I know that many of my constituents, like me, are very concerned about helping to stop Cosmetics Tests on Animals. Perhaps many of you are already aware of my firm stance in support of animal welfare.
I oppose animal testing and my position has always been that we desperately need a proper and serious scientific hearing into animal experimentation including all the practices that support it, such as breeding dogs for use in those experiments.
It is a surprise that the US is now leading on making vital changes towards new, non-animal testing practices using alternative New Approach Methodologies. I would have thought that in itself, this would put pressure on the UK to follow suit.
It’s almost ironic that we already have ample data showing that some, if not a lot of the evidence provided by animal experimentation may not be providing reliable proof that a compound (whether it’s a drug or cosmetic) is safe for humans.
You can be sure of my full support in continuing to work for restricting live animal testing and advocating for adoption of the alternatives which we already have.
Many constituents have emailed me about banning e-collars for Dogs.
This is a challenging topic indeed. It seems obvious to me that there are some outstanding points which no one should oppose. Such as the need to keep dogs away from sheep and other livestock.
It does seem a very weak argument to say that an e-collar can be used for certain training but not for others. That sounds like a compromise to try to please different constituency interests.
I understand that Defra, which originally opposed any kind of ban on e-collars has now conceded that there is growing evidence of harm.
Clearly there must other ways to counter attacks on sheep and other livestock, including other ways of dealing with stray dogs.
I support the proposed ban and am pleased that many of my constituents do too. I have asked the Minister for their position, and on receipt of that reply I’ll post again on this.
This month marked the 75th anniversary of the arrival of HMT Empire Windrush. The Windrush Generation built the NHS, enriched our culture, and changed Britain for the better. In return, hundreds were detained and deported. Survivors and descendants deserve more than gratitude. They deserve justice.
June was also Pride month – a chance to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community, commemorate their struggle for equality, and expose the challenges that LGBTQ+ people continue to face. I wrote an article for Tribune to emphasise the overlap between the discrimination of LGBTQ+ people and the discrimination of refugees. Discrimination knows no borders, and neither should our solidarity. You can read the full article here: Jeremy Corbyn: LGBT Rights Are Refugee Rights – Let’s Stand Up for Both (tribunemag.co.uk)
I have made several media appearances this month on different platforms including LBC, from defending the rights of refugees, and Water, to Peston, condemning the two-child benefit cap.
In Parliament and work with other MPs
Illegal Migration Bill
I was pleased to see that the Court of Appeal ruled against the government’s Rwanda plan. The ruling found what many of us already knew: this policy is in breach of international law. Suella Braverman’s dream of sending asylum seekers to Rwanda may be dead, at least for now. However, we need to remain robust in our opposition to this government’s treatment of refugees.
I spoke in Parliament on several occasions to voice my opposition toward the Illegal Migration Bill (11/07, 17/07). I asked the government to consider why there are 70 million people around the world not in a place they can call their own home. The answer is: wars; human rights abuse; and environmental degradation. As I told the government, instead of putting up barbed wire everywhere, they should respect international law and do something to improve the living conditions of people in places they are trying to flee from. You can read my full contributions here: Illegal Migration Bill – Hansard – UK Parliament and here: Illegal Migration Bill – Hansard – UK Parliament
Human rights
This month, the government brought forward its Anti-boycott Bill (Economic Activity of Public Bodies (Overseas matters) Bill). This legislation prevents UK public bodies from boycotting foreign countries and British companies that trade with them. It is a truly appalling piece of legislation and fits neatly into the bigger picture of anti-democratic legislation currently being promoted.
The Anti-boycott Bill is yet another attack on the civil liberties of people in this country. It is also, quite clearly, an infringement on the rights of those expressing their opposition to Israeli human rights violations. As I told parliament, expressing solidarity with the Palestinian people is not a crime.
I subsequently spoke at a well-attended Justice for Palestine demonstration (05/07) calling for a halt to arms sales.
On Housing, I spoke in the Freehold and Leasehold Reform debate (05/07). I gave testimonies from constituents who have suffered enormous stress and financial difficulty from the existing, broken system. The whole country is suffering from this, and we urgently need a serious process of leasehold reform that gives people some power over their own lives and in their own homes. You can read my full contribution here: Freehold and Leasehold Reform – Hansard – UK Parliament
I belong to several All Party Parliamentary Groups (APPGs) and this month I attended the Dalit APPG AGM (26/06) where I was appointed one of several Vice Chairs. The Mexico APPG of which I’m a member also held it’s AGM (05/07).
