Evasive Ed Vaizey – No surprise!

Published: 2nd June, 2011

• I WISH I could be surprised by your report of culture minister Ed Vaizey’s behaviour at the British Museum (‘Help!’ Vaizey refuses to answer library questions, May 26).  

The government seems to think it can enact the Cameroon “Big Society” through words alone.  

Sadly the odd speech on the virtues of volunteering will not keep community centres open.  

And sound-bites are no substitute for policy solutions.  

Mr Vaizey’s refusal to comment on Camden libraries (and the panicked aside to his aide) exposes more than an under-briefed minister. It points to an out-of-touch government in denial about the effect of its cuts on Britain's communities.  

We’re lucky in Camden. Our Labour administration is working hard to protect the services we need. 

After a public consultation, its library chief, Councillor Tulip Siddiq is suggesting pragmatic and creative solutions, working with community groups to minimise reductions in service. 

Mr Vaizey probably thinks his government’s “localism” agenda means he shouldn’t have to answer questions about community libraries.  

His duties end with a photo opportunity next to some school kids and a mummy. 

But no PR stunt will let the government off the hook or distract us from the harmful effects of their cuts.   
Debbie Moss,
WC1

Evasive Ed

• I AM disgusted by Ed Vaizey’s refusal to answer questions about the deep cuts which his government has imposed on local council budgets and the impact this is having on Camden’s libraries. 

His evasion shows the total hypocrisy of this government and its refusal to take responsibility for services it vowed to protect. 

It seems the only way our libraries will be protected to some degree is through the efforts of Labour councils like Camden working hard and with the community to come up with workable solutions that meet local needs.
Karishma Chandaria,
NW1