Over the past couple of decades society has changed at a breakneck pace. Much of it has been for the better but some for the worse.
I’m pleased that a lot of the old class system and the deference it brought with it has broken down as it often held people back and smothered aspiration. It also meant that the established institutions got away with many things that were bordering on (if not outright) criminal.
But, I am less pleased that, as part of this change, standards of basic manners are much reduced, not just in politics at Westminster but almost everywhere.
I’m not quite sure what the reason for it is, but I think partly the internet and social media has something to do with it – perhaps it’s because as a method of communicating it takes less time and has less formality about it.
The way some people conduct themselves whilst writing on Twitter and in emails has become eye-poppingly rude, aggressive and abusive. Expletives now seem to be commonplace on Twitter, as if it’s the only way somebody can make their point.
I’m sure there were some pretty rude letters flying around throughout history, but surely not with the ripe language and frequency it happens today?
Maybe as an MP I get to see and hear a lot more of it? Certainly standards are dropping in political discourse. It used to be the case that Hon Members (ie MPs) in the House of Commons would speak to each other in a civilised way, despite some of the heated political debates.
There was a language standard that was rigorously policed by the Speaker – but even this was broken when Speaker Bercow allowed my former boss, Jeremy Hunt, to be described as a ‘liar’ in the House. I think it is the only time it has ever been allowed and it was totally wrong and unfair – but supports the suggestion of a drop in standards of courtesy at all levels of British society.
It is also now fair game to question the motives of people in all parts of public life from politicians to police. I’m much less worried by this as, done forcefully but with manners and decency, this can make a real difference for the better.
The police let people down over Hillsborough and Plebgate, whilst politicians did the same over expenses, the BBC over pay-offs and Jimmy Savile and the hospitals let patients actually die. The fact that people campaigned and questioned these organisations shows how questioning authority and not showing too much deference is a fair approach to achieving change, otherwise things that were and are clearly wrong would continue to happen.
Perhaps I’m fighting a losing battle on the everyday use of bad language. But I do think there are ways of people making their point – whatever the circumstances – that do not involve swearing and being terribly rude. But perhaps I’m simply old fashioned.