I remain an Honorary President of the Chagos Islands (BIOT) APPG, attending on 12/07. Olivier Bancoult who leads the Chagos Refugee Group from his base in Mauritius visited the UK (28/06) and we chatted in my office about the ongoing negotiations between the UK and Mauritius.
I joined with the National Education Union (NEU) and other MPs and activists to hand in a letter to Downing St in support of free school meals for every child in primary school (29/06).
I am also 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.
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
It was wonderful to join friends and neighbours in Highbury Fields (28/06) to celebrate Eid Al Adha. I thanked everybody for coming, and asked everyone to embrace the values of generosity, unity and compassion that define this blessed day. Eid Mubarak!
Highbury Fields Eid celebrations
There is often at least one or two days just before the official summer holidays that see me dashing about all over Islington. This year that day was Saturday July 1st.
I started the day with an LBC Interview on the water crisis. This was followed by an informal meet and greet with constituents over a pre-arranged street stall in Archway. Together, we’re fighting back against the cost-of-greed crisis. We’re demanding a real alternative: pay rises, public ownership, rent controls, and a fully funded NHS!
I then crossed Navigator Square and spoke at the unveiling of a memorial plaque to George Durack (01/07). George had been a stalwart of the community in many roles over the years, including as a local councillor. More recently he held the post of Chair of the Islington Pensioners Forum.
Other Islington events I attended on this busy Saturday included a Highbury Ward social, the annual Jazz on the Green in Newington Green at which I spoke and drew the raffle (Jam, what else) and the Day Mer Festival in Clissold Park, at which I also spoke.
School visits
With the school terms drawing to a close, I have been busy visiting as many schools as I can: Beacon High, Pooles Park, Grafton, Arts and Media, City of London Academy Highgate Hill, Duncombe, and Pakeman Primary School. As always, I enjoyed catching up with the head teachers and speaking with staff and students who always ask very interesting questions! Some schools held end of year assemblies, concerts or picnics and I attended those that I could.
This is also the time of year when I host students on work experience. Wherever possible these are local students. I ensure their time with me is divided between parliament and the constituency and from experience, they usually learn a reasonable amount, and at the same time enjoy themselves.
Strikes / workers’ rights
I was proud to join members of the RMT (06/07) who were on strike at Euston Station. They were there to oppose the government’s announcement to close up to 1,000 ticket offices and issue hundreds of redundancy notices. This decision will make rail travel less safe and accessible.
I was also proud to join our doctors on the Whittington picket line (13/07) who were starting the longest strike in NHS history. Our doctors have always been there for us. We should be there for them. Solidarity.
Doctors’ strike, Whittington Hospital
On the subject of the NHS, this month marked its 75th anniversary – and I enjoyed the Islington celebrations (07/07). The NHS was founded on the principle of free, public and universal healthcare. Let’s vow to end the corporate takeover and restore a fully funded, fully public NHS.
NHS 75, Islington Town Hall
Unison held an open day at Islington (LBI) Town Hall to mark its 30 years anniversary, at which I spoke (30/6).
A very deserving, farewell reception for Mark Serwotka, General Secretary of the PCS Union was attended by many of us in the House of Commons. For 23 years Mark has been excellent in this role, and he will be sorely missed.
Thames Water
Burst pipes. Soaring bills. Polluted rivers. A mountain of debt. Thames Water has ripped off residents in Islington and wreaked havoc across our borough. I have been clear – we need to stop bailing out failed private companies and bring them into public ownership instead. Water is a public good – it should be treated as such. My latest input on democratic public ownership are here: Corbyn: Put water services back in public hands | Islington Tribune
On a local level, I am very grateful to all Thames Water staff and the helpful way the far too regular, repair works are carried out and the nice interaction between the workers and local community. My concerns about the frequent works to Seven Sister’s Road triggered a meeting, and a very productive conversation with officers from Thames Water (30/06).
I was delighted to attend a plaque unveiling for Michael Collins (14/07). Collins was an Irish Republican leader who campaigned for Irish independence in the early 20th century. The plaque was unveiled in Barnsbury Street, at the site of the former Barnsbury Hall, where Collins was initiated into the Irish Republican Brotherhood, in 1909. The event was attended by politicians from both London and Ireland and was a chance for us to celebrate the enormous contributions of the local Irish community to our borough.
