Magna Carta 800 Hustings on

Dear Mr Cox,With great regret, I write to inform you we have had to cancel this hustings. We were encouraged to receive warm acceptances from you and all the other candidates, except the Conservative Party candidate, Julian Brazier. Despite giving Mr Brazier first preference on the date, risking compromise of our equal treatment principle, he refused to attend or be represented. We made repeated entreaties, but he politely maintained he had already committed to several 'single issue' hustings and needed to draw the line. We clarified that our event is themed, and absolutely not single issue on learning disability, but no avail. We appreciate Mr Brazier's courtesy, but are deeply disappointed. As you no doubt agree, a broadcast hustings, uniquely featuring the interests of all disadvantaged people, is well worth two hours of a candidate's time.It was fundamental to our plans that existing power would be both challenged and defended. With the Conservative Party absent, we could not escape the conclusion that the quality of debate would be degraded. Being intent on doing this well or not at all, the decision to cancel became unavoidable.You are of course welcome to use content from this update in your campaign. You may also be interested to know the Conservative Party was the only absentee at the recent Learning Disability Alliance's Citizen Jury: http://learningdisabilityalliance.org/Warmest thanks again for kindly accepting our invitation. We do not take this for granted, and wish you well in your campaign.Matt Clifton

Dear Mr Clifton,Thanks for letting me know.  I too am disappointed; its a shame that Mr Brazier and his Party is obviously too busy looking after “advantaged” people than to attend your event.Could an empty chair not have been found?  I am sure the rest of us who do care enough to attend would have managed without his illustrious presence.I hope you have not felt under pressure, given the political dominance of the Tory Party at County Hall, not to cause more embarassment to Mr Brazier.I will share your message with our Blog committee. I am sure they will have something to say on the issue.Robert CoxSocialist Party Parliamentary Candidate – Canterbury and WhitstableWebsite: http://www.worldsocialism.org/spgb