MP MUNIRA WILSON SPEAKS OUT ON TEDDINGTON FLAGS
Local Lib Dem MP Munira Wilson has addressed the controversial appearance of St George’s flags in Broad Street, Teddington in her latest newsletter.
This is her letter:
I know that many residents have felt unsettled by some of the events of the past few weeks – the large Tommy Robinson-led protest in London; US President Donald Trump’s state visit to the UK; and the sight of St George’s and Union flags being painted on roads and roundabouts and attached to poles around the country, including here in our area.
As the daughter of east African Indian immigrants and as a proud Brit, I am proud to drape myself in the Union Jack or St George’s flag for sporting events when Team GB or England are competing. Flags can stand as important symbols of national pride and unity. But of course, there are some who cast the flag with other meaning, which seeks to divide rather than unite us – and I know this is what concerns many of you.
We are living in a time of increasing polarisation and rising tensions, not just here in the UK but across the world. We know that many of these tensions are fuelled by the very real difficulties people are facing in their everyday lives, whether that’s getting a GP appointment, being able to afford rent or a mortgage, putting food on the table or paying their energy bills. People feel let down and afraid. Often, the blame for these problems is directed at others, including immigrants, asylum seekers or anyone else who is ‘different’.
It is important to address the underlying problems that lead to division and instability – something I try to do every day as a Member of Parliament. At the same time, it is so important that we not lose sight of what underpins our very culture: the British values of decency, tolerance and respect for the rule of law.
I’m immensely proud to represent a party that stands for liberal democratic values: liberty, equality, democracy, community, human rights, internationalism and environmentalism. I was proud recently when Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats, made the decision to boycott the state dinner with US President Donald Trump in protest at inaction on addressing the terrible humanitarian crisis in Gaza. It was not a decision he took lightly, but it is only by standing up and speaking out that we can hope to change things.
I do believe that a better future is possible for all of us. I believe that we can fix our crumbling infrastructure, fix our broken NHS and fix the cost-of-living crisis that is making life so hard for so many. We can rebuild our relationship with our European neighbours, stand up for human rights and protect our precious environment.
And I believe we can do all of this whilst celebrating and embracing diversity and difference, and honouring the true British values that we see every day in our local communities.
I see this right here in our wonderful community in Twickenham, where people from all walks of life support and look out for each other. I see it in the generosity of the people of Twickenham who have opened their homes to refugees from the war in Ukraine, who volunteer in schools or with grassroots sports groups, or who support the many amazing charities and organisations in our community who are working to make life better for those who are struggling.
I have faith and I have hope, but it is only by standing together and embracing the values that unite us, not the ones that divide us, that we will make things better for all of us.
I know that many residents have felt unsettled by some of the events of the past few weeks – the large Tommy Robinson-led protest in London; US President Donald Trump’s state visit to the UK; and the sight of St George’s and Union flags being painted on roads and roundabouts and attached to poles around the country, including here in our area.