Demands for a general election grow - here’s what the people of Birmingham say about UK political turmoil

The United Kingdom currently sees itself in a precarious state politically. Instability within government and a deficit of strong leadership is set against a backdrop of economic turmoil unseen in generations.

A cost of living and fuel crisis, unsustainable national debts, sky-rocketing inflation, a housing crisis and rising interest rates. There’s no clear solution but what is clear is that the country does need a leader with vision.

Following Liz Truss’s resignation, the country now awaits a new Prime Minister. Lot’s of speculation as to who the Conservative Party will choose - but with so much instability many are now calling for a general election. We speak to Brummies to see if they think that would be the right course of action.

James said: “No, I don’t. I just think that the mess that the Conservatives have made should be sorted out by them. I don’t think it should be very long before the general election but not now. No, because the country’s in a mess already. And it will just make the country seem unstable. More than it is.”

Nancy said: “I think they should because I think the public deserves their vote instead of the MPs and all that voting for who they think. You know, to be fair, the public should have a right. A say.”

Dave said: “I think the most important quality for a new Prime Minister’s just providing stability to the country. Everything that happened with Boris Johnson that we kind of watch from afar and saw things break down over the pandemic and then with Liz Truss’ time as PM being so short, I think just someone who can, you know, provide some sensibility and not have some scandal erupts.”

June said: “What it should be focusing on mainly - the people in the community. They’re not listening to the people in the community. With all the problems they’ve got with the heating and all the things going up in the shops - they’re going up all the while. Every week you go to the shops and put an extra 2p more, 10p on things. And the poor are getting poorer and even the middle class are getting poorer now. It’s only the upper that are not bothered.”

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