"Statement on the false claims by Areeq Chowdhury"

 

While I accept that politics can be a pretty brutal contest by all sides at times, the sheer deceitfulness and hypocrisy, of the Green Party is just breath-taking. They claim to be "honest" but repeat blatant personal lies about a political opponent. Shame on them. They are indeed not to be trusted. 

L&Q Housing Association UNISON notice board

We were at the L&Q headquarters in Stratford, Newham, London last week in the evening for our branch Executive committee and I cannot resist posting this picture.  Sad but true,  I do love a good UNISON real life notice board. Well done to Tony (our branch chair) and local reps!

I do have some serious issues with L&Q housing management with another hat on. Watch this space. 

"On the Knocker" reminding West Hammers about their Postal Vote

 

A busy period and all candidates have got lots of steps in this phase of the election. My postal vote for the May 7 Election arrived at home today. Residents live busy lives and are often pleased to have a gentle reminder to exercise their democratic right to vote from the comfort of their home. 

Many thanks to our ace local canvasser Varghese for all his support. I will be highlighting supporters to acknowledge their huge contributions. 

Retirement celebration with UNISON LAS Paramedic Pete Hannell

 

On Friday evening, I met up with Pete, who is retiring from the London Ambulance Service (LAS) as a paramedic after more than 30 years of service. Pete is, of course, well-known in UNISON for being very shy, even bashful, and it’s always a challenge to get him to say much. 

He was an active UNISON LAS rep and Labour Link Officer and will always be a hammer for workers’ rights. He’s also a Labour councillor, having won a safe Conservative seat on his local Herts Council. 

We started at the UNISON Centre in Camden, then went on a mini tour of local and East End pubs before finishing with a meal at the Lahore Kebab House. 

Best wishes to Pete and his wife for his well deserved retirement and all their upcoming travel adventures.

Pride in West Ham with Angela Rayner

A lovely picture of Adjoa and me with Labour MP Angela Rayner in Newham, just outside West Ham Ward. 

I first met Angela many years ago at our UNISON conference when she was a young member but already a leading UNISON trade union rep and activist. 

I’m looking forward to hearing her address the UNISON National Delegate Conference this year on the Labour Employment Rights Act, which is the greatest advance in workers’ rights in this country for 60 years, and one she has undoubtedly been one of the strongest supporters of.

West Ham candidates visit to Khidmah Academy Mosque

 

Last Thursday evening, I felt proud and honoured to join my fellow Labour West Ham candidates, Sam and Adjoa, in visiting the Khidmah Academy Mosque on Vicarage Lane. 

Although it’s about 50 metres outside the official West Ham ward boundaries, many of our residents and their families use the centre, but we also checked in with our Forest Gate South colleagues beforehand. 

We were welcomed to observe prayers, after which each of us was invited to speak for a minute and introduce ourselves. 

It was inspiring to witness first-hand the deep spiritual side of Islam, something too rarely shown in mainstream UK media. 

Afterwards, we enjoyed conversations with Mosque members and trustees. 

We’re open and eager to visit all other faith groups in and around our ward. 

A special thanks to Pervez Qureshi, Labour Candidate in Plaistow North (third from right), for helping arrange the visit.

Stop the steal - Fight for our future!

 

Reform UK has pledged to rip up legal protections for workers and renters.

Reform are proposing a so-called "Great Repeal Bill" to scrap rights secured in the Employment Rights Act - rights that millions of working people have fought hard to win.

Add your name to protect workers' rights

Order free Fight for Our Future Posters

Their Great Repeal Bill would strip our rights and our voice. It would hand power to bad bosses and rogue landlords. The planned attacks include: Taking sick pay, bereavement leave, and pregnancy protections off millions of workers. Legalising fire-and-rehire and workplace discrimination. Reintroducing "no-fault" evictions and reducing limits on rent increases.

Other campaign resources

Campaign webpage Campaign video Social media graphics

Together, let’s stop Reform’s Great Repeal Bill. https://www.tuc.org.uk/LESE

"On the knocker" during West Ham Sunset's

We’ve been out knocking on doors in West Ham ward, chatting with residents about their issues, concerns, and how we can help. 

People have been really pleased to see us, valuing the chance to connect and our offer to meet face-to-face every Saturday from 10 to 11 am at the Labour drop-in confidential advice surgery at the Vicarage Lane Community Centre. 

Also, we’ve had some beautiful sunsets this week.

 

Pride in Newham rally with Sadiq Khan

 

Thanks to Sadiq for stopping by to support Forhad and our Newham Labour campaign this week. He delivered an inspiring speech highlighting Labour’s achievements so far, like lifting 10,000 children in Newham out of poverty by ending the Tory two-child benefit cap, while acknowledging there’s still more work ahead. 

Not long after this photo was taken, the rain began, and I quickly regretted leaving my umbrella at home.

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.