ONE of the leading members of a group which is campaigning to keep a Carmarthenshire primary school dual stream has been suspended from the Labour party.
This follows a protest organised at the school last week (Feb 9) which was attended by UKIP AM Neil Hamilton. Leaked social media posts subsequently emerged that showed Michaela Beddows, a Labour Party member who told local media that she was standing for the party as a community councillor, had briefed Mr Hamilton, and invited him to attend the demonstration.
It was also alleged that she had shared social media posts from the English Defence League.
In an open letter to Jeremy Corbyn, published in this week’s Herald, Plaid Cymru MP Jonathan Edwards called for an investigation into Labour involvement in the protests against their party’s own education policy.
“Regrettably, the Labour party in Llanelli has run a nasty, divisive campaign against the plans of the local Plaid Cymru-led Council to implement a policy initiated by the then Labour-run Council administration and approved by the Labour Welsh Government. I am informed by local residents that parents who support the plans have been intimidated by local activists,” the Carmarthen East and Dinefwr MP wrote.
“Most surprising to you might be the fact that one Labour County Councillor referred to bilingual education as “apartheid” during a debate in the local Council. These actions are undoubtedly influenced by political considerations as we approach this year’s local authority elections. Both County Council seats in Llangennech are held by Plaid Cymru.
“I know it will be an issue of grave concern to you that the Labour party in Llanelli is actively coordinating efforts with UKIP in Llangennech community. UKIP Assembly Member Neil Hamilton recently campaigned with Labour in Llangennech – a visit we now know was coordinated in liaison with the official Labour party candidate for Llangennech ward. Labour party members pictured on social media wearing Labour party rosettes are too seen in the picture with UKIP’s Neil Hamilton. Furthermore, recent comments to local media from a Labour supporter in Llangennech suggest your party will contest the Llangennech Community Council elections in a joint campaign with UKIP.”
After the publication of this letter, a Welsh Labour Party spokesperson told the press that: “The Labour Party is aware of complaints about Michaela Beddows. Ms Beddows has been administratively suspended from the Labour Party while an investigation takes place.”
Responding to news of the suspension, Mr Edwards said: “Since publishing my letter to Jeremy Corbyn I have been contacted by parents and teachers who believe they have been the victims of systematic intimidation by Labour party activists. This is completely unacceptable and must stop now.
“Jeremy Corbyn has responded to the worrying collusion between his party and UKIP within a matter of hours, whilst the First Minister, Labour officials in Wales and elected members in Llanelli have done nothing for weeks.
“A suspension and investigation is a welcome course of action but the scope of it must be expanded to suspend all members and candidates that we have shown to be involved in actively campaigning with UKIP or have permitted such cooperation.
“The toxic actions of the Labour party in Llangennech are not the result of just one individual.”
Mr Edwards also noted that when the proposals for Llangennech School were brought before council only three Labour Councillors – Ryan Bartlett, Calum Higgins and Ryan Thomas – voted in favour of the motion, and questioned some of the rhetoric used by councillors: “As this investigation gets underway, I would expect all those who have perpetuated the divisive rhetoric of the far right; those who are found to have used intimidation; and those who brand this Welsh Government policy as ‘apartheid’ to be barred from standing for public office in the name of the Labour Party,” he asserted.
“Furthermore, with only three Labour councillors voting to support its own policy on Welsh medium education, Labour head office should ask itself whether those who disregard party policy should be allowed to represent the party at all.”
The Carmarthenshire Labour Party has been approached for comment.
Add Comment