Workers Memorial Day 28 April 2026: 12 Noon (tbc) "Clasping Hands" Statue, 3 Mills Green, Stratford

 

"Remember the Dead, Fight for the Living"

The Greater London UNISON Housing Associations branch will be marking again, International Worker's Memorial Day, with a wreath laying event at the "Clasping Hands" Statue in 3 Mills Green, Stratford, Newham, East London at 12 Noon (tbc) Tuesday 28 April 2026.

This memorial stands on the site of a tragic and wholly avoidable incident, where a worker lost his life after being overcome by poison gas in a ventilation shaft — and others died, one after the other, trying to rescue them. Their courage and sacrifice remind us why the fight for safe, healthy workplaces must never stop.

For 2026, the TUC is focusing on the need to prevent violence at work — we want a greater protections from verbal and physical abuse and violence in workplaces, and protections enshrined in law, too.

Members, Safety reps and Staff Safety officers from local Housing Associations are expected but all welcome to pay their respects. Guest speakers invited.  Please bring banners. 

Further details to follow. Check out https://www.tuc.org.uk/IWMD/international-workers-memorial-day-events for updates and similar events across the country. 

Royal Docks, West Ham & Maryland Campaign Day 11.4.26

 

✊ A Strong Day of Campaigning Across Newham

Today was one of those days that reminds me why I love campaigning in Newham — full of energy, purpose, and real conversations with residents.

🚴‍♂️ Royal Victoria: Starting the Day with Leafletting

The morning began in Royal Victoria, leafletting with Cllr Steve Brayshaw. On the cycle over, I saw something I haven’t witnessed in a long time: a large-scale Traffic Police speeding and vehicle check operation. A proper, visible enforcement presence — and frankly, well done to them.

🗳️ West Ham: Canvassing with Adjoa, Sam & James Asser MP

From there I cycled to West Ham for a canvass with fellow candidates Adjoa and Sam, our activists, and James Asser MP.

Fresh from completing the nomination process at the Newham elections office, I was proudly wearing my Labour & Co‑operative Party rosette for the first time.

We were joined by two brilliant activists from Harrow who are aiming to visit all 32 London boroughs during the campaign — we were number 21 on their list. I’ll share their write‑up when it’s published.

A quick Greggs sandwich kept me going.

One highlight was speaking with a former Newham Labour Councillor and trade unionist whose Jewish family had been proud champions of the historic fight for the 8‑hour working day. A reminder of the deep roots of our movement.

🏚️ Casework: Damp and Mould

I was invited into a nearby home to see shocking damp and mould in a child’s bedroom. I’ll be making an urgent referral to L&Q — no family should be living in those conditions.

🌆 Maryland: Final Canvass with Mel, Reece & Uma Kumaran MP

The day ended in Maryland with Cllr Mel, candidate Reece, and my own MP, Uma Kumaran. We had a series of warm, constructive conversations with residents — and Uma and Mel were brilliant at stepping in to speak with people who wanted to raise specific issues.

One health worker and I had a long, thoughtful discussion about the concerns many trade unionists have regarding the Green Party’s leadership, particularly around their lack of commitment to a Just Transition for workers. It’s a conversation happening across the movement.

My final doorstep was with a housing worker — a traditional Labour voter — who simply wanted reassurance that Labour in Newham will deliver. I told him what I genuinely believe: Forhad Hussain is born and bred here, raising his family here, and has deep experience both in the Council and the private sector. He will work collectively with councillors to deliver for residents.

And I stand by that.

Newham Greens Leader & Mayor candidate - "categorically untrue, baseless and libellous comments...gutter politics"

 

The hypocrisy of the Newham Green leader and its so called Mayoral Candidate over their "untrue, baseless and libellous comments" against the Labour Candidate, Forhad Hussain, is frankly, pretty sick. I personally hope that the Police, the Election Commission and the Civil courts take action about their descent to vile gutter politics. 

Red Sky in West Ham

 

While out with our Labour action team colleagues this evening (Thursday) in West Ham ward, delivering local community leaflets we enjoyed a fantastic red sky sunset. Shepherds Delight....?

UNISON NEC pre 8.4.26

 

On Tuesday evening, after an earlier meeting of the UNISON National Executive Council (NEC) Policy Development & Campaigns Sub-Committee (PDCC), we gathered at the UNISON headquarters for a bit of gossip and chat. Some of us then headed to a local curry restaurant for a meal. 

The following day was the full-day NEC meeting, which turned out to be a very strange yet interesting experience that I’ll share more about once I’ve had time to recover!

Easter Weekend leafleting & Canvassing in West Ham

This Easter Weekend, the West Ham Labour team took part in a number of different religious, family and  campaigning activities. 

We delivered leaflets only during Easter Friday and Sunday but were out knocking on doors on Saturday and today (Monday) while carrying out street surgeries. 

I had to deal with some election office admin issues this morning and in the afternoon while waiting for comrades  to join me for the street surgery, I had to ring 999 for the Police to attend to an ASB incident nearby. The Police did attend very quickly and "addressed" the issue but I will be contacting them and the Council enforcement officers about the response. 

The street surgery went really well with lots of people in doors and willing to talk about problems regarding housing applications, disrepair, safety and communal works improvements.  The Council election is now a month away from tomorrow - so a busy, busy time ahead. 

UNISON SGE election 2026 recommendations: Yorkshire & Humber Candidates

Some recommendations from comrades in Yorkshire & Humber but Wayne is a top grass roots UNISON Community steward in my national employer and Kerri is his branch secretary and given him loads of support. 

UNISON Service Group Elections 2026 - Regional Heath (& Greater London)

 

Trusted colleagues from UNISON Health Service Group have asked me to share recommendations for the biannual Service Group Executive (SGE) elections, which should have been sent out on Wednesday 1 April by email or to members’ home addresses. 

These elections are important, so please take time to read the election statements and consider the endorsements from UNISON rank-and-file health activists who are committed to working hard, fighting for members in the NHS, and putting their interests first. 

Greater London health members should also keep in mind Chris, Julie, and Paula (apologies for leaving Paula off the earlier list). I will share more recommendations from activists on other service groups soon.

UNISON win at St George's and Epsom & St Helier Hospital

 

UNISON WIN

Healthcare assistants at St George’s Hospital, Epsom Hospital and St Helier Hospital, have secured a significant pay victory after voting to accept an offer from their employers

For more information about the campaign visit london.unison.org.uk

#healthcareassistants #strike

"On the knocker" next to West Ham Park

 

This canvass took place last Saturday, a week ago, during a street surgery next to West Ham Park. We had plenty of positive conversations with residents and noted some concerns about ASB and complex neighbour disputes. Some beautiful blossom in trees. 

Everyone was very friendly, and residents were glad to see an active Labour action team knocking on doors, asking about local West Ham issues and how best to address them.