Hope In Our Hands

The feelings of both hope and fear that have been heightened by so much of late, both inside and outside of the present election campaign, make for a very strange mix as we await whatever tomorrow brings. I've seen so much cause to be optimistic as this election campaign has gathered pace. And if what is still (perhaps) most likely to happen happens, and Theresa May's Conservatives get in, then I still see much to be hopeful about because of the tide of opposition that has been swelling over the last few weeks to what, I believe, are their deeply damaging policies. (I thought I may as well be as upfront here as I am in song... I don't think I'm surprising anyone really, am I?) :)

We here in the UK each have the right and the opportunity to vote with our convictions tomorrow. We may have differing, even opposing, views of what we consider to be the right and best way to vote. But it seems to me that more than ever, we have a real choice available to us. In the past, I have bemoaned and even written songs about how there has been so little choice and how I felt so unrepresented. Some of you may have noticed that I've not played 'Abstention Song' now for quite some time. That's simply because I feel it has no place in current circumstances. Sure, aspects of it do and I could rework it, but what's the point? We've moved on, and there are plenty of things to decry, as well as celebrate, in June 2017. A bland, grey and non-progressive political landscape is not one of them however, and for that I am unspeakably grateful!

There is so much at stake, and there are so many reasons to find that person... that party, that we each believe will best serve the needs of the country and beyond. None of the choices available to us is perfect, but I long to see a party representing us all; with the interests of everyone at its heart. I actually believe we even have more than one choice in that regard! That said, I am more than happy to declare my support at this election for the Labour Party and for Jeremy Corbyn... for the reasons I have stated above. You may feel differently, of course. And this mail-out isn't about telling anyone else to do (what right do I have?!) but in light of so, so much, I did want to be open about things, and also upfront about something of why I intend to vote the way I do. I hardly need say that these are incredible times in which we find ourselves, and a friendly email with a couple of personal thoughts seemed no bad idea to me... I hope you'll not mind. And as I mentioned earlier, you may have already spotted something of my political affiliations creeping into some of the songs so I can't imagine anyone's especially shocked.

I'm convinced that whichever way we each vote tomorrow, it should be for the good of all; the support of our public services; the security and protection of our people and for the good of those beyond our borders. I believe it should be for justice and understanding; for the planet and for future generations. It should be for Love. It should be for Peace. Wherever we see these things, and in whomever we believe these qualities to be best displayed, surely there lies our responsibility and our allegiance. Whatever the outcome, I wish nothing but good for you and for us all. x