Every day I reflect on the privilege it is to represent our community in Parliament.
Like you, it’s my home. Any local issue that affects you, affects me.
It’s one of the reasons why I spend my weekends knocking on doors, rain or shine, to hear directly from the doorstep what is impacting you and your family.
This month has also reminded us of the importance of community, of solidarity, and of taking action.
The horrific antisemitic attack in Golders Green has shaken London’s Jewish community to it’s core, and we won’t just stand by our Jewish friends and neighbours, we’ll act.
As an MP, I’m here to work for all communities and I’m proud to work with people of all faiths and none.
In just the past few weeks, it was a real joy to attend the New Year Festival organised by the Buddhist Cultural Centre, bringing together both the Sinhalese and Tamil Sri Lankan communities in Redbridge.
I had the honour of joining Vaisakhi celebrations at the Punjabi Centre in Ley Street. I helped kickstart the countdown to The Drive Methodist Church’s centenary year – and met with Christian faith leaders from across the Borough to talk about our shared concerns about poverty, inequality, housing, racism, and youth opportunities.
In March, I was honoured to represent Ilford North at the Big Iftar in Parliament. And earlier this year I had the distinct honour of meeting Mala Tribich MBE, one of the last remaining Holocaust survivors both at a cabinet meeting and then later that week at King Solomon High School.
All of this says its own story about our borough. How fortunate we are in Redbridge to have people from different backgrounds, religions, cultures, all living alongside each other.
Last month I visited Newbury Park Primary to meet with a brilliant group of sixth form students, who are our Redbridge ambassadors of Faith and Belief.
The group are all of different faiths, sharing their faith experiences with children in local primary schools to support religious education and promote social cohesion.
That sense of community is one of the things that makes me proud to be the member of Parliament for Ilford North and makes me proud to represent this borough.
As ever, please do get in touch with me and my team at any time by emailing: wes@redbridgelabour.org.uk or calling 020 3475 7901.
- Wes Streeting is Labour MP for Ilford North.
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