• STEVEN TAYLOR laments that councillors have not spoken out publicaly against the suspensions of local Party officers, specifically in Hampstead and Kilburn, (Councillors’ silence lets down their party and the labour movement, December 24).

Well I have taken the view that I was elected as a socialist to try to improve life for everyone in Swiss Cottage rather than to publicise internal Labour Party matters, and in any case as the reasons for suspensions are not made public it is difficult to campaign publicly against those suspensions.

Councillor colleagues have expressed solidarity with those suspended.

However, I assure readers that in a personal capacity I have written to Keir Starmer protesting at the suspension of my friends and comrades and have personally spoken to him about the suppression of free speech and democratic debate which is coming from the leadership of the Party.

I don’t know whether Steven is a member of the party, I haven’t met him at branch or constituency party meetings, but if not I urge him to join and get involved.

There are groups such as Camden Momentum and Labour Grassroots which welcome contributions to debate, and on January 17 Jeremy Corbyn is launching the Project for Peace and Justice which is open to all. https://thecorbynproject.com/

SIMON PEARSON
Councillor for Swiss Cottage, NW1