In an age of never ending political scandal and seemingly impenetrable public cynicism about the character, purpose and motives of politicians; politics remains our best hope of attaining the changes which our society wants and needs.
Fine words, but where’s the proof? Two recent examples spring to mind immediately. On January 30th this year the government published its new health service White Paper, ‘Our health, our care, our say’. This paper paves the way for the reinvigoration of community hospitals throughout Copeland, West Cumbria and the rest of the country. The government’s realisation of the benefits and value of community hospitals has never been in doubt – the 2005 Labour Party manifesto was explicit in its support for community hospitals – and this white paper turns that political aspiration into a firm commitment. As someone who has fought for the retention of community hospitals in West Cumbria and discussed the issues at length with Health Ministers on behalf of us all, the white paper vindicates our views and rewards our efforts. There is still a good deal of work to be done, but policy proposals like this illustrate not only the power of politics but the power of ordinary people.
The other key example of political effectiveness can be seen in the issuing of the West Cumbria Strategic Forum’s brief to commission a ‘masterplan’ for the transformation of West Cumbria. This is a unique piece of work which has never been tried before in the UK. In short, the plan is designed to assess and recommend ways forward for every aspect of life in Copeland and West Cumbria. It will affect our schools, our hospitals, our industries, our communications and our health services. You will read and hear much more about this work over the coming weeks, months and years. It will be treated with cynicism in some quarters and it may take some time to get right but the prize at stake is our very future as a sustainable community. I believe that West Cumbria is a superb environment in which to live and work, and I want the rest of the country to see this, but this can only be done through politics.
To date, some difficult tasks have already been completed. Firstly, Copeland Borough Council, Allerdale Borough Council and the County Council are working together in an unprecedented way (and it must be said that Elaine Woodburn has played a pivotal role in helping to achieve this) and now a common approach to solving the problems which we all face as an area has also been adopted. I am excited about the prospects of the plan succeeding and am keen to tackle the work which is before us. Our success will depend on our working together, and if politics is about choice, then let us choose success.