In response to the Full Council meeting of Nov 30 from the Leader of the Labour Group on Bracknell Forest Council

At the Full Bracknell Forest Council meeting on Nov 30, Bracknell Climate Action group presented a petition to the Council containing the following three requests:

1. Bracknell needs to join the surrounding unitary authorities in declaring a climate
   emergency
2. The Council needs to recognise the urgency of climate change and act decisively
3. The Council must develop a measurable, ambitious, target-driven climate strategy that reflects the government’s stated climate targets

Their Petitioner, Ms O’Neil, was allowed to speak for just three minutes. Councillor Dorothy Hayes, the Executive member, gave the response and went for twenty-five minutes. The manner of her response was appalling.

She was vehemently antagonistic and showed no respect or courtesy. Knowing the Petitioner could not respond or defend herself, Councillor Hayes used her position of power to demean and belittle – at one point suggesting if Ms O’Neil has issues using the internet, maybe library staff could help her.

The Mayor’s Charter was introduced to improve behaviour and respect within the Council Chamber. This obviously does not extend to the behaviour of an Executive Member towards a representative of the Bracknell Forest residents.

The link to the presentation of the petition and the response can be seen here https://youtu.be/tklr1lTH5x8?t=736 and here https://youtu.be/tklr1lTH5x8?t=984 respectively.

Cllr Mary Temperton (Great Hollands North)

Leader of the Labour Group, Bracknell Forest Council