Sunday 26 June 2016

We need to listen and change



Reflecting on the referendum announcement and we have seen the city and the markets react in a way, which has costs millions of pounds and see our world ranking drop to 6th place; the Prime Minister resign and a massive split in the government of the day. In the week, when a woman full of hope, care, compassion and strong labour values was gunned down in the street, leaving two small children without a mum. Still we do not see the benefit of community.

How did this happen is the question that should be asked? How did the politics of fear and retribution supersede hope and 
aspiration?

How have we become so self
 centred that we no longer care or respect the customs and differences of our fellow man?

It's clear to me that the referendum result is only a symptom
 and a result of a politically enforced austerity, where our society has become more entrenched and reactionary because the political elite forget that they are the servants and not the masters of the working class. Society found its scapegoat in Europe instead of looking closer to home.

We saw
 how this manifested itself at local level back in 2005-6 when local people couldn't understand why the industrial past had to finish and that the "New Labour" brand had no answers to the changes that were happening in the community.The only message that was being sown by the far right at the time was a message of hate and blame to parts of the community and this was believed because people felt vulnerable and under threat.

Despite our best efforts in getting the message to the wider political classes it fell on deaf ears Labour died and the good it
 had done had been lost in theworld of a banking crisis.

The Tories said they had the answer
 in their"austerity programme" but what did it do in reality itcreated a greater divide and made more people more vulnerable as it blamed the have not’s.......The coalition government was weak without real visionso there was no solution there as they shored up a spiteful government for there own political gain. 

Next we got another government with much of the same; so there certainly isn’t any light at the end of the tunnel for the working class.

Now we are faced with the NHS on its knees, housing in disarray, education privatised and the welfare state being demonised, whilst the rich areseen as riding the gravy train with the politicians from Westminster.

Instead of seeing the strength in being part of a larger community we have voted to become small and are quite likely to diminish further as the Union is split with an independence vote.

So it's time for self reflection on both side of the political divide because it's very clear the politics of Westminster is not the politics of the people in the communities of the U.K.

It's about time austerity was ended and we invest once again into the future of the people of the U.K. we need to build homes for people to rent and support their families without stigma attached to it
;we need to invest in our education not privatise it and most of all we need to give all residents and their family hope for the future.

Only then would we be able to say that we live in a civilised and progressive country which
 would allow us to put the great back into Great Britain.

Monday 28 March 2016

EU debate - Learning the lessons from our aspirational past

With the EU debate raging on with alleged facts and counter facts supposedly as to why as a country we should be in or out of Europe. I was reminded of the conversation I had with the young man in the street who knew I was the leader of the council and wanted me to answer the question for him on how to vote....... He told how he was persuaded by one group then the other when he heard their reasons but was completely confused over the whole debate.

This got me thinking on what the EU set out to do and why. 

It is my understanding and based on history lessons and the conversations with my elders that it was one of the five pillars of the institution to support the common man/ women to create a better world after the darkest times of the Nazis and in its aftermath, hope for a better world.

It didn't seem to matter what political party you we're in because for once the country spoke with one voice. The country was driven to bankruptcy and steered through its darkest days by coalition government led by men who had been part of the empire but realised the empire was no longer 
the force it once was and understood that we needed partners and friends rather than domination and tyranny.

So from the ashes of the Second World War what did we do as a country? 

We decided we wanted better for our families moving forward and for some 70 years this has been achieved. My concern is that now we will lose the lessons that ourforefathers taught us. 

So let's remind ourselves what they wanted us to achieve in life; a safe home with good education for all within an understanding community supporting the most vulnerable so that we would never go back to the dark place of the extremist.

How did they go about this?

They voted in a government which understood that the health of the citizens was paramount for the nation moving forward so they started the NHS. They realised everyone deserved a home to call their own and embarked on the largest state house building programme in the country's history. They understood that no one should go hungry in a modern society and developed the welfare state. They devised a state education system that gave aspiration to everyone who wanted to learn about the world and change it for the better. Lastly they didn't want to see the horrors of war repeated again and came up with a plan so the whole of Europe would always talk to one another and allow us to have controlled but open borders within the EU.

