‘Bristol’s Collaborative Approach is a Beacon of Hope in an Increasingly Divided World’

Something remarkable happened in Bristol last summer that should serve as a reminder of our identity as a city. It can also be an inspiration for the choices we face in the upcoming metro mayor elections.

When the far right threatened to march on our city, aiming to attack hotels housing refugees, the people of Bristol responded with resounding, united action. On August 7, thousands poured onto the streets, filling them so completely that there was literally no space for the far right to march.

This moment on West Street in Old Market wasn’t just a spontaneous outpouring of solidarity; it was a reflection of who we are as a city and an expression of our learning and moving away from the injustice that has been part of Bristol historically.

Looking across the Atlantic, the rise of polarising and divisive leadership in America should give us pause.

Over the last decade, we’ve witnessed how quickly a political landscape can shift, normalising exclusionary and harsh rhetoric and policies.

Could that happen here? It’s not an idle question. If certain parties or individuals were to gain the metro mayor position, would we see the legitimisation of politics that scapegoat refugees, foster racism, division and undermine the positive culture Bristol has worked so hard to build?

We are living in a politically challenging time. Our nation faces immense problems: rising inequality, a housing crisis, NHS, schools and social care that are really struggling to operate.

Successive governments have been unable to provide big solutions, leaving many people disillusioned and searching for answers. This kind of frustration is fertile ground for the rise of extremism.

Throughout history, we’ve seen how periods of crisis can open the door to leaders who promise strength and certainty but deliver division, fear and – ultimately – suffering.

We must resist the temptation to embrace such ‘solutions’, no matter how appealing they may seem in the moment.

Bristol has a better way forward, one that has already gained international recognition: the One City Approach.

In 2019, Bristol was acknowledged as one of the six most innovative cities in Europe, highlighting the effectiveness of the One City Approach in fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders.

This innovative governance model brought together businesses, communities and public institutions to tackle our city’s challenges collaboratively.

By focusing on shared goals and inclusive decision-making, the One City Approach has proven that we can achieve more when we work together rather than retreating into ideological silos.

It’s a model that other cities have looked to as a beacon of hope in an increasingly divided world.

This spirit of collaboration is exactly what we need in the upcoming elections.

Bristol doesn’t need a metro mayor who will polarise and divide; we need a leader who will build bridges, foster cooperation, and tackle the challenges we face with courage and creativity.

The issues before us are too complex for one person or one party to solve alone. They require collective action and leadership that brings people together.

As voters, we have a choice to make. Will we let fear and frustration drive us toward leaders who promise simple answers but sow division? Or will we choose politicians who are committed to collaboration and to building a future that benefits everyone?

It’s easy to become cynical in times like these, but through working together positively, across our cultural and political differences, we have the power to shape our city’s future.

This is about turning out to vote, but it’s also about the everyday interactions we have with other people: showing kindness to neighbours, using social media positively, bringing solutions and encouragements rather than complaints, anger and criticism in every area of our lives.

The memory of August 7 2024 should inspire us as we head to the polls in May and in the way we engage with each other and the city now.

The far right didn’t find space to march in Bristol that day and they shouldn’t find space in our politics either.

Instead, let’s make room for leaders who will listen, collaborate and work tirelessly to solve the challenges we face together.

Let’s make room for hope.

This is an opinion piece by Chris Bond, pastor of Hope Chapel in Hotwells







_{Source: www.bristol247.com/opinion/your-say/bristol-collaborative-approach-beacon-hope-increasingly-divided-world/}