There are now just over 1,000,000 Muslims living in London according to the lastest results from the Census in 2011 

The total number of London residents who reported their religion was Muslim increased by 67 per cent between censuses from 607,100 in 2001 to 1,012,800 in 2011.  This was actually less sharp than the increase for England and Wales as a whole which increased by 75 per cent. Muslims made up 1 in 12 of London’s residents in 2001 and 1 in 8 in 2011, but the proportion of England and Wales’ Muslims who lived in London fell from 39 per cent in 2001 to 37 per cent in 2011.

Tower Hamlets had the highest number of Muslims in 2001: 71,400 (36.4 per cent of residents in the borough) followed by Newham 59,300 (24.3 per cent). In 2011 Newham had the most 98,500 (32.0 per cent of residents in the borough) while Tower Hamlets had 87,700 (34.5 per cent). Tower Hamlets was the only London Borough where Muslims made up a smaller proportion of total population in 2011 than in 2001. 

 In six boroughs the number of Muslims increased by over 20,000 over the ten years: Newham (up 39,200), Redbridge (36,500), Enfield (25,800), Brent (25,700), Waltham Forest (23,600) and Ealing (22,200). The biggest increases in Muslim percentage share of population were in Redbridge, up 11.4 percentage points from 11.9 to 23.3 per cent; Barking and Dagenham (up 9.4 points from 4.4 to 13.7 per cent); Newham  (up 7.7 points from 24.3 to 32.0 per cent) and Enfield (up 7.1 points from 9.6 to 16.7 per cent).  

We now have Census a breakdown of religion by age. Muslims are on average younger than other groups. Thirty per cent of Muslims resident in London in 2011 were aged 14 or younger compared to 19 per cent for all groups. Conversely only 4.5 per cent of Muslims were aged 65 and over compared to 11.1 per cent for all groups. These proportions were broadly similar to 2001.

All this, while we are unfortunately seeing some signs of sectarian trouble between Sunni and Shias in London. Surprise surprise, who do you think is in the thick of it? I have been told it’s none other than Anjum Choudhury and his mob with two recent incidents along the Edgware Rd. I really do hope this is not a reflection of some of the sectarian wars  now unleased in the Middle East in countries like Syria.  

I have always said we have not one Muslim community but many Muslim communities in London and we should celebrate the diversity within Islam. You will not find this anywhere else in the world and it is illustrated well with the Edgware Rd where we have Sunni Arabs at the Marble Arch end and by the time you get to Kilburn you have Shia Iranians. With other groupings like the Ahmadi’s, Ismails etc with bases here in London as well.  

Let’s be grateful you’re not asked whether you are Sunni or Shia under Muslim in the Census forms! So let’s say no too sectarian violence, as we are all Londoners!

Last week we celebrated the 65th birthday of the NHS yet new research  also revealed that 149,822 Londoners waited more than four hours at the 21 Major A&E departments between September 2012 and June 2013 – on average this is 3,800 people each week.  The new analysis over a seven month period of ‘Type One’ Major A&E departments shows that four hour targets were missed half the time by over half of these NHS Trusts in London.  

For example  the four-hour target for West Middlesex University Accident and Emergency Department has not been met for 17 weeks in the past seven months. The figures show that 2461 patients waited more than four hours at West Middlesex University A&E department.  

Last week, the Mayor of London Boris Johnson claimed: “The latest figures do show there has been an improvement and London A&E services have been exceeding the target, with 97 per cent of Londoners waiting less than four hours”. 

Ealing & Central Middlesex A&E departments are due to close and that will undoubtedly impact on waiting times of remaining adjoining A&E hospitals like West Middlesex as l had suggested already last December.

This new analysis is a shocking indictment of this government’s record. In one week alone last month, almost half of A&Es in London did not meet the four hour waiting time target. Bad weather affects the health of Londoners, with people generally being in better health during the summertime and therefore it’s easier for NHS Trusts to meet their targets. In December last year six hospital trusts failed to meet the target at any point, and only three met their targets every week that month. The tremendous winter pressures the NHS faces are now running into the summer.

I’ve written to the Secretary of State for Health to ask him to personally review the medical evidence behind each of the proposed A&E department closures or downgrades across London. There is growing pressure on A&E departments in London at the same time as severe cuts in social care, the closures of or reduction in hours of walk-in centres and the rise in population. Closing more A&Es will only make the situation worse.

