The Growing Disconnect Between Citizens and Politics

The UK’s general election in 2024 was held on Thursday 4th July 2024, in which the Labour Party won with a landslide victory, occupying 412 seats. This was the first time the Labour Party had formed a government in 14 years, as they were last in power in 2010.

However, despite the Labour Party having the commanding majority, it was also reported that voter turnout was the lowest it had ever been since 2021. It is estimated that voter turnout was just below 60% with over 19 million registered voters not turning up to vote. A popular reason for this was political disengagement which has been on a rise in more recent times compared to times in the past. Voter turnout never fell below 70% between 1992 and 1997, there was then a drastic drop to 59.4% in 2001 and the UK has not yet seen a return to the 70% figure that was once a norm.

What is political disengagement?

Political disengagement is the state of having no interest or involvement in politics or the political process. When people vote in elections and elect a government, they are taking the opportunity to help shape the laws, policies and institutions that govern them. This is because voting for specific parties or politicians can influence the decisions that governments make. Therefore, the more a person is engaged politically, the more likely they are to influence political decisions.

One of the main reasons for political disengagement in the UK is a lack of faith in politicians’ motives and their abilities. Many people feel that they are not able to trust politicians and/or that their vote is not actually making any change. This belief was especially reinforced in the aftermath of the scrutiny on the House of Lords’ expenses for seemingly inactive peers in 2010, and by parliamentary battles and party disputes over Brexit, and then Partygate.

In addition to this, some people disengage politically due to a lack of knowledge or awareness as it pertains to politics. Some people may feel that they do not know enough to make an informed voting decision and avoid it altogether.

How does politics affect the common person?

The government makes a myriad of decisions that would affect the ‘everyday’ person. For example, the government makes decisions on education, healthcare, public safety, transport, utilities, taxes and benefits, labour laws and much more. The UK Parliament has been responsible for laws such as the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act 2013, which came into effect in England and Wales in July 2013. This allowed same-sex marriage in civil or religious ceremonies and enabled same-sex civil partners to convert their partnership to a marriage. The members of parliament that consider and propose laws are chosen by the citizens, who during the general election would vote for their local MP and this person would represent a local area (constituency) in the House of Commons.

Should Christians be more engaged in politics?

The question of whether Christians should be more or at all engaged in politics would most expectedly garner different responses, and at times passionate points of view. Looking to scripture, it is clear that Christians are required to pray and intercede for those in government and leadership positions, which suggests an implied engagement and interest of those who govern our nation.

1 Timothy 1:2-4 (NKJV) “Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”

In addition to this, it is crucial to note that the enemy can also use and has a history of using politics to further his agenda here on earth. A key example of this can also be found as far back as biblical times.

The Herodians – Biblical example

There was a political faction called the Herodians in the bible. The Herodians were not a religious group but supported the Herodian dynasty and also Roman rule in Judea. They are often mentioned in connection to the Pharisees, especially in the Gospels of Matthew and Mark, as they opposed Jesus and His teachings.

The Herodians are important because they held political power. They believed in submission to the Herods, and therefore to Rome, mainly for political expediency and not based on morality. This support of Herod affected the independence of Jewish people negatively as believed by the Pharisees, making it difficult for the Herodians and Pharisees to unite and agree on anything. However, they were united by this one common goal and belief – opposing Jesus.

Mark 3:6 (NKJV) “Then the Pharisees went out and immediately plotted with the Herodians against Him, how they might destroy Him.”

This scripture showcases how even political groups, which on the surface level are separated from religion and faith, can still operate with an agenda to oppose Jesus and the establishment of His kingdom here on earth.

It is of utmost significance that Christians not only engage with politics through intercession but also where possible, practically seek ways to ensure that the truth of Jesus and His will is permeating even the political spheres. This can be done through voting, researching on what is happening not just locally but globally, having conversations and holding seats and spaces of influence in this nation.

The UK belongs to Jesus and His Kingdom will be established on earth as it is in Heaven.