We elect a Mayor and Police and Crime Commissioner, but also a London Assembly.

They are both important and I would encourage you to use all your votes.

I urge you to vote for Brian Paddick for the Mayoral election. He has great policies to help keep fares down, including a 1-hour bus ticket, and he will also help ensure London is a safer place. There is no more qualified to be the next Police Commission for London than Brian Paddick.

Please also vote for me as your next London Assembly Member representing Hammersmith, Fulham, Kensington, and Westminster.

I am committed to this area. I have strong links with both boroughs and I am determined that the two boroughs are not neglected at City Hall.

One issue I am most committed to is tackling London’s appalling air pollution. It leads to over 4,000 Londoners dying early – it affects both the young and the old. It is one of London’s most significant public health issues. The Campaign
for Clean Air in London have recognised the excellent record and policies of Liberal Democrats on this issue. Voting Liberal Democrat on Thursday is a vote for cleaner air!

For more information about our policies, including making our roads safer for pedestrians and cyclists, building more homes and helping more young people get back into work see our manifesto.

Finally, do also remember that you voting for Londonwide Assembly Members. Liberal Democrat London Assembly Members such as Caroline Pidgeon have taken up dozens on issues in Greenwich and Lewisham, from unsafe pedestrian crossings to the shameful record of Transport for London’s empty properties on the South Circular. She also played a key role in challenging Greenwich Council over its incompetence relating to upgrading the Greenwich
and Woolwich foot tunnels.

It is vital that Caroline is re-elected and with a strong Liberal Democrat London Assembly team to support her. Please do vote London Liberal Democrat on the orange ballot paper.

I enter the beautiful old building (which I am later told is the last remaining Victorian railworker tea-house in the Country and a building of local and national heritage) and am met by Kim, one of the owner/managers. She says follow me, and I do, into a warren of rooms where I am shown the bedmaking process (mattress and all) from start to finished product. Despite their name, Big Table make only beds. From scratch. On site. To be perfectly honest, I did not know it was done like this anymore and there is no doubting that this is not just a bed shop, it is a workshop for master craftsmen.

The business has been doing well. After the blip caused by the Western Extension to the Congestion Charge Zone, it recovered well, and in the summer they had plans to take on two new apprentices, training up young people to take on some of these specialized skills and double production. They have money in the bank and want to spend it on local job creation. What could be better?

Then on 24th June 2011, Crossrail served them with a Compulsory Purchase Order to bulldoze the building to make way for an electricity substation on the site. The remaining 10 years on their lease were wiped out in an instant, and the business plan went out of the window. They have never been told why it has to be there and cannot be anywhere else.

Since then, Steve, Kim and the team have been living with a cloud over their heads and a local community campaign has begun to save this vibrant business and historically significant building. Crossrail have postponed the order until January 30th and keep moving the goal posts. A good thing in one respect as the business stays open, but they cannot plan, suppliers are getting jittery (many of whom are also small local businesses) and they haven’t had a single day off except Christmas. While both are clearly coping admirably under the pressure, you can imagine the strain of not knowing if you will have a business and a job next season.

I am, alongside other local politicians who have been contacted, fully behind them and will do everything I can to get some of the answers they are looking for. Most urgent is the very simple question: Why here? Until that is answered this makes Crossrail look like a £16bn bully and Boris an impotent puppet in their hands. If he cannot save a thriving local business proposing to create jobs in specialized crafts for young people, then I ask what good is he as a Mayor?

Liberal Democrats have always been behind Crossrail as a green, efficient solution to London’s groaning Transport infrastructure, and I very much still am. But I implore them to look at this case again and work closely with Big Table to see if there is any way of saving the business or at the very least giving them a much longer notice period so they can have the time to train up the new craftsmen so the skills aren’t lost forever.

If anyone reading this wants to get more involved, please contact the campaign on this email: stopcrossrail@gmail.com and you can go to www.facebook.com/bigtable56 for information on the campaign and the business.

I have told Kim, Steve and their team that the local Liberal Democrats are firmly on their side and agree with the over 3000 local residents who have signed a petition against the demolition. Crossrail and Boris Johnson need to think again.  After all, it’s an election year, you never know what politicians may be willing to concede if enough people kick up a fuss…

Location: Clapham Junction and Shaftesbury
Start Time: 17:00
Date: 2011-12-05

Yesterday evening Battersea and Tooting Liberal Democrats were proud to receive GLA member Caroline Pidgeon and Mayoral candidate Brian Paddick to come and meet local residents groups and see some of the issues around Clapham Junction. Brian especially has been very vocal about the riots in London and we wanted to make sure he saw first hand some of the devastation that was caused – in particular the burned out Party Shop along the high road. We also showed Caroline, in her role as chair of the London Assembly Transport Committee, the new Clapham Junction entrance which has greatly helped to ease the traffic in the main Town Centre entrance. From there, they met with members of the Wandsworth Environment Forum and the Childrens Coalition.

