Ruth Cadbury MP delivers this year’s Salter Lecture

The MP for Brentford and Isleworth discussed the challenge offered to the foundations of our democracy when politicians ignore the principles of truth and integrity at the annual Quaker Socialist Society lecture.

Ruth Cadbury said that the vast majority of politicians are both honest and focussed on helping others. Britain's constitutional arrangements never envisaged that MPs could, or would, be dishonourable, she said.

Integrity in public life is based on the rule of law with four pillars: parliament, the judiciary, an impartial civil service, and a free press. "And it's fair to say that for almost 200 years these pillars were doing a pretty good job of preventing liars, cheats and fascists from stealing power," the MP told Quakers gathered for the lecture, part of Yearly Meeting.

The MP also discussed the role of the media in maintaining truth and integrity in public life, and the challenge of social media where lies are repeated in ever-growing echo chambers.

She encouraged Quakers to engage with their elected politicians and get involved in politics, to join the Quaker Truth and Integrity Group, and to work together with local interfaith or Churches Together groups.

Ruth Cadbury, a lifelong Quaker and member of the Cadbury family, has been a Labour MP since 2015.