Illumination under the northern lights

Political correspondent Tania Branigan is trekking to the Arctic with a team of MPs Read all entries

The aurora borealis. Photo: Tania Branigan

Day five, Rusuvarri: Should one let sleeping MPs lie? I don't mean in the Commons chamber (and no predictable jokes, please, about politicians being able to lie even in their sleep). But Emily Thornberry and I glimpsed the aurora borealis late last night and - when we saw just how spectacular it was becoming - debated whether or not to wake Jenny Willott, who was already out for the count (a herders' hut is positively luxurious after an igloo).

We do. She forgives us once she steps outside. Did I say I'd already seen the northern lights? It wasn't even a prelude. This time it fills the entire sky, sweeping across the horizon - and changing constantly. It pulses, shimmers, trembles and swirls around us, colours fading in and out.

Maybe the cold and exhaustion are taking their toll, but it's an strangely emotional experience. You can see how people suddenly find religion.

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