This Letter was sent to the Prime Minister, Rt Hon. Rishi Sunak MP, on 1st November 2023
I am writing to express my distress over your continued failure to call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
As I write this letter, human beings are dying. More than 8,000 Palestinians have been killed already, including more than 3,500 children. Almost 2,000 people are trapped under the rubble.
Doctors are performing surgery without anaesthesia. Mothers are watching their babies fight for survival in incubators that are running out of electricity. Last night, Israeli Defence Forces confirmed they had bombed Jabalia Refugee Camp — one of the most densely populated camps in the world.
We may be witnessing the total obliteration of Gaza and the erasure of its people. It is unconscionable, therefore, that you instructed the British representatives at the UN to abstain on a UN General Assembly motion, which called for an “immediate, durable and sustained humanitarian truce leading to a cessation of hostilities”. A ceasefire is a basic and minimal demand to stop the killings, and it is a demand that should be made by any government committed to the protection of civilian life.
Your government has since stated support for “humanitarian pauses” instead of a ceasefire.
Firstly, humanitarian pauses are not enough. Innocent people deserve more than just brief respite before the bombing resumes. They deserve a just and lasting peace. Secondly, if it is the case that you support humanitarian pauses, then why did you also instruct British representatives to abstain on a UN Security Council resolution, which called for precisely that?
If adopted, the resolution would have condemned all violence against civilians, demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, and called for the protection of all medical personnel and humanitarian personnel.
In the aftermath of horror, we need voices for de-escalation. Instead, at every stage, you have given the green light for the Israeli army to bomb, starve and slaughter human beings in the name of self-defence. The attack by Hamas, which killed 1,400 people and took 200 people hostage, was utterly deplorable and must be condemned. That cannot justify the indiscriminate killing of the Palestinian people, who are being punished for a crime they did not commit. All human life is equal – and we should condemn the killing of all civilians, Israeli and Palestinian.
I urge you to:
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
With every passing minute, another human being in Gaza runs out of the basic means of survival. How many more people must die before you call for a ceasefire to end the killings? I implore you to think of the human beings disappearing under the rubble, and call for an immediate ceasefire to prevent any further loss of life.
We are all in despair over the unfolding catastrophe in Israel and Gaza. Innocent people are dying, and none of our political leaders are prepared to do what’s right and call for an immediate ceasefire to stop any further loss of life. Please see my full statement, which addresses the unfolding horror with the gravity it deserves, further along in this report.
October is Black History Month. Thank you to Islington Council for putting on some fantastic events to celebrate and acknowledge the contribution of Black communities to this country. This month is also an opportunity to reflect on what we need to do moving forward. History is being made every day and should be taught all year round. We all need to learn about the history of empire in our ongoing struggle for racial justice.
I continue to stand up for your rights in Islington North, and this month marked the 50th anniversary of the Campaign for Labour Party Democracy to defend the rights of Labour Party members. As these rights come under unprecedented attack, we will continue to stand up for our movement and the values we share. You can read my article for Labour Outlook on party democracy here: Only a democratic party can provide the policies this country needs – Jeremy Corbyn (labouroutlook.org)
In Parliament and work with other MPs
Stand up to racism I was distressed to learn of the visit of renowned Spanish far-right extremist to the UK. Isabel Peralta was permitted entry to speak at a far-right gathering in Preston. I wrote to the Home Secretary (25/09) to express my grave concerns and ask what actions she was taking to ensure entry is not granted to those seeking to facilitate, organise or attend fascist gatherings in this country.
Her visit more or less coincided with Suella Braverman’s statement that “multiculturalism has failed”. She should come to Islington North, where strength in diversity is our greatest success.
The Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly (Pace) held its 4th session (09-12/10) in Strasbourg as usual where I spoke up on a number of issues including equality and inclusion. In a debate on the far-right, I stood up for refugees who are being demonised across Europe.
There was much discussion on the South Caucasus region, when (in September) Azerbaijan regained control of all of Nagorno-Karabakh, which had been de facto controlled for 30 years by its majority ethnic Armenian population. Ethnic Armenian forces surrendered to Azerbaijan after one day of fighting, and nearly all of the region’s 120,000 ethnic Armenians fled.
