Messages of Support to Richard Howitt MEP after being ejected from the media area and on Labour's stand in seeking to mediate in relation to the travellers on Dale Farm

I would like to express my warm thanks to Labour MEPs, MPs and party colleagues for the very many messages of support which I received for taking a stand on behalf of the Labour Party alongside Basildon Labour Councillors to seek to avert the shocking scenes we subsequently witnessed in relation to the forced eviction at Dale Farm.

I would like to thank colleagues in particular for your support in relation to the disgraceful incident where Conservative-controlled Basildon Council prevented me from undertaking live media interviews to give Labour's position by forcibly ejecting me personally from the designated media area during the operation.

I want to stress that the messages of support are for the Labour Party, our values and our principles - showing that opinion right across the our party will always stand against discrimination and for what is right.

Richard Howitt MEP, 2011

"Thanks for letting me know about what happened to you at Dale Farm. It is very hard to believe that an elected representative should be prevented in this way from talking to their constituents or to the media, and I assume that you will be taking the matter up."

Rt Hon Hilary Benn MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government

"I am outraged that Richard Howitt, MEP for the Eastern Region has been treated so appallingly. I am deeply concerned that firstly, Tory Basildon Council has acted in such a deplorable way to silence the voice of the Labour Spokesperson and secondly that the council found it acceptable to treat an elected member with such a lack of respect, especially considering the peaceful and dignified way that Richard Howitt has conducted himself throughout."

Gavin Shuker, Labour Member of Parliament for Luton South

"Richard Howitt is a prominent and hardworking MEP who has a public duty to represent his constituents across the Eastern Region, and that includes representing voters in Basildon."

"You have my full support - as a democratically elected Member of the European Parliament, it is inconceivable that you are not allowed to be heard. The issues affecting the people in Basildon across the communities, are of concern for every major political party. And you should have been given the opportunity to express your views, Warm wishes."

Michael Cashman MEP, Chair National Executive Commitee

"I was disturbed to learn this week of the treatment of one of my Group members, a senior figure in our institution's struggle for human rights around the world, by local government officials in the United Kingdom. I write to support his complaint and to underline the concerns we must all feel when such incidents occur. Our freedoms have been hard won and interference with them by unelected officials is a sinister matter. We must oppose such behaviour vigorously, wherever it occurs: freedom of speech is a right that we must treasure and defend with all our might."

Martin Schulz MEP, Leader of the Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament

“Free speech is a basic tenet of our democracy and Richard Howitt was attempting to fulfil his duty as an elected representative covering the Basildon area.

“I understand that Conservative politicians had access to the media area to enable them to give their views on the events at Dale Farm, so it is outrageous that officials were restricting access for someone holding critical views of the way the council has handled this case.

“Richard has fully rebutted the arguments made by Basildon Council in its response to this incident.

“This stinks of a politically motivated attempt to silence opposition to the Council’s actions."

Glenis Willmott MEP, Leader of the European Parliamentary Labour Party

"Richard is a hardworking local public representative and an elected representative for the people of Basildon, it is a disgrace that this Conservative-run Council have tried to gag him in this way.

"We are absolutely clear that Richard should have been accorded the same access to speak to the media as all other elected representatives for our town and it is clear that Council officials acted in a completely partisan and extremely heavy-handed way in a vain attempt to silence critical voices.

"The manner in which Mr Howitt was physically removed from the media compound was both inappropriate and unnecessary. Mr Howitt had travelled to the Dale Farm site with a message for all parties to respect the law and to condemn violence against the police. For him to be manhandled from the media enclosure in this manner is a stain on the reputation of Basildon Council."

Cllr Lynda Gordon, Leader of the Labour Group on Basildon Borough Council

"The way Richard was treated by the Conservative Basildon Council is utterly disgraceful. He is a highly respected, responsible elected representative and it is entirely legitimate and appropriate that the press should want to speak to him. Would they have acted in the same way if he was a Conservative and giving the council 100% support? Of course not. Clearly Basildon Tories clearly have no respect for any alternative point of view"

Baroness Angela Smith of Basildon

"I saw your interview last night. You did really well, trying to represent your constituents and put over another point of view. After all why would there be a media compound if they did not expect people like yourself to turn up for an interview? I am afraid that seeing you being ejected from the site is a bad day for democracy and rather reminded me of the miners' strikes when cars would be stopped and not allowed to proceed any further - with of course scant evidence of intentions of the occupants!! I saw that John Baron was allowed to be interviewed on site earlier in the day, but of course he was supporting the eviction!! How much longer do we have to put up with this Tory Government destroying people's daily life and now attacking our democracy! And we thought Thatcher was bad!"

Eileen Davidson, Chair of the East of England Labour Party Regional Board

"Outrageous. I hope NUJ local and regional media take this up."

Denis MacShane, Member of Parliament for Rotherham

"I fully support you!"

MEP Rovana Plumb, Vice President of Socialist and Democrat Group

"You have all my support and solidarity. I consider what happened to you a clear and severe violation of your prerogatives. It's sad that the homeland of the parliamentarism, rule of law and freedom of expression sees those values violated by the current ruling party which risks seriously to drive the UK far from Europe."

Roberto Gualtieri MEP, Italy

"You of course have all my support against this intolerable behaviour."

