Appalled by MP’s attitude
From: Margaret Robson, Waterloo Bank, Hebden Bridge.
AS a resident of Calderdale,
I am appalled by the crass intervention by Calder Valley MP Craig Whittaker in the debate about the recent lockdown. The Sage sub group, considering a report of research prepared for the group in July, have warned we are in a ‘ complex and highly volatile situation’. The report authors describe a ‘ sense of racial injustice, discrimination and inequality’ among BAME communities which have been disproportionately hit by the virus. They note how ‘ extreme right wing groups are mobilising on a scale not seen for a decade’, and that ‘ a scapegoating of various communities and a sense of inequality or grievance about localised lockdowns could also stoke flames’.
This situation requires real leadership yet – into this mix – our MP chooses to spray petrol. No mention of the inevitable results of pub openings, lack of social distancing on crowded local beaches, illicit raves etc.
There is simply no evidence that BAME communities
( who incidentally are also his constituents) are any more culpable of ignoring the covid messaging, confusing though it is, than the white population locally.
Moreover they have been employed in front line services where they are exposed to higher risk ( and which would have collapsed without them).
It is so easy to stoke up those attitudes: much harder to provide real leadership and support community cohesion.