What Would Gladstone Have Done?
This week, I'm in danger of becoming so addicted to public meetings, that I'm in danger of addressing people as though they were Queen Victoria. Indeed, this whole blog entry seems to have Gladstonian overtones this week. Perhaps its something to do with 150th anniversary this year of the founding of the UK's Liberal Party. Formed out of a coalition of Whigs and Radicals. Just like the US Republican Party, formed at roughly the same time. But we don't talk about that :-)
Last Sunday, I took part in and addressed a meeting at the Tamil temple off Lee High Road about the tragedy of civilians caught up in the NE Sri Lankam atrocities. Since then, of course, the Sri Lankan government has won the war, but shows no signs of winning the peace. Pressure needs to be maintained on them to start treating the Tamil minority in a civilised way and meet their need for Home Rule. Not an easy thing to manage, and one which famously split the Liberal Party in relation to Ireland in Gladstone's day.
Had a useful meeting with Ray Hall on Tuesday to discuss his alternative plan for the Lewisham Gateway site, and on Wednesday chaired the Lewisham Central Ward Assembly. Saw past and potential future Labour councillors for the ward there, but alas not the current one. Again! But we managed to have what I hope people thought was a successful meeting without him, discussing how to allocate the so-called 'Mayor's' Fund (even though it is taxpayers' money). Disappointed though that we didn't get the same turn out of younger people that we got at the previous assembly, especially as one of the themes for spending money was on young people. Otherwise we oldies might be tempted to spend on those ultra- high frequency devices which only teenagers can hear!
On Thursday evening, took part in a Planning Committee, and rejected both applications, against officers' advice. I do detect that councillors at least on this particular planning committee are showing a willingness to think things through for themselves and not just take the official line for granted. I'm sure Gladstone would have been be proud of our late radicalism.
On Friday, a working dinner (expenses not claimed though!) with Cllr Bentley of neighbouring Lee Green ward to discuss issues of mutual concern including the merits of the Masala Zone thalis, and the future of the gate on Platform Four of Lewisham Station. Despite the public consultation, Network Rail do seem determined to close it.
On Saturday, had a busy surgery including a very civilised discussion with Helen Mercer about the Lewisham Bridge School issue. We agreed to differ on some issues, but at least we all have a common goal in ensuring the north of the Borough has enough primary AND secondary school places. Whilst we can still talk face to face and not simply shout from rooftops, the resources of civilisation are not exhausted.
