Mike Cox's Leaders Column January 2010

9.00.00am GMT Mon 25th Jan 2010

Imagine for a minute that we lived in a Hillingdon where we all respected each other.

Imagine for a minute that we lived in a Hillingdon where we all respected each other.

Difficult to imagine at the moment I appreciate, but bear with me. Respect for another's rights, opinions and person is a cornerstone of our civilisation, but all too often it is forgotten.

Respect of another's rights means ensuring we are all provided with the opportunity to do the best we can in life, equality of opportunity. Is it fair then that some children are brought up in overcrowded sub-standard housing? Is it fair then that these same children will probably go to poorer schools with little ambition? Shouldn't funding be biased towards primary schools in deprived areas?

Respect for another's opinions means ensuring that people have a right to influence decisions which affect their lives. That means a fair voting system, and positive and proactive public consultations. Is it fair then that the next General election will be decided by a small number of swing voters in the tiny number of marginal seats. Is it fair then that in consulting on the draft London Plan (a key document which influences planning policy for years to come) no Hillingdon Resident Associations or any other residents' bodies were informed and the Conservative London Mayor didn't bother to hold any road shows in Hillingdon at all?

Respect for another person means ensuring that our privacy is maintained and we can go about our lives in safety and security. That means not being spied on at every street corner, but having confidence in our police service. Tackling crime should be about what is effective not what might appeal to the headline writers of the Daily Mail. It must be about generating confidence in those that we employ to protect us by making them accountable in Hillingdon, not to a Home Secretary in Whitehall.

In a few months time we will have a general election and a local election. Never before have those, who seek to represent us, have been held in such low esteem. If politicians want to change this and reclaim some respect then they need to listen to people, respond to them and most of all involve them. Respect needs to be earned. Lets hope 2010 is the start of reclaiming the public respect for politics. If you want to help visit www.power2010.org.uk and make your voice heard.