Victor Bostinaru MEP, Romania

"I would like to express my solidarity and my support following the events that took place in your constituency that are an unacceptable interference in your freedom of expression while performing your duties as an MEP and defending EU fundamental rights."

Edite Estrela MEP, Portugal

"I consider that way the Basildon Council treated you in the area of Dale Farm absolutely unacceptable. The fact that they insulted you, one of those who fights for human rights and against discrimination of the most disadvantaged groups of the society around the world, speaks volumes about their unlawful behaviour. It is clear that the Conservative-led authority tried to prevent you by force from expressing your views on the inhuman and forced eviction of the people living in Dale Farm. While you followed the rules and respected the law, their conduct is not only disgraceful, but also disrespectful towards the rules and procedures guaranteeing the immunity of a member of the European Parliament. We must raise our voices whenever we encounter interference with the freedom of speech and freedom of opinion. I think it is particularly important to protect the human rights of those who are the most vulnerable, and to express our opinions without having the risk of being insulted."

Dr Kinga Goncz MEP, Hungary

"I am shocked hearing what happened to you last Wednesday, Oct. 19th at Basildon Council - and I want to hereby express my full support to you. It is absolutely not acceptable that a member of the European Parliament is restricted in performing his duties and that his fundamental right of freedom of free speech gets violated. Whoever was responsible for that completely undemocratic behaviour must face the consequences."

Jörg Leichtfried MEP, Head of the Austrian Socialist Delegation

"This was an appalling way to treat an elected representative for the area."

Bob Blizzard, former MP for Waveney.

"Richard Howitt deserves a knighthood for standing up to state bullying of Dale Farm Travellers. Labour have a man to be proud of."

David Foreman, Harlow TUC

"I am shocked & disgusted that Richard Howitt MEP was forcibly removed from the media site by Basildon council security at Dale Farm. I will investigate."

Cllr Allan Davies, Fryerns Ward, Basildon Borough Council

"I thought your actions were principled and noble - I would have done the same, and said the same. The cruel Tories know no limits to their imposed human suffering."

Cllr Deborah Gihawi, Norwich City Council

"I was disturbed by the way you were treated by Basildon Council Tories at Dale Farm. Your rights to freedom of speech and to stand up for the people of Dale Farm were violated and and I fully support you in your efforts to highlight this injustice. Thank you for the extraordinary hard work you do for all the people of the East of England."

Cllr Tariq Sadiq, Leader of the Labour Group on Cambridgeshire County Council

"This is the true face of Tory Government’s DEMOCRACY. It is outrageous that a prominent elected member is subjected to such humiliating treatment. I hope that our party is going to take necessary steps to take the Basildon council officials to task for their insolence."

Cllr Nabil Shabbir, East Ward, Peterborough"

"A very questionable way to treat an elected representative, doing his job, and about to be interviewed by the BBC."

Sue Thomas, former Labour Council for Rushmere, Suffolk County Council

"That is disgusting behaviour. Kicking an elected representative out of a media compound is just wrong."

Cllr Peter Boyle, Labour Town Councillor for Sele Ward, Hertford

"Well done for what you said on BBC5Live interview. Baron was appalling after you. No humanity."

Mike Jackson, Chair, Watford Constituency Labour Party

"I am appalled at the treatment you suffered as an elected representative of residents in the East of England. Your arbitrary treatment can only be indicative of the treatment the Dale Farm travellers may have been subjected to. I encourage you to continue standing up for all constituents in the East of England."

Cllr Paul Gordon, Ashridge Ward, Three Rivers District Council

"Richard Howitt's defence of Human Rights re Dale Farm makes me proud to be Labour."

Cllr Alice Perry, St Peter's Ward, Islington

"You were acting in the best traditions of the Labour Party and free speech. I am very concerned about the way you were treated although not entirely surprised."

Cllr Peter Mitchell, Sawbridgeworth Town Council

"Have to say that Richard Howitt has been a credit to himself and our party over Dale Farm, standing up to prejudice."

Joshua Fenton-Glynn, London Young Labour

"Outrageous treatment! They didn't like an effective critical voice appearing on all media outlets!"

Ben Foley, Islington

"Shame on Basildon Council on many levels, including forcibly ejecting Richard Howitt from Dale Farm media compound."

Ian Beckett, Chair Harlow Labour Party

"Disgraceful and politically motivated action by the Tory Council. Richard is an MEP so surely this is a contempt of the European Parliament and a denial of free speech. 100% support for your legal action and for all the great work you do for everyone in the Eastern Region."

Clyde Millard, Chair, North East Hertfordshire Labour Party

"It is disgraceful that Richard Howitt, as our democratically elected member of the European Parliament for the East of England, was forcibly prevented from being interviewed by national and local media on the Dale Farm situation on Wednesday 19 October. Richard's ejection from the media area by officers of Basildon Council prevented him from giving his views alongside those of other politicians and public figures. The fact that force was used to remove Richard when he had full security clearance to be present is an extremely worrying development in the exercise of democratic rights in our public life locally. We need to know who gave the orders for his removal and why. Were the security officers acting on their own initiative, on the orders of Basildon Council, or on the orders of elected representatives on the Council? Why was Richard - a conscientious, high profile and hard-working elected representative to the European Parliament - denied the right to express his carefully considered views on this situation? We know how hard Richard works for his constituency, and deplore the disrespect to him and his role as MEP, and the worrying contempt for democracy, shown in this incident by those responsible."

