Leader's statement - Full Council meeting

Cllr Peray Ahmet, Leader of Haringey Council, has given her reaction to the Full Council meeting not taking place on Monday night.

As Leader of Haringey Council, I wanted to express my disappointment that our Full Council meeting was not able to take place last night.

We really wanted to be there and listen to your deputations and petitions and take on board the views from our communities.

I have taken time to reflect on the large number of messages that have been posted on our social platforms overnight and I have to set the record straight on why we came to this decision.

Unfortunately, a small, very loud group of protestors stormed their way through the front door, broke down a barrier, breaking a lock and chain and broke into the room before the meeting had even started, without going through the required bag and security searches. 

It was not an easy decision to cancel the meeting, but we had to protect the safety of our councillors, council officers and other members of the public.

We need to distinguish between local people who wanted to hear the debate, protest legitimately, and present their petitions, and a small but organised group who appeared determined to disrupt the proceedings.

A number of protestors were then taking up seats that were intended for individuals who were denied the chance to present their deputations in a civilised way.

We had no confidence that our members could progress safely with the meeting. The behaviour of the minority meant the meeting was not able to start within 15 mins of the published time which - under our constitution - means the meeting was inquorate and could not go ahead.

We will be having another meeting and I urge those of you who want to come forward and express your opinion to please do so.

In the meantime, there are other ways you can feedback on the low traffic neighbourhoods. We look forward to further dialogue and really listening and getting this right together with you.