As I write this, human beings are dying. More than 10,000 people in Gaza have been killed, half of whom are children. Survivors still under siege are running out of the basic means of survival. Doctors are performing surgery without anaesthesia. Mothers are watching their babies fight for survival in incubators running out of electricity. People are being forced to drink seawater. More than 1 million people have been displaced from their homes. Hospitals, schools and mosques have been destroyed.
The attack by Hamas – which killed 1,400 people and took 200 hostages – was utterly deplorable and must be condemned. People across Israel will still be mourning their loved ones, who were brutally gunned down, and longing for the return of those who were so cruelly taken captive.
This cannot justify the indiscriminate killing of Palestinians, who are paying the price for a crime they did not commit. In the aftermath of horror, we need voices for peace. Instead, our political leaders have given the green light to the annihilation of Gaza, and have failed to defend the universal application of universal law.
Both the Prime Minister and Labour leadership insist on a humanitarian “pause”, instead of a ceasefire. A humanitarian pause is not enough! Innocent people deserve more than just brief respite before the bombing resumes. A ceasefire is a basic demand to stop the killings, and it is a demand that should be made by any representative committed to the protection of civilian life.
I have campaigned on human rights across the world for all my political life. This includes a commitment to recognising the state of Palestine and for, as I have called for, “an immediate return to meaningful negotiations leading to a diplomatic solution.” I have been consistently active, speaking out in public and in Parliament on the treatment of the Palestinians for decades. In parliament I have made speeches, interventions in debates and Urgent questions, signed parliamentary motions, amendments, and more. I have attended countless meetings and demonstrations, and am privileged to be asked to do.
Recently, I wrote to the Prime Minister demanding:
• Call for an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages and an end to the siege of Gaza. • Push for unfettered access of food, water, fuel, electricity, and medical supplies into Gaza. • Insist that all parties comply unequivocally with international law. • Condemn clear breaches of international law. • Support demands for an independent and reliable investigation by the International Criminal Court in The Hague, in order to seek truth and justice for every single war crime that has been committed over the past month.
I am heartened by the number of emails I have received recently from so many constituents speaking out against Israel’s current, ruthless, and relentless bombing of Gaza. There is overwhelming public support for the above demands, and I am extremely worried for the future should our leaders not change course.
Perhaps our paths will cross at one of the many demonstrations we are marching at or that I am speaking at. We will carry on marching for an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages, and an end to the siege of Gaza. Today, and for the rest of their lives victims, hostages, and the families and friends of the dead are suffering unimaginable trauma and we must do what is right, and call for an immediate ceasefire to prevent any further loss of life.
I support a ban on Israeli settlement goods. Israel must stopping profiting from human rights abuses.
I am all too aware, as are so many of us, of the Israeli government’s oppression of the Palestinian people, and in so many ways.
The conclusion that Israel is an apartheid state has been drawn by international, Israeli, and Palestinian human rights organisations. Amnesty International has concluded that the government of Israel “must be held accountable for committing the crime of apartheid against Palestinians.”
The occupation of the West Bank has no legal basis and the building of Israeli settlements in occupied territories is illegal under international law. The suffering experienced by people who are forcibly evicted from their land and homes in the West Bank is an outrage and the act of expulsion itself is criminal.
The theft of land and homes in the West Bank, outside of the 1967 borders, is a continuing and illegal endeavour designed to thwart any chance of a Palestinian state.
It is the honour of my life to represent you in Parliament. Thank you to all those who supported our election campaign on July 4th. Our result was about our community, and there was only one way we could win this election: together. My role as an MP is to listen to you, learn from you, and work with you to improve the lives of everybody in our community. Since the election, we have held two Islington North “People’s Forums” – a shared, democratic space for all local residents to discuss the issues affecting us all.
HOUSING
Our first forum was on housing. Following the forum, I was able to raise the major issues in parliament via the Renters’ Reform Bill. Although I welcome the bill, it doesn’t go far enough in tackling the core issue of private rent. I will continue to speak up for rent controls and for a huge council-house-building program. We need to treat housing as a human right.
I am pleased to see that the government has begun work on consultations for Leasehold Reform. However, I urge them to provide a time frame and commit to speedy progress so that those who are being victimised by this outdated system no longer suffer.
The Archway Campus development site is a hugely contentious issue, and along with many other constituents I strongly oppose the current proposal, and have made this clear to the Council. It fails to offer adequate social housing and would be incongruous with the existing architecture and skyline.
Seven years on from the Grenfell Tower fire, many families remain trapped in unsafe buildings still awaiting urgent remediation. At least five buildings in our constituency require remediation and are still ina battle with developers. I’ve met with the relevant leaseholders and managing agents and have raised concerns directly with the Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government.
