No one likes to admit they got something wrong, maybe it’s just part of human nature, but let’s face it, we all make mistakes, me included. However, if we keep open minds, we should be able to say things like “With what I know now I can see my previous position needs to change”. With Paula Vennells and the post office scandal, it is becoming a clear example of someone who needs to admit they made a mistake. It’s the same with those who covered up the infected blood scandal and more locally those responsible for CIL demands that had no merit.

Maybe the problem starts with our political system. From what I’ve seen, no one dare say “I made a mistake”, because the opposition would immediately attack. Although our civil servants are meant to be apolitical, they are of course subject to that same culture. Our public services in turn have similar pressures.

With the blood scandal, we finally had leaders of all parties offering an apology for those in charge before them. Saying essentially “Sorry we made a mistake”. Unfortunately, the cynical side of me thinks they are forced to say it, because no matter which party was in charge the same culture existed. i.e. they can’t afford not to apologise. So, I ask myself, would our current crop of MPs really have made a different set of decisions? I’m sure there are those that would, but it’s hard to find examples of cooperation. I just see opposition.

It's one of the reasons I now believe Party Politics is broken. It is just too tribal and built on getting one over on the other. I’d propose a simple start to the change in culture needed. This would be to remove the word opposition from politics and the media. Just switching the word “opposition” to “minority” might help with the mindset change needed. Referring to the current Labour party as the Official Minority. It becomes clear that the role of a minority MP is not to oppose but to scrutinize the administration. Be that a single party or a coalition.

The UK faces several crises that are so big that they can’t be resolved in a single parliament. It's time for those MPs to work together. I know that would be my aim if I’m fortunate enough to become one.

Adrian Abbs

Prospective Independent Candidate

Reading West & Mid Berkshire Constituency