Every fortnight Kevin writes a "Kev's Column" for the Herald Express and you can read the latest edition (Published on Wednesday 10th June 2020) below:
Black Lives Matter
The video is powerful in not just its content, but symbolism, a US Police Officer kneeling on the neck of a black man saying “I can’t breathe”.
It is a shocking and appalling video. The strength of feeling over this incident and what it represents more widely is clear and we all want to see America come back together, not tear itself apart over this incredibly distressing incident. Threats of using the US Military did nothing to help calm the situation and times like these remind me why our nation’s tradition of policing by consent, rather than routine arming of the police, is so valuable.
Many have emailed me making valid points about how we should learn more about the story of the Windrush Generation and the brutal reality of the slave trade, others rightly raised the tragic case of Belly Mujinga who was doing her job as a rail worker, spat on by a yob and then died of Covid-19, but whose case was not initially referred to prosecutors until public outcry about it.
Walking from parliament the protestors were there to make their point vocally and peacefully, although the large crowds will make many wonder what impact this will have not only on our politics, but also the number of virus cases.
Common Criminals
The determined focus of the protestors was a stark contrast to those who rioted in Whitehall and attacked the Police.
Statues of Abraham Lincoln, who ended slavery in the USA, and Winston Churchill, whose resolute leadership defeated the Nazis, were vandalised and the Cenotaph, which stands in tribute to those from across the UK and the Commonwealth who gave their lives for freedom, desecrated.
Those who did this were not making some nuanced political point or standing up for a cause, they were behaving like common criminals and should be treated as such by our courts.
A Place For Prayer
For centuries Paignton Parish Church has stood at the heart of the Town with the building itself bearing scars of troubled times in history.
Like other places of worship it closed as part of the efforts to defeat the latest threat to face our bay, but will soon re-open. The recent period has seemed very unusual for local Christians as we have not been able to celebrate together in our magnificent and historic buildings, praying quietly at home or online instead.
Yet I have also found it a chance to reflect on how for too many Christians this is the everyday reality in countries where religious persecution is common and will be long after this current pandemic is over.
Surgery Times
Based on current advice relating to the Coronavirus I have cancelled my regular advice surgeries and drop-in sessions at my East St Office until further notice.
I hope to restart them as soon as possible, but in the meantime a telephone call surgery appointment can be arranged. You can call and leave a message on 01803 214989 and we will get back to you as quickly as possible.
I also run a weekly update service via email about my work in parliament and here in the bay. You can join the list to receive it by emailing me at [email protected] with the word “subscribe” in the subject line.