Peter Donovan, Secretary, Saffron Walden Constituency Labour Party

"I offer my full support over this incident and I am sure that our activists in our branch will do the same. When this happens we know that the Authority is hiding something. I hope you succeed in getting all of the truth out. Hopefully you can sue those concerned for assault."

John Knowles, Chair West and Bretton Branch Labour Party, Peterborough

"I am absolutely appalled by the behaviour and attitude by Tory controlled Basildon Council towards Richard. Everyone has the right to voice their concerns and to be treated with respect. I was pleased to see Richard standing up for these people and that he did not discriminate unlike the other MEPs in the region. Richard is also one of the only hard working MEPs in the Region who works on behalf of everyone and not just a “select few”

Chris York

"How come they ejected you? Did you make a complaint? It was appalling."

Stephen Smith, Leighton-Linslade, Bedfordshire

"I was really impressed by your interview on BBC News. Glad you are my MEP too."

Nicki Myers, Cambridge

"A lot of respect for Richard Howitt and his very reasonable views. BBC News interviewer caught up on semantics."

Micha Butler, Norwich

"I've much admiration for you over Dale Farm. Great to see a politician doing what's right, even when it's not popular."

Christine Quigley, London Young Labour

"The behaviour of Basildon Council's officials was appalling but hardly surprising in the light of the Council's dreadful attack on Dale Farm. Congratulations on making a stand.

Rosemary Thorpe-Tracey, Secretary, South West Hertfordshire Labour Party

"I wish to commend you for being prepared to go and see for yourself how some of your electorate are being treated when the 'system' appears to have been against these people by refusing planning permission on false grounds. If, when you had got there you felt that the Tory controlled council had every justification for their evictions, I feel certain that you would have pleaded clemency or something rather than just left. You dared to show support for one of the groups of ethnic minorities that seem to be so disadvantaged so thank you for doing that. Keep up the good work you have done over the years for your constituents it is appreciated."

Mick Smith, Haverhill

"At last, a politician with some common sense. Dale Farm eviction was a tragedy for those involved, made worse by the lies and cover ups by the news and local government. I hope you are able to find out if an investigation, particularly into the police and bailiff brutality is possible. I have evidence from a supporter there on Wednesday if you'd like it."

Sarah Chalmer, Ipswich

"An enormous 'thank you' Richard for all that you do. As everyone says - keep up the good work and we are all behind you. Looking forward to hearing you at Eastern Region Conference"

Jackie Connal, Watford

"The Head of Basildon Council is on an unbelievable ego trip, so whilst I'm shocked at your treatment I'm not surprised!"

Ben Hewitt

"I am appalled that you were mistreated in this way and that your legitimate role as our MEP was negated in this way."

Rosemary Muntus

"I am saddened that the Tory Basildon Council have thought fit to deny Richard Howitt, MEP for the Eastern Region, his right as a democratically elected representative to attend pre-arranged interviews by the media. I deplore the manner in which it is alleged he was manhandled and removed from area allocated for interviews. Having known Richard as a Labour Party member, for more than twenty-five years, I know that he is meticulous and scrupulous in all his dealings and I find it offensive for any councillor or council officer to even think of questioning his integrity."

Brian Wilson, Benfleet

"An ordinary man, supporting ordinary people. Thank you."

Gypsy Josie

"Just to let you know in my opinion it was completely unnecessary for you to have been escorted off the Dale Farm site. As a Member of Parliament, you should have a privilege to see if things are being done correctly. I completely agree with whatever you do. I support you in whatever you do, please keep up the good work."

Rex Skinner

"Well done you! We fully agree with your position."

Chris and Bernard Williamson

"Richard Howitt and Ed Miliband were brilliant on the Politics Show. Sharp points made by both about racial discrimination at Dale farm."

Malika Steed

"Thank you for sharing your experiences at Dale Farm. The Tory Basildon Council acted very badly towards you. I have thought all along that they would have saved a great deal of their money by providing an alternate site years ago. What do they propose to do with the land now, it was never "green" but a scrapyard I understand."

Barbara Evans, St Albans

"Thank you for all your efforts in ensuring that those whom we represent receive the support necessary, especially during this time of absurd Tory rule. Please be encouraged, families such as the many affected in this incident do appreciate all we do and all you continue to do. You have our full support and backing!"

Allyson Barron, Lowestoft

"I think that the way you have been treated is quite unacceptable. I wonder if it isn't actually unlawful. Don't you, in common with other MEPs, have rights of access to engage lawfully in representing constituency interests? Perhaps the Speaker of the European Parliament should be involved. At a personal level you must feel quite upset. I know I would. At a professional level it sounds like Lèse-majesté. I have seen a number of your television interviews on the Dale farm issue and I have seen nothing intemperate or unacceptable in what you have said. You have been eminently reasonable in presenting the facts. You have my sympathies on your treatment."

Frank Quinn, Dereham

"Scandalous!! Yet further evidence of the way in which Tories think they are the only ones with any rights, and suggestive of the Tories’ long game: - the stripping away of rights from anyone who does not support their agenda, in a bid to re-feudalize society. Have a Judicial Review of the actions of Basildon Council."

Andrew Dickie

"When an elected representative goes out to support his constituents, it is an outrage that anyone would think that they had the right to manhandle and eject him. Keep up the good work."

