The attack by far-right anti-immigration thugs on the Swale Borough Council meeting on Wednesday has been denounced in the House of Commons by the local MP.
Speaking in the House yesterday, Kevin McKenna MP described the incident as an attack on free speech and on his constituents, and called for more to be done to protect councillors and MPs across the country who, he said, “are facing growing levels of violent intimidation”.
The council meeting had to be suspended after disruption by protestors led by local agitators Harry Hilden and Jody Scott aka Missus Kent.
Then, serious damage was done to the building, with a lift trashed and taps left running which brought down a ceiling. The council offices had to be closed the next day.
The Leader of the House, Sir Alan Campbell described the attack as ‘”appalling” and the Speaker called for action by the police – an appeal with which we fully concur.
Charges must be brought against those responsible for this shocking assault on local democracy.
This is the full text of the exchange in the House:
Kevin McKenna (Sittingbourne and Sheppey) (Lab)
I am horrified to report to you and to the House that last night in Swale borough council there were violent scenes, as people wearing balaclavas in the public gallery violently intimidated councillors. They were threatening them and pelting them with eggs and missiles from the gallery.This is an attack on democracy itself, it is an attack on free speech, and it is an attack on my constituents. The building was so badly vandalised afterwards, with toilets flooded and lifts destroyed, that it cannot be used today and is not open.
My constituents cannot access council services because of these actions. Our democracy is based on the ability to disagree with each other strongly but never violently.
What can be done here in the House of Commons for councillors and MPs across the country who are facing growing levels of violent intimidation?
Sir Alan Campbell
My hon. Friend speaks powerfully of the appalling actions that have taken place, and I join him in condemning them.Mr Speaker, I know that you have done a great deal through the Speaker’s Conference on the security of candidates, MPs and elections, but this is also a priority for the defending democracy taskforce.
The taskforce is focusing on where the police can be increasingly effective when such incidents occur and democracy is deemed to be under threat, not just where MPs are intimidated – of which there are too many examples – but where other local representatives are intimidated, too.
It is simply not acceptable. Let me be very clear: anyone involved in public life should not be subject to harassment or intimidation for doing their job, and this House needs to stand united in sending out that message.
Mr Speaker
As the Leader of the House has brought me into the conversation, the contact that needs to be made within the constabulary is with Operation Ford [regarding the security of elected representatives].I would expect them to take over, and I would expect those who are embedded within Parliament to also connect to Operation Ford for local authorities and councillors. That hotline is there in every police force in the country.
I hope people respond accordingly to what I find an appalling situation. An attack on democracy is not acceptable.
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