1/9 When coming to power in 2010, the @Conservatives (along with the LibDems at the time) has to deal with an annual budget #deficit of £153,000,000,000. A hundred and fifty three billion pounds in the red in a single year. This is noteworthy right now for a couple of reasons.

2/9 Firstly, because over the following 9 years we successfully dealt with the annual deficit and Britain returned to living within its means. There would have been no way we could have taken the steps we have now to support jobs and business without fixing the economy first.

3/9 Secondly, and most importantly currently, the same people who point at @UKLabour’s fiscal mismanagement in Government and say “but it was a global financial crisis, not Labour’s fault” are exactly the same people who look at the global pandemic and blame current government.

4/9 The #hypocrisy is not a surprise, sadly. #Politics and societal discourse has become so entrenched in tribalism and a complete unwillingness to listen to a word from the other side of the argument that all that happens is the butting of heads.

5/9 I believe that the #Opposition should oppose. But not at every turn. Not when things are being done correctly. They shouldn’t oppose just for the sake of being contrary because “that’s their job”. It isn’t. Their job is to act in the national interest same as the Government.

6/9 Their jobs is to provide support and backing to the #Government when appropriate. But tribalism and an unwillingness to alienate an increasingly aggressive voter base often stops the right thing from happening.

7/9 I believe that the best things happen when people come together in a spirit of co-operation just wanting the best outcome. There will always be different methods and ideas of course, but those should be explored fully and properly with arguments for and against.

8/9 But all too often what happens is not constructive. It is just criticism. Saying that something is bad is ok. But only if you can suggest an alternative or can articulate a better plan. Otherwise, it’s just making pointless noise that helps no-one and only deepens division.

9/9 I remain hopeful that over the coming days, weeks and months the tribalism and hostility can stop. That sensible and measured dialogue can happen. And we can, as a society, come together as the only tribe we actually are, the British People, and be better to each other.