Vivienne Windle

"I wish to lend my support to you over the poor mismanagement by Basildon Council on Wednesday 19th October when you were manhandled off Dale farm. It all looked as if they were working to a hidden agenda - not what we should expect by representatives employed by Basildon. I would also like to convey my thanks for the hard work you do on our behalf representing the region in Europe."

Colin Kirby, Basildon

"I just wanted to send you my support and express my condemnation of the heavyhanded police action at the Dale Farm evictions. I realise that councils are no longer legally required to make land available to travellers so they have very little choice about where they go these days. I think you were right to support them and I hope you did not suffer physically from the ordeal."

Cathy Watson, Welwyn Hatfield

"Fair play to you and shame on the Tories."

Bob Oliver

"Well done Richard for the stand you have made on Dale Farm."

John and Pauline Elmore, Basildon

"I saw the interview on Look East the other night and your eviction. Absolutely shocking but not surprising. Knowing you, you won't be put off doing your bit as one of our MEPs"

Christopher Lindley

"Sorry to hear about what happened to you. The rich and powerful can always buy their defenders and but the people need their's too. I am pleased that they do have them. It is a hard call and a hard issue and it takes great courage to support it."

Philip Ross

"We wanted to add our support for your actions in going to Dale Farm. We are full of admiration for all you do – you have the courage of your convictions. Vic says you do more than all the other MEPs in the eastern region put together.

Doris and Vic Brunt

"Well done Richard. We are with you all the way."

Edna Forrest, Saffron Walden

“Hired strong-arm bully boys silence humanitarian opposition by ejecting democratically elected spokesperson during attacks on a gypsy minority.” Now where did I read that headline? Was it in a history of right-wing politics between the wars? Or was it more recent? Both perhaps. Dare to be a ‘Daniel’ Richard! Keep up the good work. You have worthwhile supporters."

Steve Taylor

"That's shocking!"

Gareth Douce, Lowestoft

"You have my full support I think that the Tory Council has handled Dale Farm very badly and wasted a lot of tax payers money. I for one really appreciate the hard work you have done at Dale Farm in trying to bring about a fair and humane outcome. Thank you ."

Yvonne Waterhouse

"Thank you for being rare voice of reason regarding Dale Farm."

Kate Butler, North Reddish

"Well done Richard you must fight to get these Tory Councils to provide sites in their areas."

Hugh Tessier

"The actions taken by Basildon council are despicable and were nothing more than bully boy tactics."

Denise Burke

"A sad state of affairs when a Euro MP is dealt with in the manner detailed - the eviction was inevitable and had passed a point of no return both for Basildon Council and the Travellers."

Sheila Spring

"If Basildon Council obstructed the interview, then see what action can be taken. They had no right."

Jogga Singh Teidy

"We can rely on you to defend individual rights of minorities in so-called democracy, Richard. You always do."

James, London

"Whatever one's views are, your treatment was totally undemocratic and wrong in every sense. Thank you for not giving in to the treatment you received and the playing of the political card by Basildon Council. Your ejection was wrong."

David Kemp

"As always, defending the rights of the minority and oppressed. Well done Richard and sorry to hear about your treatment at Dale Farm."

Bodrul Amin, Luton

"You certainly have my regrets that you were treated so badly."

Eric Guy

"I am enraged but not surprised that a Tory council should have an MEP physically removed from a media centre, surely this was illegal and if it was not it should be."

David Sawtell, Cambridgeshire

"I had not heard of the appalling treatment you received from Basildon Council until reading your account in your e-news. As a member of Bucks & West Herts Gypsy Advocacy, former secretary of St Albans Gypsy Support Group and contact for Herts Federation of Gypsy Support Groups, I want to express our appreciation of all you have attempted to do on behalf of the travellers at Dale Farm."

Rosemary Ross, Harpenden

"In a day and age where we as the people cannot rely on freedom of speech, freedom of politics, and the freedoms freeing any of us from discrimination, this may be the darkest day of all. I support Mr Howitt, I commend you and the rest of the Labour Party for looking out for the people's interests and views. I am proud to be Labour, keep up the good job!!"

Anne Mequinion, Stevenage

"This email is to strongly support your stand in opposing the way in which the gypsy community in Basildon was assaulted and denied their homes. My family home in Lincolnshire was very close to a gypsy encampment – and we always had the best of relationships with them. I am deeply ashamed of the way in which we do not accept that a group of people should be able to live their lives differently to the majority of us. It should be something to celebrate, not try to destroy. We should be supporting gypsies to be able to live their lives as they wish. The treatment of you, an elected representative of the people of Essex and East Anglia, is both disgusting and revealing."

Kees and Sheila Maxey, Brentwood

"I find it amazing that a situation could get so out of hand. Travellers have nowhere to go because no one wants them in their backyard. Planning rules have recently changed by a Tory Government that may lead to building on green land. When I was a councillor for Bowthorpe ward we had an annual traveller encampment. Police and social services knew the families well. No problems with travellers, but certain members of the community used the situation to rid themselves of dodgy items to blame the travellers. I had to remind people of the filth they lived in. And the way you were manhandled was shocking and a disgrace to democracy. Something you would expect from China not here."

