Islam TV “Question time” with Muslim Friends of Labour

This afternoon I was invited to attend the Newham Launch of “Muslim Friends of Labour” (MFL) at Minhaj Ul-Qur'an International Mosque, Forest Gate, London E7. Cabinet Minster and local MP, Stephen Timms, Chief Secretary Treasury, was the guest speaker.

Firstly, there was a series of speeches. Stephen (see picture) spoke on the “The importance of Muslim engagement in local politics”. He reflected on the harm caused by the Iraq War to the relationship between the Labour Party and the Muslim community. However, he pointed out that the recent Council elections, although not brilliant for Labour, showed that extremist fringe groups such as Respect were a “spent force” and that the Labour Party, was the only natural home of Muslims in Britain.

Dr Zulfikar Ali (Chair of MFL and local Cllr) spoke on the” advantages of engagement". As someone who was very much opposed to the war, he did recognise the support Labour had given the Muslim community and that while surveys had shown that Muslims were committed to Britishness (far more than other new communities) their needs have to be recognised by society .

Shiraz Ahmed spoke on the vision and goals of MFL. He gave a very personal speech about what it is like to grow up in East London as a British Muslim. Also, that being on the political fringe doesn’t change anything; you have to belong to the mainstream. He thought that MFL could help bridge the gap between grassroots Muslim opinion and the Labour Party.

An extremely eloquent speaker (whose name I did not catch) spoke on behalf of Lyn Brown MP, who had to give her apologies. Lyn’s speech concentrated on how the key Labour Party values of Social Justice, Equity and Equality are reflected in Islamic values. Despite the “elephant in the room” (Iraq) no other Party has done so much for Muslim communities.

So far pretty interesting stuff, next Islam TV had organised a “Question Time” debate. The panel was Stephen, Zulfikar and Clive Furnace (local Cllr and a founder member of the campaign against repression and for democratic rights in Iraq (Cardri) who visited Iraqi Kurdistan several times in the 90s). BEN TV a poplar African cable station was also filming.

I could go on about the Q&A, but what I found really inspiring is that people were gathered together talking about emotive and divisive issues such as Iraq, Faith schools, Labour Party foreign policy and how to prevent Muslim youths being attracted to extremists in a wide ranging, intelligent, polite and informative debate. It was interesting that this discussion took place in Forest Gate, only 10 minutes walk away from the potentially disastrous Police raid and shooting last year. I think things are moving on.

Apparently the debate will be shown on Wednesday 9 May (channel 813 on Sky - Free) Islam TV.

Tories lose control of Thurrock and BNP go nowhere

Update: Great news from Thurrock – The Tories lost overall control of the Council and the BNP were given a good “kicking” (in the democratic sense of the word - even though retired members of Red Action may have been about). The BBC quoted Nazi Griffin (BNP leader) as claiming that they were expecting to take seats in Thurrock. Wrong. There may have been only two Labour gains, but it meant that the Tories lost overall control of the Council. Make's up a bit for the not particularly positive night for Labour. However, we did increase our national vote by 1%!

I was pleased that the ward that the West Ham team spent most time on “West Thurrock and South Stifford”, the Labour candidate, Julieann Burkey, thrashed the BNP 676 votes to 478. Last time the BNP came within 18 votes. Well done Julieann.

In the other ward we worked “Ockendon” the Labour candidate, Oliver Gerrish, only lost to the Tories by 13 votes (741 Tories 728 Labour). If I hadn’t got lost and took us over the QE bridge into Kent, would we been able to do one more “knock up” and get those votes? I blame the map reader! (typical, bloody campaign group supporters, they know what they want but can’t work out a way to get there!)

Although London Labour members (there is no election in London this year) obviously played their part, as I posted last night, the real credit for their success must lie with the local Thurrock Labour Party and the hard work that must have gone on well before 3 May. The local members had that familiar sleep deprived “walking dead” look (a compliment in these circumstances). The canvassing returns were pretty accurate, we didn’t have to hang around or wait to be sent out, their election leaflets were good and the Party members seemed to work well as a team (no obvious internal bickering, no temper tantrums et al). No doubt there will be lessons to be learnt. However, “Hats off” to Thurrock.

My view of the overall national result is that 485 loses is nothing to go on about, however, I was encouraged by the support that Labour enjoyed even in these admittedly difficult times. So if we have an electable leader (and deputy?) who can run an effective political campaign, keep the economy stable, who can show they have learnt from the mistakes of the past, then Labour should win, big time.

