Statement on the attack on Hannah Perkin, and Swale council offices:
The thuggery at Swale council offices last week, and follow on abuse and threats to elected councillors, are a disgusting attack on our local democracy.
The current hysteria and misinformation being endlessly whipped up by belligerent far right actors does nothing whatsoever to solve the many challenges Kent faces. It simply serves to divide and distract people from the actual work that needs to be done to help the communities and people of Kent.
All elected representatives are employed directly by their electorate, in a fair process, to represent that electorate. They are there to listen to people they represent, and take all views into account in a balanced way.
When a tiny number of individuals decide to walk over that long standing process using violence and intimidation, it is not just an attack on a representative, it is an attack on everyone.
A core belief of Christianity (and in fact Christmas) is the concept of sanctuary and help for people less fortunate than ourselves. But here in Kent, far right activists are completely misusing Christian symbolism to whip up hatred in a series of protests which are against basic Christian values.
This hatred has been blighting Thanet, and has caused disruption to our local democracy.
We call firstly on Amelia Randall & UKIP, who as a party were formally removed from power after causing irreparable damage to our area, and do not appear to have any actual elected
representatives anywhere in the UK, to call off any planned action.
Secondly, we call on the individual who goes by the name of ‘Jodie Missus Kent’ to cancel her event in Margate on the 22nd of December.
It is very clear the hatred and division they are promoting is now leading to violence. For the sake of Kent, this needs to end now.
From recent experience it's clear that these hate events are not widely supported, or wanted, by Kent residents, especially at Christmas time, when almost everyone simply wants to see safe streets, free of hatred.
We call on Reform UK, the controllers of Kent County Council, to denounce these protests, and call for them to end.
Thanet Liberal Democrats.
New Lib Dem Bill: Supporting children with neurodivergence
On Wednesday 10th October, Adam Dance MP introduced his Private Members’ Bill calling for universal screening for dyslexia and other neurodivergence, better teacher training and fairer Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) funding.
As someone who grew up with dyslexia, Adam knows the difficulties neurodivergence can bring. School is challenging enough as it is, but Dyslexia, ADHD, and other traits bring many extra challenges and symptoms are often misidentified as simply being misbehaved.
The current phonics screening check, in which Year 1 children read 40 words, is far too narrow and misses many children with these traits. And even if more children are identified, schools often lack the resources, support and funding to help them properly.
That’s why Adam is passionately campaigning to ensure no child goes without the support they need, by pushing for universal screening and boosting teachers’ and schools’ ability to support these children. No child should be left behind.
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