Michael Gove is told: ‘Come down here – you might learn something’

Michael Gove should visit the site of a post-Brexit lorry park in Ashford to explain what the government has planned, says a shadow cabinet minister.

Labour’s Rachel Reeves is demanding clarity after work started on the 27-acre spot next to Junction 10a of the M20 in Sevington.

On a visit to the site last Thursday, the Shadow Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster called on the senior Conservative to meet with concerned residents.

She says neighbours needed more warning of the government’s plan for the land, which is to be used as a customs checkpoint and temporary holding station for up to 2,000 lorries once the Brexit transition period ends.

“People feel desperately let down that with no consultation or prior warning, the bulldozers turn up and that’s the first they learn of it,” Ms Reeves told the Kentish Express.

“People recognise there is going to be change. They voted in Ashford to leave the EU, but change should be done in conjunction with the local community; it shouldn’t just be put on them.

“Local people have the best knowledge of what might work and might be able to offer some input, but the government hasn’t even bothered to come down here.

“I don’t think Michael Gove has bothered to come and see this site or talk to the local community.

“I think it would be wise if he did that and he might learn something, or find ways to make the plan work better.”

Ms Reeves was joined on the visit by Kent’s only Labour MP Rosie Duffield, who represents Canterbury and Whitstable, and Cllr Dara Farrell, leader of the Kent Labour group.

The Leeds West MP says she wanted to visit to “see for myself the impact it will have on the local community”.

Ms Reeves added: “I think it is very wrong that developments like this happen with no consultation.”

Ms Duffield says she thinks it will be a “good move” for Michael Gove or Transport Secretary Grant Shapps to visit the site, which was previously earmarked for a huge industrial estate.

“This is a government decision and it seems to be leaving local councils to pick up the pieces and I think that’s quite cowardly actually,” she said.

“As the only opposition MP in this county, I am going to be asking the awkward questions that possibly some of the Conservative MPs don’t necessarily feel comfortable asking.

“But it is obvious the local MP here isn’t happy either and none of us feel we have any firm answers.”

Ashford MP Damian Green responded to Ms Duffield’s comments.

He said all Kent MPs were invited to a meeting with Michael Gove to discuss the lorry park last month, but Ms Duffield did not attend.

“If she wants to ask difficult questions, the least she could do is turn up,” he added.