Issue - meetings

To receive and consider a Petition regarding the conduct of Crispin Blunt MP.

The lead petitioner, Mr Laurie Calverley, introduced the petition making the following points:

·       The petition had received 419 online signatories in addition to 88 in-person.

·       It was a response to comments made by Crispin Blunt MP on BBC Radio4 and BBC Question Time that in most homes and businesses many have not stuck to lockdown rules.

·       This was in stark contrast to available evidence with as few as 3% of the population not complying at the outset of the pandemic which only rose to 12% prior to lockdown restrictions being lifted.

·       The comments made by Crispin Blunt MP had caused anger. The petitioner had lost his father in June 2020 having not been able to see him for several months. Many vulnerable people had died alone. Thankfully it had been possible to hold a funeral for his father but only with a handful of people in attendance. It was appreciated that this was not a unique scenario. This was shared not to gain sympathy but to demonstrate the level of compliance.

·       The petitioner had been involved in the Borough’s mutual aid initiative which had provided support to residents throughout the pandemic. He was aware of the extent of support provided by the Council.

·       It was thought that Public Health messaging would be undermined by the comments made by Crispin Blunt MP potentially undermining future compliance.

·       The petition sought to provide an opportunity to thank residents for their compliance with lockdown restriction, to show that the comments made were not representative as well as highlighting that they were potentially damaging in the face of rising Covid numbers.

Councillor Schofield, the Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Finance & Governance, provided the Portfolio Holder’s response to the petition. It was thought that Crispin Blunt MP should have chosen his words more carefully and expressed regret in the statement provided to the Council and published as part of the Agenda for the meeting. Reigate and Banstead Borough Council had already publicly declared its thanks and respect to residents for all they had done during the pandemic. It was being recommended that the Head of Paid Service release a full press statement describing the contribution of residents through the pandemic. Additionally, that the Council write and publish a letter to Crispin Blunt MP condemning his remarks.

The petition was then debated. Councillor Stevens stated:

·       Crispin Blunt MP had made other inappropriate public comments (for example, in defence of Imran Ahmad Khan).

·       It would have been advisable for Crispin Blunt MP to have looked at his constituency to have gained a more informed view about compliance with lockdown regulations.

Councillor Chandler added:

·       The response from Council staff during the pandemic had been exemplary. This included those who took on frontline roles to check on vulnerable residents.

·       Those who had followed lockdown restrictions were extremely cross at the pattern of behaviour in Downing Street and at the suggestion most people may not have kept absolutely to the rules.

·       Residents of the Borough deserved better in their public  ...  view the full minutes text for item 17