An Apology for Gordon's remarks

                                        Bigotry is not part of our Creed



On behalf of Folkestone & Hythe Labour Party I apologise unreservedly to the people of this great Constituency for Gordon Brown’s offensive remarks abour Mrs Gillian Duffy.

His off camera remarks were unacceptable and shamed the whole Labour movement. Calling her a “bigoted women” was inexcusable, whether to an aide in the back of a car or in front of the cameras.

Whatever views she may hold on crime, the national debt or immigration I strongly believe they must be addressed with sound arguments not cheap insults.

In my own campaign here in Folkestone and Hythe I encounter many hostile views on the doorstep or whilst out canvassing in the streets. I respect those views even if I disagree with them fundamentally.

I take the view, however, that Democracy will only be strengthened by arguing the issues that concern voters and not by insulting them by calling them bigots or worse.

Immigration is clearly an issue that concerns voters on the doorstep illegal immigrants and bogus asylum seekers in particular. More so every time pictures from the refuge camps in Sangatte near Calais are shown on our TV screens.

Addressing the issues around Sangatte or illegal entry into the country by economic refuges is what we should all be concentrating on, not calling each other names or slagging off hard working foreign workers here lawfully to help our economy prosper.

It is not in my creed to tolerate bigotry of any sort but to face the issues squarely and honestly and then let the electorate decide whether I am right or wrong.

Mrs Duffy and others that share her views have the right to be heard with respect at all times. To do otherwise would make us no better than Nazi Germany or Stalinist Russia.

                   Gordon was wrong today,but he has now realised that and apologised.

Let us all now debate the issues Mrs Duffy raised. By doing so we will then all show her the respect she deserves and prove to everyone that Democracy is the true winner when the voter sets the political agenda not Party Spin doctors.

                                                                                  Donald Worsley 28th April 2010