The St George’s flag and Union Jack are symbols of a country I’m proud of. The country we have today is thanks to generations of people striving for a better life. There have been winners and losers through the centuries, but overall, we’re all winners. We’re all lucky to live here compared to so many other places in the world.
Our national flags should unite us, but instead right now they’ve become a source of division. I hate to see this, especially here in Faversham and the villages around. People are urging me to pick a side – their side of course – and come down against the others. I have no hesitation in condemning threatening behaviour, harassment, violence, intimidation, and racism. None of that is okay however high emotions may be running. But we are a tolerant country and I’m not going to condemn the flying of national flags.
Like many people, I am frustrated that hotels and community facilities are being used to house thousands of asylum seekers. I am proud of our record welcoming refugees over the years but now our generosity is being abused by some people. I’ve had many conversations with constituents and others who have left me in no doubt about the level of anger about this; I know many people feel they are not being heard and that protests are the only way forward. It’s high time the Government got back control of our borders.
I also feel strongly about British culture and values. That includes living in a society that gives people freedom and opportunity irrespective of background, ethnicity, gender or religion.
The freedom to protest peacefully is fundamental to our democracy. Peacefully is a crucial word in that. I have heard reports of harassment and violence as part of the protests, and I would encourage anyone who experienced this to report it to the police to make sure they have the full picture. I strongly urge anyone taking part in any future protests to do so peacefully, bearing in mind that a crowd of people moving with a common purpose can feel extraordinarily threatening to someone not part of the group.
For me, the important question is not which side to take in a protest but how do we make Britain in future the country most of us want, for ourselves and for future generations
