Tuesday, August 30, 2005
Back in London...
I returned from my summer holiday last week. The night before I left, I went to a Muslim Safety Forum Meeting in Tooting, organised by the Borough Liasion Office, Chief Inspector Derek Theobald, to discuss the issues that affect the Muslim Communities of Wandsworth following the events of the 7th and 21st of July 2005 and to develop a local Safety Forum for the Muslim people of Wandsworth. The meeting was attended by local community leaders and other representatives from the Muslim community, with particular emphasis on women and young people.
There was a discussion in respect of the current policing position, the opportunity to expand 3rd party crime reporting (particularly in respect of hate crime) and an update on the position in respect of Stop and Search and reported hate crimes. The meeting was very positive and well attended. It was a good opportunity for the local community to give their views and discuss issues with the police. A Sub group has been set up and I look forward to seeing the progress made on this front. The Metropolitan Police has set up a free 24 hour helpline to offer advice and support to anyone who feels vulnerable as a result of the terrorist attacks in London: 0800 0282390.
Another thing I have been working on recently is a joint statement with the Mayor of London, Liberty, The Muslim Council of Britain and the Muslim Association of Britain responding to the proposals that have been announced for anti terror legislation. You can find out more about this here and also on the Greater London Authority website.
I also sent a copy of the Home Office consultation, ‘Exclusion or Deportation from the UK on Non-Conducive Grounds’ to local churches, mosques and temples, urging people to give their views on the proposals. The consultation document listed ‘unacceptable behaviours’ that contribute to the fomenting, glorifying or justifying of terrorism, and I was keen to see the local community involved in consultations over new anti terror legislation. I have sent the responses I received directly to the Home Office. The consultation has now closed, and the details of the results are on the Home Office website.
Yesterday, I went along to the Tamil Chariot Festival. We gathered at the early hour of 8am outside the Hindu Temple on Upper Tooting Road, and about 100 or so people formed the procession to Figges Marsh Common in Mitcham. On the Common there was a festival of dance, drama and music, and about 5000 people came along to this. The festival is now in its fifth year and is a bank holiday highlight in Tooting.
Sadiq
There was a discussion in respect of the current policing position, the opportunity to expand 3rd party crime reporting (particularly in respect of hate crime) and an update on the position in respect of Stop and Search and reported hate crimes. The meeting was very positive and well attended. It was a good opportunity for the local community to give their views and discuss issues with the police. A Sub group has been set up and I look forward to seeing the progress made on this front. The Metropolitan Police has set up a free 24 hour helpline to offer advice and support to anyone who feels vulnerable as a result of the terrorist attacks in London: 0800 0282390.
Another thing I have been working on recently is a joint statement with the Mayor of London, Liberty, The Muslim Council of Britain and the Muslim Association of Britain responding to the proposals that have been announced for anti terror legislation. You can find out more about this here and also on the Greater London Authority website.
I also sent a copy of the Home Office consultation, ‘Exclusion or Deportation from the UK on Non-Conducive Grounds’ to local churches, mosques and temples, urging people to give their views on the proposals. The consultation document listed ‘unacceptable behaviours’ that contribute to the fomenting, glorifying or justifying of terrorism, and I was keen to see the local community involved in consultations over new anti terror legislation. I have sent the responses I received directly to the Home Office. The consultation has now closed, and the details of the results are on the Home Office website.
Yesterday, I went along to the Tamil Chariot Festival. We gathered at the early hour of 8am outside the Hindu Temple on Upper Tooting Road, and about 100 or so people formed the procession to Figges Marsh Common in Mitcham. On the Common there was a festival of dance, drama and music, and about 5000 people came along to this. The festival is now in its fifth year and is a bank holiday highlight in Tooting.
Sadiq
Tuesday, August 16, 2005
On Sunday, I went to the VE and VJ service and parade in Battersea Park, to mark the 60th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. It was an impressive occasion, with hundreds of members of the Royal British Legion, ex servicemen and women marching to the Grandstand. Rev. Paul Kennington, Vicar of St Mary’s Church Battersea led the service. There are thousands of pensioners in Tooting, many of whom fought in the Second World War or contributed to the war effort back at home, and they made enourmous sacrifices.