Chrissie Rumsby

"Yet again, you are a lone voice standing up for peoples human rights. We are so lucky to have you. It is easy to see why the Tories fear you so much. After all, you have an unfair advantage being our only MEP. The fact you are a workaholic is grossly unfair on lazy Tory MEPS. You stand up for those who don't have the ability or the education to stand up for themselves, putting the old Etonians' and Bollinger Boys at an extreme disadvantage having spent a fortune on their education. As for Basildon Council, they obviously didn't dare do this while Labour were still in power. They definitely would not have done this to a Tory MEP in the unlikely event one had shown up to help the travellers.

Gill Malik

"Thank you Richard for standing up for the underprivileged. As my wife and I have adopted 9 children with special needs we feel a deal of sympathy for those that this heartless government who we would rather were not here. Please, please carry on."

Dave and Lindsey Wharam

"Well done for representing your constituents as their MEP. It shows a disgraceful lack of tolerance and attempted suppression of free speech. This vicious act needs investigating fully. I hope you will achieve full redress with compensation. Keep up the good work and expose the Tories for what they really stand for. They certainly do not represent ordinary decent working folk. This was demonstrated by denying the right of their MEP to be interviewed unhindered on TV. Thank you, Richard."

Graham Pinner

"I send this message fully supporting your actions as an MEP at Dale Farm."

Keith Poltock, Norwich

"I think it's outrageous, glad that you are seeking legal advice. But I guess we shouldn't be surprised after the way the way they have treated the Dale Farm people.

Pauline Scullion, March

"It would be funny if it was not so serious:- the forced eviction from Dale Farm of a democratically elected member who has responsibility for representing the needs and views of all parties concerned. How do those we elect to represent us do their job, if local opposing party officials are permitted to deliberately obstruct and physically interfere with them while they perform their role. It's despicable behaviour and needs complete challenge."

Pat Carberry

"Well done for trying to do the right thing."

Margaret Juett,Cambridge

"Just to add my voice to the many others in protest against this behaviour from Basildon Council, which is unacceptable on so many levels. Good to see even Tory voters making a stand to support you too.

Emma Walling, Lowestoft

"Best wishes Richard. Keep up your excellent work."

Andy Hines, Cambridge

"The actions by Basildon Council are a disgrace. Not only were innocent residents of Dale Farm physically abused in the paramilitary operation by police and bully boys employed by Basildon Council, but that an elected member of the European Parliament should be physically ejected from giving an interview to the media in the media area. Sadly this is the way many so-called democratic “Western” countries are going, where protest is met with violence and abuse not only by the police but those who are employed by local and national governments."

Martin Ludford, Huntingdon

"Well done for trying to speak up for the residents of Dale Farm. Their treatment has been appalling, as was the treatment of you. Well done for sticking by your principles."

Emma Corlett, Norwich

"We feel your rightful indignation at your mistreatment at Dale Farm. Anyone could see that it was a deliberate act against you as a Labour MEP. Nothing has given us any hope that Basildon Council would respond any differently at Dale Farm. The caring face of the Conservative council. Long live our Labour MEPs."

Sheila & Peter Hague, Cambridge

"Unbelievable behaviour even by Tory Basildon standards Richard. I hope you pursue the legal elements of this vigorously."

Joe Cooke, Benfleet

"Richard, I'm shocked to hear of your treatment, but am equally pleased to see you taking a stand. I found the whole Dale Farm had an undercurrent of intolerance towards difference, and as a Labour Party member I am grateful to you as our representative attempting to mediate - we ought not to accept intolerance wherever it rears its nasty head. I do hope that you succeed in your objections to the treatment you received. On a party political level, I found the Tories hypocrisy breathtaking. On one level they claimed the moral high ground, at precisely the same time that the Government is seeking to relax planning laws and proactively encourage the potential for development on Greenfield sites. This again at a time when they are reducing pressure onlocal authorities to arrange sites for Travellers. Thanks for highlighting these issues, and good luck!!"

John Lambert, Ipswich

"Congratulations on, and thanks for, the stand you have taken in defence of the travellers at Dale Farm. Many, many people are with you on this."

Paul Topley, Harlow

"I am so proud of the way you gave help and support to the Dale Farm families and found the day of eviction absolutely abhorrent. Best wishes in solidarity and peace, and remember you are a good man doing a very necessary job in these horrid times that we live in."

Lorna Trollope, Castle Point

"I was appalled that so many people were evicted in such an awful fashion. You were entirely right to register your protest at the evictions. I wonder if this settlement was made up of disabled or other ethnic minorities would Basildon Council be so keen to ethnically cleanse them from Essex!"

Malachy Pakenham, St Albans

"Well done Richard. Perhaps the media in due course will make a programme of all these bully-boy tactics being used. You could then make our comments loud and clear.

John Crisford, Norfolk

"I was taken aback to hear the news of your man handling by the Tory councillors and preventing you to be interviewed. To my utter surprise it was a total negation of the democracy and the traditions which Tory claimed to be champion of. You have my full support in upholding the principles of free speech and free expression of the values and ethos of Labour Party."

Sajjad Haider

"It is hardly a democracy when an MEP cannot make a comment on behalf of his constituents in an open media arena. It is frustrating that the Labour Party is being denied many opportunities within the media to voice its views. Well done for trying."

