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GOOD MORNING

Sometimes a phrase can evoke the spirit of a moment in history better than any visual image.

75 years ago today, Winston Churchill uttered the words in Parliament, "I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears and sweat" – words whose incantatory power helped sustain the nation through dark years of war.

At times during the general election campaign, I’ve recalled Churchill’s words on that day.  They remind me how hard-won our democracy has been; and the achievements of politics for good. 

On a visit to the Palace of Westminster, I couldn’t help but think of what events had taken place in those precincts.

This was the place in which the slave trade in the British Empire was abolished; in these lobbies, free education was extended to all; Gladstone and Disraeli spoke from these benches; voting here granted medicine to haves and have-nots alike.

I was moved because it hit me then, that so many of the decisions taken here had an astonishing influence for good in my life: I was born in an NHS hospital and, schooled for free… liberating benefits granted to me by politicians who could never have known me – or the others who benefit – but enacted these laws for the common good of all.

The most unexpected visual image of parliament is in the vast central lobby, high up – four huge mosaics: the patron saints of the United Kingdom – George, Andrew, David and Patrick: gazing down on the work of politicians and journalists.

May the patron saints of our nations intercede for all politicians and those who govern; may the common good of each and all be their guide and inspiration. 

AMEN.