Labour risking York’s Christmas Market to paper over party divisions, say Lib Dems

Liberal Democrat councillors have accused Labour of putting York’s Christmas Market and the city’s economic prosperity at risk in a desperate attempt to manage internal divisions over city centre access. 

The accusation follows public criticism from Labour councillor Rachel Melly, who branded her own party’s decision to approve a “discriminatory Blue Badge ban” as “appalling” and vowed to “#ReverseTheBan”. 

Cllr Stephen Fenton, Liberal Democrat spokesperson for transport, said: 

“Having been forced by the Chief Constable to make this decision in order to protect public safety, it’s odd that Labour’s immediate response is to threaten to cancel York’s Christmas Market. They should instead be focusing on maximising the availability of blue badge parking around the edge of the foot streets area so that it is available to people who need it, rather than being blocked by delivery drivers and others who have no right to be there.

“Labour made irresponsible promises to campaigners, ignored the very clear advice from Police and Counter Terrorism experts, and have eventually made a decision just weeks before the Christmas Market starts, leaving very little time for mitigation measures to be put in place. It’s shambolic.” 

Cllr Nigel Ayre, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group, said: 

“York’s Christmas Market brings in over £10 million for our local economy every year. It brings a much-needed boost to local businesses at a time when they are struggling with the impact of the Labour Government’s National Insurance hike. 

“If Labour hadn’t scrapped the previous administration’s Castle Gateway scheme, we would have a safe, accessible events space for York. Instead, they ditched plans for a venue outside the foot streets area which could have hosted the Christmas Market and now are blaming everyone else for the consequences.

“Labour wouldn’t really cancel the Christmas Market; they’re simply using the threat to keep their backbenchers in line. York deserves leadership, not chaos.”