NEWS FROM MEDWAY LABOUR

Medway Labour and Co-Operative Group were very pleased with the cross-party support of Councillor Clive Johnson’s motion expressing Medway Council’s determination to keep UCA in Medway.

Councillors from across the divide supported the motion at full council, submitted by Labour, and we look forward to their renewed vigour in helping support education in the creative arts across Medway.

Cllr Clive Johnson, Shadow Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said:

“While there is still much work to be done by the council, passing our motion last night is an important step on the path to retaining a significant presence of the University for the Creative Arts in Medway.  Some Conservative councillors showed their short-sightedness and their lack of ambition in the debate but I welcome their support for my motion.  The UCA is a global presence and we are lucky to have them in Medway.  We will hold the administration to account for the urgent work they now need to undertake to invest in Medway’s economy and the future of our young people.”

Cllr Teresa Murray, Deputy Leader Medway Labour and Co-Operative Group, said:

“I was very pleased to achieve cross party support for Labour’s motion to keep UCA in Medway. It’s important that all councillors put any differences with UCA’s management aside and work together for the future of our arts community in Medway. There are lots of opportunities yet to be explored and I am optimistic that our motion laid the foundations for this to happen”