CharlesMary Macleod MP organised the meeting at short notice for her own constituents. Finding a venue at short notice could have been a problem and that may have been the reason why it was held in West London Free School which is just over the constituency boundary in Hammersmith.Andy Slaughter did indeed raise the issue in the House of Commons and this extract from Hansard does not exactly show him up in a complimentary way:"Andy Slaughter (Hammersmith, Labour) On a point of order, Mr Speaker, of which I have given you and Mary Macleod notice. Hammersmith flyover in my constituency has been closed for three weeks. Although we hope for good news as early as today about the reopening, it is clearly a serious matter for my constituents. The hon. Lady has convened a public meeting—nothing wrong with that—to discuss the matter, but she has advertised and convened it in my constituency. She has invited various public bodies, but not me, to the meeting to discuss these matters—she has not invited me to be on the panel.This goes beyond the ordinary trespassing that Members sometimes commit. I have never heard of an event of this kind. In reality, it means that the public bodies may not attend, because the meeting is now party political. I ask for your guidance, Mr Speaker. The hon. Lady is a new Member and might not know the protocols of the House as well as others do."" Mary Macleod (Brentford and Isleworth, Conservative) Thank you very much, Mr Speaker. This public meeting is being held purely to help local residents. It is for Transport for London and Hounslow and Hammersmith councils to update local residents and help them. Frankly, that is what I came into politics to do."I am extremely disappointed that Mr Slaughter has attempted to threaten, intimidate and bully me into doing what he wants and play political games. He knew what was happening—I told him at the earliest opportunity. I invited him to the meeting verbally and in writing. He said initially that he was happy with the plans for the meeting."I have worked well recently with my Labour Hounslow council and expect to have a very positive working relationship with Seema Malhotra. It is really sad that we cannot help our local residents without an hon. Member trying to stop us. We should work together for the good of our local residents and our constituencies."From this it would appear that Mr Slaughter is not really interested in helping his constituents but like many Labour MP's is intent at scoring cheap political points which are of very little interest to the vast majority of people.
David Giles ● 4850d