Save Rutland: MP's Push to Protect Ceremonial County Status Gains Momentum
Rutland's fight to maintain its ceremonial county status has taken a significant step forward, following a crucial call between Alicia Kearns MP and Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner. The discussion, a month after Kearns presented the community's petition to Parliament, focused on the potential impact of Local Council Re-Organisation on Rutland's unique identity.
Alicia Kearns, a vocal advocate for her constituents, conveyed the deep concern within the Rutland community regarding the potential loss of their ceremonial county status. This status, while largely symbolic, holds immense cultural and historical significance for residents.
The Deputy Prime Minister, reportedly unaware of the specific implications for Rutland, assured Alicia Kearns that she would personally investigate the issue. Angela Rayner also acknowledged the importance of preserving local identities, emphasizing that the Local Council reforms were not intended to erase the ceremonial status of counties. However, she conceded that unintended consequences required further examination.
The central demand of the "Save Rutland" campaign is the safeguarding of the county's ceremonial status through legislative action. Kearns is urging the government to identify a suitable legislative vehicle, potentially by amending the Lieutenancies Act 1997, to explicitly include Rutland as a county for the purposes of that Act, or by other means.
"Many of you at my public meetings were concerned about what these reforms to Local Councils might mean," Alicia Kearns stated. "I have made clear our ask of the Deputy Prime Minister that she do all she can to ensure our identity is not lost as collateral damage from wider reforms."
The MP's efforts represent a significant victory for the "Save Rutland" campaign. The Deputy Prime Minister's commitment to investigating the matter and acknowledging the importance of local identities provides a glimmer of hope for residents who fear the erosion of their county's historical significance.
The next crucial step will be the government's response and the identification of a legislative solution to protect Rutland's ceremonial county status. The community, led by Alicia Kearns MP, remains vigilant, determined to ensure their voice is heard and their identity preserved.
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