Councillor Peter Gilbert made his maiden speech at the July Full Council meeting. You can see it here a t2.28. It was also published in the Sheffield Telegraph on 15/08/24
Here is the speech in full.
Thank you Lord Mayor,
And Members, with great combined experience. There is much you can teach me. And I look forward to working with you all. I would also like to pay my respects to my predecessor, Roger Davidson.
I grew up in Ecclesall but have not spent all my life in Sheffield. I have lived around the world, including countries where debate, especially political, is not allowed.
After 5 years in the Socialist Republic of Vietnam I returned to find my Council in the People’s Republic of South Yorkshire acting questionably.
As well as joining with our Street Tree Protectors I was later involved with climate protests. I know what happens when Governments lose their grip on reality, they tighten their grip on power.
The Local Government Association launched its Debate Not Hate campaign in June 2022.
I and over 700 Councillors have signed the statement. And so have many Councils, but until now not Sheffield City Council.
I would like to believe that no one in this chamber would disagree that abuse and intimidation in politics is wrong. We must also recognise that unpopular decisions and statements will result in legitimate and sometimes robust challenge. This challenge can make the politicians who make those decisions and statements feel uncomfortable. But being uncomfortable is not the same as being abused or intimidated. There may be a protest, it might be loud. People may seek answers to questions about why decisions were made. They may persist if answers aren’t forthcoming.
Our own behaviour as politicians must demonstrate our adherence to the Nolan Principles in Public Life: Selflessness, integrity, openness, honesty, objectivity, accountability and leadership. We must look inwards and recognise if these qualities are lacking.
There is a lot wrong with our Democracy. We are a country where a Government can get elected with 33% of the popular vote yet wield 100% of the power. A country where advertising standards of being honest and truthful do not apply to political advertising. This backdrop to political life in our country is not one which is going to build confidence in the legitimacy of elected politicians. Resulting at best in cynicism, and at its worst, hate and division.
We can do better than this.
But we must not stifle democracy or debate, as this fuels tyranny and hate.
Please support our amendment.