In his speech to members Brian was clear, that he did not see this as a re-run of the last election. He is a much more relaxed and accomplished politician, as was seen by his easy and personable delivery of the speech. I have no doubt he will come across very well in the televised debates, especially now he is showing more and more of his wicked sense of humour. He spoke about some of the campaigns he has been working on which included the Earls Court redevelopment, an issue which I care deeply about too. I am glad he seems to be making it a central part of his campaign as it represents so much of what is wrong with the current system and why Lib Dem values are so important to have represented in local government.

Caroline also spoke incredibly well and highlighted some of our more innovative transport policies such as the one hour bus ticket and the rezoning of some stations to better reflect their real nature (examples like Kennington and Shoreditch). She also commented on Ken Livingstone’s 7% fare reduction. Having looked at the figures she highlighted that this would take out £3 billion from tube investment which would perhaps be better spent safeguarding the tube from future capacity issues and spending it on progressive policies like early-bird fares to help those who work early in the morning (mainly cleaners and shopworkers) and alleviate rush hour peaks. She expressed her hope that the electorate would see it for what it was – a pledge he cannot possibly keep and a quick vote-winning policy he will discard as soon as he got elected.

What was clear from the meeting was that we have a lot to fight for in this upcoming election and some great people to back too.

]]> http://www.laylamoran.com/campaigning-with-brian-paddick-and-caroline-pidgeon/feed/ 0 http://www.laylamoran.com/greetings-from-unesco/ http://www.laylamoran.com/greetings-from-unesco/#comments Fri, 02 Dec 2011 09:19:31 +0000 layla http://laylamoran.com/greetings-from-unesco/

Greetings from UNESCO. I am here for three days as part of a MUN (Model United Nations) conference. It is a meeting of 950 students from 65 schools and 35 countries. A colleague and I are here with 16 students who have been preparing for this since early September. They will represent countries as diverse as Colombia, Jordan, Israel and Yemen. As you can imagine, it is a valuable undertaking for them as they explore world issues through the lens of a nation state they are not directly linked to.

This is an educational trip for all, not just the students. I am at this moment sitting in the main debating chamber and reflecting on the historic event that took place here only a few weeks ago: the recognition of Palestine, giving it voting rights. A feat only possible because no state has the power of veto here.

I followed this matter with fervour when it hit the news. The veto at the UN itself by America was obvious. The abstention by Britain disappointing. And so, in my view, the move to them seek recognition by UNESCO inevitable.

The argument that such a move will destabilised the peace process as it falls outside official negotiation channels between Israel and Palestine is a poor one. If the international community believes in the two state solution, then surely anything that helps to strengthen the states can only be a good thing. To take the argument to its final conclusion should suggest that Israel should also give up its place at the UN table until the issue is resolved. This is ludicrous and an obvious step backwards. And so therefore are the arguments against Palestine seeking recognition.

What does UNESCO recognition mean for Palestine? Firstly it is a way for us to express our cultural heritage. I was speaking to an Israeli parent at my school and we had a lovely conversation about how we share so many things, including a common love of foods like hummus which she happily said was of Levantine origin. In many ways our people are so similar. We ended our conversation with a wish more would see it that way.

The fact was that, until this happened, the peace process was faltering. Settlement building continued, Fayyadism was taking hold and Palestine’s infrastructure and economy is growing, yet Israel refused to accept that Palestine recognises Israel as a nation state. The bid to the UN and UNESCO by many was seen in fact as one way Palestine could prove its intentions. To be recognised, you must first formally recognise all other states that sit at the table. Ipso facto Palestine recognises Israel’s right to exist. The subtlety lies in the fact that for Israel, it seems the need is to be recognised not just as a state but also as the true homeland of the Jewish people. The problem for Palestinians is that many still live in Israel who the government there insists on calling Arab-Israelis. While Palestinians are willing to agree to relinquish land in favour of 1967 borders with land swaps, I can see the reticence of calling this land the homeland of the Jews, when the families who lived there since time began were not Jews. It is the ethno-religious connotations of state recognition which is the problem, not the recognition of Israel itself.

Palestine on the other hand is not self-defining in this way and is more concerned by land and heritage. While it is predominantly Muslim, it has always largely been moderately so. The rise of Hamas was seen by many as a consequence of the organisation’s clever move to build infrastructure, giving food an schooling to those in need, rather than a following of their political doctrine. There are some of course who believe Israel should not exists who vote for them, but the vast majority simply want peace. And in the absence of peace, the want safety, shelter and food, which Hamas gave them. I’m afraid it’s that simple.

