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North Herts Council leader Elizabeth Dennis-Harburg got in touch to highlight the risk to local people after Conservatives insisted on a fully attended council meeting in a space which could not be made Covid secure.

On the day pressure builds on PM Boris Johnson after further allegations of parties at No10 during lockdown read on for Elizabeth's hard-hitting message that 'it's one rule for them, another for us.'

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HITCHIN NUB NEWS LETTER PAGE

In the wake of more proof the Conservatives believe it is one rule for us, and another rule for them, local Tories are selfishly and callously putting the lives of North Herts councillors, officers, their families, and close contacts at risk insisting on a fully attended council meeting in a space which cannot be made Covid secure.

In a closed meeting, the Leader of the Opposition Claire Strong stated only 20% of people actually get seriously sick from Covid as justification for cramming all 49 members into the Council Chamber.

Labour and Liberal Democrat members explained that it is safer for all to reduce attendance on a proportionate basis to a number which allows for safe distancing to mitigate the risk of transmission. We know that omicron can flip from non-infectious to infectious quicker than any other variant. It may offer some protection against the delta variant, but is able to reinfect those who have previously had omicron within a relatively short window.

A number of councillors are worried for their own safety, and that of those they have at home with vulnerabilities. We believe no councillor or officer should be made to feel unsafe going about their duties. The loss of Paul Clark, who we said goodbye to yesterday, is also a very fresh wound. The Conservatives have demonstrated a manifest lack of care, and responsibility. They are seeking to exploit the pandemic to political advantage by attending as a full group where the more responsible joint administration is looking to protect the many, placing their needs above the petty political ambitions of the few.

Tellingly, one opposition member revealed they felt unsafe at a recent meeting where others were coughing loudly and uncontrollably.

There have been many emails on this issue, including one from an opposition member praising the safe conduct the joint administration has sought, noting the County Council has taken similar measures to those we are seeking to apply at North Herts.

We have no legal powers to enforce reduced attendance, and despite the work from home order the government refuses to allow councils to meet virtually. This means group leaders must agree a way forward, and enforce it. Which makes the conduct of the Conservative group on this matter even more sickening.

This is a live issue, and I am awaiting response to my most recent email. It is my hope that the Conservatives will see sense, but this is becoming increasingly dim. I would be most interest in the views of your readers on this matter.

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