Forum Topic

Have you seen the Momentum Hounslow website?

We have set up a website that aims to improve our local democracy in Hounslow.  www.momentumhounslow.orgPlease have a look and if you would like to contribute, email me at nyebevan48@gmail.com or use the contact form on the site.All are welcome!

Steve Scrivens ● 3057d15 Comments

For strarters can Momentum overturn the ridiculous and in democratic decision to keep church road closed and have it reopened exactly as the majority want it?

Steve Taylor ● 3056d

"What a cynical response. I've just invited everyone to contribute. It's not a diatribe."Steve if we appear cynical it's because we've had plenty of practice around Isleworth in recent years. You can't say we haven't contributed, the number of posts tells you that a lot of us have. I think what we need to know is where you and Momentum fit in with the local councillors we have now, and can things actually change?

Vanessa Smith ● 3056d

To be fair, reference is made on the website to certain specific instances, such as Church Street, in which there has been a clear and obvious democratic deficit.Personally I am encouraged by the news that there appears to be a force emerging on the progressive wing of local politics which recognises the need for democratic engagement.  If its stated intention of embracing local participation in the process is insincere then that will become apparent in the fullness of time, and we'll be no worse off than we are already.

Phil Andrews ● 3056d

It's all very well.But, what happens if the great unwashed, the upholders of democracy do not accept the enlightenment and decide against a policy or decision?Will that be honoured or will it, like it is now be simply overruled and the usual contempt held against the public?Corbyn speaks a lot of sense and his intentions are clearly good. But his party certainly don't have any time for an electorate, even a broadly supportive one who choose to disagree by a majority.Look at how often that happens in this very borough and the locals wisdom and input is all too often walked all over.

Raymond Havelock ● 3056d

What a cynical response. I've just invited everyone to contribute. It's not a diatribe.

Steve Scrivens ● 3056d

I assumed that when he said "enlightening" he actually meant "brainwashing", as that is usually the modus operandi of the far left/right.

Ian Fillingham ● 3056d

I have to say I have always winced at the word "enlightening" when applied by people in politics, as it kind of suggests "we know something you don't know", a thing which can be rectified by a politician sharing his/her wisdom with me rather than actually listening to what I have to say.  "Empowering" is a much better word in this context imho.

Phil Andrews ● 3056d

I am very dubious about this - it wasn't all that long ago that several councillors were waxing lyrical about Jeremy Corbyn and declaring themselves fully paid up members of his fan club, so I'm not sure where this fits in the scheme of things. I think there's quite a few of us quite 'enlightened' about the sort of democracy practised in Hounslow - in short - bugger all. I remain to be convinced.

Vanessa Smith ● 3056d

Please read the 'about' section of the website. Democracy is as much about enlightening people as it is about voting on election day.

Steve Scrivens ● 3056d

This is not a tick box operation. Our aim is to increase local democracy by spreading the word about all local campaigns and putting pressure on the council to properly consult before decisions are made. Many people (obviously not on here) are unaware about what is happening locally. We have to improve this first.

Steve Scrivens ● 3056d

Quite true Mick. But stating the obvious isn't democracy. The question is what can momentum do about it other than monitor public opinion and tick the box as 'job done'. ?

Steve Taylor ● 3056d

Credit where it is due, Vanessa, the Momentum Hounslow website seems quite supportive of the Isleworth community's view (unlike those sheep who made the decision):It states, "Local ‘consultations’ also leave a lot to be desired.For example, the ‘trial’ road closure in Church Street, Isleworth, has caused a massive roadblock from Syon Lane down to South Street (adding 20 to 30 minutes to commuters’ journeys). This ‘trial’ has now become permanent and has upset many local residents."

Mick Brent ● 3056d

In all fairness Vanessa, we're hardly talking the same people here. Liz Kendall fan Steve Curran was on  the Church St closure team at the IBAF meeting whereas Momentum support Jeremy Corbyn.

Ian Speed ● 3057d

How can you 'improve' democracy if you don't practise democracy?

Steve Taylor ● 3057d

"We have set up a website that aims to improve our local democracy in Hounslow."Is this an early April Fool? I direct you to the decision made by our councillors on Church St. Isleworth last Thursday, when councillors voted in favour of the wishes of a small number of people as against the results of their own consultation which overwhelmingly said over 70% - or over 700 people - wanted this decision reversed. Some democracy that is. Talk is cheap, listening is even more rare in Hounslow. Please don't insult our intelligence.

Vanessa Smith ● 3057d