Letter: Using the Grenfell Tragedy for a Political Objective is Beyond the Pale

Published on: 3 May, 2023
Updated on: 3 May, 2023

Screenshot from the Robin Horsley social media video dated around May 1 2023.

From: Ann Yendole

In response to: North Street Scheme to Go to Appeal – Developer Commits to Compliance with Post-Grenfell Rules

Using the Grenfell tragedy for any campaign – especially towards a political objective, as in this case, is despicable and disgusting. The depths to which the person making these awful videos is now stooping defies belief, decency and common humanity.

I call on all parties to distance themselves from it and the person behind it as soon as possible.

Regarding North Street, I truly hope that Guildford’s voters look at the evidence from all sides, take the time to review the scheme proposal and make up their minds based on facts and truthful representations.

Above all, this election should be about so much more than the rejected North Street development. We should be examining how all the candidates are proposing to make Guildford (and the villages around it) a better place to live, work and visit.

There should be no place in this election for these manipulative, slickly produced, deliberately emotive, misleading video and leaflets which form the personal vendetta of one local professional agitator with deep pockets.

Responses to Letter: Using the Grenfell Tragedy for a Political Objective is Beyond the Pale

Gina Redpath Reply

May 3, 2023 at 1:45 pm

I am deeply shocked and saddened that the Grenfell tragedy is being used as a political whip. I wish, very much, that both the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats would stand up and publicly denounce this heartless videographer, Robin Horsley, who simply wants to break the Residents Party [R4GV], and democracy at any price.

He has the kindest and most selfless father who I have been very proud to know and admire. I cannot begin to imagine how he is feeling right now. Beyond shame.

Gina Redpath is a R4GV candidate for Normandy & Pirbright in the forthcoming GBC election.
- Julian Lyon Reply
  
  May 3, 2023 at 3:59 pm
  
  I agree, Gina. Cllr Chris Blow is a remarkable person and councillor. He cares in a way that doesn’t crave self-aggrandisement. His knowledge and experience is immense and I have always enjoyed discussing developments, the Local Plan and the regeneration of the town centre with him. He is a remarkable person.
  
  The late, lamented Sheila Blow was a friend of, and fellow music teacher with, my mother. I feel nothing but warmth in my soul when I think of both of them.
  
  Where this grubby anti-R4GV-at-all-costs campaign comes from, goodness only knows. It is unbecoming and it is an insult to the intelligence and discernment of Guildford that half-truths, quotes taken out of context, aspersions and outright misrepresentations (such as that all R4GV candidates are former Conservatives or property people) are used to seek to influence the election result tomorrow.
Daniel Hill Reply

May 3, 2023 at 8:54 pm

What is wrong with people? This guy needs to give his head a wobble. This is absolutely disgusting. Why would anyone make a two-minute video of Grenfell Towers burning with people screaming and crying in the background.

I’m sure the families of the people who died in the Grenfell fire would be deeply angered to know. Someone made this video trying to use their tragedy for political gain.
Jules Cranwell Reply

May 4, 2023 at 9:10 am

Even by his low standards, Robin Horsley has gone too far. It is nothing short of disgusting to use Grenfell in a political ploy, and an insult to those many lives lost. He should be thoroughly ashamed of himself, and is best ignored by the decent residents of Guildford.