Kent County Council - What do they know about BREXIT that we should know?

In the June 29th Kent and Sussex Courier an article called "Council refuses to reveal Brexit's impact on Kent" was published. This article refers to the stirling work being done by Rob Bird (Leader of the Opposition at KCC) to get information on the impact of BREXIT on Kent.

KCC have been evaluating what the impact of BREXIT will be on Kent. This is very good as at least someone is looking to the future rather than hoping it will all work out OK. Last year there was an analysis of the impact on Dover of leaving the EU, by Dover Operations. The prospect is a repetition of Operation Stack on a daily basis.

KCC have been looking at the wider impact on KENT of BREXIT covering areas such as trade, migration and community cohesion. So far only a small number of councillors have seen the results. Despite Freedom of Information requests KCC is being kept in the dark over the outcome from this work.

But Edenbridge is the other side of the county from Dover so why should we worry? Well apart from the general environmental impact of large lorry parks and long queues, addressing these issues will be a major drain on Kent's resources. I can only assume that the KCC analysis includes the council tax implications of addressing BREXIT issues. Given the council's approach to keep taxes low at all costs then there must be cuts in KCC support to Edenbridge and the Eden Valley.

I admit to being a pro European Remainer and would like to stop the process,but I also recognise that many people voted leave with genuine concerns over the EU. This article is not an attempt to resurrect "Project Fear". As a democrat I believe that people have a right to have as much information as possible with which to make informed decisions. KCC should be praised for looking at a post BREXIT world. As we have been told by the Conservative Government that BREXIT is the way forward then KCC should have no concerns over publishing the analysis. What secrecy implies is that everything in the Garden of England is not looking rosy in the future.

I ask that all residents contact their County Councillor and ask for publication of the analysis so we can decide for ourselves if BREXIT is still the best future for Edenbridge and the Eden Valley.