So here I sit surrounded by nearly 1000 teenagers interested enough in international affairs to give up a weekend to debate political issues. I am inspired by their interest as much as what happened here. In the young lies hope. And I can only hope that they will, one day, be able vote as Palestine at one of these conferences.

Today, thousands of public sector workers are striking in solidarity over changes in pension contacts. We are told this is one of the largest strikes since the 70s and is causing massive disruption for workers up and down the country.

The question all politicians are being asked is: do you support it?
My answers: largely yes.

Now, I can say what I think because I hope that if you are reading this you will read on and let me qualify my statement. In the soundbite land we live in it is no wander people get annoyed with politicians, but you must understand, politicians get annoyed too that people don’t listen to the whole argument. So reader, I hope you will.

Why yes?

Firstly, I can deeply empathise with the people striking. Many have worked in the public sector for years and while, yes, they may well not have made more by being in the private sector, I do argue that there is an inherent responsibility that goes with these jobs that is not remunerated enough. Paramedics, firefighters, teachers, nurses and policemen are all needed to keep a civilised society functioning. Without them doing a good job, awful things happen. In extreme cases, people die. Yes, I do think some professions are more ‘valuable’ to society than others so the argument that they should be happy with pensions similar to private sector levels is unfair.

Why largely?

Having said this, we do have to accept that the level of pension being offered was unaffordable in the long term. Our population is growing, therefore there will be more and more need, proportionally speaking, for public sector workers. Furthermore, public sector workers on average earn more than the ‘average worker’. Average key worker salary is 31k (according to the Halifax) while Average wage across Britain is 26k (according to ONS). Could not find like for like sources but nonetheless it basically means that the pensions pot will be larger at a rate faster than taxpayers will be able to fund it. Yes, this needs to be addressed.

What now?

I actually feel a part of the issue today is that the government has moved and the unions have not done enough to tell workers how much. For example the fact that this will not kick in for people retiring in the next ten years gives people more time to adapt and prepare. Furthermore anyone earning below £15k a year is unaffected. This lack of communication is probably compounded by the treasury and union bosses playing hardball with one another. Words like ‘treasury being bullies ‘ and unions being unreasonable suggest both sides may have a part to play here. I personally feel that, as a compromise, this is a good position and unions should accept it. I honestly cannot think the government is not going to move more as the majority of non-public sector workers see this as a generous offer now.

And what about my title?

It’s simply a reference to the fact that, a strike, once in a while, is a useful tool. I hope that the General unions do not go the way of the transport unions and strike so often the it stops people caring. Overall however we should be proud that we are a country that is developed enough to allow workers to express their concerns in such a way. While the consequences are annoying for some and financially detrimental for the many non-public sector workers who had to take a day’s leave to look after children today, I would much rather live in a country where this happens, occasionally, than not.

On 28th November 2011, Hammersmith and Fulham Lib Dems organised a residents meeting at the Cock and Hen pub on North End Road to bring together the Party and local residents concerned by the redevelopment of Earl’s Court. I had blogged about this a couple of weeks ago (see post regarding Walkabout with Brian Paddick) and met some of the residents involved. Linda was able to flesh out some of the detail of the planning documents and highlighted the following points:

1. The plans as a whole suffer from a lack of joined up thinking. For example there is little logic in their plan to widen the pavement outside West Brompton Station while maintaining a good flow of traffic.

2. They will build about 1000 extra homes as ‘affordable housing’, likely in 1-2 bed units near est. £3m mews houses. However with affordable housing marketed at 80% market- I cannot imagine a key worker on 30-35k (Halifax claims avergage weighed salary of a keyworker in 2011 is 31K) a year can afford them, even with shared ownership.

3. The aesthetics of the site leave little room for high quality lifestyles. There will be one large very long green space which will be in shadow most of the day as the buildings that surround it are too tall.

4. The is precious little provision for families. A primary school is planned for but no secondary. Residents are worried about congestion of key services like transport and health facilities.

5. Many residents remain unaware of the plan to relocate North End Rd market within the site thus cropping the local vibrancy of the surrounding area.

6. The car seems to be the prioritised mode of transport with no planned cycle lanes on major roads like Warwick road at all.

7. They are having little regard for the iconic nature of the facade of Earl’s Court and the 20C Society now back trying to get it listed. The beautiful Brompton cemetary also looks like it will be surrounded by annatractive 60s architecture unbecoming of its status.

The list goes on. But in essence it smack of a redevelopment aimed at gentrification and moeny – not community and the people living in it.

he message to residents was clear: get your objections in to the council by the 5pm Dec 23rd deadline.

