I will continue to be an Assembly Member for all communities - speaking up for and supporting all across Brent and Harrow. I will make sure no one is left behind.
With issues of Islamophhobia, Anti-Semitism, Hate Crimes against Disabled People, LGBT+ communities and Hindu Temples and the insecurity felt by European communities in the midst of Brexit, it is important that we have an Assembly Member committed to serving all residents that has a track record of unifying residents.
The Black Lives Matter movement following the murder of George Floyd has also highlighted the need to do more to support the black community and ensure that decision makers provide equal opportunities to disadvantaged groups in society. In addition, the murders of Nicole Smallman and Bibaa Henry and the actions of Metropolitan Police Officers in the aftermath of the case shows just how much work is ahead of us to make sure that the system works with and for the community.
As a Councillor serving the Neasden area, I was instrumental in setting up the now annual Neasden Festival which brought different sections of the community together in partnership with the local church and business association to bring residents together.
In 2018, Nazi graffiti was sprayed in the Dollis Hill area within my ward. I supported the community response to the abhorrent act and we brought people together to organise a vigil and show our unity against anti-Semitism and all forms of discrimination.
Over the past decade I have campaigned and support the Labour Party in both Brent and Harrow. As a Labour Candidate, I pledge to campaign and connect with residents, businesses, all our partners and the Party in all wards across all constituencies.
As someone who has lived and worked in Brent and Harrow, I have existing connections across different communities in both Boroughs and I will continue to develop and build new relationships with communities in the area.
During the Covid-19 period I volunteered with my local mutual aid and I visited places of worship and local groups providing food and essential support to residents at their most pressing time of need. I will continue to work with community groups to make sure that energy and spirit can be a force for positive change in local areas going forward beyond the Covid-19 period.