Yesterday evening I hosted a public meeting on crime in the Bayswater and
Westbourne areas. As I hate old-fashioned party politics I happily included
the Labour councillors and provided an opportunity for the public to directly question the area Inspector, Dan Thorpe.
I love meetings like this. People get to air their views and frustrations
and the police get to hear directly where the resources are most needed.
Everyone feels more engaged in their community and, with my barrister hat
on, it helps to show the Council and the police the evidence to support what
I am asking them to do when I campaign on crime.
It is also my favourite way of meeting people because they get to see me
doing what I do best which is fighting their corner. I was always the noisy
one in the class at school and loved debating and public speaking so it's
partly that. But it's also that when we join forces and support each other
we are at our very best. My husband and I have recently had a bereavement
and so I have had very personal experience of this and it's made me think
about it a lot.
Politicians need to place more faith in people. By giving them more
opportunities to play their role in their communities we will achieve a lot
more.
If there are any crime related issues in your area that need discussing in a
forum such as this, please be sure to let me know.