After the service there was a special reception in a marquee on the Pump House lawn, with wartime singing in the background!
Anyone reading this might be interested to know that there is a Veterans’ Badge available. This has been developed with veterans’ groups and can be worn as a lapel badge with civilian dress, and is to recognise people’s status as HM Armed Forces Veterans. Men and women who served in the UK Armed Forces in the First World War and the Second World War (between 3/9/39 and 2/9/45) are entitled to the Veterans Badge along with the Cyprus Regiment, the Merchant Navy Seaman, the Home Guard and the Polish Forces under UK command. War widows and widowers who are getting a War widows/widowers pension can also apply. If you know anyone who might be eligible, then they can phone the Veterans Helpline on 0800 169 2277, or contact me at my Westminster office and I would be happy to make the application for them. Forms can also be downloaded here.
I am out of the country this week on a short holiday, but my office is functioning as normal, so if you have any enquiries or casework issues these will be dealt with in the usual way.
Sadiq
After the service there was a special reception in a marquee on the Pump House lawn, with wartime singing in the background!
Anyone reading this might be interested to know that there is a Veterans’ Badge available. This has been developed with veterans’ groups and can be worn as a lapel badge with civilian dress, and is to recognise people’s status as HM Armed Forces Veterans. Men and women who served in the UK Armed Forces in the First World War and the Second World War (between 3/9/39 and 2/9/45) are entitled to the Veterans Badge along with the Cyprus Regiment, the Merchant Navy Seaman, the Home Guard and the Polish Forces under UK command. War widows and widowers who are getting a War widows/widowers pension can also apply. If you know anyone who might be eligible, then they can phone the Veterans Helpline on 0800 169 2277, or contact me at my Westminster office and I would be happy to make the application for them. Forms can also be downloaded here.
I am out of the country this week on a short holiday, but my office is functioning as normal, so if you have any enquiries or casework issues these will be dealt with in the usual way.
Sadiq
Monday, August 08, 2005
Robin Cook
I was very upset to hear about the death of Robin Cook on Saturday night. He died during a walking holiday in Scotland. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife Gaynor, his children, his ex-wife and all his staff at this very difficult time.
Robin was an outstanding parliamentarian, who approached things with impressive intellectual vigour. He resigned over the war in Iraq, and in doing so, merely confirmed what everyone knew already – that he was a principled and sincere politician.
His office was in the next building along from mine, and in the few short months since I have been in parliament, we stopped for chats on numerous occasions. The first thing he said to me after congratulating me on being a new MP was to apologise for not being able to come to a dinner I had invited him to in early 2004 – he had remembered this after over a year had passed. He also had the full saga of my lack of office and was always sympathetic!
He made a point of talking to me after the terror attacks on July 7th to discuss various issues relating to this. He had agreed to come to Tooting Labour Party’s fundraising dinner this November, and I was immensely honoured because I knew how busy and in demand he was.
He will be greatly missed around Westminster. He was widely expected to return to the Cabinet, and it is a shame that his life has been cut short. I will no longer be able to have my chats with him, and we will no longer be able to listen to his formidable speeches and debates in parliament.
SadiqMonday, August 01, 2005
a quick catch up...
The last week has been less hectic than previous ones.
On Tuesday, I went to City Hall to meet London Mayor Ken Livingstone to discuss the response of the Muslim community since the attacks. The Mayor had invited representatives from all the London Muslim communities. Although all Muslim, we had various races represented and a good mix of Londoners present. After giving an overview of the police investigation and response from the Mayors office, Ken opened up the meeting to the floor.
There were some pretty robust points made about feeling under attack, concerns about the "shoot to kill" policy, unease about the lack of an overall strategy, how to engage young people, links to foreign policy, examples of Islamophobic discrimination and much much more.
This meeting was the first of what I hope will be discussions on looking at how we build on the consensus that is building up post 7th July. In addition to the meetings with the PM, the Home Secretary and the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police; the dialogue with the Mayor will provide a useful conduit for some of the views, frustrations and thoughts of Muslim representatives to be heard by important policy makers and decision makers.
Tuesday night was spent at the Lahore Karahi restaurant in Tooting. My staff really are deprived as until then none of them had experienced a Tooting curry!!
