Kate writes a bi-weekly column for the Burton Mail. This column was originally featured in the 9th March print edition.
This June marks the 80th anniversary of the D-day landings on the beaches of Normandy. This battle marked the beginning of the liberation of France and western Europe by the Allies from the Nazis and Hitler’s dictatorship. Democracy is precious and each November we pay our respects to the fallen and the sacrifice they made to protect our freedoms and way of life.
Recently, we have seen a shocking increase in extremist disruption and criminality – including on the individuals and institutions that serve our democracy. A central pillar of any free society is that change can only come through peaceful, democratic process.
Last week, the Prime Minister gave a speech on the steps of Downing Street, tackling head on the unacceptable rise in extremism and threats to our democratic representatives we have seen in the UK and across the world. As an MP, I and my colleagues see this up close. But we will not be deterred or discouraged by fear from fulfilling our duty and ensuring we are available to our residents.
We must not allow a minority to destroy our national self-confidence, and we must stand up for our shared values in all circumstances, no matter how difficult. The Prime Minister has made it clear to the police that they must take a zero-tolerance approach to extremist tactics. The Government will also ensure that if anyone here on a visa is spewing hate or seeking to intimidate people, they will lose their right to be here.
This is our home, our nation, our set of shared values and our future. We will stand together to combat any who wish to sow seeds of division or pose a threat to our democracy.