I had discussions about Dr Gubad Ibadoghlu, a constituent and senior visiting fellow at the London School of Economics who is currently detained in Azerbaijan. Notably with Ambassador Sandy Moss, but also with other members who are equally concerned bout his situation. Dr Ibadoghlu has been an outspoken critic of the systemic corruption surrounding Azerbaijan’s ruling elite and is not in good health. I mentioned his case in my last report: At Risk Academics (12/09) At-risk Academics: UK Support – Hansard – UK Parliament
In making the most of my time in Strasbourg though it is a busy schedule anyway, I made time to attend a demonstration on Kurdish rights.
Additionally, the PACE Migration Committee sat in Reykjavik (20-22/09) and it was a very productive session with an important agenda during which I also pushed back on a significant amount of right wing hostility toward desperate migrants who are fleeing war.
October 4th was the anniversary of the Battle of Cable Street. 87 years ago, Jewish, and Irish communities came together to defeat Oswald Mosley and his fascists. It is a story that my parents’ generation taught me: never give in to the far-right.
Environment I strongly oppose the UK government’s decision to approve Rosebank (27/10), which displays shameful disregard for future generations. Some want to “give investors certainty”, but how much certainty will investors have on a burning planet? Stop Rosebank and invest in renewables instead!
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
Health For the first time in NHS history, junior doctors and consultants took joint strike action (20/09). As ever, they have my full support in their demands for pay restoration. Without doctors, we have no NHS. It’s that simple!
There is a new Maternity Ward at the Whittington Hospital (28/09) which I was delighted to visit. It is an incredible achievement of updating the space to bring it into line with the excellent service which new parents already were receiving at what I can only describe as a world class institution. It was a pleasure to meet with midwifes, management and gynaecologists working in the ward and hear first hand from the passionate individuals behind the service, who we are so lucky to have providing for us here in Islington.
Education It was great to join university staff on strike at London Met for decent pay, job security & workplace equality (26/09). University management would rather see students suffer than co-operate with those who keep the institution running! Solidarity with UCU members everywhere!
My school visits continue, and it was a pleasure to attend Duncombe Primary School again this term (06/09). What a wonderful school this is, and an important hub in our community, serving some of the most disadvantaged communities in our borough.
Meeting with Year 5 and 6 Poole’s Park Primary School pupils (05/09) ahead of their upcoming School Council Elections was uplifting. We chatted about the role of an MP and how Parliament works. I enjoyed our discussion which also covered the meaning of democracy. I always enjoy answering the students’ questions and this was no exception. The environment was high on the agenda which is impressive, as was the government’s role in protecting it. Understandably, the students were proud to tell me about the award they had won for their community garden.
Housing We had a fantastic meeting in Durham Road Community Centre (03/10) on the housing crisis. It should not be controversial to say that everybody deserves a decent, safe and comfortable place to live. We demand rent controls, a massive social housing programme and an end to the scourge of empty homes!
And, speaking of safety, I was extremely concerned to receive reports from residents at Pitt House that the sewage flood had reoccurred outside their building again. I visited the building once again (15/09) and witnessed the smell and the flood first hand. I am appalled that the residents living in this constituency are dealing with a recurrent biohazardous flood outside of their homes. I have relayed my position on this to all parties concerned and will be continuing to raise this matter until I see that the constituents are living in safe and hygienic conditions.
On 3/09 I attended the Somali Community safety meeting organised by Cllrs Bashir Ibrahim and John Woolf. There was a great turnout and all who attended actively engaged in a discussion about issues faced by the community. I look forward to working with the council and the Somali community to develop an inclusive strategy that addresses these issues.
Tufnell Park (ward) held a community event at the Hilldrop Centre (30/09) which brought people in the community together to catch the last of the summer weather. At a stall outside the Emirates Stadium (14/10) I chatted with locals and supporters. I really enjoy these informal gatherings which give me the chance to exchange views with those who pass by.