On Wednesday, I had the pleasure of being the guest of honour at the leavers’ assembly at Fircroft Primary School. The Year 6 pupils put on a great end of year show and I presented each one of them with an encyclopaedia from the school that I am sure they will be able to use for many years to come. In my speech, I explained that I have experience of being a Fircroft school leaver myself (albeit 23 years ago) and the emotions that go with leaving a place where one is a big fish in a small pond. I went on to explain that I had recently started a new venture (a new job rather then a new school) where, like the Year 6 children, who will soon be Year 7 pupils in new and big secondary schools, I was a small fish in a big pond AND it wasn't that bad. The excitement and opportunity to learn new things and make new friends soon outweighed the fear that go with starting something new.
They had heard about the space MPs have at the Commons to keep their swords, and presented me with one (a toy one, of course!) so that I won't feel left out in future!
On Thursday 28th, I visited the Diabetes and Endocrinology Department at St George's Hospital, Tooting. I met staff from the Thomas Addison Unit to discuss lobbying for much needed improvements to the building. They do a fantastic job, treating people with diabetes and educating about prevention too.
The Unit has a number of problems that - there are a high number of ethnic minority patients using the Unit, and the waiting facilities are currently inadequate. There is also no separate waiting room for women and children, and many Asian women coming to the centre are uncomfortable waiting in a mixed gender area. Wheelchair access is also problematic.
I am looking forward to working with the unit and Trust over the coming months to discuss ways to raise funds.
I also met with the Chair of Trust, Naaz Coker, to discuss the recent announcement of a 1 star rating to St Georges Hospital. You can find out more about this on the news section of my website:
On Friday I was one of the guest speakers at the Furzedown Project AGM. I was lucky enough to go to the opening of the new, improved and extended building on Mosyer Road earlier this year and was therefore overjoyed at being asked to speak at the AGM, along with the Wandsworth Mayor, Cllr Diana Whittingham. After paying tribute to the outgoing Director of the Project, Margaret Joyce, who had served the Project for 8 sterling years, I welcomed the new Director Caroline Burling, who in a very short space of time is making great progress.
It really as amazing to see more then 100 members present at an AGM and I took the opportunity to pay tribute also to the amazing staff, volunteers, trustees, board members and most importantly users who all, together, make the Project such a huge success.
I declared a self interest in wanting the Project to go from strength to strength as a local neighbour I wanted to be able to use the Project in 30 years or so when I retire!
Older people are not given the respect and recognition they deserve in our society and I am pleased about a number of up coming things that will start to redress that: the VE/VJ day parade in Battersea Park on August 14th; a new law outlawing age discrimination; and a new Commission of Equalities and Human Rights (CEHR) that will enforce older peoples rights and further reform of the pension system.
On Saturday, I was the guest of honour handing out medals and certificates to Tooting children who had completed bronze, silver and gold levels in Maths and English at the Kumon Centre based at St Nicholas Church on Church Lane.
Today, I attended Springfield Hospital to meet with the Chief Executive, Nigel Fisher, to discuss recent events and future plans at St Georges Mental Health Trust.
There is currently a consultation going on about specialist mental health services provided by the Trust, and the deadline for submissions is 25th September. The consultation document can be downloaded here.
The consultation is about 4 specialist services: The Adult Eating Disorder Service, the Behaviour Cognitive Psychotherapy Service, the Inpatient Substance Misuse Service and the Child and Adolescent Service. The changes are aimed at organising health services to provide a better service for patients; to improve access to specialist services to patients can receive treatment earlier on in the illness process and to strengthen links between inpatient and community services. There is also a consultation on the proposed closure of Cottage Day Hospital and I will post details of this soon.
Sadiq
On Tuesday, I went to City Hall to meet London Mayor Ken Livingstone to discuss the response of the Muslim community since the attacks. The Mayor had invited representatives from all the London Muslim communities. Although all Muslim, we had various races represented and a good mix of Londoners present. After giving an overview of the police investigation and response from the Mayors office, Ken opened up the meeting to the floor.
There were some pretty robust points made about feeling under attack, concerns about the "shoot to kill" policy, unease about the lack of an overall strategy, how to engage young people, links to foreign policy, examples of Islamophobic discrimination and much much more.