Contact Cllr Linda Wade of Kensington and Chelsea Lib Dems or email me so I can put you in touch of you’d like more information.

In my nightly musings on recent activity I someltimes, like my last post, will comment on the external. But tonight at the Kensington and Chelsea Lib Dems AGM and Dinner I had some fascinating conversations which make me reflect internally for a while.

My mother is Palestinian. And therefore, so am I. But like many third generation diaspora kids I consider my cultural identity to be more mixed than most. I am concurrently British, a European and a Palestinian. These things sit comfortably in my own skin, all at one time, and all you have to do is meet me to know how proud I am of all three.

The title of this post is perhaps slightly misleading in that it suggests I do not care about the plight of my Palestinian bretheren. I do. Passionately. But I am also a moderate Palestinian who can quite see the point of a two state solution in which the Israeli state is recognised. Yes it smarts when they refuse to reciprocate at the UN level, but alas, at least UNESCO heard our argument. But this is a post for another day I feel. The point I make is that I am an activist that cares about many injustices, many of which sit close to home. Palestine is one among many reasons why I am in politics, but just because I have Palestinian blood running through my veins does not make me a one issue political pony. In fact I would argue, quite the opposite. I often actively seek out the opposite view in order to make sure I am not culturally biased in my assessment of the situation.

What I wish to comment on tonight is how I am always amazed about the strength of feeling felt about this situation within the party. On my right sat a fascinating, internationally minded woman who could not even speak about the conflict as it made her too upset. Then on my left, and American born activist who had recently discovered the Hand in Hand organisation.Without such vocal international support I am sure the Palestinians would never have the strength to do such bold things as they have done in the last few months. While I purposefully will duck and weave the Palestinian political plight for fear of sullying the cause as being ‘obviously biased’ I am glad that others in the campaigning community feel they can be vocal about such issues and try to work actively towards peace.

For my part I am finding an interesting by-product of my political ambition is that many Palestinians feel that, simply by standing in a major party in a major country, I show the world that there are moderate, intellectual Palestinians out there who believe in action. No I am not a Palestinian Activitist but I am proud to be Palestinian, at least in part, and even more happy to be an activist.

While many AGMs are the same I always find it fascinating how different local parties can be and how they can inspire in different ways. What I found tonight was a party that was extremely ambitious to throw off old accusations of just being a glorified dining club and instead being a local political force for good.

They spoke about local campaign they have run this year to help small business owners in Bayswater and to save a local care centre. I also learned that Westminster Borough is rated 150/153 in the country for care to the vulnerable. Given such wealth this is an appalling track record.

When the conversation turned to the negative way we are perceived by the public, all I could think was ‘I only the public knew how deeply we cared about our values and how they are applied to our local communities’.

Westminster and City Lib Dems are living proof that this party is changing. We are no longer a party of idealists but a party of ideals who want ACTION.

I have said it before and I will say it again I’m sure: this party, quite literally, growing up. And, despite or perhaps because of the pruning after election, hopefully growing stronger with it.

It was my distinct privilege to go on a walkabout with our Mayoral Candidate Brian Paddick this evening. This was organised by Fulham Lib Dems and was a chance to show Brian some of the issues facing the residents of this area.
First stop was a tour of the West Kensington and Gibbs estate where we got to meet some of the residents fighting the redevelopment at Earl’s Court. I must say, some days you are reminded why you do this and meeting these inspirational people made this one of those days. Their argument is that the council are essentially engaging in a social engineering project, promising more housing and jobs for the community when in fact what they want is to precipitate gentrification and make money from developers. The residents association spoke of their passion to keep the community together and argued that the Tories simply label everyone who lives on an estate as a sponger who does not engage with society. The fact is that could not be further from the truth in this community. Crime is no worse than anywhere else in the area, there isn’t a graffitied wall in sight and the sense of love and camaraderie among residents is palpable. The West Kensington and Gibbs estate are example of when estate work and should be treasured, not torn down.
We then went to the Irish and Polish Centres in Hammersmith. The Irish Centre again is an example of where the council has got it wrong as the council refuse to renew the lease and the centre has been offered a chance to buy the building, but have to raise 1.5m pounds to do it. What a shame to lose such a cultural gem and I believe the council is making a bad mistake by not ensuring its future. We entered to the sound of Irish dancing and met by a lively young deputy-manageress who gave us a tour of the facility. Steve Bradley, Irishman and Lib Dem Councillor in Lambeth joined us at this point and spoke about how he and some others are setting up a Lib Dem Irish society and that we will be forging closer links with the community. A message echoed at the Polish Centre where Brian reaffirmed his support for the Polish community and their long tradition of Liberal politics.