world
Mayor says UK politics risks U.S.-style polarization
The Greater Manchester Mayor said during a campaign speech that national discourse is becoming more divided and communities are less cooperative. The comments came ahead of a by-election scheduled for 18 June.
IN
citizen.co.zaAudio version
Tap play to generate a narrated version.
Developing·Limited corroboration so far. This page will refresh as more sources emerge.
The remarks were delivered during a campaign speech for next week's Makerfield by-election. The mayor, who has been critical of the current Labour leadership, told the audience that discourse is becoming increasingly divided.
"Things are getting harder, and politics is getting more polarised, and the path we're on, if we are not careful, is a path towards the politics of the United States of America, a polarised, poisonous politics where people in communities don't work together any more," the mayor said.
The comments followed recent statements in which the mayor indicated a willingness to reduce the welfare bill to help fund defence spending. Those remarks came after the resignations of the defence secretary and the armed forces minister over a delayed defence investment plan.
The mayor asserted that global conditions have changed and that adjustments to defence spending assumptions are necessary. The Makerfield by-election is set for 18 June, with the mayor expected to face a Reform UK candidate. The by-election was called after the previous member stepped down to allow the mayor a route back to Westminster.
A victory would position the mayor to potentially challenge for the Labour leadership.