London Labour helps out in Thurrock against Tories/BNP

Back home from Thurrock, Essex (admittedly via a local pub!) where a number of us from West Ham CLP and Tower Hamlets (and Islington, Hackney, Barking & Dagenham and more) went to try and help the local Party defeat the ruling Tory Council administration and see off a BNP (fascist) challenge – who were standing in every ward. London does not have any elections this year. London region Labour Party had sent us an email requesting assistance.

Thurrock is probably best known in London for its shopping centre “Lakeside”. However, this was the first time I had visited the area properly. Parts of it were very green and rural while other parts were built up and industrialised – it reminded me of Barking and Dagenham. Especially the riverside area (Thames).

We mostly spent all day “knocking up” voters who had previously been identified as possible Labour Party supporters. I don’t know what the result is but the canvassing had been pretty accurate (which is not always true in elections) and the people we spoke to were usually solid Labour. However, the people we called at who were “unidentified” (i.e. no-one had managed to speak to them about their voting intentions beforehand) were also on the whole very positive for Labour. This is in a ward that Labour last time only beat the BNP by 18 votes. One of the two, who told me today he was BNP, was so drunk that I actually doubted he would ever make it to the polling station.

Some of the Council estates (I think they were still in-house) reminded me of the inner city London housing estates I work in, even thought we are 45 minutes east of Stratford, E15. The local accent on the estates (particularly amongst the kids) was also to my mind pure “East End”.
The local Labour Party and their MP, Andrew MacKinkley, treated us as kings! Very friendly, very hospitable and they were organised! Andrew (ex-NALGO officer) took us around in the morning and really looked after us. There was no “hanging about” waiting to be told what to do, the paperwork was complete and up-to-date, and there was no public arguments amongst local officials about what we should do! They supplied Bottled water, juice, Tea, Coffee, biscuits, sausages, pizza and encouragement. This meant we were even more motivated to get out and help out.

Things didn’t always go to plan. I took a wrong turning and we ended up on the M25 and had to go over the Queen Elizabeth Bridge into Kent and back again via the tunnel into Essex (£2 toll). Still, we were flying the Labour Party flag from my car (supplied by UNISON Labour Link)

Deputy leadership candidate Jon Cruddas MP turned up (didn’t see him). London Assembly member John Biggs was very active.

The picture is a bit self indulgent. Our final canvass was at this very traditional council estate in Purfleet, just next to the Thames. A ferry went by and if you click on the photo you can see Canary wharf in the distance. Pictured are West Ham CLP Richard Bolt, John Saunders and Judith Garfield (Newham Councillor).

Also with us on the day (apologies to anyone I have missed out) was Bill Turner (UNISON and Tower Hamlets Councillor). Marc Francis and Ohid Ahmed (Tower Hamlets Councillors) and Emily Thornberry MP (Islington South & Finsbury and team).

Don’t know what is going to happen. Off to bed since I have to represent a member at a gross misconduct hearing tomorrow but BBC Nick Robinson blog suggests that results may not be as bad for Labour as suggested!

A May Day Evening with Ken

Last night after the march I went to the annual trade union, May Day reception, laid on by London Mayor, Ken Livingston, at City Hall, SE1. It was held in the “London Living Room” which is on the 9th floor of City Hall. It has brilliant views over central London and the Thames. There is an open air balcony and you can see for miles.

The place was packed (200 odd?) with the great and good of TIGMOO. Ken lived up to his reputation of being a good host, lots of lovely grub and a drink or two. There was a good presence from London UNISON (See picture with TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber).

Ken gave a speech first. Concentrating about the London Assembly elections next year (2008), the threat from the BNP and the lies that they tell (e.g. during the local council elections last year in Barking, the BNP spread the lie that Ken was giving £50,000 to every African who wanted to move to that area). He made a good point that there is a lot of cynicism amongst the public about what “politicians” say (I would agree to a point). However, many people will trust what their trade union and shop steward says. So if the union tells its members, don’t believe the rubbish that the fascists are putting out, members are more likely to pay attention. I think this is largely true.

Brendan gave a thought provoking speech about the role of trade unions and the way we have to adapt to our modern day society. Which I suppose was a lead to Tony Woodley, Joint Secretary of the brand new union UNITE which was born on May 1. UNITE merges the Transport & General (I use to be a member and shop steward) and Amicus (I also use to be a member). UNITE is now probably the biggest trade union in the UK. Tony is a fluent and natural speaker. You could see him even now as the former convenor in Vauxhall’s car plant, Ellesmere Port (which use to be a major employer where I grew up). It was interesting that he expressed regret that Ken was no longer a MP, since he would have had his support as a candidate to be the Labour Leader! Ken’s face beamed unabashed. However, I am certain he must play the game “what if” from time to time (don’t we all).

