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.
You can watch my interview with Gary Young, reflecting on 40 years, here: Jeremy Corbyn on 40 Years FIGHTING the Machine (doubledown.news)
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
In Parliament and work with other MPs
Democratic rights
In May, the government brought its anti-strike Bill back to Parliament (22/05). I voted against this draconian piece of legislation, after attending a rally in Parliament Square. You can read more about my opposition to the government’s erosion of our civil liberties here: Jeremy Corbyn – When our democracy is under attack, it’s up to the labour movement to fight back (labouroutlook.org)
Anti-strike bill rally, Parliament Square
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.
You can read more about my case for a more humane immigration system here: We must make the positive case for immigration | Morning Star (morningstaronline.co.uk)
Foreign Affairs
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.
You can read my full contributions in Parliament online, either on Hansard or at They Work For You, here: Jeremy Corbyn MP, Islington North – TheyWorkForYou
Islington
Strikes
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:
Donate to Cancer Research UK | Cancer Research UK
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:
Instagram (@jeremycorbyn)
Twitter (@jeremycorbyn)
Facebook (JeremyCorbynMP)
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
