Following feedback from the Public Meetings Alicia Kearns held, she has come together with the community, Charlie Pallett the Rutland Blogger and the George and Dragon in Seaton to launch a #SaveRutland Petition urging the Government to protect the ceremonial county of Rutland. The petition will be available for Rutland residents to sign in local pubs.
The petition urges the Government to protect Rutland's status as a ceremonial county regardless of the outcomes of Local Government Re-Organisation and Devolution. Alicia will present the petition in person in Parliament, requiring the Government to provide a formal response:
The petition must be signed in person, on a hard-copy petition.
Alicia is calling for all pubs in Rutland to sign up to host the petition - any pubs willing to carry the petition please email [email protected]
Rutlanders who would like to sign the petition should:
- Visit participating pubs to sign the petition.
- Sign the petition at Alicia’s office: 6 Market Street, Oakham, LE15 6DY.
- Print the PDF version here and return by hand or post to Alicia’s Oakham office.
Alicia Kearns, Member of Parliament for Rutland and Stamford, said:
“My public meetings on the future of Rutland made it clear that we will not accept having our identity stripped from us - our ceremonial status must be protected at all costs.
“Please do spread the word and encourage your friends, family and neighbours to add their names to my petition by visiting and supporting our wonderful Rutland pubs to sign the petitions.
“We have six weeks to make clear to Government we are Rutlanders and intend to stay as such and put a stop to the Government stripping us of our identity.”
Charlie Pallett, the Rutland Blogger, said:
“Our county is also a passionate community. We take great pride as Rutlanders. Rutland is our identity, independence and the beautiful place we call home and that should never be overlooked. As a community we’ll do everything we can to protect that.”
Ralph Offer, landlord at the George and Dragon in Seaton, said:
“As a business owner, I see Rutland as an essential part of The George & Dragon’s unique character, attracting visitors from near and far while fostering a strong, loyal local community.
“Rutland is a hidden gem of tourism, rich with attractions and experiences.
“We take pride in serving Rutland produce and ales, building strong connections and collaborations with local businesses.
“Less than 30 years after gaining our independence, we must not risk losing it again. Rutland has fought hard for its autonomy, and our proud, resilient community will not allow its identity to be taken away.
“Our loyal customers and local residents are committed to preserving what makes Rutland so special.”
Dave Pallett, whose idea it was to partner with pubs, said:
“We don’t want to get swallowed up. Keep Rutland, Rutland. If we have the ‘best run council’, it isn’t broken, so don’t try and fix it.”
