Forget gestures, in the end all politics is local - Kevin Lang

Kevin Lang, Liberal Democrat councillor for Almond ward looks into traffic issues at the Barnton Road traffic junction

It’s why I love being a councillor. Every day, you deal with things people really care about. Is my bus turning up when I need it? Does my school have the equipment needed to teach my kids? Is my local park free from litter? The clue is in the name - for a local councillor, all politics is local.

Of course, in our inter-connected world global politics has an impact too. You only have to look at Ukraine and the consequence of war on our food and fuel prices.

Yet, just because something is important, it doesn’t mean you have influence, no matter how much you’d like it. Many an Edinburgh Council agenda is now filled with motions about the atrocities we see across the world. “Council believes this terrible thing is terrible and agrees we should write to the Government to say how terrible it all is.” There’ll probably be an amendment which talks about flags.

I know these motions come from heartfelt concern and care for those suffering in the world. Yet, people who are elected to sort out the bins and fix the roads must have a rather distorted view of their own self-importance to believe their view on global politics and international conflict will have resonance with those who count.

I for one doubt Benjamin Netanyahu sits anxiously by his phone awaiting the latest from the Edinburgh City Chambers. I also feel uncomfortable with the idea we’re ‘doing our bit’ by passing motions that few will notice or care about.

Next week, I’ll head to the USA to join the Kamala Harris campaign. Despite an American population of hundreds of millions, it seems a small number of votes in a just a few states will decide the outcome. Hands-up, I may have a warped view of my own self-importance but it feels like an election where every effort will count, including mine.

But, who knows, as I knock on doors in suburban Detroit, there’s the risk I’ll be asked about the local park or morning bus service. In the end, all politics is local.

Kevin Lang is leader of the Liberal Democrats on Edinburgh Council