Disappointed that the Overton Window always seems to shift right? It’s more likely than you’d think.
I got so cross about this that in the Spring of 2025 I took the almost unprecedented step (for me) of writing to my Member of Parliament to grumble about it. Here is an artist’s impression of my grumpy-but-determined face at this point…
I’m under no illusions that this will change anything, but it made me feel better for a moment.
If you care about the erosion of human rights, civil liberties, democracy and (gesticulates wildly) all that stuff, you might want to consider writing to your elected representative too.
You never know, it might make all the difference.
For UKians there is a fantastic website called TheyWorkForYou which lets you find your MP and learn more about their track record including voting record, expenses, speeches and comments in parliamentary debates.
Contact your MPHere’s what I said to my MP…
Dear Dr Sandher,
I am one of your constituents in Loughborough.
Like many people in the UK, I was excited at the prospect of a change of government last year. Like many, I looked forward to a more progressive agenda under the incoming Labour government. But like many people, I’m feeling a bit let down right now.
I understand that public discourse in the UK is dominated by right-leaning media outlets. I understand that many of our newspapers and television channels are owned by billionaires who see the media primarily as a vehicle to promote their own agenda. I appreciate that this creates challenges for people who are active in progressive politics.
I’m also well aware that there are a substantial number of people in the UK who are not “progressive”, or who simply don’t take an interest in politics. But we have had fourteen years of austerity. Not just austerity, but also concerted efforts to create and amplify divisions in our society.
At a time when we should be coming together to rebuild Britain, Labour’s disregard for and dismissal of vulnerable minority groups such as transgender and disabled people now that the party is in government is particularly striking.
When I see Labour reflexively tack further to the right on a daily basis, I worry that we’ll end up with a situation where the Venn diagram of Labour and Reform values and policies is effectively a circle.
When I see Labour implement policies like benefits changes that will make life harder for millions of people, I worry that voters will conclude they might as well vote for Reform, because they feel they have nothing left to lose. The two party system has let them down yet again.
We only have to look across the Atlantic Ocean to see how that particular story ends. Let’s not fall into that trap.
If you’ve been affected by the issues discussed in this post, know that you are not alone.
PS If you find TheyWorkForYou useful and interesting, consider supporting MySociety, the not-for-profit social enterprise company which created and maintains it.