BRIEFING HEALTHY POLITICAL DISCOURSE: WHAT IS IT AND WHY DOES IT MATTER?

There is nevertheless widespread concern – in the UK and in many other countries – that the quality of political discourse is poor and that contemporary challenges, including polarisation and the nature of modern media, are placing it under increasing strain. [...] Beyond such clearcut cases, the pervasiveness of ‘spin’ and of politicians avoiding answering the questions put to them also alienate the public and often impede constructive policy debate. [...] How can the quality of discourse be improved? The most direct way for political discourse to be improved is for participants to respect and uphold norms such as those set out earlier in this briefing. [...] Politicians and others need to beware of a ‘race to the bottom’, and the risks of ‘tit for tat’. [...] The Ministerial Code requires ministers to be accurate and truthful before parliament, to provide information openly wherever possible to parliament and the public, and to treat civil servants with respect.