Podcast Summary
Guardian app, Community resilience: The Guardian's Feast app provides a variety of meals, while Politics Weekly showcases community resilience in Middlesbrough's South Bank area, highlighting people's determination to overcome adversity.
The Guardian's new Feast app offers a diverse range of delicious and easy-to-make meals from expert cooks, including vegan, comfort food, and bold flavor options. Meanwhile, in Politics Weekly, John Harris explores the ongoing struggle for Labour to regain a seat in the north-east of England, where the community in Middlesbrough's South Bank area continues to deal with the effects of industrial decline. Despite the sense of neglect and the past sitting heavily on the area, local people like Sandra are working hard to keep the place together and turn it around. The Guardian's journalism and Sandra's community efforts highlight the resilience and determination of people in the face of adversity. Download the Guardian Feast app for a 14-day free trial, and tune in to Politics Weekly for more insightful discussions.
Cost-of-living crisis in Middlesbrough: The cost-of-living crisis in Middlesbrough has led to a surge in demand for essential items, concerns about the upcoming election, and a sense of neglect and lack of opportunities for the community.
The high street of this community in Middlesbrough has undergone significant changes over the past few decades, leading to a decline in local businesses and an increase in poverty and need. The speaker, who runs a credit union, shares how they've seen a surge in demand for essential items like soap and clothes due to the cost-of-living crisis. They also express concern about the upcoming election and its potential impact on their community. Despite this, they remain committed to helping those in need, charging no more than £5 for their services. The speaker reflects on the past 40 years of Labour rule in the area and criticizes their handling of local issues, leading to a loss of individuality and the closure of many businesses. They believe that the area feels unloved and underappreciated, with few job opportunities available. The speaker's perspective highlights the challenges faced by many communities in the UK, where the closure of local businesses and the rise of larger corporations have led to a loss of community identity and increased poverty.
Red Wall Shift: Traditional Labour strongholds are now being contested by the Conservatives due to local issues, larger political climate, and visible Conservative champions like Jacob Young, who have done more for the constituency than their Labour counterparts.
The political landscape in areas that were once strongholds for the Labour Party, like South Bank, has shifted due to a combination of factors including local issues and the larger political climate. Many residents, like Paul Warren, have grown disillusioned with the Labour Party and are now turning to the Conservatives. This trend was accelerated by the decline of industries like steelwork and the impact of Brexit. Despite this, some residents, like Paul, still have reservations and are undecided about who to vote for. However, they see potential in Conservative candidates like Jacob Young, who they believe have done more for the constituency than their Labour counterparts. The success of the Teesworks regeneration project under Conservative Mayor Ben Houchen has given the area a strong narrative and has made Jacob Young a visible champion for the area. This shift in voting patterns is part of the broader political phenomenon known as the "Red Wall," where traditional Labour strongholds are now being contested by the Conservatives.
Steelworks closure impact on politics: The closure of the steelworks in Southbank led to a shift in politics with many residents feeling neglected and let down, resulting in a high proportion of votes for Brexit and the arrival of a conservative MP.
The closure of the steelworks in Southbank led to a significant change in the community's politics. With the loss of jobs and the absence of trade unions, many people felt neglected and let down. The hope of reviving industries outside the EU through Brexit seemed appealing, leading to a high proportion of votes for Brexit in the area. The arrival of a conservative MP in 2019 further solidified this shift, as people saw visible changes in other parts of the town but not in their own. Despite being lifelong labor voters, some older residents felt that the conservatives were offering something new and different. If regeneration efforts do not materialize in the next 15 years, it's likely that more people in similar situations would consider voting differently.
Political allegiances, Perceptions: People's perceptions of politicians and their roles can change dramatically over time, and political allegiances can shift. In the case of Anna Turley, her efforts to help her community were met with criticism. Child poverty was also a significant issue in the community, with teachers expressing concern about its impact on children's well-being and academic performance.
Political allegiances can shift dramatically over time, and people's perceptions of politicians and their roles can change just as significantly. This was evident in the discussion about the Labour MP Anna Turley and her role in the steelworks story. Despite her efforts to help, she faced criticism from some in the community. Elsewhere, the issue of child poverty in Redco was highlighted, with teachers at Whale Hill Primary School expressing concern about children coming to school hungry and the impact it has on their well-being and academic performance. The community, despite its challenges, was described as having a strong sense of unity and resilience. Emotionally, the teachers expressed a deep sense of responsibility to find solutions to these issues, but acknowledged that they were not yet close to resolving them.
