‘I say to your community and others in the city, I’m sorry’
Yesterday afternoon at the full council meeting of Brighton & Hove City Council, Class Divide spokesperson Dr Carlie Goldsmith presented the campaign’s 5 demands with the Mayor, council officers and councillors in attendance.
Carlie’s speech was covered by Sarah Booker-Lewis, the local democracy reporter, writing for Brighton & Hove News.
In a significant moment for the residents of East Brighton, Hannah Clare - Deputy Leader of the Council and Chair of the Children, Young People & Skills Committee said:
“I’ve been chair of the Children, Young People & Skills Committee for just six months, but I still believe there’s an apology to be made. It’s one that’s on all of our heads.
All councillors should be willing to admit that it is unacceptable that action has not been taken. All councillors should be willing to apologise for any part we have played in this. For my part I say to your community and others in the city, I’m sorry.”
While we are here for action and results that change the lives of young people in East Brighton, we do sincerely appreciate Hannah Clare’s acknowledgement of the failings and responsibility of the council in this moment. We also appreciate Hannah’s efforts to not be shortened in her response in a council meeting running behind schedule.
We also appreciate Councillor Nancy Platt offering to table these same demands to the council, Sarah Booker-Lewis for attending the meeting to report this story to the public, and Councillor Steve Bell CBE for imploring the Mayor to give Carlie the time to complete her speech. Any action taken to support this campaign’s effectiveness is appreciated.
In January we have delivered 3,500 zines to residents, appeared on the BBC Politics Show, featured in a double-page spread in the Argus and presented a deputation to the full council of Brighton & Hove. Good progress. But so far - nothing has changed for the families of East Brighton.