 |
The right-wing British National Party has suffered
a massive by-election defeat in Tower Hamlets, where it won a council
seat nine years ago. BNP candidate Gordon Callow, who has stood
in a number of previous elections, polled just 87 votes in the Blackwall
and Cubbitt Town ward in the borough. Labour candidate Brian Son
won 686 votes, beating Conservative rival Timothy Archy by just
10 votes.
The BNP's poor showing in the poll comes after the
party won three seats in May's English local council elections in
the wake of other far-right success elsewhere in Europe. Those wins
in Burnley were the BNP's first since Derek Beackon became a Tower
Hamlets councillor in 1993 in the old Millwall ward, half of which
is covered by the present Blackwall ward. Victorious Mr Son said:
"The electorate has dealt a massive blow to the BNP with their derisory
votes. "I hope that this ward and Tower Hamlets has seen the back
of the BNP and their vile racist policies." The by-election was
called because of the resignation of Labour councillor Lutfur Rahman
Ali after the May polls after it was found his job prevented him
from acting as a councillor. Turnout was 24%, but the close call
between the top two candidates forced a recount.
|
 |
Tower Hamlets is hosting a spectacular event that
celebrates Somali skills, culture and achievements, at York Hall,
Old Ford Road, E2, on Saturday 29th June. "Unbreakable" features
some of the best Somali performers. The event is led by Fadumo Qasim,
from Mogadishu Theatre Artists Group and also includes: guest speaker
and performer, Keinaan from Canada; a special appearance by Mohamed
Ismail Hudaydi, known as the father of the lute, performing with
the GUUl Band, who are launching their new album, Diidan.
Also appearing will the winner of the young people's
song contest, held on the 18th June (see below). The performances
will form part of a youth led conference organised in conjunction
with MELLOW, which gives participants a chance to hear young people's
views on issues such as health and well-being and to celebrate Somali
culture. The event runs from 2.00pm - 10.00 pm on 29th June. Everyone
is welcome. Admission £7 (£3 concessions) For more information,
contact Kinsi Abdulleh or Abdi Yassin on 020 7364 7908. Unbreakable
is the culmination of a number of public events organised by various
voluntary groups in Tower Hamlets throughout the borough over the
preceding week.
These are: Tuesday, 18 June
Young People's Song Contest Ten contestants aged 17-25, each performing
two classic Somali popular songs. Organised by SCRETA. 6.00 - 8.00
pm at the Brady Centre, 192-196 Hanbury Street, E1. Admission £3.
Contact 020 7364 7908 for info.
Wednesday 26th June - 23 July
Somali Festival Exhibition, featuring work by Abas Mohamed 9.00am
- 7.00pm Mon-Fri; 10.00am - 1.00pm Sat & Sun Oxford House, Derbyshire
St, E2 Contact: Adani Obisye 020 7739 9001.
Thursday, 27th June
A Somali Cultural Event Live music including Sahra Ahmed and Zaynab
Egeh, traditional Somali arts and stalls. Organised by Tawakal Lifeline
and Guildhall University. 3.00 - 9 pm, Guildhall University, 41-71
Commercial Road, E1. Contact for details: 020 7790 2700. Free admission.
|
