‘I disagreed with Frank Field, but he was no Tory and I loved him all the same’

The content was first posted on Philip Collins' Substack platform and is available at this location.

When I reflect on Frank Field's time as the representative for Birkenhead from 1979 to 2019, I recall an incident at a pub located in the striking Georgian architecture of Hamilton Square, where Frank resided. A member of the socialist organization, Socialist Organiser, started to verbally attack Frank.

Frank was removed as the Labour candidate for Birkenhead by the Socialist Organiser. Subsequently, Neil Kinnock's office directed for the dishonest proceedings to be repeated.

The activist appeared very mad and it appeared as if I was the only one protecting a timid MP from getting hurt. Suddenly, a gang of garbage collectors, who were drinking nearby, stood up together and surrounded Frank in complete silence to keep him safe.

Frank Field Personified Political Goodness

Frank Field was instrumental in giving me an opportunity to launch my career. When I started working in Birkenhead, I had the chance to witness both factions of the Labour Party. The vast majority of kind-hearted individuals were plagued by a hostile, zealous group with an overpowering ideology.

Throughout his lengthy tenure in public service, Frank Field epitomized the concept of integrity in politics. He personified both the advantages and challenges of maintaining strong ethical standards within a pragmatic profession. Unfortunately, his noteworthy career has now come to a close.

Frank was deeply devoted to his religion. During our interview, he inquired about my thoughts on the King James Bible. Luckily, it was the only thing I had studied for. My mom had strong opinions on the superiority of the Authorised Version's prose, which I shared with Frank. He seemed pleased with my response.

I joined in after expressing some opinionated comments about the 1928 prayer book. Almost, but not quite there yet. The next step was jotting down a speech that supported Margaret Thatcher, which I found effortless to do as I grew up with conservative parents from a regional background. Frank didn't just approve of my written piece, he also believed in its authenticity.

Frank - The Lone Wolf Of Politics

Frank was shy, playful, amusing, and enjoyable company, but when it came to politics, he was a lone wolf. Can you name any other politicians from his time who would publish a book titled The Politics of Paradise: A Christian Perspective on the Kingdom?

When I randomly opened Neighbours From Hell, I stumbled upon a sentence from 2003 that was quite unique coming from a Labour politician. The sentence was as follows: "The modern approach to politics involves controlling behavior and reviving the positive aspects of self-control in society."

Frank's views did not align with those of the Tory party, but rather, he championed the aspirations of the working class. This disagreement became more prominent during Frank's short tenure as the minister for welfare reform in 1997. According to Tony Blair's memoir, he requested that Frank consider radical ideas, but they ultimately proved to be incomprehensible.

It seems quite unjust. Everyone knew about Frank's opinions on welfare. He thought subjecting the less fortunate to means-testing made them feel ashamed, while providing universal benefits motivated them to work hard and be responsible. However, Gordon Brown had his own valid reasons to believe that directing funds towards the impoverished was a better allocation of limited resources.

"Disagreeing With Him": Familiarity Among Friends

I started to believe that Frank should've been willing to make a deal with Brown. He could've at least gotten something instead of nothing. However, having different opinions than Frank is something his numerous intimate pals are used to.

I disagreed with the proposal to shorten the time frame for abortion. I don't share the same views as Frank regarding immigration, as he seems to take on a very conservative stance. Frank has been an active advocate for Brexit, but I don't support this movement. His decision to endorse Ed instead of David Miliband seemed trivial to me, and I strongly disagree with his choice to endorse Jeremy Corbyn as a potential leader which I believe was a reckless move.

Despite our differences, I still loved him. Nowadays, it's easy to forget that respecting someone doesn't mean you have to see eye-to-eye. He's been the most innovative when it comes to advocating for children's poverty and pensions in the political realm.

Changed Stance: Now Supports Assisted Dying

Recently in the House of Lords, Baroness Meacher shared a message from her acquaintance Frank. According to him, he is nearing the end of his life and he expressed his support for the assisted dying bill. This legislation would permit individuals with terminal illnesses to obtain help in ending their lives.

Frank previously had a stance against assisted dying, mainly due to his belief in the value of life. However, his perspective shifted when he witnessed a close friend suffer through the intense pain and suffering of cancer without the ability to choose a peaceful end.

Frank stated that assisted deaths make up less than 1% of all deaths in areas of the United States and Australia where it is legal. Despite concerns about the possibility of vulnerable individuals being taken advantage of, this fear does not seem to have any real impact.

If someone wants to end their life, they should be able to do so with the approval of two doctors and the High Court. This change should be made to the law, but Frank is not emotional about it. He believes that it should be changed for the right reasons and not as a tribute to anyone.

Frank Ponders Heaven & Hell's Nature

In 1989, I worked in Frank's office which was not very bright. We often listened to Mozart's third symphony while I typed up his diary entries that he dictated to me. During one of our sessions, Frank spoke about his thoughts on heaven and hell.

I still recall his nervous conclusion vividly: he believed either we are inhabiting our current physical bodies after death, "or I may be mistaken". While we had different views on eschatology, I can't help but wish that he is correct.

Instead of using the words of poet RS Thomas, who was loved by Frank, I am pondering on a particular phrase. In his poem "The Fair," Thomas describes something similar to an orchestra made of steel, where there is a continuous rhythm of laughter. However, when someone is expected to join in the laughter, their face may betray their true emotions, and they may shed tears that reveal their humanity.

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