Statement from the Executive Mayor of Tower Hamlets Lutfur Rahman
"It was deeply disturbing to see the far right marching through the streets of London last weekend, spreading fear and hate, as well repeated recent attempts by the far right to bring their supporters into Tower Hamlets to intimidate members of our community.
"It reminds me of what it was like growing up, when racist abuse was part of our daily life. We fought hard to change that and to build a more fair, equal and inclusive society. I never thought we would see racists so emboldened once again.
"That’s why I’m proud to announce that Tower Hamlets Council will be dedicating next weekend to a celebration of East London's diversity in the face of these attempts by the far right stir up racism and division.
"The Council will be hosting festivities at the Town Hall all day this Saturday to honour Tower Hamlets diverse communities and celebrate how our borough has been shaped by centuries of migration from around the world.
"As well as live performances and family activities throughout the day, we will be unveiling plaques on the Town Hall at 2pm to commemorate bringing back into use one of the UK’s most important buildings.
"We have also brought back the iconic Brick Lane curry festival after nearly a decade, working with the Banga Town Traders Association, which will be taking place all weekend right here in the UK's 'curry capital'.
"These events this weekend, which are free and open to all, will bring the community together through food, art and culture to celebrate East London's history of migration creating its rich culinary and cultural diversity today.
"In Tower Hamlets, we have a long and proud history of standing up to racism. From the Battle of Cable Street nearly 90 years ago to coming together in when Altab Ali was murdered by racists in 1978 and preventing the EDL from marching through East London in 2011 and 2013.
"I’m proud that our community continues to stand united against attempts by the far right to divide us with hatred and prejudice."
"I look forward to coming together with you this weekend to celebrate that we are one of the most diverse boroughs in the country and one of the most cohesive, where 90% of our residents from different backgrounds say they get on well with one another. In the East End we have never allowed racists to divide us, and we never will."
Posted on Friday 19th September 2025