Susan Lavin

"It is a disgraceful state of affairs when offering an alternative perspective is not allowed. As an elected representative for the area, it is your duty, not just your right, to make your views known upon significant issues. It is a concern that, in a time when the media is the only way to reach the majority of people, democratic debate should be stifled in such a heavy handed manner.

Ken Petersen

"I have watching the events at Dale Farm over the past weeks and I felt some obvious questions were not being answered. I had an opportunity to ask the Bishop of Chelmsford about this and he said there was much we were not hearing. No doubt the Tory councillors did not want your presence so only their arguments were being broadcast. I support you in your actions and anyone who acts out of a sense of fairness and, may I say, justice. Something I don't think the Travellers have been getting."

Martin Shaw, Cambridgeshire

"Well done Richard - Basildon Council had no right whatsoever to eject you from the media area and as always with the Tories, one must ask what they are seeking to hide.

Lorraine Collier

"I was disgusted the way the council handled your situation,. How or why they should react in such away with the local MEP, surely you had every right to be there?"

Ralph Ince, Peterborough

"Well done for trying to speak up for the residents of dale farm. Their treatment has been appalling, as was the treatment of you. Well done for sticking by your principles."

Ray Edge, Shenley

"I'm a writer and former Spectator journalist who was at the Dale Farm evictions. I wanted to thank you for your principled stance, and for continuing to speak out in support of reason. From talking to a number of local people - taxi drivers and neighbours - you are certainly not alone, no matter how skewed the reporting has been, as I'm sure you know."

Tabitha Troughton

"The whole situation with Dale Farm has horrified me. The scenes of the eviction were both terrifying and heartbreaking. Then to see you frogmarched off the site, as you were, left me appalled. I note from the Panorama programme last night that Councillor Ball is complaining because he has received emails calling him a Nazi. The events of last week have certainly been only too reminiscent of the behaviour of the Nazi party in Germany in the 1930's. Manhandling elected representatives from other parties was part of the pattern too. Please publicise your treatment as widely as possible and take your complaint as high as it will go. Please also continue to support the rights of Gypsies and Travellers to have decent places to live and follow their own lifestyle. At the moment I feel very ashamed to be British, very ashamed to have been born in Essex and deeply ashamed that the Council in Basildon have behaved with such a complete lack of compassion. Keep up your good work Richard."

Ann Brady

"The Dale Farm situation is deplorable, and your treatment outrageous. We have all been let down by Officers of the Council following a political agenda! You're right to mount a strong challenge."

Nigel Crouch "Basildon Council have to take responsibility for the way they insensitively mismanaged the entire operation at Dale Farm. The fact that the eviction costs millions of pounds in this period of drastic cuts to local services is absolutely abhorrent. The fact that you were physically ejected further shows that we seem to be living in an anti-progressive, undemocratic state. Basildon councillors have many reasons to be ashamed of themselves."

Patricia Borlenghi, Manningtree

"I don't think I have ever written to one of my elected representatives to thank them for a principled stand they have taken. So this is a first. (There again I do have Andrew Lansley as my local MP!) But I do want to thank you for speaking out about the Dale Farm eviction. You have certainly taken a principled stand on this issue and spoken very wisely about it."

John Meed, Cambridge

"I watched you on television at Dale Farm and thought you were absolutely fair in all the points you made. I protest against the assault by Basildon Council on our representative in the European Parliament."

Stuart Gilbert, Halstead

"As a life-long Labour supporter and Party member, I would like to add my support regarding your treatment at Dale Farm. However, I was pleased to see you there offering support to the travellers. Your treatment does not detract from the fact that you were willing to stand up and be counted. Something that not many others had seen fit to do. You have renewed my faith in the Labour Party as a champion of the oppressed and for that I thank you."

Celia Overland

"I would like to thank you for all you have done on behalf of an ethnic minority which always seems to attract negative media attention. I think it is very noticeable that since the Tory/ Lib Dem government has come to power they have wanted people to conform to their beliefs. Statements like we have offered the traveller's houses shows a clear lack of understanding of the travellers way of life. Keep up the good work."

Phil Harris, North Norfolk

"I totally support you in this matter. The Dale Farm affair is an example of gratuously bad government, alas something only too typical of the state of our nation."

Pat Daunt

"We would like to say we were absolutely amazed by the actions of the police and the "security". It seemed that the miners' strike had returned to the UK. We thought the police were there to keep order, not to effecct the eviction. As previously they appeared very heavy handed. We were under the impression that the travellers actually own the site, and that hard standing and fencing was not to be removed.!! Indeed we would like to know why Basildon Council allowed the sale to the travellers in the first place if they had no intension of allowing them to live on the site. You have our total support."

Sally and Ian Button, Norwich

"It is outrageous that a conscientious MEP, or any other Labour representative, be manhandled out of a media conference at Dale Farm. I am concerned that this country is becoming a regime Police State that is overmanned with untrained unpaid Special Constables on the beat. They can sometimes behave like fascist regime thugs."

Nigel Wootton, Hitchin

"I fully support the actions you took in connection with Dale Farm and deplore the treatment you received."

Doreen Acton

"Nothing surprises me these day’s with a Tory Government in power, as a retired councillor one get’s used to how the system works, the Tories have always regarded themselves as born to rule, unfortunately many people think that as the are wealthy they have the right to rule, not thinking that their main object is to protect their own interests. Unfortunately apathy is the main thing to watch as people today do not seem to be interested in politics, I have seen how officials have supported Tory councillors in the past, however I wish you the very best in your effort to right the wrong these people have done to you.

