the broadest shoulders should bear the heavier burden’. We agree with that – as people of faith and goodwill we seek the welfare of the country we live in and an economy that serves the flourishing of all.
That means engaging in the political process, using our voices to speak out for justice. Will you write to your new (or newly re-elected) MP to ask how they intend to address the key economic questions we must face if we are to build a greener, fairer society?
Let’s also commit to pray for those in power – that our elected officials would seek the common good of all people, model constructive engagement and work together to build a fairer, greener future.