Brigg Life frontpage 15 January 2006

Brigg Debate: Regional Assemblies

Mr Charles Brindley has sent this email to our local MPs and the Labour Party. He would like to start a 'good healthy local debate' about the Regional Assemblies.

From: Charles Brindley
To: info@new.labour.org.uk
Sent: Sunday, January 08, 2006 9:17 PM
Subject: Regional Assemblies

Dear Sir / Madam,

I find your present policy of 'None Democratic' approach to the formation of the Regional Assembly areas astounding to say the least!

It is obvious to one who is as humble as I, that with all the changes made to date, the manner in which so called Public Consultation is made, that you will push through these Regional Assembly areas without giving those of the Shires / Counties OUR democratic right via Legal Due Process of UK law.

I am well aware of the history of what happened in the North East referendum and Mr Prescott's lack of forward momentum in as he stated, the Right of those in the regions to have their say! So, where is it?

You have already moved NONE elected civil servants into the new built, or refurbished buildings in the regions, this has directly taken money away from the Shires / Counties, where may I add, there are elected representatives, who do answer to those who care, US!

More and more you are taking OUR identity away and therefore the community dies. We would mind so much if this was the practice throughout the whole of the UK, but again you are making a difference.

Why do we have to have these Regions? We here in the UK don't want them, or is it that the EU have said, like them, we have to be regionalised. It is little surprise that we are paying more and more tax, it's not for the local services, it's to pay for these Regional Assemblies and ALL the hangers on!

And IF we have to go that way, why here in North Lincolnshire, do we have to be broken away from the rest of the county? Why can we not use the Humber as the Common Sense way to make a natural boundary the right choice, at least I can see merit in that.

In 1966, I vowed allegiance to Queen and County and then served over 25 years, to Queen and to Country, NOT to a Region, not then, not now, not ever.

So when WILL we have Public Debate on the above thorny subject, before too much of the Public purse is spent on taking us all into something that is not democratic and therefore here in the UK, if it has not been voted on, like in Iraq, can't be legal?

Sincere Regards

Charles Brindley - Chairman of the Parish Council - Cadney-cum-Howsham

P.S. As Chairman of Parish Council and Coordinator of a local First Responder Group, I am very concerned that with the changes being forced upon us here in North Lincolnshire, we will be between the devil and the deep blue sea, especially when it comes down to medical, police and even the fire brigade cover. Taking away from the elected representation away from the local people and handing it to these new NONE elected Regional Assemblies.

I want to attempt good healthy local debate.

Feedback wanted. What do you think about this? Do you think that the new Assembly will benefit you or not? Do you think that your tax is being spent wisely by this Assembly? Do you have concerns about your democratic rights in relation to this new body?

Feedback: Tell us what you think about the Yorkshire and the Humber Regional Assembly