Cllr Jo Bird sings for democracy
It’s an amazing privilege to be one of 66 Councillors elected on the Wirral.
Its interesting that this motion [on the Local Plan] has a level of cross party unity. Its important because democracy is one of the important checks and balances on rampant free market housing developments - which could be bad for people and the environment if it wasn’t managed with democratic oversight.
Our democracy is a precious, fragile, freedom that undocumented refugees are dying for lack of. From Ukrainian people fleeing Putin’s army, to Palestinians enduring Israeli apartheid and Afghan people fleeing NATO bombs. Just like my Jewish great grandparents - they too seek legal, safe routes to sanctuary in this country.
My first full Council meeting in 2018 also debated the Local Plan. Because people who live in my ward come first, I’ve not voted to build on the green belt, and I’ve not voted for Hoylake Golf Resort. I have voted for justice for New Ferry, for Real Living Wages in our cost of living crises, to insulate homes, for fair taxation, safe routes to school, to fully restore our train services and save our libraries.
One day in March in 2019, in a few short hours, I was smeared in the media, suspended by the Labour Party, accused of antisemitism and stood up right here, in this Council chamber, to speak.
Tory councillors proposed that I should not be heard. And credit where its due, Wirral Labour councillors and Liberal Democrats and Cllr Cleary voted that I do have the constitutional right to speak. Thank you. The Conservative Councillors walked out.
But fast forward in our democracy to Autumn 2021, when the Labour Party expelled me retrospectively, alongside hundreds of members. I’m now free to talk about natural justice and the racism faced by my Jewish community.
It was Mother’s Day yesterday. My lovely mum Rica, was also expelled by the Labour Party. Just before the Labour Files was broadcast by Al Jazeera. They exposed the pivotal lies about what my mum had said. Lies broadcast by BBC Panorama helped to poison our democracy at the last General Election.
[Mayor interrupts before time limit reached]
So I joined the Green Party a year ago, exactly. As well as voting to protect the green belt and save frontline services, Greens are the most principled and hardest working councillors I’ve ever known. We work for every heart, mind and vote. Residents like the work we do, all year round.
This [Sia] song is for everyone who yearns for freedom, justice, equality and democracy.
I don't care if I sing off key
I find myself in my melodies
[Mayor interrupts before time limit reached]
I sing for love, I sing for Greens
I shout it out like a Bird set free
Mmm mmm.