New research released today shows the four-hour target for West Middlesex University Accident and Emergency Department has not been met for 17 weeks in the past seven months. The figures show that 2461 patients waited more than four hours at West Middlesex University A&E department. 

The analysis also revealed that 149,822 Londoners waited more than four hours at the 21 Major A&E departments between September 2012 and June 2013 – on average this is 3,800 people each week. 

Last week, the Mayor of London Boris Johnson claimed: “The latest figures do show there has been an improvement and London A&E services have been exceeding the target, with 97 per cent of Londoners waiting less than four hours”. 

However, new analysis over a seven month period of ‘Type One’ Major A&E departments shows that four hour targets were missed half the time by over half of these NHS Trusts in London. 

Labour London wide Assembly Member Murad Qureshi AM said: 

“Ealing & Central Middlesex A&E departments are due to close and that will undoubtedly impact on waiting times. 

“This new analysis is a shocking indictment of this government’s record. In one week alone last month, almost half of A&Es in London did not meet the four hour waiting time target. Bad weather affects the health of Londoners, with people generally being in better health during the summertime and therefore it’s easier for NHS Trusts to meet their targets. In December last year six hospital trusts failed to meet the target at any point, and only three met their targets every week that month. The tremendous winter pressures the NHS faces are now running into the summer. 

“I have written to the Secretary of State for Health to ask him to personally review the medical evidence behind each of the proposed A&E department closures or downgrades across London. There is growing pressure on A&E departments in London at the same time as severe cuts in social care, the closures of or reduction in hours of walk-in centres and the rise in population. Closing more A&Es will only make the situation worse.” 

Ends

Notes

1. Murad Qureshi AM is a Labour London wide Assembly Member. 
2. The list of Type One Major A&E Departments in London with their target A&E waiting times is attached.

Boris Johnson has called for fracking in London, despite concerns about the environmental impact. London Assembly Labour Group Environment spokesperson Murad Qureshi said Boris should focus on reducing the demand for energy and promote “cleaner, greener sources of energy”.

In a letter to the Times newspaper, Boris Johnson wrote: “It is time for maximum boldness in energy supply. I fully support the Government’s drive for nuclear power, and if reserves of shale can be exploited in London we should leave no stone unturned, or unfracked, in the cause of keeping the lights on.” 

Northdown Energy Limited are currently the only company within the M25 to hold licenses to explore for conventional oil and gas around the Croydon area. Current regulations allow them to explore for shale gas as well. 

London Assembly Labour Group Environment spokesperson Murad Qureshi AM said:

“Boris is calling for fracking in London yet he has failed in reducing energy inefficiency through his RE:FIT and RE:NEW programmes. If these had been successful they would have been good for the environment and saved people money. He missed targets he set on domestic insulation, carbon emissions and electric cars.  

“Since Boris became mayor in 2008 the gap between London’s total carbon-reduction targets and actual reductions has widened significantly each year. Boris loves to jump on bandwagons and this is just his latest one – Londoners need a Mayor who considers their needs first ahead of commercial companies looking to make a quick profit at the potential, and as yet unknown, cost to the environment. 

“Fracking pads are large, lit at all times for safety reasons, noisy and dusty. If they were to go ahead in London, where does the mayor think a drilling rig can be accommodated? Boris should be promoting cleaner, greener sources of energy instead of ways to make Londoners lives harder.” 

Ends

 Notes

 Murad Qureshi is a city-wide member of the London Assembly.

Figures released today by Transport for London show the number of vulnerable road users seriously injured in London’s has risen for the second consecutive year. Londonwide Assembly Member Murad Qureshi calls on the Mayor of London Boris Johnson to focus on bringing down the number of serious incidents involving pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists. 

The figures releases today show serious incidents in Westminster involving vulnerable road users increased in 2012 since 2011:

Serious cyclist injuries rose by 19% per cent

Serious motorcyclist casualties rose by 13% per cent

 London wide Labour Assembly Member Murad Qureshi said:

“The Mayor must introduce targets to bring down the rise of serious casualties on London’s roads. In Westminster, there has been a 19% increase in serious incidents involving cyclists and this is not acceptable. 