Jack Ramm

"You are the last person who would set out to behave improperly. It is not right that you were prevented from expressing responsible views on this very difficult issue."

Kate Barker

"We were horrified to see the way you were treated at Dale Farm. The TV exerpt showed you behaving impeccably and we fully support you in your protest."

Dr Janet and Professor John Shepherd

"I feel very strongly about this and was very pleased to see an elected Labour politician of your stature support these people. Well done. I think you treatment while there was disgraceful. Keep up the good work."

Mike Davers

"Shocked by the paranoid reaction of Basildon council and heartened by your continuing determination to see justice done at Dale Farm."

Thomas Acton

"I fully agree with the stance that you have taken on the Dale Farm debacle and hope that at the very least you get an apology from Basildon council."

Mike Dale

"You can be sure that you have my support. I saw the incident on TV and was disgusted."

Pam Buxton

"Keep up the good work."

Martin Stears-Handscombe

"We support you in your stand for the Labour Party and understand your upset about the handling by Basildon Council."

Pamela Chinnery, Stevenage

"You were there representing all of us as our Euro MP. Thank you."

Alison Langford, Peterborough

"I am applalled at the resort to force by Basildon Council to solve the Dale Farm problem."

Susan Mason, Ipswich

"Of course we support you, Richard, and know that you would have acted entirely properly as you always do. Greatly admire your courage in standing up to be counted"

Jacki and George Wheatley

"Basildon Council's recent behaviour was needlessly draconian, they did everything they could to exploit the non-conforming element of the Planning issue. The original objective of the Dale Farm site was to find a permanent place for travellers who wished to get their children into formal schooling and to get access through a post code to a local Doctors' Surgery. I was sorry to see on the BBC news broadcast at the time that you had been evicted without good reason and I hope the distress is now behind you."

Julian Farrall

"I was shocked to hear about your treatment by officers of Basildon Council. At the same time I was extremely pleased to read about your involvement in trying to support the families at Dale Farm and to seek a more positive outcome than eventually occurred. I would be pleased to see the Labour Party doing more to oppose coalition plans, especially those relating to planning and education, which will tip the balance even further against Gypsies, Roma and Travellers including those of Irish Heritage.

Margaret Wood, Cambridge

"What happened is intolerable, undemocratic and smacks of banana state thuggery. I am certain you should pursue this matter through the Courts, this should exonerate your position."

Keith Warren

"I was disgusted to see how you were treated at the travellers site. It is so undemocratic to deny an elected parliament representative acess to his constituents as youw and I believe that the Basildon council should be reprimanded at least for their behaviour"

John Brady

"I am horrified to hear of your treatment. Our representatives not being allowed to be heard, by police action, is not of this age, but of what could have been expected some 70 years ago. Did the people of Basildon realise that they were electing a council controlled Police state.? I did see your interview on the morning of the 19th on TV, when you did say you were travelling to Basildon that afternoon. It is beyond belief that even Tories would stoop to such disgusting measures. I am sorry that I have had to moderate my words, but I am fuming that this could happen in our country."

John Rodd

"When as a nation we pride ourselves on promoting freedom of speech and the right to demonstrate in other countries it is shocking to hear that this is not followed through to our own country. I am upset and shocked that you were manhandled and prevented from giving your views on behalf of your constituents and as such have grave concerns as to how our representatives are treated by some of our agencies. Your right to be heard must always be upheld as it your voice that is also our voice. I would very much like to see an explanation for this incident from those who curtailed your rights and give you my full support to say that which you were elected to voice."

Heath Brown

"I was appalled to see the way you were treated. The Tories on Basildon Council and their leader appear to be a bunch of idiots. What a shame they are in charge of taxpayers' money. Good for you in speaking up for justice on the Dale Farm issue. More power to your elbow."

Jo Storie

"Keep up the good work Richard."

Trevor Carter

"Sorry you were subjected to the insult but what do you expect from the nastiest of the Nasty Party with the connivance of the Liberals."

Mike Kalaher

"When I read your report this afternoon I was so angry at how you were treated by the Tories who forcefully removed yourself from an area which you had all the clearances and authorisation to be allowed entry. You truly are a very inspirational Labour party figure for me as you serve your duties as our MEP. The only advice I can give to you as the youngest member of Saffron Walden CLP is to keep your head up high and know that you have our full support for you and will always be there to help you out if you think now is the right time to give Basildon council what they fully deserve in return to horrifying treatment they gave yourself. I hope this gives you some encouragement to teach the Tories in Basildon Council a legal lesson."

Thomas Matthews

"This is disgraceful and makes a mockery of our democracy. I hope you are successful in calling Basildon Council to account for their behaviour."

Tim Ward

"I fully support your actions in relation to the build-up and actual evictions at Dale Park Farm."

John Merrett-Bloom

"I am sorry to hear about the incident at Dale Farm. I think this is extremely undemocratic and would hope there is some way of challenging this through legal processes. Thank you for making a stand."