EDUCATION
Sadly this year saw the closure of one of our beloved schools, Montem Primary School. Since then, two more schools have been earmarked for closure, Highbury Quadrant and St Jude & St Paul’s. Schools are such an important part of the community. I don’t want to see any of our schools close, but prefer that unused space in school buildings be used for the community. I have spoken in parliament and with the council about the issues caused with the current system of per-pupil funding, and passionately lobbied fora long-term strategy that secures funding within schools.
COMMUNITY SAFETY
Over the summer we witnessed horrifying riots led by the far right.This didn’t come out of nowhere, but from anti-migrant rhetoric from mainstream politicians who scapegoat refugees. I was proud to join people of all backgrounds outside Finsbury Park Mosque to promote our message of unity, inclusion and hope!
There exists a great deal of concern about the increase of anti-social behaviour (including knife crime) in Islington over the past year. I regularly meet with council representatives (including executive members for safety at the council) as well as the police on this. During these meetings I have always stressed the importance of strong connections between the local community, the council and the police in creating along-term strategy. These regular meetings will continue as a matter of the utmost importance.
POVERTY AND INEQUALITY
The Chancellor’s budget was a missed opportunity to bring about the transformative change this country needs. I remain appalled by the government’s decision to keep the 2-child benefit cap, cut winter fuel allowance and slash disability benefits. Instead of trapping thousands of people in poverty, the government needs to tackle the root cause of our country’s economic crisis: inequality. I will continue to campaign for wealth taxes so we can invest in a more equal and sustainable future.
HEALTHCARE
The NCL ICB and NHS England Specialised Commissioning are carrying out an extensive consultation to change the way some maternity, neonatal, and children’s surgery services are delivered in north central London. In the meantime, there will be no immediate changes on the services being delivered. On all visits to the Whittington I remain very impressed by the dedication of staff there. I would hope that all future decisions fully consider the level of expertise we see at the Whittington. Healthcare is not just about hospitals: it is also about mental health. We need to recognise that mental health stress comes from other pressures in society such as poverty, poor housing, low wages and debt.
PEACE
This year, we have watched in horror as the death toll in Gaza and Lebanon continues to climb. Many of us have attended demonstrations together to call for peace. Our marches are made up of people from all faiths and none, united in a belief that all human life has equal value. We will continue to call on our government to end all arms sales to Israel.Meanwhile, as the people of Syria come out of the horrors of war, I will continue to speak up for the rights of Kurdish people, and oppose Israel’s illegal occupation of the Golan Heights.
We want peace in Gaza, Syria, Ukraine, the DRC, Sudan and beyond. Real security is not endless military spending. It’s about ensuring everybody has a decent home and securing a habitable future. That is what unites us, and as we look to the new year, we must renew our commitment to building a more peaceful, just and sustainable world.
If you need support, call my office on 020 7561 7488, email me at corbynj@parliament.uk or write to me at Jeremy Corbyn MP, House of Commons, London SW1A 0AA.
I extend my ongoing thanks to everyone for the fantastic work that is being done in our community so far this year, and most likely by the significant contribution from anyone reading this update.
I have continued to represent you in Parliament as your MP, speaking out on many issues including the privatisation of our NHS, falling school rolls and the importance of green spaces. I have also been determined to ensure Gaza stays at the forefront of our politicians’ minds. We all continue to watch in horror as the war claims more and more innocent lives. As I have been doing from the outset, I will keep raising my voice and calling for: an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and a path to a just and lasting peace.
Over the past few months (which included a parliamentary recess), I have had the opportunity to spend additional time in our wonderful constituency.
Chatting with and listening to your concerns continues to be hugely beneficial for me in representing your needs in parliament.
This report covers what I consider to be the most significant issues of late.
In Parliament and work with other MPs
This report covers what I consider to be the most significant issues of late.
Refugees
I voted against the Rwanda Bill (22/04), a disgusting piece of legislation designed to demonise the world’s most vulnerable people. I have always spoken up for refugees, and against the government’s Rwanda Plan, and notably over the past few months on: • Asylum and Migration (14/03) – I argued that asylum seekers should be given the right to work. • Safety of Rwanda (15/04) – I reminded the government that refugees are people trying to survive in a very difficult world. • Immigration Update (01/05) – I called for the government to treat refugees as human beings! • Situation in Sudan (22/04) – I asked the government what it is doing to address the humanitarian crisis in Sudan, which has caused 8.2 million people to leave their homes. • The dire situation in the DRC, and notably, sexual violence as a weapon of war.
I have urged the Minister for Building Safety to publish the audits conducted by his department on fire risk reports submitted by Galliard Homes for Drayton Park Apartments in my constituency (27/03).
Housing was one of the issues I raised in response to the Chancellor’s Spring Statement (06/03). As I told the House, we have 15,000 households on the waiting list for social housing in our borough. The only way forward to deal with the housing crisis is not to pledge to build millions of homes, as the Government are doing, but to pledge to build council housing at secure and affordable rents to guarantee decent-quality housing for people.
