On Thursday, Medway Conservatives slammed Medway Labour for their complete betrayal of the workers of Chatham Docks. Prior to their election victory in May 2023, the Labour Party offered unconditional support to save the Chatham Docks, with support from both the Leader of Medway Council and the Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer. In recent months, however, the Labour and Co-Operative run Medway Council has abandoned this support, evidenced through the fact that the site is earmarked for development within the emerging local plan. The Leader of the Council has provided woeful responses when challenged by the media about this matter, claiming that he had “arranged a meeting” between workers and the owners of the Docks.
The Medway Labour and Co-Operative Group were provided with an opportunity through a motion at the meeting of Medway Council to apologise, set out a strategy, and engage with conversations around the Chatham Docks, however, refused to do so and voted against the motion.
Speaking after the meeting, Councillor George Perfect, Leader of the Opposition said:
“Thursday night proved the importance of effective opposition. The Medway Labour and Co-Operative Group have spent years advocating for the Chatham Docks and promising to support workers and businesses to protect its future. That support has now been all but abandoned by the Leader of the Council, and very soon after taking power.
It is also bizarre that the Prime Minister, then as Leader of HM Loyal Opposition, made comments on this matter, and now is nowhere to be seen.”
Councillor Andrew Lawrence, Shadow Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Community and Housing speaking at the meeting, said:
“Taking a cursory look at the actions of this administration, you would need a microscope to find any real action that has contributed to the economic regeneration of Medway.
The constant wringing of hands, marching up and down Gillingham High Street and the signing of pledges to take unspecified action at an unspecified time does not equate to an adequate regeneration strategy.”
Councillor Habib Tejan, Member for St Mary’s Island and Shadow Cabinet Member for Business Support, Digital and Climate Change speaking at the meeting, said:
“This Council need to engage with businesses, employees and unions at Chatham Docks to understand their needs and concerns.
Through collaboration with businesses this council will find solutions that minimises disruptions, maintain stability and save the jobs at Chatham Docks.
The Council’s decisions should be made in the best interest of the community, with due consideration for the welfare of workers, businesses, and families.”
