I write in support of Lionel Blackman, the Independent candidate in the General Election.  He is an excellent local man who cares passionately about this area. 

Lionel Blackman’s campaign against Mr Grayling’s repeal of the Human Rights Act is a highly noble one.  This is an extremely important issue that will go against the Council of Europe and will in my view gravely threaten the basic human rights of every UK citizen.   It is such an important issue I would welcome other parties contesting this seat, standing down in favour of Mr Blackman, thus enabling him to go head-to-head, in a two-horse race, with Mr Grayling.

What has been happening in arena of criminal justice, for which Mr Grayling has been responsible, has in my view been utterly shameful.  

To my knowledge, there have been 10 judicial reviews against Justice Minister Grayling where by the courts adjudged his actions as being unlawful. 

He banned prisoners having books sent in.  He has stripped people of their basic rights to a fair hearing by slashing legal aid.  This even applies to victims of domestic violence.

Prisons are hugely over-capacity and chronically under-staffed. Suicides are up by 38 per cent.  Prisons no longer, hardly, attempt to reform individuals and are in crisis.

Like a man who has something to hide, he has stopped the leader of the Howard League prison reform charity from visiting prisons.

Mr Grayling has jeopardised public safety by dismantling and privatising parts of the probation service causing chaos.  He has unreasonably increased pressures on the probation services whilst diminishing their resources.  

Many Staff within criminal justice services feel completely devalued, over-worked and abused by Mr Grayling’s reforms and are leaving, creating staff shortages. 

Mr Grayling’s un-inspirational style of leadership has been leaving staff feeling totally demoralised.  He is perceived by many as uncaring and arrogant.

Mr Grayling did state he would repay the expenses he had previously over-claimed but he has never provided evidence he has done so.

Mr Grayling’s proposed actions in repealing the Human Rights Act are in my view a complete outrage. 

I feel such proposals sit more comfortably with those of a UKIP candidate than those of a true Conservative. 

I would therefore urge voters to think very carefully before voting for Mr Grayling and to give serious consideration to voting for Lionel Blackman instead.  As an Independent Mr Blackman presents as an immensely caring individual who would make an excellent MP.      

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