An ambitious aquatic analogy of British politics from 2008 onwards

The British political scene in 2008 can be compared to three vessels on the sea.

Currently the Titanic is the ship in the spotlight. Many passengers got on board, but the only place it’s going fast, is down. Passengers are panicking, looking for a rescue ship, and the only thing they can see is the lovely looking Marie Celeste. From distant observation it seems perfectly seaworthy, it’s got some damn fine sails. So, naturally, people jump overboard and swim towards it.

Just one problem.

As soon as people climb aboard the Marie Celeste, they will realise that there isn’t a soul onboard, it’s empty. And with no crew they’re just going to be sucked down by the drag of the sinking Titanic. Again, people will have to look for an alternative, and what’s that on the horizon?

It’s a little Yellow Submarine emerging out of the water. The difference between a submarine and a boat is that when everything’s sinking boats are unable to resurface. And with Captain Clegg at the helm, and his trusty radar buoy (that happens to be attached to a Cable), hopefully the little Yellow Submarine will transport more people to a more free and fair destination and change the idea of sea travel from 2D to the 3D world that that the rest of us live in.

Looking forward to a liberal 2013, when, after 25 years of waiting, the Lib Dems and I will have an opportunity to create a place where we want to live

* Stephen Gillan is an optimistic student and future activist.

P.S. nothing looks worse than a submarine dressed up as a boat. Never be afraid to be different. The time is approaching when difference will be a mark of distinction.