Exeter Labour Party opens its doors for 'Multicultural Lunch' with Ben Bradshaw
Exeter Labour Party's HQ at Clifton Hill was bustling with people from every continent at its 'Multicultural Lunch' with Ben Bradshaw on Saturday 28 September.
Ben, Labour Party members and councillors including Exeter City Council leader Cllr Pete Edwards, his deputy Cllr Rachel Sutton and Labour Group leader on Devon County Council, Cllr Richard Westlake, got a flavour of life as experienced by members of Exeter's varied and growing communities, as they answered questions on a wide range of issues.
A lively debate was followed by the sharing of food brought by the participants; the dishes reflecting the rich diversity of Exeter's citizens.
Early feedback indicates that this was a good opportunity for residents - especially those from ethnic minority backgrounds - to express their concerns to their MP and councillors. There was strong support for more events of a similar kind.
Exeter Labour Party said: "The response to our multicultural event was hugely encouraging; attracting numbers well beyond our expectations. It proves decisively that people of all ages and backgrounds are ready to engage in issues that concern them when political parties are willing to listen.
"Ben Bradshaw, Labour councillors and local party members heard a range of concerns and experiences and will be following up on a number of cases and issues raised."
"We gained a great deal from the event and got a strong sense that people were pleased to be given a platform to share their views and experiences and to ask questions.
"A big thank you to all those who came along. We will arrange a follow-up very soon. In the meantime, our door is open."
For more on Exeter's rich multicultural history, please visit the wonderful new website www.tellingourstoriesexeter.org.uk
For details of how to contact Ben Bradshaw MP, please visit http://www.benbradshaw.co.uk/contact-ben/
For details of your local Labour Exeter City councillors, please visit http://www.exeter-labour.org.uk/about-us/exeter-city-councillors/
For details of your local Labour Devon County councillors, please visit http://www.exeter-labour.org.uk/about-us/devon-county-councillors/
