“When you’re at war you think about a better life; when you’re at peace you think about a more comfortable one.”
That was the view of American writer Thornton Wilder, and it seems to ring true. If so, then however the present international crisis pans out, but especially if we really do have to confront a possible war, then paradoxically it might make the transformation of this country suddenly possible.
We glimpsed hope
Throughout the long years of Conservative rule, when every penny of public expenditure was begrudged and the country seemed to be run for the government’s spivvy friends, attempts at any kind of democratic renaissance proved futile. We talked about it endlessly, but nothing ever came of it.
Then last year’s general election, and the arrival of the longed-for Labour government, has brought as much frustration as satisfaction. We still seem to be living according to the narrative established by the Conservatives and their more extreme friends, against whom they seemed to have no answer and of whom Labour continue to live in fear.
All change
But now, with the scarcely believable threat of war, perspectives change. Wilder’s observation seems to echo the sentiments we have all heard from our parents and other veterans of the Second World War. We had a just cause then, a shared objective: we really were all in it together. Paradoxically, under threat we were more sure of ourselves. We saw things with greater clarity. We knew what had to be done, and we knew we shared that objective. It would be unwise to suggest we were happy with our lot when every night the enemy flew over trying to obliterate us, but that goal, of a better life beyond the bombing, was the nation’s inspiration.
That aspiration is also likely to be shared by those most readers of this piece will see as political opponents: those who follow the simplistic arguments of the populists. Those ‘casual’ racists and xenophobes, who adopt that view out of convenience and to save having to consider the awkwardnesses of life. The mean spirited, who are always prepared to think the worst of others.
Just a few weeks ago, there were many who espoused the cause of Donald Trump. There were probably some who reckoned on Russia. But we see those simplistic right-wing arguments collapsing, along with the parties that championed them. Nigel Farage has lost his mojo.
The kaleidoscope turns
We begin to find most people on the same wavelength. Conservative voters reluctantly see Keir Starmer as a plausible war leader. The left applaud the King for his stance on Ukraine. The centre left accept without demur the necessity to make our defence the number one priority, even if they are furious about where the money is coming from.
As Europe finds its true voice at last and solidarity actually begins to mean something tangible, what voices would now be raised against collaboration in mutual defence? If Canada wants to join with the EU, how could Britain not follow?
In fact, a shrewd centre-left party would see this as an opportunity to talk to those on what we might call the ‘fickle right’ – not the outright racists, but those who are tempted by Reform because they offer simplistic solutions. In the growing national mood and its warm glow of togetherness, they begin to see much more clearly where their best interests lie.
The whole landscape is changing, in the most dramatic upheaval since the last war. Talk of a European army was anathema to those on the right just a few months ago. But expect earnest Conservative backbenchers to begin giving the idea their blessing. It was possible (and only too easy) to paint the EU as ‘others’ – outsiders who were not to be trusted. The natural corollary was to chum up with America, where at least they spoke English (after a fashion), so we knew they couldn’t be all bad.
Maybe Europe is home after all
Except it turns out they are – or the ones in charge anyway. Europe becomes the place where, with sudden obvious clarity, we share our values. The grudging distrust of foreigners within the Red Wall, if it still existed, now if it exists at all is bent on what Trump and Musk are up to.
So expect the nation’s attitudes to change dramatically in the coming months, over many issues. The conundrum remains, however, as to whether it will touch the prime minister. Whatever his skills as a wartime leader, to date he has shown little interest in changing his mind either on Europe or the ragged narrative of how society works that he inherited from the Conservatives.
That caution and lack of imagination will prove an increasing burden on him, held at bay if present preoccupations with war grow more tense. But let us not forget what happened to our last successful wartime leader, who was confidently expected to win the peace. He was ousted. The voters realised he was not the man who could deliver what had become their dreams of change and a better life.