Thank You
I was humbled to have been made Honorary President of Islington Trades Union Council. Thank you for bravely defending the values of our movement: solidarity, equality and justice. We will continue to stand by workers in their struggle for a fairer society. Andy Bain and other members of the Trades Union Council did a huge amount of work to organise this event.
I visited the Shaolin Temple (30/09) to celebrate their 30th year as a Buddhist temple that provides a spiritual sanctuary and martial arts facilities to the community and beyond. I am impressed with the work they have done over the years, and I look forward to seeing the centre grow.
I continue to fulfil local commitments to Islington community organisations, either because I am a patron or trustee, or just because I wish to support their good work, including, this month: Light Project International’s Trustee meeting, Finsbury Park mosque, and Hilldrop Community Centre.
As a trustee of Elizabeth House – with its brilliant director Nathalie Renaud and her team – I joined in their celebration of their 30th anniversary charity event (29/10).
Brickworks: Glody Lokole (originally a volunteer) worked at the centre for the past six years and I attended his farewell (06/10) where we all made it clear how much his contribution to the Brickworks community will be missed.
Sad News We are very sad to learn that Jon Privett has died. His wonderful bookshop, Word On The Street, was there on Archway Market’s very first day in 2006. He also ran the floating bookshop, Word on the Water, in King’s Cross. His life’s work will carry on, but we will miss him greatly.
Beyond Islington
Israel and Palestine We are all thinking of those in Israel and Palestine suffering unimaginable pain, trauma, and fear. The horrific attacks on civilians on the 7th October in Israel were deplorable. This cannot justify the indiscriminate killing of Palestinians, who are paying the price for a crime they did not commit. Half of Gaza’s population are children. Trapped in an open-air prison without food, water, gas, or electricity, they are watching their homes turn to rubble with nowhere to go. We should condemn the use of violence against all civilians, Israeli and Palestinian. And we must renew our calls for an immediate ceasefire to prevent any further loss of life. In times of war, we need more voices for peace — and the only way to achieve peace is to end the occupation. You can read my article for Tribune Magazine, on the urgent need for a ceasefire, here: Jeremy Corbyn: “I Condemn Violence Against All Civilians, Why Can’t Keir Starmer?” (tribunemag.co.uk)
I was proud to join thousands in London (14/10) to march for Palestine. We cannot stand by as Gaza is decimated. Today, we gathered in our thousands to mourn the loss of innocent lives, Israeli and Palestinian. We will keep marching until our political leaders wake up: ending the occupation is the only way to achieve a just and lasting peace.
I have also added my name to the EDM below tabled by Richard Burgon MP: This House utterly condemns the massacre of Israeli civilians and taking of hostages by Hamas; agrees with the United Nations Secretary-General that these horrific acts do not justify responding with the collective punishment of the Palestinian people; expresses its deep alarm at the Israeli military bombardment and total siege of Gaza and the resulting deaths and suffering; believes that the urgent priority must be to stop the deaths and suffering of any more civilians in Gaza and Israel; welcomes the joint statement from 12 leading aid agencies, including Oxfam, Christian Aid, CAFOD, Medical Aid for Palestinians and Islamic Relief, calling for the Government to use its influence to help protect civilians, to ensure adherence to international humanitarian law and to guarantee civilians have access to critical life-saving humanitarian support; and to this end supports their call for the Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary to urgently press all parties to agree to an immediate de-escalation and cessation of hostilities, to ensure the immediate, unconditional release of the Israeli hostages, to end the total siege of Gaza and allow for unfettered access of medical supplies, food, fuel electricity and water, to guarantee that international humanitarian law is upheld and that civilians are protected in accordance with those laws.
Press freedom It was an honour to visit Julian Assange in prison (29/09). Julian is in prison for exposing the truth about war crimes – his incarceration is an attack on the freedom of journalists everywhere.
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.
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 have resumed and please do ring my office if you wish to have an appointment, or for 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
Many constituents have emailed in about energy price rises but the issue has not gone away. I raise this, and the hardship people are facing frequently on my social media sites because it is so very important.
