Politics matters

So, the EU referendum has happened, and the future of the UK is now the most uncertain it has ever been in the past 70 years. This referendum has shown many things, not least the deep and bitter divisions that exist across Britain. But, with everything else, it does show one thing.

Politics matters.

Now, because of politics, the pound is at the lowest it has been for the past 30 years. Because of politics, businesses have lost contracts and people will lose their jobs. Because of politics, people who have lived in this country all their lives are scared to go out their own front door. Politics has long been derided as the purvue of a few rich posh boys from Eton, but that is because, collectively, we choose it to be so. Politics, both national and local, has always mattered, but it has been too easily dismissed as irrelevant.

Now, after the referendum, with the vacuum of effective leadership and opposition in Parliament, over the next few weeks and months, the British political landscape is being rewritten. The old rules may no longer apply. When things have stabilised, it could end up much better than it was. Or, it could be much worse.

One thing is certain though, we only get out of politics what we are willing to put into it. If we choose to ignore it, then we end up with politics that only represents those who do put something into it.

Only by taking part in it will we end up with a political system that works for us, not against us, and now is the chance to get involved and make a difference. In Cambridge, Labour, the Lib Dems, the Greens, and Conservatives all have active local parties that are involved in local issues and are trying to make a difference in our city. All are open to new volunteers - pick the one that most closely matches your beliefs and ideals, and join. If you don't think any of them match your views, get involved as an independent - publicise local issues and meetings, and try and improve your community.

After all, if you don't, who will?