Insight: The political party doesn’t matter, it’s the commitment to inclusivity that does (BSL)

Two weeks ago, there was a national election in the UK where here we were asked to vote for the party we want to be leading our local area and the country itself. Years ago I would have been the first one at the polling station, voting for the party I most believed in at the time and persuading others to vote the same.

But not now. I believe regardless of the party voted in, our work remains the same.

Some friends will simply say, don’t vote = don’t complain. But I don’t believe in merely complaining about the political state of the country. I believe in action. And I believe action can be taken regardless of the party running the country.

I grew up in a strong Labour area, fed the belief by my family that only Labour governs for the working class, the underrepresented, the vulnerable and so on.

Yet in my University days I met a fellow who was part of the Conservative party and he was the most inclusive, considerate and open minded politician I had come across. He broke all of the stereotypes I had about what made a ‘typical Tory.’

My cousin then ran for Councillor as part of the Liberal Democrats and I watched (and read) his speeches, in awe by the refreshing attitudes and practicalities he was suggesting. Less talk, more action – I always believe in this.

And then as I’ve gotten older I’ve become more interested in the work of the Green Party, and their efforts in global issues and matters of the Earth that undoubtedly affect each and every one of us.

That said, I am a deaf person who relies on the accessibility of services to feel included like everyone else. And with the notion that the Labour party is the main party who has the minorities in mind, I did grant my local Labour councillor my vote last week.

Which is why I was incredibly disappointed to see the lack of inclusivity and BSL interpretation at our new Prime Ministers opening speech. I am not a BSL user but friends of mine are. And it saddens me to see things remain the same regardless of the party in control of the country.

have come to the mind set that it truly doesn’t matter so much who runs our country, but it matters that that we do not rest on our laurels and expect to leave it all up to those ‘in power’ to make decisions for us.

I have always corresponded with my local MP regarding matters that concern me and my local community. The previous MP was Conservative and she always resolved issues or at least pointed me in the right direction of resolving them.

My newest local MP is now a Labour representative and I aim to have the same positive, working relationship with them. I believe in the power of community and in speaking out in cases of injustice and unfairness. I dont believe in merely complaining.

So whatever your view on the political party that now has the power over the UK, please do not give up on any campaigns or issues that you are running. Continue to work with those around you, fight for the issues that matter most, and keep reminding those at the Houses of Parliament and beyond that deaf people are here and all of our rights matter.

With continued campaigns and raising awareness, we will eventually cross more barriers and create the change we wish to see.

Regardless of how you feel about Keir Starmer leading the country, remember to work with those in your local area and if you’re able to, continue to spread deaf awareness with politeness and with an attitude that is firm and fair.

This blog has been written anonymously as part of the Insight series  where readers are invited to share their story or news about their interesting job with The Limping Chicken. If you have a story to share please email rebecca@rawithey.com

Image courtesy of i-stock photos.