Search results for: “israel”

  • My letter to the Rt Hon Lord Cameron, Secretary of State for Foreign Commonwealth and Development Affairs on Gaza situation, 5th December 2023

    Dear Foreign Secretary,

    Yesterday, on the 4th of December, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs answered an Urgent Question on the Humanitarian Situation in Gaza.

    I asked the Minister if he could assure the House that there are no British soldiers on the ground in Gaza. The Minister refused to answer.

    The Minister’s failure to provide this assurance is extremely alarming. More than 15,000 people have been killed in Gaza, including 6,000 children. 1.8 million people have been displaced. Almost half of all housing units have been destroyed. The UK government already provides ample political support to an Israeli army that is committing war crimes in front of our eyes. Could you confirm whether the UK government is providing military personnel too?

    In the aftermath of horror, we need voices for peace. The terror attack by Hamas was deplorable and must be condemned. That cannot justify the massacre of the Palestinian people, who are being punished for a crime they did not commit. We are witnessing unconscionable death destruction; people in this country have a right to know if British troops are involved in its execution.

    Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to re-issue our demand for an immediate and permanent ceasefire. Over the past several weeks, human beings have been forced to endure horrors that should haunt us forever. Regrettably, the recent truce has become a footnote in the ongoing ethnic cleansing of the Palestinian people. Israelis and Palestinians deserve more than a temporary pause in death and destruction. They deserve a just and lasting peace. That is why
    millions of people around the world continue to demonstrate for an end to the killings, for the release of all hostages, for the end to the siege of Gaza, and for the only route out of this endless cycle of violence: the end to the occupation of Palestine.

    Kind regards,

    Rt Hon Jeremy Corbyn MP

  • Ceasefire in Gaza

    I have received a huge number of emails calling for me to support a Ceasefire in Gaza.

    Today, MPs voted on whether to call for a ceasefire in Gaza. It was a simple moral choice: do you support the indiscriminate killing of human beings, or do you want to stop the further loss of life?

    In the aftermath of horror, we need voices for peace and diplomacy. Instead, our government has given the green light to unconscionable death and destruction.

    I condemn the targeting of all civilian life. That includes the deplorable acts of terror by Hamas against Israeli civilians. And that includes acts of terror by the Israeli government against Palestinian civilians. More than 11,000 people in Gaza have now been killed, almost half of whom are children. Thousands more may be trapped under rubble. Over 1.5 million Palestinians have been displaced.

    Without a peaceful and political solution, this cycle of violence will go on and on. It is the responsibility of members of Parliament to demand an end to the ongoing loss of life. We cannot become distracted from the urgent and overriding goal: to bring about freedom, justice and peace for all Palestinians and Israelis.

    Every day, every hour and every minute that the bombing is allowed to continue, we lose more of our common humanity.

    I voted for a ceasefire today, and I will continue to demand the release of hostages, an end to the siege of Gaza, and an end to the occupation of Palestine. And I will continue to urge colleagues to do the same.

  • Letter to the Prime Minister on the GAZA war

    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.

  • Islington North Newsletter: September-October 2023

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    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!

    We will keep defending our NHS from privatisation and outsourcing. You can read an article I wrote for the Islington Tribune on the importance of a fully-public NHS here: We must stand up for a fully-public NHS’ | Islington Tribune

    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:

    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

    Email: jeremy.corbyn.mp@parliament.uk

  • Islington North Newsletter: June-July 2023

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    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.

    I voted against the bill – and you can read my full contribution here: Economic Activity of Public Bodies (Overseas Matters) – Hansard – UK Parliament

    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.

    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

    ***

    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:

    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

    Email: jeremy.corbyn.mp@parliament.uk

  • Anti-Boycott Bill

    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:

    Economic Activity of Public Bodies (Overseas Matters) Bill