Common Decency

Common decency is our base level of morality and respect for others: our conformity to social standards of propriety and decorum. Common decency is not tangible, nor is it objective: it is our own moral compass.

However, in most situations there are areas of decency that we can all agree on. All MPs should be obliged to uphold this foundation of respect. As the sole representatives of their constituents in Parliament, it is their duty to maintain a standard of of propriety: Remaining faithful to promises, and being exemplar of both honesty and courtesy.

Sadly, the value of common decency is becoming increasingly less evident in modern British politics.

We, as constituents, have a duty to ensure that our vote is used responsibly. The role of a politician is remarkably powerful: they hold the potential to directly affect the day-to-day lives of every Briton. MPs are not, however, always able to consult their constituents regarding all matters, and therefore must often work independently. By meeting candidates in advance and discussing pertinent issues, we can ensure that our representation is awarded to those who deserve it, making the most of the privilege for the benefit of the constituents, not for their own self-gain.

On Thursday 7th May, the UK will vote for a new parliament. We will be governed by this parliament for the next five years. After the 7th May, there will be no redress, nor any opportunity to withdraw our votes and change our mind: the decisions we make will have a direct impact on our lives until 2020. The new government will decide what is best for us, and the most favourable way to look after our affairs. They can increase taxes, reduce taxes, cut or raise public spending, and more generally make our lives harder or easier as they see fit. We cannot know what the future will bring, and we cannot know what choices they will make on our behalf.

We can, however, make an active decision in choosing the MPs that we feel will represent us best.

• Do you know the core values your chosen candidate will stand for?
• Do you know the primary policies outlined in their manifesto?
• Do you know the history of your candidate? Have they stood in Parliament before, or been exposed as dishonest (politically or otherwise)?
• Will your candidate work for decency, fairness and honesty in all aspects of society?
• Will they vote according to their conscience, in line with the will of their constituents?
• Will they work for the reform of Parliament, eliminating vested interests and abolishing the Whip system?

Now is your time to find out.

Here at Common Decency, we want to aid you in finding the answers to these questions. We want you to understand the choices available, to meet the candidates who may represent you, and ultimately to independently decide on who is deserving of your vote.

Our government holds the potential to drastically change our lives. It is essential that you decide who will hold this precious power.