This meeting was the first of what I hope will be discussions on looking at how we build on the consensus that is building up post 7th July. In addition to the meetings with the PM, the Home Secretary and the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police; the dialogue with the Mayor will provide a useful conduit for some of the views, frustrations and thoughts of Muslim representatives to be heard by important policy makers and decision makers.
Tuesday night was spent at the Lahore Karahi restaurant in Tooting. My staff really are deprived as until then none of them had experienced a Tooting curry!!
On Wednesday, I had the pleasure of being the guest of honour at the leavers’ assembly at Fircroft Primary School. The Year 6 pupils put on a great end of year show and I presented each one of them with an encyclopaedia from the school that I am sure they will be able to use for many years to come. In my speech, I explained that I have experience of being a Fircroft school leaver myself (albeit 23 years ago) and the emotions that go with leaving a place where one is a big fish in a small pond. I went on to explain that I had recently started a new venture (a new job rather then a new school) where, like the Year 6 children, who will soon be Year 7 pupils in new and big secondary schools, I was a small fish in a big pond AND it wasn't that bad. The excitement and opportunity to learn new things and make new friends soon outweighed the fear that go with starting something new.
They had heard about the space MPs have at the Commons to keep their swords, and presented me with one (a toy one, of course!) so that I won't feel left out in future!
On Thursday 28th, I visited the Diabetes and Endocrinology Department at St George's Hospital, Tooting. I met staff from the Thomas Addison Unit to discuss lobbying for much needed improvements to the building. They do a fantastic job, treating people with diabetes and educating about prevention too.
The Unit has a number of problems that - there are a high number of ethnic minority patients using the Unit, and the waiting facilities are currently inadequate. There is also no separate waiting room for women and children, and many Asian women coming to the centre are uncomfortable waiting in a mixed gender area. Wheelchair access is also problematic.
I am looking forward to working with the unit and Trust over the coming months to discuss ways to raise funds.
I also met with the Chair of Trust, Naaz Coker, to discuss the recent announcement of a 1 star rating to St Georges Hospital. You can find out more about this on the news section of my website:
On Friday I was one of the guest speakers at the Furzedown Project AGM. I was lucky enough to go to the opening of the new, improved and extended building on Mosyer Road earlier this year and was therefore overjoyed at being asked to speak at the AGM, along with the Wandsworth Mayor, Cllr Diana Whittingham. After paying tribute to the outgoing Director of the Project, Margaret Joyce, who had served the Project for 8 sterling years, I welcomed the new Director Caroline Burling, who in a very short space of time is making great progress.
It really as amazing to see more then 100 members present at an AGM and I took the opportunity to pay tribute also to the amazing staff, volunteers, trustees, board members and most importantly users who all, together, make the Project such a huge success.
I declared a self interest in wanting the Project to go from strength to strength as a local neighbour I wanted to be able to use the Project in 30 years or so when I retire!
Older people are not given the respect and recognition they deserve in our society and I am pleased about a number of up coming things that will start to redress that: the VE/VJ day parade in Battersea Park on August 14th; a new law outlawing age discrimination; and a new Commission of Equalities and Human Rights (CEHR) that will enforce older peoples rights and further reform of the pension system.
On Saturday, I was the guest of honour handing out medals and certificates to Tooting children who had completed bronze, silver and gold levels in Maths and English at the Kumon Centre based at St Nicholas Church on Church Lane.
Today, I attended Springfield Hospital to meet with the Chief Executive, Nigel Fisher, to discuss recent events and future plans at St Georges Mental Health Trust.
There is currently a consultation going on about specialist mental health services provided by the Trust, and the deadline for submissions is 25th September. The consultation document can be downloaded here.
The consultation is about 4 specialist services: The Adult Eating Disorder Service, the Behaviour Cognitive Psychotherapy Service, the Inpatient Substance Misuse Service and the Child and Adolescent Service. The changes are aimed at organising health services to provide a better service for patients; to improve access to specialist services to patients can receive treatment earlier on in the illness process and to strengthen links between inpatient and community services. There is also a consultation on the proposed closure of Cottage Day Hospital and I will post details of this soon.
Sadiq
