Melissa Kite Melissa Kite

Uncool Britannia

I’m sick to death of whining politicians

issue 13 April 2019

A famous actor looks tearfully into the camera. It is Michael Sheen, or possibly Ewan McGregor. His voice cracks as he says: ‘For just £5 a month, you could help an MP recover from the shock of having his Brexit amendment rejected. Just £5 will help pay for counsellors trained to help our brave MPs debate EU withdrawal motions. Please donate now so that MPs like Nick Boles know you care. They give so much of themselves, and ask so little…’

I exaggerate, but only a bit. We keep hearing from MPs about how the stress of Brexit is harming them mentally and emotionally. You might think the nation’s elected representatives would be apologising to the public for the mess they have made. Instead, they just moan to us that their mental health is at risk. Their concern for themselves is such that Deputy Speaker Lindsay Hoyle has written to all members urging them to seek help from Westminster’s mental health services, including a confidential 24-hour counselling line.

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