I know many households in our area and across the country are struggling to pay energy bills now and are fearful of the impact of future energy bill rises.
I routinely sign relevant parliamentary motions on this subject, and EDM 825 last year specifically called for scrapping the VAT rate on energy bills, providing greater financial assistance to low-income households, and bringing the energy sector back into public ownership:
I also feel that the Energy Charter Treaty undermines our democracy and jeopardises our efforts to address climate change and I am strongly opposed to it. It must end.
Additionally, I signed EDM 1279 on withdrawal from the Energy Charter Treaty and am happy to have done so. You can see this here:
We must make transformative investments immediately to provide for green transport infrastructure, obtain energy from renewable sources, ensure buildings are environmentally friendly, restore and protect green spaces, protect biodiversity, create green jobs, and address global injustice and inequality at the same time.
Community renewable energy should be incorporated into the energy grid, and I will continue to speak out in support of protecting the future of our planet instead of protecting fossil fuel profits. The more clean energy that is made available to everyone, reducing our dependency on fossil fuels, the better.
I will continue to press the Government on these urgent issues at every opportunity.
Over the summer, Parliament has spent much of its time in recess. I have taken this opportunity to spend even more time in our constituency and campaign on the issues that matter to those we represent.
On hearing news reports about reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC), I contacted the Council asking about the implications for Islington’s schools, and am being kept updated. I am aware that RAAC is confirmed as present in two schools, however, this isn’t expected to interrupt teaching and the school is being supported by the DfE in carrying out remedial works. Please visit the council’s website (www.islington.gov.uk/children-and-families/schools/raac) for more information.
This month saw Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. To all Jewish communities in Islington and beyond, may this year bring you and your loved ones health, peace and joy. Shana Tova!
Like me, many of the football fans among you will have been sad to see the Lionesses narrowly lose the World Cup final. Sarina Wiegman’s team can be incredibly proud of what they’ve achieved. They have inspired the next generation!
In Parliament and work with other MPs
Environment
The past few months have seen utterly heart-breaking tragedies across the globe, including the earthquake in Morocco, the floods in Greece and Libya. The flooding – and indeed the fires across Europe, and the droughts in the Global South that our media largely ignores – are all proof of the accelerating climate emergency. We need systemic and urgent change to the global economy if we are to achieve climate justice and guarantee a habitable future for the next generation.
I was proud to join Chris Packham and several scientists at Parliament (05/09) to demand the end to new oil and gas.
I’m grateful to the Friends of Finsbury Park for meeting with me (18/09) to discuss ways to protect the wonderful ecology of the park. I am increasingly concerned over the maintenance and protection of the park, with more areas being used for festivals and paid events. On the same evening there was a huge turnout at Space4 for a discussion about the park which I attended, and I’m looking into further ways to protect the park and will update you in my next report.
Transport
Many in Islington have been campaigning to stop the government’s plans to close down our railway ticket offices. I was proud to join Islington Pensioners’ Forum outside Finsbury Park Station (17/08), and later members of the RMT in Westminster (31/08) to make our voices heard. The Conservatives know nothing about the real value of ticket offices — all they know is how to run our public services into the ground. There is no replacement for human interaction. I wrote directly to the Transport Minister as well as Govia Thameslink, the latter especially on Finsbury Park. Save our ticket offices!
I also addressed the Transport Minister about HS2 (18/09), after reports that the line to Manchester was due to be scrapped. I reminded him of the pain and disruption that had already been caused around Euston, and told him that we either need a high-speed network or nothing at all.
Poverty
I have been campaigning to scrap the 2-child benefits cap. A cruel and ineffective policy, the 2-child cap simply pushes families further into poverty, and sends an immoral message that the 3rd or 4th child somehow matters less than the 1st or 2nd. You can read more about my position on the 2-child-benefits cap on the Tribune: ‘We are told that lifting 250,000 children out of poverty isn’t a priority… what is?‘
Don’t let anyone tell you we can’t afford it. With the money raised from a 1-2% wealth tax on assets over £10 million, we could afford to scrap the 2-child benefit cap 17 times over. It is a national disgrace that in the sixth largest economy in the world, 4.2 million children are living in poverty. Another future is possible — we just need the courage and conviction to fight for it.
