Posts by Cllr Claire Sully
Refugee speaks out as councillors clash over housing pressures and immigration by Sajjad Jabarkhel, speech at Somerset Council Full Council, May 22nd, 2025
My name is Sajjad, and I am originally from Afghanistan. I currently live in the UK as a refugee. I am here to speak against [the Conservative] motion—not because I dismiss the real and growing pressures on housing in Somerset, but because I believe it risks misrepresenting the challenges we face and, more importantly, the…
Read MoreFacts and fiction about housing, refugees and asylum seekers in Somerset
We all have a duty to determine fact from fiction or there is a high price to pay, when this leads to anger and hate in our communities. Once facts, over fiction, are considered, we are then entitled to have our own opinion. Maybe the facts won’t change your opinion, but that shouldn’t mean that…
Read MoreIt’s not AI, it’s you!
During our secondary school leaving ceremony, we shuffled in line to shake hands and exchange brief niceties—congratulations and good luck for the wide-open future. I don’t remember the exact wording of the pivotal question I was asked, but I recall my reply vividly: I said I wanted to be a writer. I sensed that the…
Read MoreThe impact of Yeovil’s maternity crisis — it happened to me 17 Years ago
On Monday, 12 May 2025, at 4 pm, Yeovil District Hospital announced the closure of its maternity unit for an initial period of six months. This decision followed an inspection by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in January 2025, which issued a warning notice citing the need for significant improvement in paediatric services. Safety concerns…
Read MoreA Local View on Kneecap Playing Glastonbury
[I was asked by the media for my opinion on Kneecap performing at Glastonbury, and I wanted to share it here to provide the full context of my response] I’m not fully aware of the complete context of Kneecap’s comments regarding violence against public figures like MPs, though I understand they have issued an apology.…
Read MoreMental Health Awareness Week: Volunteering
Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to develop and explore many ways to connect, motivate, and support volunteers. I truly believe that building strong, connected communities is the key to thriving societies. When communities come together and work collaboratively, it not only strengthens bonds but also promotes health and well-being. Overall, volunteering creates a positive…
Read MoreFresh Approach to Road Safety: Community and Business Collaboration Inspires New Way to Protect Our Roads
On May 6th, Councillor Claire Sully organised an important A371 Road Safety Discussion Forum at the Bath and West Showground, supported by Ansford Parish Council, who reached out to neighbouring parishes to help build a collaborative network aimed at improving road safety on the A371. The event was hosted by Carol Paris, CEO of Bath…
Read MoreA Survivor’s Guide to Local Politics, blog 1: What’s important to me?
Bandit: Well, looks like this is the end of the line. Any last words?Cowboy (calm and firm): Maybe. But I’ve fought for what’s right. I won’t turn tail now, even if it costs me everything.[The bandit hesitates, gun still aimed.]Cowboy: Do your worst. I’ll stand firm, till the very last shot. Hello. Are you one…
Read MoreSomerset Council calls for NHS dental contract reform.
We must maintain pressure on the Government to address the dental crisis in Somerset. The council’s letter to the Government was prompted by NHS Somerset’s report, which was presented while I was Acting Chair of the Adults and Health Scrutiny Committee. I wrote to the Lib Dem Leader of Somerset Council, Cllr Bill Revans, asking…
Read MoreExciting News: Joining the National Lib Dem Mental Health Group to Shape Policy
I am delighted to announce that I have been selected to join the newly established Mental Health Policy Group by the National Liberal Democrats party. This initiative presents a vital opportunity to address the pressing mental health challenges faced by our communities in Somerset and across the UK. As a Parliamentary candidate and Deputy Chair…
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