Decline by Bristol PCT of invitation to debate

Bristolians Against Fluoridation have issued a challenge to the Bristol Primary Care Trust, and Dr Hugh Annett, the Director of Public Health, to face us in a public debate on the issue of fluoridating the Bristol public water supply. We have also issued invitations to, among others, the Bristol University School of Dentists and the Bristol University Centre for Medical Ethics.

The Bristol PCT have today replied and declined our invitation to face us in a public debate.

Given the warnings that we have been given by a guest from Hampshire Against Fluoridation, that the decision to fluoridate has almost certainly been made anyway, it seems to me that this response is a deliberate refusal to engage in democratic discussion on the issue prior to the public consultation, which, if our guest from Hampshire was correct, may only be a mere formality.

This makes it even more important for us to warn the people of Bristol what they may be in for when/if fluoridation is allowed to proceed.

Robin Whitlock
Co-ordinating chair/Deputy Press Officer