After Theresa May was forced to seek support at Westminster from The Democratic Unionist Party of Northern Ireland (DUP), much attention has been focussed on the policies of these Tory allies. So shocking and backward are some of their aims, that I have called on our re-elected representative to oppose the coalition on behalf of South Thanet constituents.
Below is the text of a letter I sent to Craig Mackinlay immediately after the general election on June 8th 2017. If these issues concern you, join the conversation on my Facebook and Twitter pages.
Dear Craig Mackinlay
As one of your constituents, and as an elected representative I wish to I express my concern at the suggestion that the Conservatives are preparing to co-operate with the DUP in order to form a functional government.
Notwithstanding the circumstances that drive this current situation and it’s a simple fact there is no clear or easy solution without an outright majority for any one party, but I am extremely concerned that the Conservatives are willing to partner with a party that holds such extreme views that are contrary to the Human Rights Act and that are damaging and disturbing to so many people.
My particular concerns are,
• The DUP want to make it legal to discriminate against anyone from the LGBT community.
• The DUP want children to be taught creationism as scientific fact.
• The DUP want no woman to have access to any type of abortion, and furthermore criminalise anyone offering or seeking that service.
• The DUP want to bring back the death penalty.
The views above and their impact of the provision of services have no place in our progressive modern society. How can you and your Government represent all people when such views marginalise so many?
Please explain how you intend to oppose this coalition, as it is of immediate concern to me and many of your constituents.
Kind Regards,
Cllr Karen Constantine JP.