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) published their ruling on South Africa’s case against Israel under the Genocide Convention (27/01), finding a plausible risk of genocide in Gaza. The verdict was a vital step toward justice for the Palestinian people – and it should be implemented in full. We must not stop calling for a ceasefire to save human lives.
Following the ruling, I asked a government minister (29/01) if all British military aid to Israel had been suspended. He refused to answer. We must end all arms sales to Israel, now. I also expressed my disgust at the government’s decision to suspend funding to UNRWA. Along with so many others I was horrified by these decisions; of the sheer moral depravity toward Palestinians starving to death.
This was one of many occasions that I have spoken out against the war in Gaza in Parliament over the past few months. Just a few others listed here include: • A Westminster Hall Adjournment Debate on Humanitarian Aid and Children in Gaza (08/02). I told of my visit to a school at Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza. The children were excited, artistic and full of hope. That school has now been completely destroyed. How many more children must die before our government calls for a ceasefire? • A debate on a Ceasefire in Gaza (21/02). I repeated my call for an immediate ceasefire. • A debate on Israel and Gaza (27/2). I called for the suspension of arms to Israel. • An Iran-Israel update (15/4). I told the Prime Minister that there was only one route out of this perpetual cycle of violence: ending the occupation of Palestine. • An Urgent Question on UK Armed Forces in Middle East (29/4). I asked the Minister to ensure us that we will not be deploying British troops anywhere on the on the ground in Gaza.
It was a pleasure to welcome a group of Palestinian students to Parliament. Young Palestinians deserve a future of freedom and hope — you will always have my full support and solidarity.
I also commend the students who are protesting on campuses toward the need for a ceasefire and I’ve visited some of them to declare my support and solidarity.
More locally, I spoke briefly against the war on Gaza for the North London Palestine Assembly on Gaza at the Methodist Church (31/01).
Joint Enterprise Not Guilty by Association (JENGbA)
After attending a demonstration at the statue of Mandela in Parliament Square (02/02), I supported Kim Johnson’s Private Members Bill on Jengba which sadly, and as is the case for so many Private Members Bills, met its end. It did however raise support for those who fall victim to the outdated and unfair practice of guilty-by-association.
Environment
I attended a Westminster Hall debate to support the ratification of the Global Ocean Treaty (25/04). I stressed the importance of marine protection zones and warned against the environmental impact of deep-sea mining companies and deep-bed trawling, and called for greater regulation of our oceans, particularly around waste and pollution from ships.
Northern Ireland
I spoke in Parliament after the Minister for Northern Ireland made a statement in response to the power-sharing agreement in Northern Ireland. I welcomed the decision and insisted that it is for the people of the island of Ireland to decide their future, and no one else. You can read my article on this subject here: Peace is hard, but peace is possible | The Irish Post
Other international issues
I visited the Mexican embassy (31/01) – Dan Carden MP was sworn in the Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to Mexico.
I remain a member of several All Party Parliamentary Groups and Parliamentary Groups including the Parliamentary Socialist Campaign Group (SCG).
My most recent outputs, be it a parliamentary intervention or speech, or a comment outside the confines of parliament are all accessible on my social media which can be easily located on my website: Jeremy Corbyn MP
Islington
Thank you to Islington Council for a moving and inclusive Holocaust Memorial event (26/01), to remember the 6 million Jews and other persecuted groups murdered by the Nazis. We are united against antisemitism, opposed to all forms of hatred & defiant in our pledge to say: never again.
Education
We’ve all by now heard the sad news that Islington Council has proposed the closure of Montem Primary School and amalgamating it into Duncombe Primary School. Both are fantastic schools doing brilliant work educating our children and supporting some of our most vulnerable families. I am very sad about this and have met with parents from Montem, as well as with Islington Council to express my views against the proposal.
Falling rolls across the country and thirteen years of government cuts to education budgets have left schools in a dire state. Islington Council, like all boroughs, is faced with an enormously difficult situation to handle, and I do believe they are trying their best to protect our education settings. This situation calls for a new strategic approach that is borough-wide and will be focused on maintaining our existing schools. I will continue making my views known, and I encourage you all to submit your views when the formal consultation process begins.
I continue to visit schools in the constituency and welcome groups of students in parliament. I had the pleasure of attending the Year 6 assembly at Grafton Primary School (12/03), and walk around Hargrave Park School (03/05). A very warm welcome to St John’s Upper Holloway School on their parliamentary visit (29/02).