So the question of the EU debate is an interesting one for me
, do I stand with the so called patriots who have an ideology of self-importance and empire based on abygone era that never was in my lifetime. Or do I maintain faith in the ideals of a greater community which, while definitely not perfect as brought us fairness, equality and many benefits.

Is this institution to blame for what is happening in today’s Britain?
Should we blame the EU and its institutions because we are selling off the NHS piece by piece making it impossible to function for the well-being of the country?
Should we blame the EU and its institutions because we have had a 35 year housing sell off and have not built thehomes we need to make a rounded community whilst supporting the most vulnerable?
Should we blame the EU and its institutions because we have labelled vulnerable people as benefit scroungers and failed to get institutions to pay what they owe to the British people in taxes or loans after the banking crisis?
Should we blame the EU and its institutions because we are starting down the road of privatisation of a school sector leading to wider divides in our community andwhich could lead to more young people losing opportunity or being left behind?

It's always been easy to blame those people
 across the water; our national newspapers and politicians have been doing it for years.

I personally believe that despite the EU's shortcomings, it still holds and fulfils many of the aspirations of our forefathers and should not be blamed for the mismanagement of our own great institutions which have been created for the majority but, in doing so continue to protect the minorities who are less able to protect themselves.

Our world and all people deserve a fairer society.

Sunday 12 October 2014

The measure of a nation is how it treats its weakest members

“The measure of a nation is how it treats its weakest members” has been stated in several ways
for over 100 years by various individuals, including Attlee, Churchill, Pope John Paul II, Dostoyevsky, Truman, etc. Perhaps, they should also have said, that, each nation should have this recorded on any document that is used to consider the treatment and care of its poor and disabled.


Sadly and unfortunately, in recent years, the total opposite has been the case and we have seen a
government that has demonized the most vulnerable at every opportunity; blaming them for the countries woes and by inference portraying them as a national liability. At every turn of the government screw these people who are already so disadvantaged are losing support across not one but a whole range of benefits. Whether it is cuts through the bedroom tax, DLA, ESA or Housing
Benefit it matters not to a government that, will stop at nothing, who by their actions, portray these people as a burden on society.


As a result of analysis commissioned by disability charity Scope in 2013 the cumulative impact of the Government’s welfare reform plans reveal an astonishing £28.3bn being taken out of disabled people’s pockets by 2018 with up to 3.7 million people being affected.

Add to that the squeeze that central government is forcing on my borough which equates to £53m
over the next 3 years and £400m across East London (the poorest part of London) which, will impact even further on those less able. While, conversely, places like Westminster, Chelsea and Kensington receive additional funding and you can see that this is clearly an attack on the most disadvantaged in our society.

But, and I will concede, any figures can and will be disputed and the reality could be somewhat
different to that already stated, give or take a few quid.


Sadly, the true cost is somewhat more insidious at a time when many are suffering and looking
for someone to blame. It rips the heart out of a nation that has always prided itself on loving their neighbour and caring about their community. It causes division based on the survival of the fittest; that is the real cost.

It undermines the many years of campaigning which has led them to believe that equality was truly theirs. It creates targets of hate and prejudice and undermines their true value in society.

The situation has now become so severe that Britain may face a United Nations investigation into ‘grave’ and ‘systemic’ violations against the rights of disabled people – the first country to face such a high level inquiry in the organization’s history. Could this also be the reason why this government is so intent on withdrawing from the European Convention on Human Rights a simple set of minimum standards of decency for all of us to hold onto for our own protection? Don’t get me wrong, I would have to agree that some of the decisions made under this convention would appear to many of us to be a little crazy, however, as part of a civilised society you and I can’t determine what laws we obey and which we don’t, so why should our government. What kind of government would want basic protection for its citizens withdrawn?

Then take the report published by the Just Fair Coalition, a consortium of 80 national charities
including Amnesty International, Save the Children, and Oxfam, which says the UK is in clear breach of its legal obligations. Support structures for many disabled people have disappeared or are under threat as local authorities cut social care budgets, whilst cuts to benefits will leave many disabled people losing their support or having it greatly reduced.

