The Unraveling of Politics: A Journey from Brexit to Commons Chaos

The political landscape has undergone a significant transformation in recent years, with events unfolding that have shaken the very foundations of democratic processes. This article delves into two pivotal moments in British politics: the EU referendum campaign and the ensuing chaos in the House of Commons.

The EU referendum campaign marked the beginning of a tumultuous period in British politics. The launch of the Vote Leave campaign’s infamous £350m slogan sparked controversy and set the stage for a contentious campaign. Boris Johnson, a prominent figure in the campaign, was confronted by an unsympathetic audience during his first major rally in Manchester. The incident was a surprise, but it was a harbinger of the ugliness that was to come.

The referendum campaign, which began with hopes of civility, soon descended into chaos. The booing and jeering at reporters for asking questions became the norm. The Labour Party, led by Jeremy Corbyn, was not immune to the hostility. His supporters’ violent reactions towards reporters were a stark reminder of the coarsening political climate.

But the most significant and tragic event during this period was the assassination of Labour MP Jo Cox. Her killer, Thomas Mair, had a long history of interest in Nazism and far-right extremism. Her death was a hideous shock to the political world. Her husband, Brendan, believed she was murdered for her political views, as she had expressed concerns about the coarsening of politics and the growing tribalism.

The aftermath of Jo Cox’s death saw politicians vowing to follow her example of kindness. However, it soon became apparent that the threats to MPs were far from over. In a private conversation with another Labour MP in 2018, the MP revealed the extent of the threats they were receiving. They had been appealing to their local police force for help, but felt they were being ignored. The MP had installed security grilles, cameras, alarms, and other equipment to keep themselves and their staff safe. But they didn’t want to go public, fearing it would make matters worse.

As reporters, we had become accustomed to being heckled and harassed around the fringes of demonstrations. We had developed a habit of walking quickly with our heads down past the crowds. But from that moment, we understood a new norm: some MPs were carrying genuine fears for their lives every day. Their tears and distress made it plain.

The regular demonstrations took on a new form a couple of months later. Small groups would walk alongside MPs, hurling abuse and accusations at close quarters and recording it on their phones. These groups would huddle and wait for a famous face, ready to pounce. If the politician responded in any way, they had footage that might go viral. Ignore it, and they could be accused of being rude and shunning the public’s voice.

During this period, there were many people with strong and deeply held views using their legitimate right to protest. Politicians love a good argument and a vigorous debate. And of course, there have been risks to politicians and Parliament before, whether from the IRA for many years or terror threats in recent times. But surrounding politicians and screaming abuse, or trying to block their path as they try to walk down the street, are different. Now, almost any MP will tell you, what can look like an ambush can happen at any time.

These moments, big and small, track what has been a journey to a different kind of politics. Many of the people we choose to represent us really believe their personal safety, and that of their families, is routinely at stake. And this week marks another major moment. The Speaker of the House of Commons has made a decision to break the unwritten rules of Parliament because of those risks. He says he made a mistake in allowing a vote on Labour’s motion, because he was trying to protect his colleagues from public anger and danger.

It’s only in time that we’ll be able to unravel all of what went on during those hours of chaos. But it appears that events in the Commons, not just the screaming and shouting outside, were influenced not by information, but intimidation. Many politicians, and perhaps many of you, may feel that is a profoundly uneasy precedent if it is allowed to stand. For his part, the Speaker has apologized. It could be a turning point in either direction.

Will the police be given more powers to protect MPs as some recommend? Will politicians start to be more vocal about the nature of protests? Will some of those who have been on the streets, or outside politicians’ homes, rethink their tactics – or go even further? What happened in those hours of chaos on Wednesday night is a moment we will remember. But we can’t yet know the effect it will have, how it will be marked in our memories in the months to come.

As we move forward, it is crucial to reflect on these moments and consider the implications for our democratic processes. The political landscape has changed, and it is up to us to navigate these new challenges and ensure that the principles of democracy are upheld.