School Challenges in High Social Needs Areas: Funding cuts and the pandemic have worsened challenges for schools in areas with high social needs, leading to increased pressure on teachers and staff and lack of resources for students with additional needs. The drugs problem has also become prevalent, further complicating matters. The Town Deal Project offers some relief, but more sustained efforts are required.
The intersection of funding cuts and the pandemic has created significant challenges for schools in areas with high social needs, leading to increased pressure on teachers and staff to provide essential services. The closure of early intervention centers and the lack of specialized resources for students with additional needs have compounded these issues. The drugs problem, often considered a city issue in the past, is now prevalent in towns and cities across the country, further exacerbating the situation. Despite the potential for students to achieve great things, the lack of resources and support can make it difficult for them to reach their aspirations. The Town Deal Project, funded by the UK government and the Tees Valley Mayor, is an attempt to address some of these challenges and revitalize the community. However, more comprehensive and sustained efforts are needed to ensure that students in these areas have the resources and support they need to thrive.
Redcar's development: Older residents are switching to Conservative Party due to promises of levelling up, while younger people are skeptical and seek change in neglected Redcar
The town of Redcar, earmarked for regeneration, shows a mixed picture of development. While there are artistic representations of future red cars and talk of redevelopment, the high street remains neglected. The economic situation and past political climate have influenced people's voting choices, with some older residents switching from Labour to the Conservative Party due to promises of levelling up. Younger people, however, express skepticism about the implementation of these promises and are seeking change. The overall sentiment is tentative, with a hint of optimism, as people hope for improvements in their community. The contrast between Redcar and the more affluent town of Saltburn highlights the disparity in development and the ongoing struggle for change.
Political apathy in Saltburn: Despite changing political allegiance, local residents in Saltburn express disillusionment and apathy towards politics, with concerns over immigration and NHS, but skepticism towards reform parties' ability to deliver change
The current political climate in Saltburn, a town that recently changed from Labour to Conservative in the last election, is characterized by apathy and a general disillusionment with politics. Local residents, like Barry from the reform party, express concerns about issues such as immigration and the National Health Service. They believe that their voices aren't being heard and that politicians aren't addressing their concerns. This apathy is reflected in the lack of Tory posters and the prevalence of Labour posters, with some residents, like the interviewee in this conversation, expressing a desire for change and a belief that reform parties like the one Barry represents could provide a solution. However, there's also a sense of skepticism and uncertainty about the ability of these parties to deliver on their promises. Overall, the conversation highlights the complex and nuanced nature of political attitudes in this town and the challenges faced by politicians in engaging and mobilizing voters.
Labour Party recovery: In the face of political challenges and party losses, Labour candidates remained engaged with constituents and identified unaddressed issues to capitalize on voter dissatisfaction
Despite the challenging political climate and devastating losses for the Labour Party in 2015, hope remained and people's dissatisfaction with the status quo eventually led to a shift back towards Labour. The speaker, a Labour candidate, shared her personal experience of feeling devastated when her party lost the seat, but she never gave up and continued to engage with constituents. She found that the issues that led to their defeat in 2015, such as economic struggles and a failing healthcare system, were still prevalent and unaddressed. Additionally, the speaker acknowledged that while some Conservative politicians, like Jacob Young, had made progress in certain areas, the party's handling of issues like Brexit and the closure of steelworks had left many voters disillusioned. The Labour Party now has a chance to capitalize on this dissatisfaction and offer solutions to these persistent issues.
Red Wall Constituencies: Red Wall Constituencies are complex areas with deep-rooted social issues and signs of improvement. Some places are struggling with economic downturn, while others are thriving. There's a sense of dissatisfaction and desire for change, with examples of 'leveling up'. However, there's also a feeling that things can't continue as they are.
Learning from this episode of our journey through the Red Wall constituencies is that these areas are complex and multifaceted, with both deep-rooted social issues and signs of improvement. While some places are struggling with the aftermath of the economic downturn, others are thriving. Despite the complexities, there's a sense of dissatisfaction and a desire for change among the people we've met. In Redcar and Cleveland, we saw one of the few examples of "leveling up," but there's also a sense that things can't continue as they are. We'll be back after the election with more analysis, and in the meantime, join us for The Guardian's election results special on July 5th at 7.30pm. And if you're looking for something to do in the kitchen, check out The Guardian's new cooking app, Feast Up, for a range of delicious and easy-to-make vegan, comfort food, and bold flavor dishes. Start your free trial today.