I raise these important points wherever I can and I did so on Robert Peston (20/07) and on LBC (06/09). During LBC’s show, I also made the case for a National Care Service, universal free school meals and free university tuition. You can watch the full show on YouTube: Iain Dale hosts Cross Question 05/09
I helped at a soup kitchen at the Old Fire Station (16/08). The soup was delicious, and I am pleased that volunteers are able to fill, albeit in a small way, the hungry gaps left by this government’s shortcomings.
Human rights
In a debate on “At-risk academics: UK support” (12/09), I raised the case of Dr Gubad Ibadoghlu in Azerbaijan, a distinguished academic and constituent at the London School of Economics, who was seized in Azerbaijan while visiting his mother, and is still imprisoned. The British Government must do all it can to ensure that he gets the medical support and attention he needs, as well as to ensure his right to pursue his profession in peace.
I joined an IPU (Interparliamentary Union) roundtable of visiting Uruguayan MPs (12/09).
In a debate on the “UK’s relations with Mexico” I raised the case of Claudia Uruchurtu (07/09) who was living in the UK with her sister and family before moving back home to Mexico. After demonstrating against corruption by local officials, she was arrested and imprisoned. She has never been seen again. I asked the government to help Claudia’s family get the truth, as well as the support they desperately need.
I praised the progress that is being made in human rights cases whilst also drawing attention to the cases of Miguel Orlando Munoz Guzman, an infantry lieutenant in the army who has been missing since 1993, and of course the 43 students who disappeared in 2014.
I remain a member of several Parliamentary Groups including the Parliamentary Socialist Campaign Group (SCG) and attended meetings with the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Western Sahara and the APPG Palestine, Human Rights, among others.
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: jeremycorbyn.org.uk
Islington
I attended the summer session of the Parliamentary Assembly Council of Europe (19/06-24/06) in Strasbourg where I spoke out against the UK government’s treatment of refugees. I re-emphasised the importance of international conventions to which we have signed up. I also spoke in support of Julian Assange. Democracy is about holding power to account. That is what Julian Assange has done. I called for Julian’s immediate release, along with all other journalists around the world who have been imprisoned for exposing the truth.
Islington
The summer break typically includes many summer festivities and I attend as many as I can, mixing with students, residents, tenants, pensioners and more: Pooles Park summer fair (20/7) Room to Heal Summer Party (11/08) International Womens’ Celebration (12/08).
Islington Pensioners Forum held their Annual General Meeting (20/07) and I was honoured to speak at it. I remain a joint president of this wonderful and hard-working organisation.
The indefatigable Dot Gibson, famous for championing the cause of pensioners for some time now hosted a number of folk to a garden party (29/07) which was so very enjoyable. In attendance were Pensioner Forum folk, the Mayor, Clive Anderson.
August 28th was Annette Thomas’ 93rd birthday. Name a campaign, and Annette Thomas has been there, always on the right side of history. Happy birthday from all of us in Islington. Your dedication to peace & justice is an inspiration to us all.
Congratulations to Keith who, this month, celebrated 40 years of providing fresh fruit and veg’ to the people of Islington North on Seven Sisters Road. Thank you Keith!
I attended a memorial football match (21/08) in honour of Leonardo Reid, the 15-year-old who was tragically killed in June. A huge thanks to Ade and Jason from Elite Coaching Academy for organising the match, to all the young men who took part and to the community for attending. I am pleased that as a community we continue to show up for his family during this difficult time. Additionally, thank you to Arsenal FC for donating an official signed shirt that will be auctioned, with the proceeds going to Leo’s family.
I am sad to be writing about another tragic murder in our borough of 23 year-old Yahye Ahmed. My thoughts are with Yahye’s family, friends, and the wider community who have been affected by this devastating and senseless violence.