Due to UNITE, there are various rumours about what UNISON and the GMB will do in response. I teased the GMB Tower Hamlets branch secretary yesterday that UNISON and the GMB were about to merge. He replied “never in my life time, never in my life time!” He’s like me, a young chap (okay, okay – mid 40’s is now young). Maybe so. However, I do not expect there to be a stand alone “GMB” or “UNISON” in 5 years time. We live in interesting times. Why can’t we have single industry/service unions?

All in all, an excellent end to an excellent day. Tomorrow morning (taken day off), I am off with a car load of East London comrades to Thurrock, Essex to help out in the election. Good practice, since the BNP are standing in all their wards.

Good luck to all Labour candidates tomorrow.

London May Day March & Rally: New Union is born

There was an air of cheerful, colourful, confusion, when I arrived, which pretty much continued for the whole march. Lots of bright red banners, flags, music playing and “interesting” placards and numerous leaflets. I would say that a majority of marchers (I think there was only several hundred) were not British trade unionists, but supporting either home grown Marxist organisations or foreign Marxist groups. Particularly well organised, were the various Turkish and Kurdish groups. It was interesting to see a number of banners with pictures of Stalin and Mao on them ! The anarchists were there with their red and black flags, wearing their scarves around their face. They did however look very, very young (probably a sign of my age) and were very polite and well spoken, if you accidentally bumped into them.

Today was also the birthday of the brand new trade union “Unite” (T&G have merged with Amicus).

The setting off point is at Clarkenwell Green, London EC1 (which of course is nowadays not “green”, it’s completely paved over). Apparently I have got a bit of a tan after today! The sun was certainly shining. But it also could have been wind burn. Our UNISON banner nearly snapped a couple of times during the March.

I could only see Tower Hamlets Local Government (my branch) and Walthamstow Local Government UNISON branches and no Labour Party banners. This is a shame. Next year I will see if we can have a West Ham CLP delegation. However, there where a number of UNISON members milling about.

I couldn’t stay for the rally. So perhaps someone else will report on it. I must admit I enjoyed the experience but was not really surprised at the relative low turnout of British trade unionists and Labour Party branches/organisations. I think this is linked.

May Day Present for Labour: Respect Cllr rejoins Party

MayDay present for Labour!

Respect Cllr Waiseul Islam rejoins the Labour Party and the controlling group on Tower Hamlets Council. He attacks diss-Respect for dividing the community for purely political reasons, he attacks Galloway for doing TV shows but not turning up to his surgery's and believes that Labour is the only Party to defeat the Tories. Is diss-Respect finally beginning to self-destruct? Interesting stuff! I must do some digging.

The press release quotes him as saying " “This has been a long and carefully thought out decision by me to leave the Respect Party and to join the Labour Party. I have always believed in the principles of Labour and what it stands for and I have never felt comfortable within Respect since the election in May 2006. I have been more and more frustrated with Respect which offers little in the way of policies, direction or service to the local community in Tower Hamlets, which is the real reason why I entered politics. I reject the notion of dividing the local community for political gain, which is what I believe Respect are effectively doing.“

“My motivation for returning to the Labour Party is that it will enable me to better serve my constituents and work alongside people that have more in common with my own political views. In hindsight, my move to the Respect Party was a major error in my judgement and if I had the insight into Respect that I do now, it is not something that would have happened. The challenge for me is to represent my constituents and support residents within the borough who are facing a wide range of issues. I believe that I can deliver much more effectively for local residents by being with a party that has a vision and represents all of the communities within the borough.”

“Respect is not a party that can deliver, especially when its elected MP is hardly visible in his constituency, leaving those who voted for him neglected. He has time to attend television shows and present radio shows but not to turn up to his surgery and meet his constituents. I believe this is wrong.”

“With government and council support I believe that local residents can benefit from the socio-economic regeneration of the area. This can only be achieved by working with a progressive party that can carry the citizens of the borough into the future and not take it backward. Labour is also the only party that can truly challenge uninvited Tories creeping into Tower Hamlets and attempting to destroy it with their discredited policies.”

Cllr. Denise Jones, Labour Leader of Tower Hamlets Council has welcomed Cllr. Islam’s decision saying:
“Labour is the only party in Tower Hamlets with both the record and the vision to improve the lives of local people. I am glad that Cllr. Islam will be joining us in this work and I am sure that his constituents in Whitechapel as well as the people of Tower Hamlets as a whole will benefit from his principled decision. Respect has long claimed to be what they are not and now we have heard the real truth from one who knows – he has said that Respect stands for division and inaction and have nothing to offer the people of the East End.”

