Last Saturday I had an exciting and full day, amongst meeting residents, going to a fundraising event, visiting the Belvedere Community Forum I went to the Thamesmead Festival.
The Thamesmead Festival started out as a vibrant and exciting event, but I quickly felt a certain tension in the air which made me think that something bad might happen. Sadly for the overwhelming majority of decent people there, it did.
Today the News Shopper is carrying the report that the festival had to be closed early due to violence. Read it here.
Interestingly the News Shopper devotes most of the article to quotes from the Labour MP John Austin. Maybe one day, they’ll ask me for a quote on how badly Labour have let down and taken for granted the people of Erith & Thamesmead!
However, in the meantime we need to consider the response of the Police at this event.
‘A stand-off developed between police, who included officers from the Met Police’s Territorial Support Group, and about 200 youths, with bottles and bricks thrown at the police.
A police helicopter was also called in.
Eventually the crowds dispersed and the Met said a number of youths were issued with fixed penalty notices for public order offences.’
Oh come on! Is that the best we can do? If people throw bricks and bottles at the Police they should be arrested, charged and punished. Severely.
Obviously since the G20 debacle our Police have been emasculated and have been reduced little more than mobile punch bags that can issue Fixed Penalty Notices for a living. Why doesn’t the gutless Home Office just get on with it and rename our hard working and brave coppers Traffic Wardens!
Pathetic.
I am STANDING FOR CHANGE. As the Member of Parliament for Erith & Thamesmead I will fight for local people and make sure that our constituency gets the strong leadership it deserves. Like most people, I am sick and tired of the way that this area has been let down by the Labour Party who have taken us for granted. If I am going to bring dynamic political leadership to our area, I need YOUR VOTE! Married with four children, I am actively involved in my church, council and charities.