Straight answers to straight questions

October 22, 2023

“Before I refuse to take your questions, I have an opening statement,” said Ronald Regan. It’s a witty line, but I doubt he wrote it himself. Yet it embodies a truth of modern politics.

Prime Ministers’ Questions resembles a game show. ‘You have one minute, and you must deviate, deflect and insult your opponent. Actually answering the question will result in disqualification.’

If you’ve had enough, there is an alternative. Come along to Mayor’s Question Time on Tuesday, and I’ll give you a straight answer to a straight question.

It’s in One Strawberry Place in Newcastle, next to St James. 6:30pm to 7:30pm, Tuesday 24^th October. Tickets are free – Google ‘Jamie Driscoll Mayor’s Question Time.’ The theme is ‘How can devolution get us to net-zero?’ But you can ask me anything about my work as your Mayor.

I like answering questions. On Monday I spoke at the North East Passenger Transport Users’ Group.  After speaking, the questions came thick and fast about detail. Our public transport is not nearly good enough, and that results in traffic congestion. The £billions in transport funding we’re getting from our new devolution deal can help. My vision is a Total Transport Network. Integrated buses, Metro and rail, with secure bike parking and access to car clubs. With free travel for under 18s. All under public control. It’s better for the environment, for our health, and for our pockets.

On Wednesday Iain Dale asked the questions for his All Talk podcast.  Starting with, “You’ve got an interesting family background.” My Dad driving a tank through Berlin. My Mam’s work against domestic violence. Meeting my wife at jiu jitsu. My journey to becoming an Independent Mayor. I’ll share it on social media when it’s published.

On Thursday I got to ask the questions at our latest Mayor’s Equalities Assembly. We’re working with employers who want to build a more diverse workforce. Getting into the detail and hearing experiences from the front line helps us drill-down and find practical solutions. Too much of politics is grandiose statements. Too little is getting stuff done. Actions speak louder than words.

Thursday evening was my latest campaign meeting, in South Shields this time. A hall packed with those who’d braved Storm Babet asked questions about my record as North of Tyne Mayor and what I’d do as North East Mayor. Literally no one trusts Westminster politics. Does anyone trust Mr Sunak? I asked. Not a hand went up. Does anyone trust Sir Keir Starmer? Again, not one person. People want someone free to put place before Party, and just get on with the job. And maybe give them a bit of hope.

But hope is in short supply these days. The scale of the human catastrophe unfolding in the middle east is terrible. The war in Ukraine continues to heap misery on civilians. Not to mention the ongoing conflicts in Yemen or the DRC. I want to see the UK supporting the UN in dialogue and de-escalation.   Starting with a ceasefire in Palestine, the return of Israeli hostages and the immediate delivery of humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza. On Friday I joined Show Racism the Red Card’s day of action.  Cllr Habib Rahman spoke powerfully about not letting our anger and revulsion at atrocities and war crimes spill over into Islamophobia and antisemitism.

We face a cost-of-living-crisis. A climate emergency. A housing crisis. A healthcare crisis. Local councils facing bankruptcy and near universal distrust of political leaders.

All we get is political noughts and crosses. Instead of a plan, Mr Sunak tilts at windmills. Recycling bins. A non-existent meat tax. Then announces a terrible policy, granting new fossil fuel licences or keeping children in poverty – cross. Sir Keir shouts and throws his arms up, but quietly admits he won’t reverse the decision – nought. Cancelling each other out, while the real challenges remain unaddressed. A futile game that achieves nothing.

Politics is dominated by zero-sum thinking – my gain is your loss. It’s not true. All our public services, all our private wealth is only generated once we get beyond conflict and start to focus on solutions.  And that can only happen if we answer questions honestly.

*Originally printed in the Journal and Evening Chronicle 23 Oct 2023