It’s not every day a journalist tells you they could listen to you all day, but that’s what happened last weekend when our CEO joined LBC’s Matthew Wright to discuss bullying, and how deeply it shows up in political culture.
As Jennifer says in the interview, bullying is baked into the way we do politics in the UK. Westminster’s traditions and processes reward aggression and discourage honesty.
The interview resonated, and we’d love you to hear it.
Listen here: Watch the Interview
The recent assisted dying debate led by Kim Leadbeater MP, shows how a different way of doing politics is possible. During that debate listening, respect and lived experience shaped the discussion. When tone shifts, the quality of decision-making shifts too.
This isn’t about being “nice”, it’s about building a political system that works and that is capable of delivering solutions to the complex, interlocking and often existential issues that we face.
That’s why Compassion in Politics is pushing for reforms such as:
- Reforming PMQs so scrutiny replaces spectacle
- Modernising the whipping system so conscience and constituents are respected
- Encouraging cross-party collaboration on long-term national challenges
- Creating psychologically safe parliamentary spaces where MPs can think, listen and speak honestly
- Embedding compassion, integrity and accountability into everyday political practice
These changes are essential if we want a democracy that is resilient, trusted, resistant to extremism, and capable of solving the complex issues we face.
Thank you, as always, for being part of this work. Our members' support is helping shift the conversation, and moments like this interview show the appetite for change is real and growing.
With appreciation,
The Compassion in Politics Team