Last night, (14/4/03), at what was meant to be an emergency council meeting on the war, the Labour Group showed that they were the last people to provide an example of democracy to the people of Iraq.
In spite of requests in advance, they refused to hear representation from members of the public and local organisations who were present, including a large number of supporters of Brent Stop The War.
The debate ended as it began, in total chaos, with lack of information, restricted discussion, (just one councillor was allowed to speak on each resolution), and no contributions from the floor. Indeed, it was only after vociferous protest from the gallery, and after the voting had already begun, that the public was even allowed to see the text of the Labour motion that was passed.
It was supposed to be a free vote, but it didnft appear that Labour councillors were treating it that way. The Liberal Democrat motion, which criticised the conduct of the war, was broadly in line with statements made previously in public and private by many Labour councillors. Indeed, in front of some audiences, Labour councillors have been much more robust in their criticism of the government. That none of them could bring themselves to vote for the Lib Dem motion, preferring the anodyne motion tabled by Labour, shows a lamentable concern with local party rivalries rather than engagement with the issues affecting constituents.
No mention was made by any of the Councillors that there are many in Brent who do not support Bush and Blair's disgraceful stance on this and other related issues. The multi-faith, multi-cultural community in Brent has shown on many occasions that there is deep resentment of this illegal war, and of the equally illegal occupation that is following it.
It is ironic that this war has been fought in the name of democracy, yet there was precious little evidence of real and unfettered democracy in the Council Chamber on Monday night.