Mione Goldspink's article for the Flyer, August 2016

August 2016

Local Matters with Mione Goldspink

So, now we know - the Country has voted by a small majority to leave the European Union. The result has shown that we are a divided population - 51.9% to Leave and 48.1% to Remain. In East Herts the vote was even closer with only 622 votes out of 85,000 forming the majority to Leave. I

am deeply saddened by the result, not only because it was not the one for which I campaigned, but also because the tiny majority reveals how dramatically divided we are as a nation. There is bitterness and anxiety, and rifts between friends and it will take some time for these rifts to be healed.

I am very worried about the future of community spirit in our Country. There may be many Leave supporters who are expecting an early solution to all their problems - they expect an early end to immigration, an instant supply of more affordable and social houses, and a miraculous provision of more school places and accessible GP appointments. But I am afraid they will be bitterly disappointed, as all our domestic problems will continue unchanged. In fact, the problems may become worse - if business investment is reduced, then firms will reduce the number of jobs, and fewer people in employment will reduce tax revenue which the Government has available to pay for public services. There will be more people unemployed, but less money to pay for their benefits. I can foresee greater civil unhappiness and unrest.

I had predicted that David Cameron would resign if the vote were to Leave, but I never predicted the huge political earthquake which has followed the vote. As a Liberal Democrat, I am astonished at the back-stabbing of the Conservatives. I feel very sorry for Theresa May being left to clear up the mess, and very surprised at her choice of Boris Johnson as Foreign Secretary.

I have also been astonished at the chaos in the Labour Party. But, amidst all of these political shocks, it is only the Liberal Democrat Party which is calm, consistent and confident in its Leader and its message. Tim Farron has said that he is disappointed with the Referendum result, but we must now all work hard to achieve the best possible deal for the UK with rest of the EU.

Locally, there have been "ordinary" events taking place. I was interested in the meeting which was held at the Police Station to discuss the horrible air pollution at Hockerill cross roads. The meeting was attended by Health and Transport experts, and by Planners and local Councillors. Our County Councillors have promised to study all the information and feedback. I do hope that they will produce a plan for action VERY SOON, as this pollution black spot is a serious threat to everyone's health.

Hardly a week goes by without the announcement of another shop closing in our Town centre, so it was a really welcome change to read of the launch of A W Bespoke Tailoring in the former Tissimans building. What made this doubly pleasurable was that the launch was attended by the tennis player Mark Willis. He was unknown, ranked 722 in the world, but he qualified for Wimbledon and then delighted the crowds by his cheerful demeanour in playing against Roger Federer. Set against the backdrop of National uncertainty and worry, this event was a little ray of sunshine and fun - we could all do with more!

Mione Goldspink. (Chairman Bishop's Stortford Liberal Democrats).

email: mionegoldspink@hotmail.com