Redbridge Labour banning people from speaking to those in power is not a good look

The exchange of emails between me and a council officer earlier today shows how Redbridge Labour bans people from speaking at meetings. I have appealed to Cllr Athwal and hopes in sees sense and lets me speak at the cabinet meeting tomorrow 13th July.

Email to me from Council Officer below

Dear Mr Walker

Of course you can attend the Cabinet meeting in person. You are welcome to along.

However, you will not be permitted to speak at the meeting. This follows repeated deception from you where you attempted to ask questions that (i) differed from the questions submitted (ii) did not relate to substantive items on the agenda and (iii) pertained to a matter you had raised in the previous 6 months.

For the Cabinet meeting on 13 July, your question regarding the Affordable Housing Programme will be read out by the Leader. If you wish to submit in writing a supplementary question about the affordable housing programme, then that will also be read out at the meeting, if received before 5pm today and it meets the criteria for public participation. There will be no opportunity for you to speak at the meeting.

I hope that this clarifies the position but please do not hesitate to contact me if further clarity is needed.

My reply

I dispute your claim of "deception", instead it is reasonable tactic in response to Redbridge Labour acting in bad faith by restricting public speaking at council meetings.

These restrictions have made it more difficult for the Labour party to be held to account for its local plan, particularly the enthusiasm for high rise which refer will damage the well being of our community and those in live in them.

Undermining residents' ability to participate in our democracy is bound is likely to contribute to even more apathy about local politics. I have copied in the Leader in the hope he will allow a supplementary question on the night.

Regards

Andy