I have been contacted by numerous residents near Wray Crescent with concerns over an increase in anti-social behaviour, burglaries, and alleged drug use and drug dealing in the area. In response to these enquiries I called a meeting with the police, local councillors, and Islington Council’s safety officers (18/09) to pass on my concerns over what I’ve been hearing and ask what’s being done to address resident’s concerns. I will be writing to constituents who contacted me in more detail about the action that will be taken.
Similarly, I have been contacted over concerns of ASB on Blackstock Road and last week (15/09) I attended the bi-monthly Blackstock Road and Finsbury Park stakeholder meetings. I do have concerns about criminal activity in the evenings and asked the police to increase their presence during these hours. Lots more work in this area is needed and all involved remain dedicated and hard working.
Refugees
Thanks to all who attended last month’s meeting at St George’s church hall (27/07) in Islington to show solidarity with refugees and migrants. I’m proud to represent a community that stands up against hatred, supports each other, and celebrates the shared humanity that binds us all together.
Refugees are not enemies. They are not threats. They are not criminals. They are human beings. Together, we will keep campaigning for a kinder world.
Show Racism the Red Card remain active and I joined a campaign photoshoot with them (12/09) to show my ongoing support.
Housing
It was wonderful to join this year’s #StreetsFest in support of people facing homelessness (04/09). Thank you to Streets Kitchen, Arts & Homelessness International, Single Homeless Project, and many others for everything you do.
Ending homelessness is just one of the aims of ACORN, which set up a branch in Islington in August. As a community union, they bring together tenants, workers and residents to ensure housing justice for all. Sign up here: https://www.acorntheunion.org.uk/islington_acorn_group_launch
I’ve been meeting with local leaseholders about their difficulties with the law currently as it is. Most of you will know that I’ve spoken in parliament on this subject repeatedly and I am planning to do so again when my debate on the subject is granted when parliament returns from the conference recess.
This month saw the 50th anniversary of the US-backed military coup in Chile, which overthrew the democratically-elected Allende government. Chileans never gave up — after 17 years of repression, democracy was restored. As Pablo Neruda said, “You can cut all the flowers but you can’t stop Spring from coming.”
There are so many lessons to learn from this coup that I travelled to a number of different places speaking at commemorative events (as well as media outlets) on the fragility of democracy and how to protect it.
Last month was the 78th anniversary of the nuclear attack on Hiroshima, and later Nagasaki. We held a moving event at Tavistock Square with members of CND. Security is not destroying your neighbour. Security is getting along with your neighbour. So let’s secure a future free of nuclear weapons and build a world of peace. You can read my piece for Tribune online: Jeremy Corbyn: ‘Humanity Cannot Survive a Nuclear War’
The West Belfast Festival – Feile an Phobail – deserves a mention here, since we have a large Irish community in Islington North. The festival began in the dark days of 1988 and has grown to be the largest community festival in Ireland. I was honoured to participate (03/08) in a ”Choices for Ireland” debate which I used to pay tribute to our own Irish community. It was a most inspirational visit if any of you are tempted.
Strikes
I continue to stand by striking workers campaigning for decent pay and conditions. It was great to join Unite members at St. Mungo’s (0108) to mark ten weeks of strike action. What an extraordinary display of collective resilience and solidarity.
Sadly
Many of you will have known Mary Ogbogoh (nee Roberts), who died aged 92 at the care home in Sidcup where she had been living in for some time. Mary was a long-standing member of Labour (though she told me she had been “thrown out several times”), CND, Anti-Apartheid and many anti-racist campaigns.
Sadly, Ann Clwyd MP died last month, and having worked with her for many years in the APPG Human Rights Group I spoke in a parliamentary debate in her honour (19/09): Ann Clwyd – Hansard – UK Parliament and plan to attend a memorial service for her in due course.
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.
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 have resumed and please do ring my office if you wish to have an appointment, or for 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
So many constituents have written in to me about the rail ticket office closure plans, clearly showing how unpopular these plans are. In my view there are so many reasons why ticket offices in train stations should not be closed I don’t know where to start.
