IN the Bible,we read: “Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he who keepeth the law, happy is he.” Proverbs 29:18 (King James Version).

Unfortunately, the endless Brexit debate has clouded our vision and diminished Britain in the eyes of many around the world.

Whichever way we voted in the 2016 Referendum, one thing is clear: looking in on ourselves, our economy, our standard of living, our wellbeing, and our preoccupations are not going to help us address the global imperatives that are crying out for effective action.

To mention just three in the form of questions: Why are young people demanding greater political will to combat global warming? What more should we be doing to help the 2.3 billion people who possess no toilet and the 844 million who have no safe water near their home? How can we deal better with the pollution and environmental degradation that has led to the massive decline in the number of living species, on which the future of mankind depends?

We can raise up our arms in despair or decide to live differently. A wise person once said:“There is enough in the world for everyone’s need but not for everyone’s greed. If everyone cared enough and everyone shared enough then everyone would have enough.”

That is the basis for a totally new economics. Globally, economic growth as currently measured is unsustainable. As a political tool, it is totally out of date.

By showing a greater willingness to share rather than to grab, greater trust can be built between rich and poor.

New trade agreements with poorer nations could pioneer a much fairer approach to resources. Conflict, wherever it is, inevitably leads to mistrust, insecurity and degradation of the environment. The building of trust is crucial to restoration of the environment.

We must all play our part as individuals and as communities.

But we cannot stop there. Standing together with other nations, Britain is called to play a significant role in changing the world order and building trust across the globe.

But we can only do this through our actions carried out in a spirit of service and humility.

With a big enough vision, humanity can yet be saved.

Keith Neal

Altrincham Interfaith Group