• I THANK the several hundred local residents who responded to the Boundary Commission’s consultation late last year: the results of which have just been published online.

More people responded in Hampstead & Kilburn than anywhere in the country. In total 711 people responded from across the north of Camden, from Kilburn to Highgate, including more than 200 from my ward. This is a phenomenal level of engagement in this vital democratic process.

I was delighted to support the commission’s independent proposal for a parliamentary constituency that would keep Hampstead united and bring together the communities to which it’s historically, socially, and culturally connected, including West Hampstead, Swiss Cottage, and Highgate.

And by the looks of things, you agree – across the north of Camden, 87 per cent of respondents backed the commission’s independent proposal: a thumping majority unmatched anywhere, and indicative of the strong unity and pride displayed by our community.

I was, therefore, disappointed Tulip Siddiq and her husband have both tried to disparage and discredit the civil servants at the independent commission. This is the third proposal of the sixth review that the commission and its predecessors have performed since 1944 – nothing about the process is new or party-political.

Whether we agree with the initial proposals or not it’s important for all parties to accept the results of these reviews in order for MPs’ legitimacy to be upheld and maintained. Student union-level attacks on the commission only undermine our parliamentary democracy.

The people have spoken very clearly. They want to back the commission and keep Hampstead united.

Cllr OLIVER COOPER
Conservative, Hampstead Town ward