LOCAL politicians and religious figures have met at Bradford Cathedral to debate ‘post-truth’ Britain.
Conservative MP for Shipley Philip Davies, Bradford West’s Labour MP Naz Shah, Lib Dem Lord Wallace of Saltaire and Bishop of Leeds Nick Baines were on the panel for the debate on Thursday.
At the debate, Mr Davies blast the online phenomenon of ‘fake news’.
He said: “If anybody believes what they read on social media, well, they want looking at.
“It’s all about blatant lies and political bias. Too many people believe the smears and it’s getting worse.
“I fear politics is on its last legs because of this and is beyond redemption.”
Bishop Baines added there was a problem with people now living in “self-fulfilling bubbles.”
“It can be just self-reinforcing because people only engage with others who share the same views, without being exposed to different opinions and so see life through their own filters.
Naz Shah warned the internet has a “sinister underworld” and that she was the target of death-threats during the Election.
“It is dangerous when hate speak is put out and if there is no proper dialogue. There needs to be more regulation.
“But I am excited that so many more young people are using social media to get involved in politics.
Lord Wallace said that while we now had the most educated electorate in British history, this was an era of snap judgements.
“People are certainly less patient in listening to political arguments than their parents were.”
Other topics covered during the debate included the crossover between politics and religion.
Regarding Lib Dem leader Tim Farron’s decision to resign claiming conflict between his personal view of Christianity and his political role, the panel agreed this was deeply regrettable.
“Faith and politics run into each other and it would be a tragedy if people of faith felt they had to stay out of politics,” Lord Wallace said.
Naz Shah said her faith gave her strength and it was vital to be true to yourself.
Philip Davies added: “If you’re going to exclude people of a particular faith – who’s next?
“It’s nonsense and it needs to be challenged.”
Bishop Baines concluded: “We need to give politicians space to be who they are.”
The event was the second in a series of public debates being staged at the Cathedral.
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