Ah...this thread has exploded into life without me having written anything as yet on the event or even processed the pictures so it has caught me behind the curve.
Was good to see you last night John as ever. We had good little chat.
This whole event was something of a coup for the local Labour Party and it was, it must be remembered, a Labour Party event. The idea was that the Home Secretary would meet local Labourites for a question and answer session and thats exactly what happened. There was a very good turnout, as you might expect, so the event went off very well indeed. I myself did not go to the question and answer session but was able, along with other local media guys, to have a chat with her beforehand, take some pictures and so on...make a few notes. She was able to spare 20 or so minutes, as you can imagine the schedule of the Home Secretary job is very demanding. Its a tough job and someone has to do it. In this case , in the current scenario, it is Jacqui Smith.
Despite the stress of the job she is a very pleasant lady ..relaxed, good humoured, and took time to answer the questions asked. Took time to pose with Gwyn Prosser, our local MP...and did it all with a pleasant demeanour.
The main thrust of the message that she herself and Gwyn were trying to get across was the concern both have for the planned Conservative CUTS in local spending on policing. Jacqui and Gwyn feel that these cuts would result in 93 fewer police officers in Kent. This all follows an announcement by David Cameron that the Home Office BUdget would be cut by Conservatives by 1%, which is a cut of £160million. Money spent by Labour on reducing crime in Kent.
We have spoken before about the drop in crime figures locally, the Police explained as much at various Neighbourhood Forum meetings, this all happened under the Labour spending plan, the Labour spending power. Cut that spending power and you could be in trouble.
Crime figures overall are down in South Kent by 6.9%. Good for you, good for me.
Ah..Ive shot my own fox now, I meant to write all this or similar and take a bit more time and put it all on the frontpage but its done now anyway. Will add some pictures and a further piece on the frontpage later, and will add a picture here too so come back for that.
I want to say a well done to the Christian Ark Centre too. My first time in that establishment, its very clean attractive effective and warm...and easily reached.
Just come back to add this note: Jacqui Smith will be returning to Dover to have a longer look at the pros and cons of life here. She has promised Gwyn to do this. A date hasnt been arranged as yet but it will be scheduled in. She will then have more of a chance to look at any local immigration problems and concerns.