Well, pretence is what this society is about (mostly).
It may well be that 'the safe centre' is just convenient for people to take a way out without having to think too much, like fast food, no matter what harm it does.
Having said that, I'm qualifying with adding that a lot of people are tired, stressed financially and generally and seek some sort of reassurance, whether it's from Labs, Libs, PHONeys or Greens.