We have seen the vilest suggestions put forward by Ian Duncan Smith the Works & Pension Secretary. Terminally ill people could be forced to do work experience or face losing their benefits. Cancer patients who have more than six months to live could have to do work experience or see their payments cut. How much lower can these people sink in the pursuit of the poor, the ill and the dying? How much sicker can they get in their efforts to cleanse society of the cost of looking after our most vulnerable, I dread to think. 

I am ashamed to be part of a country that has a government who can conduct itself in such an inhumane way. A government that is castigating, demonizing and targeting the most vulnerable in society while ensuring that its members get richer day by day; a government who’s member are able to spend more on one meal out than our disabled get to live on for the week. Sadly, all of it is true.


 

Sunday 29 June 2014

Civic pride and our children


A month has passed as the Leader and as I find myself reflecting on the great honour and responsibility that has been placed upon me and all the Councillors that have been elected by the residents of Barking and Dagenham. It is clear that we must continue to take the time to meet and speak with as many different people as possible that make up our community and try to understand what is important to them and what they would like the council to achieve. In our contacts so far one thing keeps coming up again and again; which is the future of our children.

Barking and Dagenham have the largest number of children of any London borough making up a third of our community. With the Government cuts that have been handed down to our council and all The Partnership, it is some of our children who are affected the most, children from those families who have no choice but to visit food banks, charity shops and even loan sharks to survive. Despite being told we are the second most deprived borough in London I know that our many families have strong morals and values, not necessarily what the press would have us believe. This was reflected in my conversation with the Borough Commander earlier this week who, confirmed that statistically we are the safest East London borough and there are many families doing great things.

Over the past month I have been talking with different investors asking them to commit to the residents of Barking and Dagenham and help to put our borough back on the map for all the right reasons. I see our children as being a crucial part of this plan for the future as they continue to impress me with their achievements and aspiration for themselves and their friends.

This week I was privileged to meet Danny O’Sullivan and his team who coach at Dagenham Boxing Club Dagenham Heathway. They introduced me to Kerim who is The National Junior ABA Champion from Eastbrook School who received the prestigious Golden Gloves Award. I also met George and Louie who both reached The Junior ABA Champion semi-finals in June and who are also in possession of London ABA Belts to be proud of.  Also worth noting is Kerim’s younger brother Tariq who displays the confidence and determination to be the world champion one day.

On Wednesday I was with The Mayor Elizabeth Kangethe and the School Governors of Robert Clack School giving out a variety of awards to recognise the young people who have achieved their personal best. I am looking forward to welcoming Robert Clack students into the Council Chamber in the near future to see their Debating Team in action who have previously debated with the top private schools in the Country and have left holding their heads high as well as trophies in their hands. St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School in Dagenham is keen for their School Council to see the chamber and aspire one day to play a part in their community either as a Community Leader, Councillor or dare I say Council Leader.  We look to them as the future of this borough and learning about civic pride and social responsibility will be just part of their success.

I would love to give every child of our borough the opportunity to display their achievements as so many of them are achievers, not only academically, but in sports, hobbies and volunteering. How we do this is for up discussion after consultation with them. But, I for one know that it will be a busy and enjoyable job.

 

Sunday 22 June 2014

Respect the past – inspire the future


This week was Learning Disability Week and I was privileged to attend a number of events and meet so many inspiring people. When faced with adversity and the prejudice and ignorance of others many people give up and shy away. However this is Barking and Dagenham and those residents who live with learning disabilities are stronger and more determined than ever to play an active part in our community, whether by socialising, learning, or supporting others and that some of these affected residents even have a leading role in community projects.  I am overwhelmed with the true understanding of social responsibility within this section of our community and hold them as a beacon to others.  
However it is important that some of our most vulnerable citizens continue to be supported by services such as The Sycamore Trust who regular hold social events, Heathlands that provide daily services, Trinity a safe environment for our children to learn, The Relish and Osborne Centre with their opportunities for skills for employment. These services and others require funding from the Council and our Partner, and support from the wider community in order to continue the great work they do.

