UK & World News
- 28 February 2013, 11:08
'Put Disabled Kids Down' Councillor Quits
A councillor has resigned after he came under fire for saying disabled children "should be put down".
Collin Brewer, an independent member of Cornwall County Council, made the remarks at an equality event.
"I was wrong, I admit it. I will continue to apologise," he said, adding that he would be unlikely to stand in May's local elections.
"It's very painful. I didn't sleep last night. I probably won't sleep tonight.
"I'm not eating. I think it will live with me. It's continual regret. I'm hoping I will cope with it. We will see."
Steve Paget, chairman of Disability Cornwall, reportedly welcomed his resignation, saying he had "finally seen sense" and the "situation should never have got to this stage".
Mr Brewer made the comments to Theresa Court, advice services manager with Disability Cornwall, in October 2011.
A council standards board panel reported its findings this week, and ordered him to apologise for the comment.
Ms Court said: "I remember him (Mr Brewer) coming over and asking what the stall was about.
"I was explaining to him about the parent partnership service when he said disabled children should be put down.
"He said they cost the council too much money. I felt physically sick. I was there with parents of disabled children at the time and I just had to turn my back on him."
A Facebook page called "Cornwall Councillor Collin Brewer should resign" attracted 3,692 supporters.
TV celebrity Katie Price entered the debate, writing on her Twitter page: "Colin (sic) Brewer how would you like to dispose of my son Harvey?"
In another message on the micro-blogging site, she added: "Many disabled contribute more to society than Mr Brewer - ask our paralympians."
what do you think?
Nat_j2b
Idiot councillors cost too much money.perhaps Mr.brewer would like it if someone suggested he be put down.
john
He made these remarks in 2011 and he has only resigned now? I bet he voiced what many of the political class think in private, get rid of those they consider a burden, old people, the disabled, etc, etc, they are not very different from WW2's German National Socialist Party are they?
davenlesley
John. But they do it in more subtle ways these days. The Liverpool pathway or a spell in North Stafford hospital for instance
john
Exactly Dave, and hospitals are rewarded by the government for hitting targets in removing bed (old people) blockers via the Liverpool Care Pathway, the removal of food and water and the sedation of the patient until death, often without the knowledge or the consent of the patient's family.
eastonandrea
OMG guys that's awfull, how can someone do that or stand back and allow someone to do that. We'll all be old one day!
jimmyjedi1979
They should put him down.
adam hale
Hooray!!! Good bye to bad rubbish!! He is an embarressment to this lovely county of Cornwall and should be eternally ashamed of his Xenophobic comments!! Well done to those who put pressure on this man to do the only thing that was just in this case. Shame on Cornwall County Council for being so slack in their dealings with this matter and being so cowardly in their lack of action!!! Very sad! I think that it is time for radical change in councils across the country and that there was some fresh blood introduced into the current and tired 'collection'. Modern times are here and modern opinions and direction are needed! Clear out the cobwebs before more idiotic comments and opinions are aired!
Gary Fitton
Xenophobic?
eastonandrea
Googled it for you: A xenophobic person has to genuinely think or believe at some level that the target is in fact a foreigner. This arguably separates xenophobia from ordinary prejudice. In various contexts, the terms "xenophobia" and "racism" seem to be used interchangeably, though they can have wholly different meanings (xenophobia can be based on various aspects, racism being based solely on ethnicity, and ancestry). Xenophobia can also be directed simply to anyone outside a culture. Basically, a completely biased opinion regarding foreign matters.
GillieLouise
Dear God, how can this man walk around us.? What a dreadful human being.
Name witheld
This comment has been removed for violations of our Terms and Conditions.
eastonandrea
Any if you believe in all that.
Malkie Man
He does not seem in a good state of mind hope he gets better Would not like to see him top himself over it
Peggy Sutton
He is just following the HB read Lev.21:17-23 youll see!
Malkie Man
But is that right or wrong in your book. Do all beings no matter what have a right to life. Are you a bit like Hitler?
davenlesley
He is right to go but what surprises me is that this happened in Oct 2011 and it was only when the council standards board reported recently that it came out into the open. Presumably the council were quite happy for him to remain in office, that is until the issue became public
Emma Allum
'I couldn't sleep... hopefully I'll get through it... I'm not eating...' Oh dear, the poor man. He's just sorry he got found out! Kn*b head.
davenlesley
Emma. Just like all politicians when caught out. They try to turn themselves into a victim
eastonandrea
Very true.
Gary Wrightson
Vile man dead right.Try living in a disabled persons life for a week you might have a lot more respect for them
Raymond Castle
Last paragraph.....I can't believe it, I actually agree with something Miss Price says! Maybe this perisher should live a while in the shoes of a disabled child and see how long he lasts. A friend of mine has a disabled child but oh the smile, it lights up a room!
Mike MCDonough
Questions should be asked of Cornwall County Council why it has taken this time to be rid of this brain dead idiot. Maybe it's a case of all cronies together onto a good thing with the Council.
Gordon Wright
Good Grief................what a dreadful thing to say, or even think...............
Jasmin Louise
9:07am on 28/2/2013
Ignorant, vile man! he should remember he's not through life yet....
David Wragg
11:10am on 28/2/2013
Very well put. Even the fittest have no idea of what life has in store for them.
davenlesley
1:26pm on 28/2/2013
David. Too true. Had I known as a teenager what old age was like I might have been tempted to give it a miss
Jasmin Louise
5:11pm on 28/2/2013
Very true David. My Brother in Law was on leave and was involved in a RTA with a drink driver. He's lucky to be alive x He's disabled. Life can be so cruel....