Current talk is that the Tories should join with Reform

You hear so many say, "I don't listen to the news, it's too negative, they're all the same" The space is left open for "solve it all" sloganising. people either believe these short cuts or turn away

I think this certainly is a major part of the problem, the lack of respect for politicians has made many people disillusioned,

I do think that there would be a higher turn out at elections if there was a box for 'none of the above'. This is an indication of opinion, showing involvement in the electoral system, but disillusionment with the choices offered

Barleyfields

If people are very busy they can always vote by post, as my son and daughter in law do in case work commitments on the day prevent them from getting to the polling station. There is no excuse for not voting, other than inertia.

I agree, inertia and in lots of cases ignorance and disinterest. My 24 year old daughter told me this week she is the only one among her friends who takes a real interest in both politics and current affairs.

Galaxy

I think some labour voters are closet reform voters

Really?? 😂😂😂😂😂

Cossy

Barleyfields

If people are very busy they can always vote by post, as my son and daughter in law do in case work commitments on the day prevent them from getting to the polling station. There is no excuse for not voting, other than inertia.

I agree, inertia and in lots of cases ignorance and disinterest. My 24 year old daughter told me this week she is the only one among her friends who takes a real interest in both politics and current affairs.

I agree, inertia and in lots of cases ignorance and disinterest. My 24 year old daughter told me this week she is the only one among her friends who takes a real interest in both politics and current affairs.

... perhaps you encouraged her interest?

My two grandsons have been motivated by their parents to take an interest - the 16 year old actively campaigned for his 'chosen candidate' at the last election, even though he can't vote yet; the 13 year old is "undecided" but asks a lot of questions.

Maybe the interest, or lack of it, stems from the home environment?

Dickens

Yes, I agree.

My parents were very politically aware and active, so therefore so was I, though changed political allegiance, much to my parents dismay!

I have encouraged political interest and awareness of current affairs, all children bar number 5 (he’s 22) vote and have pretty strong views, they don’t always align with mine, but tbh that’s fine.

Between us we have Green, Lib-Dems and Labour.

No Reform, im relieved to say!

Same here, Cossy and Dickens. I was raised in a politically aware household, and I did the same with mine.
We don't always agree, but all vote and take an interest in current affairs
I'm now talking to the older grandchildren about such matters, but I am aware of the fact that we are a slightly unusual family.

Same here, a politically aware family in that my parents had an interest in current affairs, which I have passed on to my children. I don't understand when people say they "don't do politics". OK, not everyone takes a keen interest, I get that, bit surely people are aware of what is going on here and overseas, and how it may or may not affect them? Even seemingly petty irritations such as pot holes are affected by politics!

Why do so many people need to declare they are better than others? Now we have the I'm better than those who don't vote brigade.

I didn't get that impression, rather that its very desirable that people turn up to vote, and looking at what has made them determined, plus reasons why people don't turn out.

I have criticised people who don’t vote but have not claimed that I am better than them.

Politics Nerd, I think that your comments are unnecessarily unpleasant.
No part of my post said that I am better than anyone else.
I was drawing attention to the fact that some families talk of politics and current affairs, and some do not.

Chocolatelovinggran

Politics Nerd, I think that your comments are unnecessarily unpleasant.
No part of my post said that I am better than anyone else.
I was drawing attention to the fact that some families talk of politics and current affairs, and some do not.

No part of my post said that I am better than anyone else.

No, it didn't - nor did anyone else's who were simply discussing their experiences growing up in a family where politics were discussed.

It's not an elite subject - anyone can 'talk politics'.

Perhaps one of the reasons why they don't is because families often no longer sit round the table at dinner-time because of work commitments, in fact they might not have much time at all to discuss anything if parents are working full-time. But it's a shame nevertheless - if you don't engage in the matter, you can have no influence on decisions and policies that affect your life.

Reform is, in my opinion, a danger to UK democracy and it would be foolish of the Tories to join it.

Grantanow

Reform is, in my opinion, a danger to UK democracy and it would be foolish of the Tories to join it.

Only if they reduce our right to vote for our government every 5 years, and I do not think they would do that.