BYM challenges government on ‘key priorities’
Britain Yearly Meeting has challenged the government to commit to a number of key priorities
A just transition to a net-zero carbon economy and creating a culture of welcome are just two of the key priorities that Britain Yearly Meeting (BYM) has challenged the government to committing to, in the wake of the general election result. The other priorities include: promoting peace and transforming justice – particularly focusing on the Conservative Party’s manifesto pledges around prevention and rehabilitation, rather than those around longer sentencing.
Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, also responded to the result in his New Year Message urging people to reconnect with acquaintances who may hold different opinions to them.
He said: ‘Let’s go for a heroic new year’s resolution. Let’s resolve to reconnect. To reach out to just one person we don’t know, or from whom we have drifted apart. Pick one person. Pick up the phone. Send them a text. Meet them for a cup of tea. Make that connection. Let’s begin cementing our unity one brick at a time.’
Across the UK, Quaker Meetings considered how they could best respond to the outcome of the general election and the divisions caused by Brexit. In Yorkshire, Huddersfield Friends held a post-election vigil and meal following the charged result.
