Significant numbers of elderly members (and others) who wish to attend and take part have now stated that they will not because of fears of the risk of transmission of coronavirus. According to the Regional Office, the official advice is that the elderly and those with underlying health conditions should avoid such situations. These people are telling us that they feel disenfranchised and want the meeting and the business postponed. Another member, who recently travelled to Italy, is self-isolating and has stated that they feel disenfranchised and want the meeting postponed.

Clive Lewis, has stated that “there is a genuine reason to cancel because many people will decide not to take the risk and attend (elderly relatives, family with weak immune systems etc.) and thus be disenfranchised.”

The Regional Office have confirmed that they have cancelled training events this weekend because of similar concerns being expressed.

It would be fundamentally wrong to proceed with the meeting with so many members disenfranchised and therefore asking us to postpone.

Apologies to all who were looking forward to this meeting.