Agenda item

In recognition of their achievements and contributions to the wellbeing of the residents of our borough and across London, the Council is requested to confer the ‘Freedom of the Borough’ to:

·       Michael Mansfield QC

·       Dr Stephen Hirst

·       Dr John Lister

·       Merril Hammer

·       Anne Drinkell

·       Jim Grealy

7.05pm – The report and recommendations were moved for adoption by the Leader of the Council, Councillor Stephen Cowan. Speeches on the report were made by Councillors Stephen Cowan, Ben Coleman, Rory Vaughan, and Patricia Quigley (for the Administration) – and Councillor Andrew Brown (for the Opposition).

After the speeches, the report and recommendations were put to the vote:

FOR                            UNANIMOUS

AGAINST                    0

NOT VOTING             0

The report and recommendations were declared CARRIED.

7.25pm – RESOLVED:

That the Council confer the “Freedom of the Borough” of the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham” on: -

Michael Mansfield QC

In recognition of his sterling work and expert insight and analysis as the Chair of the Independent Healthcare Commission for North West London. The Commission’s influential report led to the Government’s abandonment of the closure plans for the existing excellent Charing Cross Hospital and Ealing Hospital which provide crucial health services for some of the most deprived communities across West London. 

Dr Stephen Hirst

In recognition that, as a member of the Independent Healthcare Commission for North West London, he oversaw the gathering of evidence that revealed the paucity of the business case that the NHS relied upon to close crucial hospital services for h&f residents.  His medical expertise and in-depth knowledge of the health service was crucial in the analysis of the evidence that resulted in the Government’s abandonment of its closure plans for Charing Cross Hospital and Ealing Hospital.

Dr John Lister

In recognition that, as a member of the Independent Healthcare Commission for North West London, he oversaw the gathering of evidence that revealed the paucity of the business case that the NHS relied upon to close crucial hospital services for h&f residents.  His research skills and in-depth knowledge of health services was crucial in the analysis of the evidence that resulted in the Government’s abandonment of its closure plans for Charing Cross Hospital and Ealing Hospital.

Merril Hammer

In recognition of her tireless campaigning over many years, as the Chair of Save Our Hospitals, to protect crucial hospital services for the residents of Hammersmith & Fulham.  Save Our Hospitals was the channel through which the people of Hammersmith & Fulham gained a voice against the Government’s hospital closure plans.  The closure of two hospitals was averted and a national government policy that would have had such a negative impact on the healthcare of Hammersmith & Fulham residents was overturned.  

Anne Drinkell

In recognition of her tireless campaigning over many years, as the Secretary of Save Our Hospitals, to protect crucial hospital services for the residents of Hammersmith & Fulham.  Save Our Hospitals was the channel through which the people of Hammersmith & Fulham gained a voice against the Government’s hospital closure plans.  The closure of two hospitals was averted and a national government policy that would have had such a negative impact on the healthcare of Hammersmith & Fulham residents was overturned.  

Jim Grealy

In recognition of his tireless campaigning over many years, as the Assistant Secretary of Save Our Hospitals, to protect crucial hospital services for the residents of Hammersmith & Fulham.  Save Our Hospitals was the channel through which the people of Hammersmith & Fulham gained a voice against the Government’s hospital closure plans.  The closure of two hospitals was averted and a national government policy that would have had such a negative impact on the healthcare of Hammersmith & Fulham residents was overturned.

The Mayor presented a scroll to each of the recipients of the award and they gave speeches thanking the Council for the honour bestowed on them.