Something important happened last night

It's been a little while since I blogged -- a testament to being busy with the campaign.  More coming more regularly from now on, I promise.  (And in case you missed it, you can compare Esther and me side by side in Discover Bedfordshire magazine -- pages 10-12.)

Something important happened last night involving people from across Luton (not this incident which was a few people representing no-one but themselves).  I joined around 300 people coming together to find community solutions to reducing crime.  As I've been out meeting local people on the doorsteps recently, I've heard how crime is a big concern for Lutonians -- particularly anti-social behaviour.  And I know from personal experience what an impact crime can have on you (I was mugged as a teenager in Luton).

What was good about last night was the involvement of local people who put forward their views in a frank give and take with the police, the Council and other representatives from public services (the discussion on my table was still in full swing after the event had finished!).  Strong themes came out from people around the room -- a desire to have more high-visibility local police officers, to have greater accountability from the police and the Council, and a real will to come together in Luton: every community, neighbours and across the town, young people and old.

It was very thought-provoking as I build my policies and my Plan for Luton which will be ready in the New Year.

Every day out meeting local people is thought-provoking -- on the doorsteps any issue under the sun can come up.  A number of people I've met recently have wanted to talk to me about immigration.  Most say -- and I believe it as I speak to them -- "I'm not racist".  And most like living in a diverse town, but they do have concerns about immigration and the size of Britain's population (living in Luton we are in one of the most densely populated towns in the country).  But they feel that the political parties simply have no interest in listening to their concerns.  I'm listening to them, trying to see things from their point of view, and find answers.

The irony that many outside Luton don't realise is that some of the best work anywhere to unite diverse communities is happening here.  Over the past few months I've been to as many of the many great events as possible: from concerts of a dozen cultures in One World week to an international Community Kitchen this week with students (I'm cooking the traditional British food!) to bingo with folks at the Irish Forum to the launch of the Luton Faith Map -- and more.

Great things are happening in Luton and I strongly believe Britain has a lot to learn from Luton.  But I can't help thinking that too often systems work against communities coming together.  When people feel they're competing for their slice of a small pie in a time of recession.  When too many people in Luton are fighting for scarce social housing.  When the main political parties are vying to make the most "savage" cuts that would stop our many brilliant public service workers from helping knit Luton together and improve our town further.  That's when I feel we really need an independent voice fighting for Luton and our future.

More updates soon.  Thanks for staying up to date with the campaign.  If someone you know would like to be added to my email list, if you have any questions or comments, or to take yourself off the list, please email me at joe@joehallforluton.com