Opposition Councillors Concerned by Rushed Dongying Partnership Proposal

Published on: 13 Oct, 2017
Updated on: 17 Oct, 2017

Councillors from all three opposition parties have expressed concern at the decision at full council on Tuesday evening (October 10) to approve a proposal by the council’s Executive to sign a partnership agreement with Dongying, China.

The proposed partnership seeks, among other things, to develop cultural understanding, exchange knowledge, build on links between the University of Surrey and the city, promote business access to Chinese markets and promote Guildford as a tournist and investment destination.

As part of work towards finalising the partnership the council report also set out details of a delegation to Dongying in October 2017, just days after this council meeting. The anticipated cost is now estimated to be £7,134.

In a press release from the Liberal Democrats issued yesterday (October 12) it was stated: “At the [council] meeting Liberal Democrat Councillors emphasised their concern about the lack of due diligence, transparency and openness in relation to the proposed partnership with Dongying, and questioned the apparent rush to sign an agreement with the city.

Cllr David Goodwin

Reiterating his speech Cllr David Goodwin (Onslow) said: “As a member of the working group since March I have been concerned by the way that meetings have been cancelled at short notice, the slow processing of minutes and lack of basic due diligence in relation to the proposed partnership with Dongying.

“As a working group we have not been presented with detailed information on the rationale for and against such a partnership nor had the most basic discussion as to whether the group agreed with a trip to Dongying, let alone a trip where the council signs a partnership agreement with the city.”

Cllr Caroline Reeves

Group leader Cllr Caroline Reeves added: “Liberal Democrat councillors are not against the partnering or twinning of Guildford with other cities as such relationships have the potential to provide longstanding cultural, economic and educational benefits to both partners long term.

“However, once again, the Conservatives have presented councillors with a proposal woefully lacking in detailed information or due diligence and simply expected it to be rubber-stamped.

“Guildford residents already have concerns about this council’s commitment to transparent, open governance and proposals like this one simply compound this. Decisions with such potential long-term impact and status must be open to public debate and consultation, just like when our longstanding relationship with Freiburg was first developed, not rushed into for reasons undisclosed by the Conservative leadership.

“Liberal Democrats will continue to hold the Conservatives to account on this issue for the sake of Guildford’s residents and reputation.”

Cllr Susan Parker

Susan Parker, leader of the three-member Guildford Greenbelt Group at Millmead responded: “GGG tabled formal questions at full council about Dongying as a partnership candidate and an amendment to cancel the proposed agreement and this trip. But it was defeated.

“We suggested the council should formulate policy to discourage property investment into Guildford from Dongying, or elsewhere, by non-resident investors.  Unfortunately, the council Executive refused to formulate such a policy.”

“We asked for clarification about ‘existing links’ between the University of Surrey and Dongying, mentioned in the council minutes, but not otherwise explained. Since these are apparently the reason for selecting Dongying, we think that these should be described more fully.”

Cllr Angela Gunning

Angela Gunning, leader of the two-member Labour group at GBC said: “I too am a member of the Twinning Working Group and concur with what Cllr Goodwin says – and I also spoke at length at the council meeting.

“No other Chinese cities have been considered for a ‘partnership’ arrangement. I would recommend that councillors  – indeed anyone interested – read Twinning and contact between British and Chinese cities published by Government Office for Science in 2016. It is a very interesting and worthwhile background briefing.

“The report suggests that partnerships with Chinese cities can take over five years – often more than 10 – to consolidate. Many UK cities – Oxford for example – report that the benefits they have been able to identify are more civic than economic.

“I understand there could be an update soon.

“There has been undue haste in arranging this visit – with no consultation with the Twinning Working Group; nor planning the trip-schedule. The timing has been justified so that the council visit coincides with a visit by Vice-Chancellor Prof Max Lu to Dongying. Details of the itinerary were given to the working group on Thursday (October 12th) – just about 24 hours prior to departure.”

Council leader Paul Spooner was also invited to comment.

Share This Post