Please note this pdf: http://real2.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Media-Statement-Rotherham-Truth-Campaign-RTC-and-STAND-UP-FOR-ROTHERHAM-11.7.17.pdf Update Sharon Kemp, RMBC Chief Executive, has agreed to meet Liam Harron (who is acting on behalf of the Rotherham Truth Campaign) on 26 July 2017. Liam Harron is meeting James McLaughlin, Democratic Services Manager in Rotherham Town Hall.on Friday 14 July 2017. James sent an apology yesterday for failing to get back within RMBC’s own deadline of five days about the e-petition submitted on 3 July. 20 signatures will allow the lead petitioner to speak for 5 minutes at a Council meeting. The e-petition submitted on 3 July states: Petition: We ask all elected members of Rotherham Council to agree with the following statement: “I call on Sharon Kemp, Chief Executive, to write a letter to all employees of RMBC about the importance of truthfulness in their communications with representatives and advocates of victims and survivors of Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) in Rotherham.” The apology from James McLaughlin: ----- Original Message ----- From: McLaughlin, James Sent: Thursday, July 13, 2017 1:50 PM Subject: RE: RMBC media statements about Voices of Despair Voices of Hope and the e-petition Good afternoon Liam, Please accept my apologies for the unacceptable delay in responding to you. I have had a number of statutory matters to attend to which have taken my attention away from responding to you directly, this coupled with a number of members of my team being absent through long-term sickness has impacted on my capacity to respond as promptly as required. I apologise for this and should have got back to you to acknowledge receipt. Please be assured that this will not happen again. I am pleased to read that the Chief Executive has agreed to meet with you regarding your concerns. In the meantime, we can keep the e-petition in draft form if you do choose to pursue this option following your meeting with the Chief Executive. In your earlier communications you indicated that you would like to meet with me to discuss the broader democratic framework of the Council. I would be happy to meet with you to discuss how the Council works and the opportunities and engage in the decision making and oversight activity of the authority and elected Members. If you could indicate when would be convenient, I will make sure that I am available to meet with you or discuss on the telephone. Once again, thank you for your patience. Best wishes, James James McLaughlin Democratic Services Manager Assistant Chief Executive’s Office Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council