Thanks for putting this together, I think it’s useful to explore the current political landscape, which does seem unusual from what we’re used to in the UK! The point about being active in podcasts and similar spaces is something I have been thinking about recently, with The Rest Is Politics recently discussing AI and reaching a large mainstream audience, and talking about Give Directly a few years back. It totally seems possible to get some bigger podcasts to talk about animal issues, with relatively low effort.
One point about the current political situation is that there seems to be so much going on, both with local UK issues and international conflict, so bringing attention to animal issues might be harder. But realistically, this is probably always the case.
I want to mention UK voters for animals,which is a great initiative that focuses on engaging with your local MPs and councillors on animal issues. They are currently organising a mass lobby day to end cages on October 21st for any UK citizens/​residents who want to get involved.
Thanks Zuzana! I’m going to have a think about whether there can be a more concerted effort for the podcast idea.
I take your point about the international situation potentially making interventions more difficult. To be honest, I don’t really see animal welfare being a headline political cause – I imagine it’s more likely that it will be more successful if solutions are sought through manifesto small-print/​ technocratic solutions (which may actually be better for avoiding the controversy/​ polarisation that might come with this animal welfare as a more central manifesto position). In this sense, I’d hope that the chaotic international situation wouldn’t be too much of a barrier.
Thanks for putting this together, I think it’s useful to explore the current political landscape, which does seem unusual from what we’re used to in the UK! The point about being active in podcasts and similar spaces is something I have been thinking about recently, with The Rest Is Politics recently discussing AI and reaching a large mainstream audience, and talking about Give Directly a few years back. It totally seems possible to get some bigger podcasts to talk about animal issues, with relatively low effort.
One point about the current political situation is that there seems to be so much going on, both with local UK issues and international conflict, so bringing attention to animal issues might be harder. But realistically, this is probably always the case.
I want to mention UK voters for animals,which is a great initiative that focuses on engaging with your local MPs and councillors on animal issues. They are currently organising a mass lobby day to end cages on October 21st for any UK citizens/​residents who want to get involved.
Thanks Zuzana! I’m going to have a think about whether there can be a more concerted effort for the podcast idea.
I take your point about the international situation potentially making interventions more difficult. To be honest, I don’t really see animal welfare being a headline political cause – I imagine it’s more likely that it will be more successful if solutions are sought through manifesto small-print/​ technocratic solutions (which may actually be better for avoiding the controversy/​ polarisation that might come with this animal welfare as a more central manifesto position). In this sense, I’d hope that the chaotic international situation wouldn’t be too much of a barrier.
Hope to see you at the mass lobby day!