Criticisms of the Liberal Democrats fact-checked

I WASN’T going to respond to Richard Garvie’s letter (Newbury Weekly News, April 25), as I don’t want this to become a regular public back and forth between us – no doubt Mr Garvie and I have better things to do with our time.

That said, there is the old and wellknown phrase about people in glass houses.

If Mr Garvie is going to continually allege that statements put out by the Liberal Democrats are misleading – which, for the avoidance of doubt, is vehemently denied – he too should ensure the accuracy of anything he says.

In the many points set out in his letter, what he doesn’t say is that my pets as prizes motion also sought to apply pressure on the Government to strengthen existing animal welfare legislation – which is woefully inadequate and fails to provide the necessary protections against animal cruelty more generally.

His letter also seeks to construct a personal narrative against councillor Lee Dillon in respect of Thames Water – conveniently overlooking the fact that councillor Dillon recently attended and spoke at a local demonstration against river sewage discharges into chalk streams and rivers across the district.

It also doesn’t mention the motion which my colleague, councillor Stuart Gourley, brought to the last full council meeting, which called on West Berkshire Council’s chief executive and leader to write to Thames Water demanding an action plan be put in place to resolve these issues urgently.

As well as set up regular meetings between the council and Thames Water’s senior leadership teams to ensure improvement and monitor progress.

That’s on top of the work which the council’s scrutiny committee – which I sit on – is doing in bringing Thames Water to that committee to answer public questions.

Mr Garvie and I may disagree on many things political, though I do acknowledge the issues which are important to him.

And as I and my Liberal Democrat colleagues have already said, we remain available to listen, and if necessary, respond to any concerns which he may have.

However, at the risk of disappointing Mr Garvie, the many challenges facing West Berkshire Council, and how the administration decides to address these, cannot be run to his own personal wishes and preferences.

Suffice to say that there is a full programme and agenda to support to the council’s strategy of supporting services we are proud of; a fairer West Berkshire; tackling the climate and ecological emergency; a prosperous and resilient district; and thriving communities with a strong local voice.

As for any future campaigning activities, the Liberal Democrats welcomes all scrutiny and challenge, be that at local or national level. Along with many other councillors, members and activists, I for one will be spending the coming months helping Lee Dillon’s excellent campaign to become the Newbury constituency’s next MP.

A major part of which is, you guessed it, fighting to stop Thames Water dumping sewage in our local rivers and chalk streams.

Not to mention cutting NHS waiting times and helping people struggling with the cost of living.

And many other things besides. JUSTIN PEMBERTON

Liberal Democrat councillor for Thatcham West ward

West Berkshire Council