Wednesday, October 12, 2005
parliament returns from recess
Parliament returned from its long recess on the 10th October. The main reason for the recess being longer than usual was planned building works and security improvements taking place in and around the Palace of Westminster.
Last Saturday I attended a conference organised by Lambeth and Southwark Labour Parties. The aim of the conference was to debate issues affecting ethnic minority communities in South London, and encourage participation in local politics. The constituency parties involved were also launching their ethnic minority forums. More than 100 members, supporters and local community groups attended this all day event. I took part in a Question and Answer session in the afternoon. Other speakers included Tessa Jowell MP, the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, and Baroness Amos, Leader of the House of Lords.
After the forum, I went to the London Young Labour AGM, where I was the main speaker. Although it was my job to entertain and inspire the 50 plus members who attended, the enthusiasm, energy and commitment shown by these Labour members left me feeling extremely excited and optimistic about the future of the party. I joined the Labour Party at 15, but party membership is not so common amongst young people now, so it was encouraging to see that the fighting spirit is still alive.
On Sunday I was canvassing with local members in the Balham part of the constituency.
Over the weekend we discovered about the massive earthquake in Pakistan, India and Kashmir. The UK Government responded quickly, and Search and Rescue teams were sent to the region. £13 million has been pledged towards the relief effort, and trucks and airlifts with winter tents, blankets and food are being transported to the area. Thankfully there appears to be only one family in Tooting who are directly affected by the earthquake. As expected, the local community and wider community have been generous in their charity. Tooting Islamic Centre and Balham Mosque have organised a large collection to take essential items to the affected site. This is taking place on Saturday 15th, from 9am outside Balham mosque. Donations will then be taken to Disaster Emergency Committee charities on the same day.
This week was the Hindu Bengal festival of Durga Puja. Durga Puja marks the end of the religious year in India, and is celebrated as a community festival. I took part in 2 separate celebrations. Along with the Mayor of Wandsworth and Deputy Mayor, Cllr del Hossain, I attended the 26th Annual Autumn Festival and South London Sarabajanin Durga Pooja Dusserah Celebrations in Bina Hall in Upper Tooting Road. I also went to the 19th Autumn Annual Festival and Durga Puja and Kali Puja at the Sivayagum Temple.
I have also been attending Tooting Islamic Centre and Gatton Road Mosque during the Muslim Holy Month of Ramadhan.
Last Saturday I attended a conference organised by Lambeth and Southwark Labour Parties. The aim of the conference was to debate issues affecting ethnic minority communities in South London, and encourage participation in local politics. The constituency parties involved were also launching their ethnic minority forums. More than 100 members, supporters and local community groups attended this all day event. I took part in a Question and Answer session in the afternoon. Other speakers included Tessa Jowell MP, the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, and Baroness Amos, Leader of the House of Lords.
After the forum, I went to the London Young Labour AGM, where I was the main speaker. Although it was my job to entertain and inspire the 50 plus members who attended, the enthusiasm, energy and commitment shown by these Labour members left me feeling extremely excited and optimistic about the future of the party. I joined the Labour Party at 15, but party membership is not so common amongst young people now, so it was encouraging to see that the fighting spirit is still alive.
On Sunday I was canvassing with local members in the Balham part of the constituency.
Over the weekend we discovered about the massive earthquake in Pakistan, India and Kashmir. The UK Government responded quickly, and Search and Rescue teams were sent to the region. £13 million has been pledged towards the relief effort, and trucks and airlifts with winter tents, blankets and food are being transported to the area. Thankfully there appears to be only one family in Tooting who are directly affected by the earthquake. As expected, the local community and wider community have been generous in their charity. Tooting Islamic Centre and Balham Mosque have organised a large collection to take essential items to the affected site. This is taking place on Saturday 15th, from 9am outside Balham mosque. Donations will then be taken to Disaster Emergency Committee charities on the same day.
This week was the Hindu Bengal festival of Durga Puja. Durga Puja marks the end of the religious year in India, and is celebrated as a community festival. I took part in 2 separate celebrations. Along with the Mayor of Wandsworth and Deputy Mayor, Cllr del Hossain, I attended the 26th Annual Autumn Festival and South London Sarabajanin Durga Pooja Dusserah Celebrations in Bina Hall in Upper Tooting Road. I also went to the 19th Autumn Annual Festival and Durga Puja and Kali Puja at the Sivayagum Temple.
I have also been attending Tooting Islamic Centre and Gatton Road Mosque during the Muslim Holy Month of Ramadhan.
Sadiq
