As a Councillor of ESBC, I thought I had a right to participate in a debate like all other Councillors.
A day after the full Council meeting I still find myself asking the following questions after I was stopped from speaking in a debate.
Fairness - I thought we live in a fair society and as an elected representative I will enjoy a fair approach from my fellow Councillors and ESBC. From my experience yesterday I am wondering why I have not been treated fairly.
Equality - We advocate fairness and equality. Certainly I thought the principle of treating everyone equally was promoted by the ESBC. All the other Tory speakers in last night's debate were allowed to speak and make comments, blame and criticise Labour Party. Yet when it came to my turn, I was not even allowed to express my views, correct the record and respond to the comments/issues raised in the debate. I am left pondering why I did not receive equal treatment.
Democracy - The fundamental principle of democracy is "allowing people to express their views". Last night I was not allowed to express my views and hence denied to represent my constituents.
Freedom of Speech is anyone's basic human right. I feel that I was denied this basic right last night in the Council meeting.
I had a similar experience in another Council meeting (Scrutiny Programme Board) last week where I was prevented from asking searching questions and scrutinising the Council's performance.
Was I treated fairly, equally and democratically?
I leave it for the readers to make up their own mind.
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