Issued by Labour Group Media and Communications Officer
For further information on this press release please phone 020 7364 4990

Why Brown must face a Challenge – from the Right

This came up yesterday in conversation with other Labour Party activists (yes, in a pub!) and the more I think about it the more convincing the argument. Now putting aside my aversion to John McDonnell MP for the moment. I don’t think that anyone seriously believes that he or Michael Meacher will be the next Prime Minister. The Electoral College is split 1/3rd MP’s, 1/3rd Trade union levy payers and 1/3rd ordinary Party members. They will get little or no votes (never mind nominations) from Labour MPs, maybe say 10% top from individual trade unionists(the big unions are not going to support either) and I think a similar amount from ordinary members. I like Luke Akehurst's comparison of two bald men fighting over a comb. Times have changed.

What is important is that Brown would easily defeat such “left wing” candidates without sparking a real debate about post-Blairism and the future of the Party. Instead, what is needed is a challenge from the Right such as Clarke or Reid. Brown would then have to show how his politics and philosophy is different from the Right.

There has been a lot of fuss and bother about encouraging Labour MPs to nominate either McDonnell or Meacher in order to “have a debate” about the future direction of the Party (they can nominate up to 3). This is barking up the wrong tree. What we should be doing is encouraging them to nominate Clarke or Reid.

West Ham Labour Movement Family gathers to honour Workers Memorial Day

West Ham Labour MP (and UNISON member) Lyn Brown, Newham TULO activists, Forest Gate Councillors Michael Nicholas (who is a firefighter), Paul Brickell, Judith Garfield and Party members gather outside Forest Gate Centre, Woodford Road, London E7 to mark Workers Memorial Day. All are wearing the purple WMD ribbons.

Every April 28 recognised across the world as a day of remembrance for those who have been killed at work or died of industrial diseases (about 4000 people per year in Britain alone). It is also a day to campaign on safety issues.

Take 5 minutes to sign the two e-petitions on the 10 Downing Street website. One petition calls for the recognition of Workers Memorial Day as a national day of remembrance. The other calls for work-related road traffic incidents to be reportable just like other deaths and injuries at work.

East London meetings for Deputy Leader Candidates

West Ham Labour Party has organised an event for members to meet the candidates. Hilary Benn, Jon Cruddas and Harriet Harman have confirmed they will be there.

The first event will take place on Wednesday 23rd May 2007 at 8.00 pm.
Doors open 7.30 pm at Sarah Bonnell School, Deanery Rd, Stratford, E15 4LP
Only 8 minutes walk from Stratford Bus and Train Station (car parking also available on site)

A second event for the other declared candidates who have prior arrangements on the 23rd is also being organised (details to follow).

West Ham MP Lyn Brown will host the events which are being sponsored by London UNISON Labour Link.

Neighbouring Constituency Labour Party’s will be invited. Labour Party members and trade union levy paying affiliates only.

For further information contact
John Whitworth (CLP Education Officer) jhnwhitworth@Yahoo.co.uk 020 8257 9587 or
Alan Griffiths (CLP Secretary) alangriffiths_per@yahoo.co.uk 07773 884339

Parliamentary Reception for West Ham UNISON Labour Link

On Thursday I was invited to attend a reception organised by West Ham Labour MP, Lyn Brown which was sponsored by UNISON “Labour Link”. The event was held in the Jubilee Room, off Westminster Hall, Houses of Parliament. UNISON members who live in West Ham Constituency and who pay the Labour Party levy were invited. Lyn wished to thank trade unionists for their work in providing public services. Also, she wanted to talk to members (and her constituents) about important issues such as the campaign for a living wage and making the 2012 Olympics a success.

It was a great success. About 60 members and their guests turned up. It was informal. There was a light buffet, a short speech by Lyn (seen above next to Sarah McCarthy-Fry MP Portsmouth North) and members went on tours of Westminster Palace. I enjoyed chatting and talking to ordinary UNISON members and their guests. The vast majority had never visited the Houses of Parliament and were really pleased to be invited to attend by their union and their MP. The first people to arrive came at 6.45pm and 2 of them signed up to join the Labour Party!

I think that the UNISON members who attended where really chuffed and even those who could not make it appreciated the invite. I think this is the sort of thing that all Labour MP’s/candidates should be organising before the next election.