Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Patrick Stewart wants politicians to watch more Star Trek and follow Jean-Luc Picard's example

'Picard believed first and foremost in negotiation'

Heather Saul
Sunday 16 August 2015 10:03 BST
Comments
Patrick Stewart wants politicians to watch Star Trek
Patrick Stewart wants politicians to watch Star Trek (Getty)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Patrick Stewart is urging politicians to watch more Star Trek and follow the example set by his character, captain Jean-Luc Picard, instead of succumbing to infighting and squabbles.

When asked which of his past characters would provide good role models for today, Stewart told the Huffington Post he chose his turn in Star Trek: The Next Generation.

"Unlike my predecessor, Captain James T. Kirk, Jean-Luc Picard believed first and foremost in negotiation. He was a diplomat before he was a warrior. Talk, talk, talk and keep on talking. That would be a great message for the world to absorb."

His remarks come as the Labour party continues to panic over the unprecedented surge in support for Jeremy Corbyn, with leadership hopeful Liz Kendell telling voters to choose "anyone" but him on Wednesday. Stewart, a passionate Labour supporter, said the the party has been plunged into "complete disarray" after the veteran left-wing MP took over his rivals in opinion polls.

Corbyn has set himself apart from Kendell, Andy Burnham and Yvette Cooper with his socialist policies, which include renationalising the railways, a top tax bracket of 50 per cent and a ban on nuclear weapons.

Stewart also criticised world leaders for solving issues militarily instead of working harder to thrash out peaceful solutions in times of conflict. “People don’t have to die to achieve a satisfactory solution to anything - I do believe that," he said. "I believe that we reach for the weapons far too quickly.”

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in