I have today written to the minister about this (see below), and I went on picket lines including one at Finsbury Park station to lobby against this. I also wrote to the CEO of Govja Thameslink after that picket (see below).
I am waiting to see what the minister and Thameslink CEO have to say about this in reply.
I will keep doing what I can to argue against this dreadful proposal and thank you for all your support in this.
Letter to Secretary of State
Dear Secretary of State,
I am writing this email on behalf of several of my constituents and I know many people all around the country who are very concerned that railway ticket offices are going to close.
This is clearly a very bad mistake for so many reasons. I’m sure you would agree with many of the objections that have been made, such as problems for the disabled, non-English speaking people, elderly, women travelling alone, the list goes on. In fact many of the concerns I come across are from ordinary people who simply cannot fathom the concept of there being no assistance available at most train stations.
Obviously, this is a cost cutting exercise, but there is surely a risk of an incident arising that can be shown to have resulted from no staff on a railway station? Just keeping staff at the busiest stations will not necessarily avoid this.
Furthermore, have you considered the situation where in retrospect staff must be deployed because it becomes clear that it has been a mistake to close a particular ticket office, where will staff be located? If you were to defend this action based on “we’re only mothballing the physical offices themselves”, this is still wholly unacceptable, because you are still putting the public in danger, and making life very hard or even impossible by not having a human face to the assistance extended to the public, which they are paying for through ticket purchase.
I attach two of my constituent’s emails because they describe the issues very thoroughly.
I look forward to hearing from you and I will, in the meanwhile, be encouraging my constituents to respond to the Transport for London consultation in the short time available for it.
Letter to Mr Verwer, CEO, Govja Thameslink
I am writing this letter just one day after I stood in solidarity with an Islington Pensioner Forum (IPF) group protesting the proposed ticket office closures at Finsbury Park Station, As you will be aware, they are just a few of the very many people all around the country who are anxious about this proposed change.
Closing railway ticket offices is clearly a very bad mistake for so many reasons. I’m sure you would agree with many of the objections that have been made, such as problems for the disabled, non- English speaking people, elderly, women travelling alone, tourists, the list goes on and on.
Significantly, in Finsbury Park, it is a cost cutting exercise that will have a huge impact on the very many users, local and all around the country, who pass through such a busy station. I have yet to meet one person who does not feel these closures will backfire enormously.
There are so many risks associated with this plan and they vary in significance, from the possibility of a serious incident occurring that can be shown to have been a result of no staff on a railway station, to the sheer inconvenience and frustration users will feel when they need travel information. The vulnerable as always will be affected worse.
I am keen to hear that whichever way this bigger decision goes, and I believe consultations are ongoing, and I am in no doubt that you will be hearing from MPs and travellers all around the country, that you’ll seriously considering making Finsbury Park exempt from these closures due to the horrendous impact such a move would have.
Last but not least, in my view, the public image that users will have of rail companies should this move go ahead will be as bad as it can get.
Many constituents have emailed me about acting on climate and nature.
I completely agree that our climate and our nature is one of our top priorities and I’ll continue to lobby anyone with any powers on this I promise you.
We have some of the oldest and least well-insulated homes in Europe, are very reliant on gas boilers, and we have not progressed far enough in transitioning towards renewable energy.
And of course, the UK is opening new oil fields. The Government must implement a managed phasing out of North Sea oil and gas extraction in line with the urgent need to reduce climate emissions.
“Protecting our forests and keeping deforestation out of our supply” is a very interesting concept point indeed and I wholeheartedly support it.
I have always seen preserving and restoring our uplands as one of our responses to counter the environmental crisis we are facing.
I spoke on this during the ‘Protecting and Restoring Nature: COP15 and Beyond’ debate in parliament in July 2022 and if you are interested you can read the transcript here:
The UK has experienced some of the highest biodiversity loss in the world according to a 2019 State of Nature Report, pointing out that the biggest threat to biodiversity in the UK is industrialised agriculture.
More money must be available directly to farmers who are best placed to make the right decisions about how that money is used. That way they can restore nature, and provide better food, not just do what enables them to make ends meet.
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