By Mathew Hulbert
LIBERAL DEMOCRAT
There are plenty of things for which a Prime Minister should rightly be criticised. Appearing on a popular television programme to raise awareness and money for cancer research is most certainly not one of them.
Yet that hasn’t stopped the usual suspects getting themselves into a right old state about Andy Burnham’s appearance on last night’s special edition of Gogglebox, in aid of Stand Up To Cancer.
My message to them is simple: get off your high horses.
Burnham, appearing alongside his friend and Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram, became the first serving Prime Minister to appear on the programme.
And good for him!
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch questioned how he could possibly find the time, suggesting he should instead be concentrating on the difficult business of governing.
Well, forgive me, but what absolute nonsense.
Of course governing Britain is an enormous responsibility. Nobody, least of all Burnham himself, is suggesting otherwise.
But are we seriously arguing that the person occupying Downing Street cannot spare a few hours to support a cause which touches millions of families across our country?
What a miserable view of political leadership.
Cancer doesn’t discriminate according to political allegiance, income, postcode or background. It devastates lives, tears families apart and leaves people facing unimaginable uncertainty and heartbreak.
The programme’s mixture of humour and deeply moving personal stories reminded viewers precisely why research, treatment and support matter so enormously.
And Burnham’s emotional response to those stories demonstrated something I believe we desperately need more of in politics: humanity.
Politics should never simply be about statistics, spreadsheets and parliamentary exchanges. It must fundamentally be about people.
That is why I have always believed politicians should be willing to meet people where they are, rather than expecting everyone to engage with politics exclusively through Westminster’s increasingly disconnected bubble.
Millions watch programmes like Gogglebox. Many wouldn’t dream of watching Prime Minister’s Questions. If appearing on their television screens in a relaxed, accessible setting helps bring attention to cancer research, where exactly is the problem?
Indeed, Burnham’s willingness to show some humour, warmth and personality is refreshing.
We’ve had quite enough of politicians who appear terrified of being themselves.
None of this means Burnham should escape scrutiny over his government’s decisions. Quite the opposite.
I will continue to praise him when he gets things right and challenge him when he gets things wrong, particularly where liberal values and the need for meaningful change are concerned.
But scrutiny must be proportionate and sensible.
And frankly, if opposition politicians believe the best way to challenge this government is to complain about the Prime Minister helping a cancer charity, they really need to reconsider their priorities.
There are serious questions to ask about our NHS, public services, living standards and Britain’s future.
Those deserve robust political debate.
Supporting cancer research deserves something rather different: encouragement, gratitude and cross-party goodwill.
Well done, Andy.
And to his critics, please find something worthwhile to complain about.
Who wrote this?
