Labour councillors were left fuming last night as the Conservative majority on Tendring District Council closed ranks to prevent a debate on a Labour motion to lobby for a fair consultation process over the future of maternity services in Harwich and Clacton.
In spite of being repeatedly told by Ivan Henderson, the leader of the Labour Group on TDC, that he was in possession of information that proved the figures being given out to support the proposals for cuts were not accurate and were misleading, the Tory Chairman of the Council, Neil Stock, refused to allow the motion to be debated and insisted that it was referred to the cabinet for consideration.
Convinced that Conservative councillors would be equally unhappy with this decision Labour sought a suspension of standing orders which would have ensured the motion was debated at last night’s meeting. To Labour’s amazement and fury, not only did the Tories close ranks to prevent the suspension of standing orders, local Tory councillors Ricky Callener, Claire Callender and Tony Colbourne voted with their Tory colleagues against the best interests of Harwich.
Speaking after the meeting Ivan Henderson could barely control his anger as he explained how important it was that the motion was heard last night.
“The full weight of TDC needed to be used to ensure that the options put out for consultation include retaining Harwich’s maternity unit and I had the evidence in my hand to prove that the consultation as it now stands is flawed. We were gagged by the Tories who used procedure rules to prevent a vital debate. To make matters worse three Tories elected to represent the people of Harwich, Dovercourt, Ramsey and Parkeston put their allegiance to the Conservative Party before their allegiance to our maternity unit. That was unforgivable!”
Deputy leader of the Labour Group, Garry Calver, was full of praise for Ivan Henderson’s determined effort.
“The Tories’ refusal to allow a debate meant that Ivan was the only person allowed to put our case and he was fantastic,” said garry Calver. “I sat next to him as he took them on, leaving them in no doubt as to why they should be putting the needs of our maternity services first. I don’t think I have ever seen him so angry and frustrated but he could not have done any more. The Tories had clearly made up their minds and were not going to allow the debate.”
It is now absolutely clear that Labour is the only party that will fight to retain the maternity unit at Harwich Hospital. Labour cannot believe that there is not cross party support on this issue and accepts that it will be harder to save Harwich’s maternity unit without everyone pulling together but the residents who wish to see local maternity services protected can be assured that Labour councillors will do everything possible to prevent a reduction in maternity services at Harwich Hospital.
SIGN the PETITION organised by the H&M Standard and the Gazette -> https://submissions.epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/51825
For further information contact: Ivan Henderson or
Harwich Labour Press Officer Garry Calver