Community groups
It was a great pleasure to visit Mildmay Community Centre (9/02). What a fabulous place this is; filled with kind and dedicated people looking out for one another. Like all community centres, Mildmay is a space where you can get a warm meal, speak with your neighbours, and get support from caring individuals. In the words of its fantastic Manager, Teena Phillips, community centres are a home away from home. I visited again in early March, where I joined the arts and crafts club! You can support them here: mildmay-community-partnership.square.site
We had a wonderful day at Sunnyside Community Gardens (08/04). Thank you to Alan for putting on a delicious lunch for us all. We must defend our green spaces! If you can, please support Sunnyside here: https://sunnysidecommunitygardens.org/new-building/
I kept up my usual regular visits to local community organisations which this month, included: Hanley Crouch Trustees (25/01) Stacey St Homeless hostel, Brickworks (29/01) Caxton House (08/02) – I spoke to the wonderful Sue Collins about the hub and the challenges they are currently facing. Unfortunately, Caxton House is one of 5 hubs that had their funding cut by Islington Council. I was sad to hear that Caxton House will need to cut out events for the community, and potentially be closed for 1 day a week in order to remain afloat. I appreciate the financial pressures the council is facing, however, I am deeply concerned about the impact of these cuts on the ability of these hubs to serve the community they were intended to support. Elizabeth House (12/04) goes from strength to strength and I was very pleased to hear that they are will be offering more services and support to people across the local community than ever before. The Islington Chinese Association’s New Year celebration (17/02) invited me to their “Soaring Dragon” Lunar New Year Celebrations which I thoroughly enjoyed. Happy two year birthday to Streets Kitchen Solidarity Hub! I was very pleased to share celebratory cake with the lovely people who are making such a different to all. Keep up the excellent work (16/02). If you’re in Finsbury Park, make sure to visit 113-115 Fonthill Road to check out the brilliant t-shirt designs of five talented young people. The t-shirts are the outcome of a six month project by Islington Council which mentored and trained these talented youngsters through a project called Hope-FX. Celebrate their creativity with a t-shirt!
Thank you to Finsbury Park Mosque, who hosted the 2nd annual community Iftar with Arsenal Football Club. We were joined by brilliant faith & community leaders, local councillors, and young people servants showcasing the best of our local community.
I spoke at an Islington Local Environment meeting organised by Martin Franklin (08/02). The event was entitled “Unions for a just transition”. We had a wonderful discussion about the need for a union-led movement that creates millions of green jobs, and which places the burden of cost on the wealthiest in our society. There is no climate justice without social justice!
I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to speak at the Minority Matters Eid Celebration Party. It was wonderful to see children from across our community in a space where they feel supported to be the best version of themselves.
I attended a meeting with Islington Police (28/03) to discuss escalating tensions between members of the Eritrean community and the underlying causes. While acknowledging the fundamental right to protest and freedom of expression, we agreed that violent protests have no place in our borough. We also agreed to work alongside the local authority to foster open conversations with the Eritrean community in an effort to diffuse these tensions and ensure the safety and well-being of all members of our community.
Islington Council hosted a spectacular Nowruz Event Celebration (12/04). We were treated to beautiful traditional music and dancing, as well as delicious food. And it was a pleasure to meet many of the people who make up the large Kurdish Community of Islington.
Islington celebrated as a “Borough of Sanctuary” (05/02); the NRPF, Refugee and Migrant Service. I attended a great celebration (Sanctuary for Refugees, Migrants and Asylum Seekers). It was wonderful celebrating amazing contributions of refugees in Islington. We heard a wonderful poem ‘Sanctuary’, written with the voices of the women from All Change, an acoustic performance by our very own Councillor Roulin Khondoker, and empowering renditions of songs from Ukrainian refugee Tetiana. Islington has a rich history of welcoming those in need, and I am proud to be part of this community.
Healthcare: Along with many others I attended a Save the Whittington (10/02) event at Lauderdale House, in defence of its fantastic maternity services. I will continue to defend the Whittington’s maternity services, just as we did back in 2010!
Street Stalls
We had two more fantastic street stalls this month. One on Nags head (27/02, photo above) and another on Holloway Road (10/02). Thanks to everyone who stopped by to chat about the issues affecting our community. In Islington North, we believe a better world is possible — and we are not going anywhere. Stay updated about my work and campaigns here: https://actionnetwork.org/forms/corbyn
Beyond Islington
I attended the Parliamentary Assembly Council of Europe’s (PACE) for two sessions this year.
During the first session, I made the case for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Gaza. Since then, I attended two national Gaza marches in central London, and a demonstration in Westminster. We continue to march because people continue to die.
During the second session, I spoke out against the privatisation of water. We need to stop bailing out our greedy private companies and bring our water into public ownership instead! I also spoke out against the imprisonment of anti-war campaigners around the world, namely Boris Kagarlitsky and Julian Assange. We have to stand up equally for human rights, everywhere. Finally, I stood up for the rights of LGBT+ people, who are still having to fight for the freedom to be themselves.
Those guilty of war crimes evade accountability. Yet those who expose war crimes are punished. Julian Assange’s final UK hearing took place on the 20th and 21st February. We assembled outside the Royal Courts of Justice to oppose his extradition to the US. If extradited, Julian faces life in prison. And for what? For exposing the truth. Journalism is not a crime. Free Julian Assange.
Royal Courts of Justice
I met with a Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) contact who further enlightened me regarding the desperate situation in the DRC and notably, the actions of the M23.
