Chloe Smith: “disgraceful” response from County Hall to WW1 commemoration

Chloe Smith, MP for Norwich North, has hit out at Norfolk County Council after an exchange of correspondence which she says “beggars belief”.

Chloe’s letter to Norfolk County Council, sent to all councils serving her constituency: RBL WW1 Norfolk 10 10 13

But in a reply, leaked to the BBC before it has even been received by Chloe, cabinet member Margaret Wilkinson angrily rejected the constructive letter and told Chloe: “We have a rather full diary at the moment.”

Her reply apparently referred to the county council’s failed waste incinerator proposal, and their performance in children's services.

Chloe comments:

“The response from this politician 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.”