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UKIP have called for a local referendum to be held in Lichfield and Burntwood over a proposed new Greater Birmingham combined authority.

Lichfield District Council’s Conservative leader Mike Wilcox insists no decision has been made on the issue after he was invited to a meeting of potential members.

But UKIP’s Lichfield branch has called for negotiations to be “transparent”, insisting any link with a new Greater Birmingham combined authority would damage the history, identity and integrity of the city.

A UKIP spokesman said: “From our point of view, this process needs transparency and no hidden agendas.

“The ruling Conservative group must ensure that Lichfield does not lose its historical importance, and as a party we do not want to see the constituency swallowed up and at risk of a land grab by Birmingham.

“If councillors decide they want to sign up to these plans, then in our opinion Lichfield residents need to be asked what they think via a local referendum. It’s the people and not our politicians who will be affected.”

The spokesman also questioned whether Lichfield District Council would have any influence in a Greater Birmingham combined authority.

The party believes the plans would lead to a European Union-style structure being imposed upon the people of Lichfield.

But UKIP say they would support any proposal for a combined Staffordshire authority.

The spokesman added: “The people of Lichfield do not want to become apart of any plans that could be as damaging to the locality as joining the European Union has been to Britain.

“Can residents be assured by Cllr Wilcox that he and our other local politicians would have any influence in a combined Greater Birmingham authority?

“However, we would support any plans for a combined Staffordshire authority and we would urge the ruling Conservative group to push for this instead.”

Cllr Wilcox said no decision had yet been made on whether Lichfield would join Greater Birmingham or any other combined authority.

He said: “Once we know all the facts then we can take it back to the members of the council to make a decision.”

NCTJ-trained reporter with experience in a wide variety of journalism settings.

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Andy Bennetts
8 years ago

In summary, UKIP are opposed to an “EU style” structure that sees Lichfield as part of a larger authority if that authority is based around Birmingham but fully supportive of the same structure if it’s based around Staffordshire.

Makes no sense at all. Someone less kind than myself might say that when they talk about history and identity they really mean “there’s too many brown people in Birmingham”. Then their drivel starts to make a twisted kind of sense.

Sue woodward
8 years ago

Have they considered the costs of a local referendum?

Steven Norman
8 years ago

And what does their representative on LDC say? He’s been elected – he should have a view.