This is something I raised at the annual Morning Star conference (10/02), where I also spoke about the ever-pressing need for climate sustainability, an end to arms sales to nations that breach human rights, and urgent action to reduce grotesque levels of global inequality.
Before that I spoke at Anti War meeting on Gaza/Yemen (28/01) in East London alongside a number of other well known anti war activists. Since then, I have attended numerous National Demonstrations to demand a ceasefire and an end to arms sales to Israel (08/03, 13/4, 28/4).
My 2024 Calendars with up-to-date information are freely available for anyone wishing to have one or more. Please telephone the local office if you’d like to receive some and this can be arranged. I’m keen for them to be widely distributed so that everyone knows how to contact me with ease.
You can see all my contributions in parliament as well as any public comment I issue on my social media:
My regular constituency advice sessions continue and please ring to request an appointment, or assistance: Additional telephone appointments with me can also be arranged as appropriate. Tel: 0207 561 7488 (Mon, Tues, Thurs 10am – 12pm) Write to: Rt Hon Jeremy Corbyn MP, House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA Email: jeremy.corbyn.mp@parliament.uk
I had the opportunity to spend additional time in our wonderful constituency recently due to a half term recess. Chatting to local people and listening to their concerns continues to be hugely beneficial for me in representing those needs in parliament.
We all continue to watch in horror as the war in Gaza claims more and more innocent lives. I will keep raising my voice for the same thing I have called for from the very beginning: an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and a path to a just and lasting peace.
In Parliament and work with other MPs
Gaza
On the 27th January, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) published their ruling on South Africa’s case against Israel under the Genocide Convention. They found a plausible risk of genocide in Gaza. The verdict was a vital step toward justice for the Palestinian people – and it should be implemented in full. We must not stop calling for a ceasefire to save human lives.
Following the ruling, I asked a government minister (29/01) if all British military aid to Israel had been suspended. He refused to answer. We must end all arms sales to Israel, now. I also expressed my disgust at the government’s decision to suspend funding to UNRWA. This was an act of collective punishment — our government should be ashamed of its moral depravity toward Palestinians starving to death.
I also spoke in a Westminster Hall Adjournment Debate on Humanitarian Aid and Children in Gaza (08/02). I told of my visit to a school at Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza. The children were excited, artistic and full of hope. That school has now been completely destroyed. How many more children must die before our government calls for a ceasefire?
Joint Enterprise Not Guilty by Association (JENGbA)
After attending a demonstration at the statue of Mandela in Parliament Square (02/02), I supported Kim Johnson’s Private Members Bill on Jengba which sadly, and as is the case for so many Private Members Bills, met its end. It did however raise support for those who fall victim to the outdated and unfair practice of guilty-by-association.
Northern Ireland
I spoke in Parliament after the Minister for Northern Ireland made a statement in response to the power-sharing agreement in Northern Ireland. I welcomed the decision, and insisted that it is for the people of the island of Ireland to decide their future, not anybody else.
Other international issues
I visited the Mexican embassy (31/01) – Dan Carden MP was sworn in the Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to Mexico.
I remain a member of several All Party Parliamentary Groups and Parliamentary Groups including the Parliamentary Socialist Campaign Group (SCG).
My most recent outputs, be it a parliamentary intervention or speech, or a comment outside the confines of parliament are all accessible on my social media which can be easily located on my website: Jeremy Corbyn MP
Islington
Thank you to Islington Council for a moving and inclusive Holocaust Memorial event (26/01), to remember the 6 million Jews and other persecuted groups murdered by the Nazis. We are united against antisemitism, opposed to all forms of hatred & defiant in our pledge to say: never again.
Education
We’ve all by now heard the sad news that Islington Council has proposed the closure of Montem Primary School and amalgamating it into Duncombe Primary School. Both are fantastic schools doing brilliant work educating our children and supporting some of our most vulnerable families. I am very sad about this and have met with parents from Montem, as well as with Islington Council to express my views against the proposal.
Falling rolls across the country and thirteen years of government cuts to education budgets have left schools in a dire state. Islington Council, like all boroughs, is faced with an enormously difficult situation to handle, and I do believe they are trying their best to protect our education settings. This situation calls for a new strategic approach that is borough-wide and will be focused on maintaining our existing schools. I will continue making my views known, and I encourage you all to submit your views when the formal consultation process begins.
Community groups
It was a great pleasure to visit Mildmay Community Centre (9/02). What a fabulous place this is; filled with kind and dedicated people looking out for one another. Like all community centres, Mildmay is a space where you can get a warm meal, speak with your neighbours, and get support from caring individuals. In the words of its fantastic Manager, Teena Phillips, community centres are a home away from home.
I kept up my usual regular visits to local community organisations which this month, included: Hanley Crouch Trustees (25/01) Stacey St Homeless hostel, Brickworks (29/01) Caxton House (08/02) – I spoke to the wonderful Sue Collins about the hub and the challenges they are currently facing. Unfortunately, Caxton House is one of 5 hubs that had their funding cut by Islington Council. I was sad to hear that Caxton House will need to cut out events for the community, and potentially be closed for 1 day a week in order to remain afloat. I appreciate the financial pressures the council is facing, however, I am deeply concerned about the impact of these cuts on the ability of these hubs to serve the community they were intended to support.