I maintain regular contact with most local groups and organisations, and especially those of which I am either a patron or a trustee. This month I met with the Light Project International, Elizabeth House, Hanley Crouch Trustees. Meanwhile, I managed to pop into the Hilldrop Community Centre performance of Midsummer Nights’ Dream (16/07).
I routinely meet with Council Leader Kaya Comer-Schwartz. This month I also had a final chat and offered my thanks to Islington’s outgoing Chief Executive, Linzi Roberts-Egan. Linzi is moving on from Islington in the not-too-distant future but her dedication to the borough will not be forgotten and was to be seen at its best throughout the pandemic. Our heartfelt thanks go to Linzi for her incredible contribution to Islington.
Beyond Islington
It was inspiring to be alongside so many wonderful people at the Durham Miners’ Gala (07/07). It was a day of unity, renewal and solidarity. Whatever is thrown at us, we remain full of hope for a brighter future!
Durham Miners’ Gala
I spoke at the Tennis, Apartheid and Social Justice book launch, at SOAS (26/06). Years ago, Haringey and Islington in particular hosted a large number of South African exiles who were immensely active in all aspects of community life. I was a close friend of the Bhanabhi family, living in Hornsey, and active alongside me in Labour activities. They taught me a great deal about Apartheid, South Africa. When I visited Johannesburg after the release of Mandela, I stayed at their house and visited with many trade unionists and others. I will forever salute the bravery of all the communities in South Africa and the individuals who suffered so much in the work they did to abolish apartheid.
I am fortunate enough to be invited to participate in a myriad of cultural and historical events on a regular basis, though Islington remains top priority. That said, the Durham Miners Gala (mentioned earlier) and the Bradford Literature Festival (02/07), were certainly high points for me in the past few weeks. 700 attended an on-stage interview (“In conversation”: Reflections on Geneva Exchange) with Emeritus Professor Paul Rogers at St George’s Hall.
Sadly
I was deeply saddened by the news that two people died, and another was injured, in an appalling attack in Archway (30/06). I attended the scene and received updates by the police. I met the families and friends of the deceased – our deepest condolences go to them at this incredibly difficult time. Thank you to Islington Council and Police for their swift response in reassuring the community of their safety and for the continued support and engagement with the community. Too many young people are losing their lives and the knife crime epidemic must be addressed as a national emergency.
Charlotte (Lottie) Moore was given a deserving send off and along with so many others I attended her funeral (04/07). Many people have since mentioned to me Lottie’s significant contribution to the community, be it her commitment to local politics, notably the Women’s Branch, to cultural development (as a singer and actor), to the Light Project Homework Club and many more. This talented and generous woman will be sorely missed by all of us.
I managed an online visit to the memorial service for Annabelle Sreberney (09/07). Many of you will have known Annabelle, who followed in the family tradition (her mother was the wonderful and iconic Margot Sreberney) of being very active in all things local, and a hardy socialist.
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
I completely support the right of public bodies to make ethical investment decisions, such as not to invest in climate-destroying fossil fuel companies or in the arms industry.
I support the right of public bodies to consider breaches of international law when determining investments, such as Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories which have been identified by the UN as in breach of international law.
I completely oppose the Economic Activity of Public Bodies (Overseas Matters) Bill and voted against it and will continue to do so.
I was one of the first signatories of EDM 1415. Here is a link to the statement I made in Parliament on the anti-boycott bill on the 3rd July:
I want to thank everybody for your kind messages of solidarity this month, which marked 40 years since I was elected as the MP for Islington North (09/06).
I was so grateful for the words of thanks from so many of you at the recent Labour Party (CLP) fundraiser. A huge well done to all those who organised this fantastic, joyful and fun event!
Thank you to all the amazing people, groups and campaigns that have changed our community for the better. Over the past 40 years, our community has achieved huge victories. Saving the Number 4 bus, preventing the closure of Whittington A&E, protecting the Jewish Burial Ground, and defending Gillespie Park, to name a few!
Thank you to our fantastic community centres (Brickworks, Mildmay, Hilldrop, Highbury Roundhouse, Elizabeth House, Whittington Park, Andover, Hornsey Lane and Caxton House) for empowering local people to build spaces of solidarity.
Thank you to local forums, tenants’ associations, charities, community gardens, women’s centres, well-being cafes, and all those who have devoted their lives to building a safer, kinder and fairer borough.