As a Council, we have to make difficult decisions to respond to the worst cuts handed down from any government in living memory.  In my first few days as Leader, I met with over 2000 council staff to ask for their ideas to help us make savings as I want us to do all we can to protect our community, keep jobs and ensure our front line services continue.
An issue I wish to address and quite rightly is over the concerns about the future of Dagenham Civic Centre after much hearsay and media coverage. We are facing a black hole in our finances amounting to £73m over the next three years. The option of transforming the Civic Centre into a school so that it serves a civic function for the benefit of the whole community is just one of many suggestions which have come from staff.

We need to consider if and why we need two administrative centres costing £1.3 million a year? The Civic Centre is an iconic building but could be seen by some as a glorified ‘telephone box’ with only two telephones and a reception desk for residents to access. The way the Council delivers services has changed, for example, we have One Stop Shops, a Contact Centre and staff working in different ways.
Approximately one third of the borough’s population are young people under the age of 19 and they are our future and as much as we need to respect the past, we must have aspirations for the future.  I am sure you would agree that selling this magnificent art deco listed building to a developer would not give it justice and would be a travesty for our borough as was the loss of the University Campus at The Robin Hood, Longbridge Road.

Last week at an awards event at Robert Clack School someone mentioned how inspirational our children are and it seems only fair and fitting that if a decision on an iconic building is to be considered, then the needs of our borough’s children should play a part.
Despite what is being portrayed in the local press, I had a very positive discussion with Jon Cruddas MP on the future direction of the borough and I look forward to working closely with both our local MPs.

I want a borough with more opportunities whether at school, college or in training at work. We are already talking to our voluntary organisations to help them grow. They are often the first point of call for many residents seeking help and advice. We will treat them as equals when we draw up contracts for new services.
At last week’s Council Assembly I announced my Cabinet of nine fellow councillors and I am pleased to say they are already making themselves known in our schools, day centres, and with our partners. We all want the borough to be a better place to live, with more places to go to and things to do. I want us to leave no stone unturned in seeking out investment opportunities for our borough.

Saturday 14 June 2014

I'm so proud of our community......... in Barking and Dagenham


As I reflect on my second week as Leader of Barking & Dagenham Council, I am so pleased to have met so many children, parents, residents, workers, community groups, schools and other leaders who make this Borough a great place to live and work. Too often the media and outsiders are quick to judge the residents of Barking and Dagenham and label our Borough as an unfavourable area. I am proud to say that I was born and continue to live in Dagenham and I know that there are great assets and people that are not given the recognition for the part they play in making our Borough unique. I would like to share a few of my highlights of this week with you….

On Saturday 7th June I attended the Kabaddi Tournament hosted by the Barking Gurdwara which saw teams from around the UK compete against one another which drew in 3000 spectators. I would like to share a special thanks to Councillor Jamu, Councillor Rai, Councillor Gill and the whole Gurdwara for a fantastic event which I was delighted to watch for the first time.

On Sunday 8th June I attended the Annual Civic Service with the new Mayor Elizabeth Kangethe, The Boroughs elected members, The Kenyan High Commissioner and The Bishop of Chelmsford. It was fabulous to see the Dagenham Girl Pipers lead the parade from the Town Hall to St Margaret’s Church. Following them were The Scouts, Police Cadets, and the Royal Naval Association with lots of well-wishers and resident’s enjoying the event and the sunshine. It was truly wonderful to watch and I think more residents would enjoy celebrating and joining in with our civic pride. A note for self for future events.

Tuesday 10th June I was honoured in speaking at Warren Comprehensive where I spent 5 great years of my secondary education.   I am proud to see students, teachers and others fighting for its right to choose its own density rather than being forced into being an Academy by Gove and this Tory Government. I hope I made Mr Bullock proud. I will continue standing next to others for what is right.

Friday 13th which is thought of some as a day to dread was the exact opposite for me.  I was filled with emotion and proud as I joined volunteers planting poppies in Mayesbrook Park in honour of the residents and other around the United Kingdom who died in the Great War one hundred years ago this year.  A sacrifice that we should always remember, with the freedom that we enjoy today.