I also attended the Islington Chinese Association’s New Year celebration (17/02).
Happy two year birthday to Streets Kitchen Solidarity Hub! I was very pleased to share celebratory cake with the lovely people who are making such a different to all. Keep up the excellent work (16/02).
If you’re in Finsbury Park, make sure to visit 113-115 Fonthill Road to check out the brilliant t-shirt designs of five talented young people. The t-shirts are the outcome of a six month project by Islington Council which mentored and trained these talented youngsters through a project called Hope-FX. Celebrate their creativity with a t-shirt if you can!
Environment
I spoke at a fantastic Islington Local Environment meeting organised by constituent, Martin Franklin (08/02). The event was entitled “Unions for a just transition”. We had a wonderful discussion about the need for a union-led movement that creates millions of green jobs, and which places the burden of cost on the wealthiest in our society. There is no climate justice without social justice!
On the 5th February, Islington was celebrated as a “Borough of Sanctuary”; the NRPF, Refugee and Migrant Service. I attended a great event celebrating Islington’s status as an official Borough of Sanctuary for Refugees, Migrants and Asylum Seekers. It was wonderful celebrating the amazing contributions of refugees in Islington. We heard a wonderful poem ‘Sanctuary’, written with the voices of the women from All Change, an acoustic performance by our very own Councillor Roulin Khondoker, and empowering renditions of songs from Ukrainian refugee Tetiana. Islington has a rich history of welcoming those in need, and I am proud to be part of this community.
Healthcare
I attended a Save the Whittington (10/02) event at Lauderdale House, in defence of its fantastic maternity services. It was very well-attended. I will continue to defend the Whittington’s maternity services, just as we did back in 2010!
Peace
I spoke briefly against the war on Gaza for the North London Palestine Assembly on Gaza at the Methodist Church (31/01).
Street Stalls
Street stall, Nags Head
We had two more fantastic street stalls this month. One on Nags head (27/02) and another on Holloway Road (10/02). Thanks to everyone who stopped by to chat about the issues affecting our community. In Islington North, we believe a better world is possible — and we are not going anywhere. Stay updated about my work and campaigns here: https://actionnetwork.org/forms/corbyn
Beyond Islington
Peace
I attended the Parliamentary Assembly Council of Europe’s (PACE) first 2024 session. Whilst there, I made the case for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Gaza. Since then, I attended two national Gaza marches in central London, and a demonstration in Westminster. We continue to march because people continue to die.
Those guilty of war crimes evade accountability. Yet those who expose war crimes are punished. Julian Assange’s final UK hearing took place on the 20th and 21st February. We assembled outside the Royal Courts of Justice to oppose his extradition to the US. If extradited, Julian faces life in prison. And for what? For exposing the truth. Journalism is not a crime. Free Julian Assange.
Royal Courts of Justice
I met with a Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) contact who further enlightened me regarding the desperate situation in the DRC and notably, the actions of the M23.
This is something I raised at the annual Morning Star conference (10/02), where I also spoke about the ever-pressing need for climate sustainability, an end to arms sales to nations that breach human rights, and urgent action to reduce grotesque levels of global inequality.
Before that, on Sunday 28th January, I spoke at Anti War meeting on Gaza/Yemen in East London alongside a number of other well known anti war activists. More than 30,000 people have been killed in Gaza, yet our government would rather risk a wider war in the region than call for a ceasefire. Where are the voices for peace?
Refugees
I also wrote an article on the need for a humane asylum system. This government knows their Rwanda plan will never work. That’s not the point. Their goal is to whip up hatred, division and fear. That’s why we must keep standing up for refugees, and their right to be treated with dignity and respect. You can read my article here: Jeremy Corbyn – We must stand up for the rights of refugees (labouroutlook.org)
My 2023 Calendars with up-to-date information are freely available for anyone wishing to have one or more. Please telephone the local office if you’d like to receive some and this can be arranged. I’m keen for them to be widely distributed so that everyone knows how to contact me with ease.
You can see all my contributions in parliament as well as any public comment I issue on my social media:
My regular constituency advice sessions continue and you can please ring my office for an appointment, or assistance: Additional telephone appointments with me can also be arranged where that it is sensible.
Tel: 0207 561 7488 (Mon, Tues, Thurs 10am – 12pm)
Write to: Rt Hon Jeremy Corbyn MP, House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA
We are now well into 2024 though this is my first newsletter since the Christmas break. I hope that you all managed to find some time to rest and spend time with loved ones, despite the very difficult backdrop of pain and suffering in the world that we continue to witness.