Thank you to all the faith groups that make our borough such an inclusive and welcoming place to live.
Thank you to all the local schools that work so hard to provide our children with the skills and tools to build a fairer society.
And, finally, my heartfelt gratitude goes to Islington North Labour Party for supporting me overwhelmingly, in the course of 10 General Elections. I am determined as ever to campaign alongside my community for a more equal, sustainable and peaceful world. It has been an honour representing the people of Islington North. With your support, that is what I’ll continue to do.
The day after my 40th anniversary, we carried on doing what we are here to do: representing the people of Islington North. We held a fantastic street stall (10/06) on Seven Sisters Road, meeting constituents and ensuring they had the support they needed. Jeremy Corbyn MP www.jeremycorbyn.org.uk May-June Newsletter 2023- Islington North 21 June 2023
It was an honour to meet members of GMB Midlands in Parliament (14/06). They made history as the first Amazon workers to go on strike in the UK. They have my full support in their fight for decent pay and union recognition.
It’s not just our right to strike that is being eroded. Our right to protest is being trampled on, too. In a debate on Public Order (12/06), I stood up for the foundations of our democracy. I recalled that our right to roam the countryside happened only because of the mass trespass of Kinder Scout in the 1930s.
A number of constituents came to lobby me in parliament on Proportional Representation (24/05). We discussed the pros and cons of different voting patterns, both in the UK and around the world. I agreed that I would support an inquiry into revisiting our constitutional make up were it on offer. Whilst Leader I supported a move toward a more federal system, and an overhaul of the Lords.
Migrant rights
This month, I attended the summer session of the Parliamentary Assembly Council of Europe (19/06-24/06) in Strasbourg. I spoke out against the government’s asylum ban, in my capacity as a member of the Migration Committee.
Unfortunately, my Strasbourg commitment meant I was unable to vote on the Privileges Committee Report into Boris Johnson. Make no mistake, I would have voted in favour of the report.
This month saw the government accelerate their attacks on migrants’ rights, following the release of immigration figures. Migrants are human beings, not faceless statistics. LBC interviewed me on the subject (27/05). We can make the positive case for immigration by challenging divisive rhetoric and celebrating our shared humanity instead. In a parliamentary debate (08/06), I urged the government to halt its programme of hate and division.
In a debate on the G7 (22/05), I took the opportunity to call for an urgent and peaceful end to Russia’s war in Ukraine. I repeated my condemnation of Russia’s invasion, and echoed the plea made by the United Nations (UN) Secretary General to facilitate a ceasefire, followed by lasting peace.
Four years ago, the UN ordered the UK to end its administration of the Chagos Islands. I asked the Foreign Secretary (13/06) for an update on the progress of these negotiations.
I remain a member of several Parliamentary Groups including the Parliamentary Socialist Campaign Group (SCG). These groups meet regularly in parliament to discuss how best to promote a socialist agenda both inside and outside parliament.
I was proud to join frontline workers from St. Mungo’s (08/06) outside Islington Town Hall, striking for decent pay. Since 2013, their pay has plummeted by 25%. Meanwhile, Chief Executives have enjoyed a 77% pay rise.
I also joined doctors on strike at the Whittington Hospital (14/06). They are striking for decent pay. They are striking to save the NHS. They are striking for us all.
Community safety
This month saw the six-year anniversary of the Finsbury Park terror attack (19/06). Our community was rocked by the death of Makram Ali in an act of Islamophobic hatred. We must never forget how leaders of all faiths and local communities came together in defiance of racism. We showed that love triumphs over hate — and it always will.
Many thanks to Cllr John Woolf, the executive Member for Community Safety, for arranging a meeting with Becon UK (British Eritrean Communities and Organisations Network) and Islington Police to discuss issues being faced by the Eritrean community in our borough and beyond.
The bi-monthly cross-sector stakeholder Finsbury Park and Blackstock Road meeting took place (15/06): I am aware that frustrations remain from local residents and businesses; more work is needed to address the deep-seated issues in the area. However, it is inspiring to see this hard working and passionate group of people who are all determined to improve the bustling area of Finsbury Park.
