UK media still frames Shamima Begum as a threat, not a victim. She was 15, groomed trafficked child. Safeguarding should apply to every child. Treating her as an adult at the time ignores what we know about grooming. We need to prioritise facts over fear and recognise vulnerability over vengeance.

As for dates, nothing has been confirmed. I can only assume elections will happen once the new boundaries are finalised. This is where clarity is needed.

With these councils due to be dissolved and new boundaries coming, holding elections now makes little sense. It’s not just inefficient, it’s a poor use of public money. Representation matters, but so does common sense. A short‑term mandate won’t strengthen democracy. A planned transition will.