Christmas should be a time of celebration. For those enduring the horrors of war, it will have been a time of mourning and loss. For refugees feeling conflict and human rights abuses, a time of desperation. And for millions of people in this country, it has been a time of immense stress as they struggle to put food on the table, heat their homes and pay their rent.
2024 sees us continuing the call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, just as we did at the end of 2023: and standing up for refugees, and campaigning for a society free of poverty, hunger, and homelessness. You can read more about my hopes for the year ahead, here: https://morningstaronline.co.uk/article/2024-year-ahead
In Parliament and work with other MPs
Israel and Gaza Over 26,000 people have now been killed in Gaza. Thousands more are missing under the rubble.
We must have the start of a long-term process that brings about real justice for the Palestinian people, or we will be back here again with more war crimes, more deaths, more destruction, and the horrors for decades to come.
It is unconscionable that this massacre has been allowed to continue into 2024. I will continue to use my voice in Parliament to call for an immediate ceasefire. I have spoken often about this, and more recently in two Urgent Questions, both of which can be found here: https://hansard.parliament.uk/search/MemberContributions?memberId=185
Here, you will also find my reply to the Prime Minister’s statement following the UK’s military action in Yemen. Some 17 million people in the region are living in hunger and food shortage. The people of Yemen have been bombarded by weapons supplied by Britain from Saudi Arabia for years, and we have a dreadful conflict going on in Gaza, where so very many are either dead or missing. Where is the comprehensive plan by the western nations to try to bring about peace?
I’ve travelled extensively in speaking out for a ceasefire since my last newsletter; my visits include the following: Lunchtime recital of the Laws of War @ SOAS (16/11) Edinburgh Demonstration for Gaza (25/11) Tower Hamlets STW meeting (01/12) Jewish Voices for Labour AGM (03/12) British Interparliamentary Union (BGIPU) meeting on Palestine (04/12) European Muslim Forum zoom on Gaza from Istanbul (08/12) Parliament Square Gaza demonstration (09/12) Liverpool demonstration for Gaza (10/12) Liberation Webinar – End the War on Palestine (11/12) East London Palestine gathering (11/12) Parliamentary Debate (Zarah Sultana) on Arms Export licences for sales to Israel (12/12) Islington Town Hall (outside) Palestine Demonstration (14/12) Palestine Solidarity Campaign new activists event at Hamilton House (14/12) Palestine Solidarity Fundraiser Cook-along online (29/12) Leeds Palestine Rally (30/12) Batley Palestine Meeting (30/12) Preston Palestine meeting (06/01) Visit to the Hague as a witness for the South African Submission on Israel/Genocide to the International Criminal Court (11/01) Finsbury Park Concert for Gaza (11/01) Visit to Finsbury Park Mosque (12/01) Central London Demonstration for Peace (Gaza) (13/01) West Midlands Demonstration for Peace (Gaza) (20/01)
Additionally, I have lost count of how many excellent briefing meetings have been held in Parliament on the situation in Gaza and either myself or my staff attend wherever possible in order to be kept up to date on the latest developments in this unfolding horror we are witnessing.
I have also expressed my support for Dr Ofer Cassim MK who is about to be suspended from the Knesset for speaking out in support of the Palestinians and calling for a ceasefire. My EDM on this was tabled earlier this week: Dr Ofer Cassif – Early Day Motions – UK Parliament
My work at The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) continues. It sits periodically and recently that included a one day sitting of the Migration Committee where we discussed the recent trip to Calais and our findings on it (08/12).
We (16/01) interviewed candidates for the position of Commissioner for Human Rights, and I remain very supportive of Michael Flaherty from Ireland, and I am delighted that he was elected to the post.
I attended the first quarterly session of 2024 in Strasbourg where I spoke on several issues including the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza once more.
Migration I spoke out in two debates on the government’s Rwanda plan, and unsurprisingly, I voted against it. As I asked my fellow colleagues in Parliament, should we not be thinking about the desperate people who have fled poverty and war, instead of spending this vast amount of money on a failed scheme?
Refugees didn’t cause the NHS crisis. Refugees didn’t decimate our social housing. Refugees didn’t sell off our railways, water, and energy. That was the Tories — and their attempts to scapegoat desperate people in search of safety is an utter disgrace.
I remain a member of several Parliamentary Groups including the Parliamentary Socialist Campaign Group (SCG). The SCG meets regularly in parliament to discuss how best to promote a socialist agenda both inside and outside parliament.
At the British Interparliamentary Union (IPU) AGM (29/11) I was re-elected as Honorary President for a further year.