 Mayesbrook Park is a great community space; the staff have worked hard and done the borough proud in cultivation and maintenance.    

There have been so many great events, and important meetings that I haven’t been able to mention in depth but still fill me with great pride to have been part of. I hope this gives you a flavour of some the great things going on in our borough. I look forward to updating you on a regular basis.

So tonight while I re-charge my batteries for another busy week ahead, I will be cheering on our boys in Brazil.

Additional Special Thanks to: Sir Paul Grant and Robert Clack School, Dagenham Post, Time FM, Len Duvall, John Biggs, British Legion, Carers of Barking and Dagenham and May Baker Community Club.  

Sunday 8 June 2014

Our Thanks to You All


Many of you would by now have read the news that the Labour Party in Barking & Dagenham won all 51 seats in this year’s local election despite the fact that they were held on the same day as the European Elections, when, like other countries in Europe, we saw a huge surge in support for right wing parties; sadly, throughout history a fact of life when people are suffering. There is no doubt in my mind that holding two different elections on the same day creates confusion and blurs the message and has an effect on the pattern of voting. However, it is also clear, that, voters in this area can distinguish between what is happening locally and what is happening nationally or for that matter internationally.

It is also clear that they can see through those opportunist candidates who, having failed the electorate in one party, but believe they have the right to your vote, as part of another; especially when they have moved so far across the political spectrum. Anybody who thinks that politicians who abandon their principles for opportunist gain will not get rumbled, should look at the current Lib Dem election results and they will easily see that they do; dumping their leader will not save them from the wrath of the British public who will not forgive them for supporting a government which is both cruel and savage in its attack on public services. An attack which is taking place while the rich get richer and the poor get poorer.  


By supporting a solid Labour vote the people of this area have acknowledged our compassion and our 24/7 presence which has involved 70,000 plus contacts which we have made since 2010 on doorsteps, meetings and councillor surgeries, to listen, assist and support the local people. This we will continue to do, as we will not expect your vote without working for it. To give us the opportunity to continue this work on your behalf is a great privilege and we are very grateful to all our supporters.

A new administration is already in place in the borough and further work has begun and will continue in an effort to get best value for every penny of our money. As the new leader of Barking & Dagenham Council I have recently outlined my vision for the borough and the very clear message that we can only achieve this by all working together in each and every community. Our councillors are committed to achieving this against a background of cuts (the like of which is unprecedented throughout history) which have been forced on us by this Conservative led coalition. We will be seeking savings which, wherever possible, will not impact on services. Most of all though, we will be seeking opportunities that will bring much needed jobs and prosperity to the borough to create a better future for ourselves, our children, grandchildren and future generations. We will be engaging with the community at every opportunity, letting you know what we are doing and how you can help. We want and need a borough where, we can achieve our goals amid a community which is truly cohesive, that, is proud of where we live and where that pride has been brought about through our own endeavours and effort.

So how can I help, I hear you asking, I don’t work for the council? Very true, but that matters not; as we are all part of a community whether that is a park, a street or a ward. Each and every one of us can play a part, man, woman and child.

I am sure none of you will be surprised to learn that the highest number of complaints we receive as we engage with residents throughout the borough concerns litter & dog fouling. These are issues that we all have control over. These are issues where a great deal of money is spent on a daily basis that could be spent elsewhere on supporting opportunity. Can I suggest that we all work together to create a cleaner borough by disposing of waste where it belongs, in the bin. Lets all educate our children, (this can be done both at home and school) to use the bins or keep the rubbish in their pockets until they find one. Why not, think about organising a litter pick we can support you with sticks, bags and a collection. Community leaders, this could be one for you. Dog owners please do not step out without a poo bag to pick up after your pet, all responsible owners don’t and this will make all the difference. Working as one and with a sustained effort we can improve this borough beyond recognition. This will not put any street cleaners out of work but it may allow some funds to be redirected.

At the very least we will be working towards a common goal that will engender that community spirit which is so important to our lives. All it takes is a bit of effort and I know you will agree that we are all worth that. Once again I would like to thank each and every one of you for your support. As a council we will be putting in the greatest effort that is my personal commitment to you all.