When Steve Baker, the MP for Wycombe, rose to speak in the House of Commons on 31 January he would have had every right to be triumphant. 

He had achieved a fervent and long-held ambition to see Britain leave the European Union. 

Instead, Baker, who chaired the pro-Brexit European Reform Group, took a different tack. He told the House, ‘I will celebrate. I will allow myself a smile, I’ll allow myself that glass of champagne, I will enjoy myself. 

‘But I’ll celebrate discreetly, and I will celebrate in a way which is respectful of the genuine sorrow that others are feeling at the same time.’ 

It’s this simple decency that has won Steve  – along with former Chancellor of the Exchequer Ken Clarke –  the first Civility In Politics Award, intended to reward our politicians for ‘doing politics positively’. 

We felt that, while it’s right to call out our elected representatives for bad behaviour, the tide will only turn when we recognise and celebrate the good.

When we reward – and exemplify – efforts to find agreement, willingness to admit to mistakes or revise their views, commitment to bridging divides and doing all of the above with good humour, courtesy and kindness.

Yet, despite the efforts of politicians like Steve and Ken, there is often a lack of civility and respect in the way those in political life talk to each other. These attitudes worsen divides, and drastically reduce the chances of cooperation and collaboration. 

And while finger-pointing at politicians is a popular pastime, they are not the only ones to blame. There is growing evidence that Britain is falling into factions based on how we think about the issues of the day.

The referendum campaign meant people began to join together under these labels of convenience, and crudely judge others – for better and worse – as a result. Yes, it’s natural for humans to spend time with people who make us feel good (and by that, we often mean being told we’re right) but what does this lead to?

We find ourselves in bubbles where we can dismiss and ignore the views and opinions of those on opposing sides. Even when they may sometimes have a point. When this becomes commonplace, it bodes ill for democracy.

Working across party lines is often essential to getting things done – whether at national or local level. The risks of this partisan processing don’t stop there. They make it harder to hold government to account if criticising your own tribe, even on principled grounds, is perceived as disloyalty.

Our tribalism means we process facts differently (ask yourself if you would trust something your political opposite said as much as the person who agreed with you). 

Research from the US shows this discrimination costs. For example, recruiters favour applicants based on political affiliation. Healthcare advisers often respond to patients differently, depending on their own political views

Despite all these downsides, there is very little reward for politicians who walk a different path. Those who do reach for consensus and try to temper the tone of debate. Instead, showing sympathy or attempting compromise can be regarded as letting your team down.

Steadfastly – perhaps even stubbornly – standing up for your beliefs is treated with unquestioning admiration, even though it’s not always guaranteed to achieve positive change. 

Concerned about what this means for our society, a cross party, cross Brexit team came together last year to provide some counterweight to discord and division.

The awards won by Steve and Ken today encourage and celebrate a more positive type of politics, one which is not perfect, but marked by openness, reflection and seeks to break down barriers. 

Hearteningly, the public embraced our call. We received 120 entries from all parts of the UK. Many nominated MPs from outside their own political beliefs.

One told us, ‘I’ve written to my MP, over the last three years with a frequency and vigour that should have got me blocked. Yet he has always conducted himself with great integrity, politeness and good humour.

‘I don’t always agree with him, but that really doesn’t matter when you have faith that someone will act with their better judgement for a greater good.’  

The judges were particularly impressed by the nominations for Ken, which came from opposite ends of the political spectrum, demonstrating the respect he holds across party lines.

As one of his nominators said, ‘I am not Conservative but I am always struck by Mr Clarke’s civil and professional conduct while arguing passionately for his cause.’ 

While many current MPs were nominated, the judges felt that Steve’s attitude towards Remain supporters has been understanding, respectful and non-combative. He has made an effort to reach across the divide, to listen to and work with those who don’t share his views – not always easy in such a high-profile, emotional debate. 

We’ve also celebrated those who aren’t politicians but who play a role in the political life of the country. Former Labour Home Secretary Jacqui Smith and LBC host Iain Dale were awarded the ‘Co-operation of the Year’ Award for their bridge-building podcast, ‘For the Many’.  

Anand Menon, whose research as part of the ‘UK in a Changing Europe’ initiative has injected impartial and evidence-based understanding into the Brexit debate, was awarded Influencer of the Year. 

Following the success of this year’s Awards, the nomination window for the 2020-21 Awards opens in November. Again, we’ll be looking for the public to tell us about those in the political world they think have behaved with civility, decency and who have reached across divides. 

In a world where being thoughtful and reflective too often fails to pay off,  we hope our initiative is a nudge in the right direction.

Ali Goldsworthy and Helen Mayer are both judges at the Civility In Politics Awards. You can find out more about the awards at www.civilityinpolitics.org 

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