Hilary Durbin, Hertford

"I totally deplore the actions of Basildon council in preventing an elected Member of the European Parliament from airing opposing comments. If the boot was on the other foot, I am sure the wealthy backers of National and local Conservative Politicians would be scrapping to use the full force of the Law to ensure their voice was heard. Power corrupts which just makes me wonder what exactly is going on behind the scenes. Time for some investigative journalism on who benefits from this eviction?? After all this huge amount of public money has been spent, I would expect a front runner to emerge within the next few months."

Kevin Archer

"I just want to add my support. It was shocking the way Basidon Council treated you at Dale Farm. I hope you can get them to at least explain their actions."

Heather Fouracre

"I am sending this email to say how upset I was at the way you were manhandled off the Dale Farm site. This is now the way the Torys are, desperate, gagging oppersition to their plans and I believe that some day the general public will wake up and discover that these are the same old Tory's with the same old agenda. Again I have to say how very sorry I was to see the television pictures of this incident."

Steven O'Dell

"It makes me proud to be a LP member when we have people like yourself who are prepared to stand up for a minority group like the Travellers on a matter of principle, You deserve our respect as there are to few people in public life today prepared to do this sort of thing. What steps are being taken by yourselves to challenge the illegal way you were manhandled by those involved. Keep up the good work."

Peter Medhurst

"Well done and keep fighting this one. Your treatment was dreadful - was it legal?"

Anne Wakeling

"Outrageous seems too mild a word. Here we are in the cradle of democracy experiencing Stasi-like local government tactics. Refused mediation? Refused compromise solutions? That's not the British way! Legal action? I've got a few bob to spare if you need your fighting fund topped up."

Chris Horne, Cambridgeshire

"I was sorry to hear you had been manhandled at Dale Farm. The whole thing was badly managed by Basildon Council. Violence could have been avoided if only they had provided an alternative site for the travellers, who naturally didn't want their community broken up. I am glad you took a stand on their behalf and I admire you for confronting the Council."

Joan Smith

"I support you! I am extremely disappointed with Basildon’s handling of this whole issue."

Adam Moghadas

"I was shocked to hear about your ejection by force from the media site at Dale Farm. This was totally unnecessary and high-handed. This reflects the general attitude of Basildon Council in their handling of the situation over the last 10 years or so. It could have been handled with much more sympathy and compromise. While councils are unprepared to accommodate the travelling community in a civilised manner we may well get repeats of this. It is a national problem and locals should not have it all their own way. To me it smacks of a Nazi attitude to minority groups. I do hope that some positive steps will be taken by parliament to avoid this scandal."

Colin Knight

"Just to lend my support. It is completely unjustifiable for Basildon Council to prevent you from commenting on the eviction, which involved your constituents. The very least Basildon Council could do is apologise and explain why they felt the need to use such heavy-handed, disproportionate action."

Mike Crouch

"I'm very sorry this has happened and good luck."

Joy Rutherford

"Keep up the good work!"

Stuart Willsher

"The actions of Basildon Council regarding Dale Farm and its residents have overall been deplorable. But this latest incident involving yourself and council staff is worse. As a council employee (not in Basildon)for nearly 20 years, I cannot think of a situation where I could interfere with any local politician, let alone an MEP, in this way and keep my job. Obviously this action was sanctioned at chief officer level to have happened at all. Heads should roll! It is especially ironic that your message would have been one of support for the law - so what on earth did council officers hope to gain from this farce? One can only think it was brownie points from their Tory bosses. But again, what's happened to the apolitical ethos they should be working under? You have my full support."

Lynne Hammond

"Thank you for the information about the anti-democratic treatment you suffered in endeavouring to exercise your right of free speech and your parliamentary and constituency responsibilities. It is indeed disturbing to read what occurred, and to know that such conduct by an elected council can occur anywhere and particularly in this country. I trust that, amongst others, the European Parliament will be concerned about this breach of the rights and responsibilities of a Member."

Dr Jocelynne Scutt, Cambridge

"I find the usual public attitude towards Gypsies and Travellers abhorrent. There should be no place for it in the world, let alone modern Europe. Regularly I hear people, who would view the racist policies of the Nazis with horror, express views on the travelling community that would be quite at home in the Germany of 1933-45. I know that some travellers do not seem to respect the mores of the local communities in whose patch they land up in but respect is a two way thing. If I faced regular abuse from a particular section of society I too might feel the temptation to be anti social. Equally my local community policeman told me that in his opinion local non traveller villains frequently went on a thieving spree whenever G & T groups were in the area. Keep up the good work."

Jim Gledhill

"With you 100% of the way Richard. I appreciate your being there for the Dale Farm residents."

Ian Davies

"Just wanted to applaud you Richard for both representing the people of the East of England and being seen to be doing so. Well done for your actions at Dale Farm."

Karen Webb

"Richard all I can say is that when I saw the footage of what happened at Dale Farm I could not believe it. Tory democracy at work, preventing a legally elected member of the EP from speaking to people who at the time were being evicted and in some cases brutalised just beggared belief. We need to evict tory councils and this so called government as quickly as possible before they try the same tactics on us and our representatives."

Peter Thomassen

"I don't agree with your position on Dale Farm but clearly you have the right to be heard."

Dean Reeves, Fenland

"If what Richard Howitt says is true, I'm equally disgusted and I'm a Conservative supporter."

Stephen Doerr, Northfleet

"Damn it man, please stop doing the right thing, you're making me like Labour and I always vote Conservative."

David Dermondy, London