The BBC reports that an offer to help commemorate the First World War Centenary made by Chloe Smith, Conservative MP for Norwich North, to Norwich County Council has been “snubbed”.
Margaret Wilkinson, Labour cabinet member for communities, rejected the MP’s offer, stating that government cuts to the council and “the the kick in the teeth which the council has just received from its MPs in the form of the withdrawal of PFI (private finance initiative) credits mean that we have a rather full diary at the moment”.
In a separate statement, made on Miss Smith’s website, the MP said: “The response from this politician [Mrs. Wilkinson] is really very sad. It’s downright discourteous to veterans and serving members of the Armed Forces if the administration at County Hall doesn’t have the time or the gumption to commemorate the sacrifices made during World War 1″.
“My letter laid out the funds that the government is making available and was polite and constructive as to how we might work together to do this in Norwich. What seems to have come back is pathetic party politics which shows utter disrespect for those of my constituents who do want to mark the centenary”.
To read the full news article, visit the BBC News website here.
Date of article publication: 22/10/2013
Images courtesy of Chloe Smith’s website
Posted by: Daniel Barry, Centenary News