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This from Hans Bromwich, Cowes. Ed
I was surprised to read in the National Press that two years on members of the public are still being fined by Magistrates for breaching Covid-19 regulations. Which led me to wonder whether, or not, Isle of Wight Conservative MP, Bob Seely, was ever fined over breaking lock-down?
I guess only Bob knows, and let’s be honest he’s become rather forgetful of late, so probably wouldn’t remember if asked. The truth is, it’s no one’s business other than Bob’s, and who really cares, does any of this nonsense really matter, surely it’s time to move on?
Why it matters
Well it kinda does matter, but only in a much broader sense.
It is important to know that our Police go about their daily duties without fear or favour, and that they are not in the pocket of the establishment.
700 patient deaths of concern
During the recent public meeting held in Newport, I asked Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones why three Hampshire Constabulary investigations into the numerous deaths that occurred in Gosport War Memorial hospital had failed.
The investigation had to be passed over to Kent Constabulary who recently announced there are now over 700 patient deaths of concern.
Jones: Officers had been disciplined
Donna Jones said that officers had been disciplined, but didn’t expand further. The question has to be, were people being protected by Hampshire Constabulary’s botched investigations, and if so, who and why?
Our police have a hard enough task as it is, their job is made doubly difficult if law abiding members of the public begin to hold them in contempt, no longer trust them, and are left wondering if they are institutionally corrupt.
‘Trust’ is a fragile commodity
I am sure Donna Jones and Bob Seely agree with me that ‘trust’ is a fragile commodity, it needs to be earned, and can be very easily lost.
When seeking to restore trust, Leadership is key. But my concern is for new officers joining the force.
Can they go about their lawful duties without being fearful that their actions might adversely affect their career prospects if they happen to challenge people with power and influence?
Image: bruno kelzer under CC BY 2.0
