Author Archives: Jeanette Sunderland

Bradford Liberal Democrats call for detailed plans for schools opening to be scrutinised

By Jeanette Sunderland | Wed 20th May 2020 - 1:47 pm

The current debate about when and how schools should “re-open” has already developed entrenched positions. It started from a Government-led position of expecting the re-opening of schools for certain groups from June 1st. A growing opposition of “no to that” has developed with Trades Unions and some Local Authorities leading the charge. The two camps are sat facing each other and there seems to be no basis for discussion. A recent report by the Children’s Commissioner suggests that children deserve better.

One thing that seems to be missing from the debate is the obvious point that schools are open and …

Posted in News and Op-eds | Tagged coronavirus and schools | 4 Comments

Stepping up as a Liberal Democrat Councillor in Bradford as part of the response to the national emergency

By Jeanette Sunderland | Mon 27th April 2020 - 3:45 pm

Regular involvement in our local communities meant we could respond quickly to pull local partners together before lock-down was announced. Our Parish Church offered to provide a base for a ‘Community Response Hub’, the Church Secretary took on the role of co-ordinator and other volunteers from the congregation stepped up to run social media. This gave us a flying start in organising a grass-root team offer to local people into which representatives from the Police, a Council Officer and other representatives from local groups met and worked together. We met every day for the first 16 days to make sure …

Posted in Campaign Corner and Op-eds | Tagged community engagement and coronavirus | 1 Comment