Councillor Gary Malcolm reflects on big events of 2016
Probably the decision in 2016 that will affect us all, in the future, was the European referendum. As a Liberal Democrat I passionately believe that we would be better not just in the European Union, because much of our trade is with our European countries.
There are so many jobs in Ealing which rely on products and services sold to other European countries.
The negative result of the referendum was that so many people in Ealing, London and around the UK were verbally abused or threatened because of their ethnicity. In Ealing this included many Polish and Irish residents. Racism is wrong and it is sad that some people do not see the benefits of residents from other cultures.
I will end the year, looking at a recent Council decision. It was a positive U-turn by Ealing Council to agree to a plan to create respite facilities to replace Heller House which was axed by Ealing Council earlier in the year.
Heller House is a residential children’s home in Southall which provides a short break for young people with complex disabilities from 10 to 18 years old living in Ealing. It was sad that it took a huge petition from carers, users and campaigners to change the view of Labour-run Ealing Council. Many people were distressed at the initial plans and felt totally ignored.
I hope in 2017 that Ealing Council takes a look at each of its plans which affect vulnerable people and ensures that it is does leap in quickly to make a decision, but instead considers people’s viewpoints and comes up with outcomes.
With the recent Liberal Democrat by-election win in Richmond, I hope that we are seeing a move towards us not fearing people from other cultures, but wanting to work with others and see the benefits of migration.
Lastly I wish everyone a great Christmas and New Year whether you are celebrating in West London or elsewhere.
Councillor Gary Malcolm,
Leader, Ealing Liberal Democrats
19th December 2016