United by diversity
East End Life, August 1
We in Tower Hamlets are facing great challenges,
but I am confident that our unique community, united in our
diversity, will come together to tackle them.
We have always been an example of how different communities can
live alongside each other in harmony – and we will continue to do
so.
We know now that the individual in
Norway who has admitted to killing more than 70 people in an
atrocious crime against humanity has been boasting about his links
to the English Defence League (EDL).
Residents have been expressing their
concerns to me about the EDL’s proposed march and I have joined
with colleagues from the community, interfaith groups and across
political parties in calling for the Home Secretary to ban the
march. The EDL’s intention is to create divisions in our
borough.
At a rally organised by United East
End on Friday, July 29 I joined others in leading calls for a
community event to be held in our borough on September 3 in direct
opposition to the proposed EDL march. It will celebrate everything
we in the borough are proud of: our diversity and our
tolerance.
Yet another challenge for us is the
forthcoming budget round. Government cuts mean we may have to find
up to a further £45 million of savings.
I am committed to ensuring that any
difficult decisions are made in discussion with residents. I want
to hear what services you value most and how we might do things
better.
I will be holding a series of
roadshows and residents can also send in their ideas or participate
in an online consultation.
Last but not least, I want to send
every resident good wishes during Ramadan this month. It is a time
for peaceful reflection and generosity of spirit – values that are
important to all of us and echoed in our shared vision for One
Tower Hamlets.
To Muslims, people of other faiths,
and of none, I wish you Ramadan Mubarak.
Mayor Lutfur Rahman