I was utterly shocked to read the Evening Standard (front page) article regarding the terrible plight of the homeless in Southall a few weeks back. It's a sad state of affairs and it really hits home given that it's happening on our doorstep. In situations like this, you'd expect some compassion and at the very least, a plan of action from our local councillors and MP to resolve the matter. Suffice to say, nothing has been forthcoming (no real surprise there).

However, what has shocked me the most about this situation is that the local Labour Party has made it clear that they simply do not care. Sharma was recently quoted as saying "I have no compassion" for those destitute in Southall. Hardly the sort of response one would expect from their leading local politician. I suspect Julian Bell (Sharma's Alistair Campbell) was not on hand to provide a more considered response - maybe he's on holiday...

The response can be read here.