Islington I have attended and spoken at many local events, and I list some, though not all here: Breakfast launch of the Housing Association Partnership Agreement to promote the highest possible services to the 17,800 Housing Association residents and the 36,000 Islington Council tenants and leaseholders and to also aspire to address the local communities future housing needs (16/11). Angel Shed Youth Theatre’s 20th anniversary events (Sunday (19/11) to mark the occasion of it as well as a later performance at City and Islington College (15/12). Holloway Park construction event Zoom (22/12) Finsbury Park and Blackstock Road Community Meeting (23/11) Safer Spaces Walk and Talk events (24/11) RMT Finsbury Park AGM (24/11) NHS North Central London zoom meeting on the Start Well programme (27/11) LBI Islamophobia Awareness Month event @ Islington Town Hall (29/11) Online – Islington’s Faith Forum event for a “New Immigration Support” system (29/11) Islington unison Branch Open day/evening at the Town Hall (30/11) Caribbean Labour Solidarity Zoom (03/12) Visit our Mosque at the Muslim Welfare House (03/12), an annual event that fosters friendship and open dialogue. The Regional Final of the Jack Petchey “Speak Out” Challenge (05/12) at Highbury Fields. The New Met for London community event held at the Soapbox, Old Street (06/12).
I continue to meet with various Islington education representatives in order to keep abreast of the difficulties (notably the falling rolls) currently faced by our Islington Schools, though many others outside of Islington are struggling similarly (07/12). King Henry’s Walk Winter Garden event (09/12) Light Project International AGM (09/12) Christ the King School Christmas assembly (13/12) Islington North Labour Party’s Xmas social (13/12) at Emanuel Church in Hornsey Road and thank you to all who organised this lovely gathering. Holloway Neighbourhood Group’s Xmas gathering (14/12) An important gathering in support of a relighting of the Menorah candles in Islington Green (14/12) following their vandalising. My support for those affected by cladding continues and I am in touch with many affected by this scandal consistently (15/01) St Mellitus Christmas Nativity Play (19/12) Islington Council’s Budget Briefing (20/12) Brickworks as well as Andover foodbanks on numerous occasions Walkabout in Archway (23/12) Streets Kitchen’s Christmas Homeless lunch at Islington Town Hall (25/12) Hornsey Lane Estate Centre Soup/Sandwiches (28/12)
In one or more of my chair/trustee/patron roles I attended: Elizabeth House trustees (22/11) Welcomed the Nafsiyat new Chief Executive (24/11) Hanley Crouch Trustees (30/11)
Beyond Islington
Gaza I travelled to The Hague to support South Africa’s case against Israel at the International Court of Justice. The hearing was utterly devastating. South Africa spoke for millions around the world desperate for this massacre to end — and put the UK and US government to shame for their deplorable silence, cowardice, and complicity.
A few days later, I attended another demonstration in London. Many of us were mindful of the fact that Tom Hurndall had died on this day in 2004. Tom was shot by the IDF while trying to save a Palestinian child. 20 years later, we are still asking: when will the massacre of Palestinians end?
Healthcare I was proud to join junior doctors on the picket line in Homerton (04/01). Junior doctors didn’t waste billions of taxpayers’ money on dodgy contracts. Junior doctors didn’t sell off our health service. Junior doctors didn’t cause record-high waiting lists. The Tories created this crisis. Solidarity with junior doctors striking to save our NHS.
Human rights
I spoke at a fantastic event (09/01) in support of Julian Assange, who is facing life in prison for exposing the truth about war crimes. Alongside me on the platform was Stella Assange, Richard Burgon, David Davis and many more. We will continue to speak out against his extradition and defend press freedom and to this end I also attended a well-attended event in Conway Hall (18/01). A huge lobby in support of Julian is to be held outside the Royal Courts of Justice on February 20th-21st at the next hearing.
I was one of several guest speakers at the 35th Annual A Level Politics Student Conference in Westminster Central Hall, attended by 2,300 A level students from London/Home counties & beyond (04/12).
Sadly Many of you will have known Lorraine Constantinou who died in November and whose funeral I attended on the 28th. Lorraine championed the needs of the Elthorne Estate residents, as well as acting as an Islington Councillor for 2 terms. She will be well remembered by the many who knew and / or worked with her.
I attended the funeral for Mohamed Abdi-Noor, who at just 21 years of age was the victim of knife crime (22/12). I have met too many mothers who have lost their children to knife crime, that have shaken our community. My thoughts continue to be with the families and friends of victims. I am grateful for the consistent collaboration between the Police, Islington Council’s Community Safety Team, The Ben Kinsella Trust, and several services who work to tackle knife crime across our borough. As always, I am proud of our community who rally together to support each other during these challenging times.
I was very sorry to learn of the death of Tony Lloyd MP. I was first elected to this House on the same day as Tony Lloyd in 1983. He was a brilliant friend and comrade who voted against the Iraq war, student tuition fees and the renewal of Trident, and he was a brilliant shadow Northern Ireland Secretary. He will be much missed by many good people all over this country.
You can see all my contributions in parliament as well as any public comment I issue on my social media:
My regular constituency advice sessions continue and you can please ring my office for an appointment, or assistance: Additional telephone appointments with me can also be arranged where that it is sensible.
Tel: 0207 561 7488 (Mon, Tues, Thurs 10am – 12pm)
Write to: Rt Hon Jeremy Corbyn MP, House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA
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