Local developments
Barry Hill, Paul Howard and John Barber (16/06) presented their concerns on behalf of many Sobell users who are dissatisfied with Islington Council’s proposal for the centre. I also met with Cllr Nurullah Turan, Health and Social Care executive member, and Andrew Bedford, Assistant Director for Greenspace and Leisure (16/06). I was assured that all comments received during this consultation period will be carefully considered and all options available
regarding the future of the centre will be explored. I will be submitting my comments very soon, and I encourage all Islington residents to do the same before the consultation ends on 7th July 2023. https://www.letstalk.islington.gov.uk/sobell-project
Alongside many others I attended a public meeting hosted by SevenCapital, the developers responsible for the new Archway Campus Development Proposals (Archway Methodist Hall). I had a subsequent meeting with the developers (14/06) to better understand the details of their proposal. I voiced concerns shared with me by constituents, on the provision of affordable housing, the impact to the environment and potential significant exacerbation of the pre-existing wind tunnel.
Local visits
I was pleased to be shown around The Bridge School, Hungerford and their Satellite provisions by the Trust’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr Penny Barratt (16/06). It was lovely to be able to be meet students and observe this inclusive and inspired space which the Trust has created to provide much needed Special Educational Needs (SEN) provision in our borough.
It was a pleasure to visit the Hilldrop Community Centre (08/06) and meet the Kingsley Foundation which supports disabled adults with developing independent skills. I thoroughly enjoyed spending time with those who run and use the service and the wonderful community they’ve fostered together.
Gillespie Park held a pleasant and well attended “Spring Day” (21/05) and I spoke to the crowd about parks and wellbeing and inspected the beehives.
Islington’s “Meet your local food partnership in Islington” event (14/06) in the Atlee Suite saw me briefly visit, and praise their good work, notably at a time when so many are facing hardship.
Beyond Islington
Burford Levellers Day (21/05) was a terrifically well-timed occasion to remember how hard people have fought for our democratic rights, and how we must continue to fight to protect them!
Levellers’ Day, Burford
This month was the six-year anniversary of the Grenfell Tower Fire (14/06). 72 people died in a preventable tragedy caused by institutional neglect and corporate greed. Our hearts go out to those who lost their lives, loved ones and homes. How many more anniversaries will we spend calling for justice?
Grenfell Silent Walk
Sadly
I was sad to hear that Hugh Callaghan, one of the Birmingham Six and a Tollington resident, passed away this month. I had visited Hugh in prison — despite enduring grave injustice, he still spread joy to those around him. I’ll always remember his wonderful voice singing Danny Boy. Rest in peace.
I was so very sad to hear of the premature death of Lottie (Charlotte) Moore, a constituent of Islington North, and an active member of the Labour Party. Some of you will have known Charlotte and some may recall a beautiful recital by her at the Christmas event held at Elizabeth House in December 2022. My heartfelt condolences go to Charlotte’s family at this difficult time.
Lottie’s funeral details are:
Tuesday 04 July 2023 at 2pm. East Finchley crematorium: 122 East End Road, London, N2 0SP Afterwards attendees are invited to come to The Bald-Faced Stag pub at 69 High Road London N2 8AB to remember her life and achievements. LP members who knew Lottie are invited to attend. Please contact Franc on 07810 481 177 (txt msg, please) or on francjdavid@gmail.com (by 23rd June if possible). Lottie was keen that donations be made to Cancer Research wherever possible:
Glenda Jackson, MP for the nearby Hampstead and Kilburn constituency, passed away this week. What a full life Glenda Jackson had, following her career as an academy award winning actress she was then elected to parliament where she served in the Shadow Cabinet as well as being a busy and dedicated backbencher.
I was pleased to speak about our wonderful peace campaigning Bruce Kent (died 2022) at a St Mellitus commemoration (11/06).
Along with many others I attended the funeral of Pippa Cosin (refer last report) (26/05).
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
Everyone has a right to be free to access to nature and we must have a national strategy.
I’ve always campaigned on environmental issues, the threat to nature, global warming, and environmental destruction, consistently supporting these issues when they’re raised in Parliament and elsewhere.
I spoke on this during the ‘Protecting and Restoring Nature: COP15 and Beyond’ debate in parliament in July 2022 and the transcript is here:
I stand alongside the Wildlife Trusts, the Rambler’s Association and others who are doing such praiseworthy work to defend our precious nature.
A Plan for Nature that would set legally binding targets to kick start the restoration of species and habitats has my full support. Alongside this it is vital to set up a new environmental tribunal to ensure that decisions are the right ones for nature’s recovery.
To support these actions, we also need a new fully funded Environment Agency, more National Parks, and a revision of protected area designations.
I support any such moves to ensure that we have a proper sustainable plan for nature.
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