Home   News   Article

Subscribe Now

Newbury MP accosted by cuts campaigners




Richard Benyon asked 'will you help save our libraries?' as he picks up litter

NEWBURY MP Richard Benyon was accosted by anti-cuts protesters as he picked litter at the weekend.

Mr Benyon joined other volunteers taking part in Clean for the Queen – a nationwide initiative to tidy Britain’s streets ahead of the Queen’s 90th birthday celebrations.

But some protesters used the event to grill the MP about his own Government forcing West Berkshire Council to make £17.5m-worth of cuts.

The West Berkshire Save Our Services (SOS) group recorded their encounter with Mr Benyon and posted the 43-second video on YouTube.

It has since been viewed more than 300 times and widely shared on social media.

It is clear from his tone that Mr Benyon was far from impressed about being cornered and at the end of the video, he can be heard saying: “I’m picking up litter and you’re just standing there.”

The video starts with campaigner Carolyne Culver asking the MP: “Are you going to help us save the libraries Richard?”

To which Mr Benyon replies: “I’ll do my best.”

Ms Culver then asks: “Can you help to lobby the Prime Minister to help us save our eight local libraries?”

Mr Benyon is heard replying: “Would you like to come and help me clear this?”

Later, Ms Culver asks: “Will you support our local libraries Richard?”

The MP replies: “I do, I’m working hard to keep them open but I’m also picking up litter and you’re just standing there.”

SOS insist it was not an anti-royalty protest, but one designed to show that the district should prioritise saving public services ahead of cleaning the streets.

A placard held up by one campaigner read: “I’d rather read than clean the streets” in reference to West Berkshire Council’s proposals to close eight of the districts nine libraries.

The group also took the opportunity to walk along the main street in Newbury, with a banner, using a megaphone to inform hundreds of shoppers about the council cuts.



This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies - Learn More