“Boris has taken his eye off the ball and the result has been an increase in injuries to the most vulnerable road users. His policy of smoothing car traffic in London has been at the expense of pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists. If we are determined to encourage more people to cycle and walk then the Mayor must improve public safety on red routes which run through high streets and shopping areas such as the West End. 

“The Mayor’s priority needs to be making London’s roads as safe as possible, and he should be paying the most attention to TfL’s red routes which pose a greater threat to pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists.” 

Ends 

Notes

1. Murad Qureshi AM is a Labour London wide Assembly Member.
2. Transport for London’s Casualties in Greater London during 2012 can be found here: http://www.tfl.gov.uk/assets/downloads/corporate/casualties-in-greater-london-2012.pdf

Official emissions figures released today show the poorest parts of London suffer with the highest levels of pollution. London Assembly Labour Group Environment spokesperson Murad Qureshi has called on the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, to take urgent action to tackle poor air quality in London’s poorest areas. 

London has failed to meet the legal requirements for lowering emissions along with Manchester, Glasgow and Birmingham. The Supreme Court ruled last month that Britain was in breach of EU law on NO2 emissions from exhausts. London continues to have the highest levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) of any capital city in Europe and the government could be subject to fines if it does not act.

The worst roads for nitrogen dioxide (NO2) tonnes per kilometre in 2012 include:

• Oxford Street (7^th)
• Grosvenor Place (12^th)
• Knightsbridge, Piccadilly (13^th)
• Victoria Street (19^th)

The worst roads for dangerous airborne particles (PM2.5) tonnes per kilometre in 2012 include:

• Park Lane (5^th)
• Buckingham Palace Road (7^th)
• Bridge Street (11^th)

Labour Group Environment spokesperson Murad Qureshi said:

“When it comes to air pollution Boris has his head stuck firmly in the sand. 

Poor air quality is London’s silent killer, causing over 4,000 premature deaths each year, with as much as eight per cent of deaths in some London boroughs due to poor air quality. In the face of this crisis, the Mayor has consistently dithered and kicked action into the future for the next Mayor to deliver. 

“Earlier this year he announced a policy for introducing an Ultra Low Emissions Zone in central London in 2020. Not only would this be too little too late, in reality he has been unable to provide any details of this policy because he had not undertaken a feasibility study of his own announcement. This is grandiose – yet hollow – rhetoric. 

“The Mayor’s new buses will be on the capital’s roads soon, however there will only be 600 of these new buses out of a fleet of over 8,000 and they won’t actually be any cleaner than the current generation of hybrid buses. Boris needs to prioritise putting greener buses on the routes with the highest pollution levels and bring forward the Ultra Low Emission Zone.” 

Ends 

Notes

1. Murad Qureshi is a London Assembly Member and Labour Group spokesperson on the environment.
2. Top 20 worst roads for nitrogen dioxide (NO2) tonnes per kilometre in 2012 can be found here: http://cleanairinlondon.org/wp-content/uploads/CAL-242-Top-20-worst-NO2-tonnes-per-km-in-2012_Final-draft-230613.pdf
3. Top 20 worst roads for dangerous airborne particles (PM2.5) tonnes per kilometre in 2012 can be found here: http://cleanairinlondon.org/wp-content/uploads/CAL-242-Top-20-worst-PM2.5-tonnes-per-km-in-2012_Final-draft-230613.pdf

Campaigning with Maria Eagle MP & Manuel Cortes

The East Coast is yours – its owned by the Government on behalf of all tax payers. So that every pound that is made by East Coast is returned to us!

Thats is over £800 million will have been returned to the government by end of this financial year.

But the coalition government now plan to sell it off – putting money from your fares straight into the hands of shareholders. This is a dogmatic privatisation decision by the coalition government to poush ahead with something that is unnecessary and financial irresponsible.

Lets keep the East Coast in public hands ensuring that money from the fares continues to be reinvested to improve the service.

Last week’s Plenary was about The London Finance Commission recommendations and analysis; l took the opportunity to ask Prof Tony Travers why a Mansion Tax of sorts was not an idea propagated by the Commission, particularly in light of the example of New York which has such a scheme for properties over £2 million at half a per cent per annum? I suggested this could be an idea hypothecated for the building of much needed social housing in London, so essentially a force for good.

Such a scheme should be relatively simple to administer in London as most of the stock of properties worth in excess of £2 million are probably in the main, located in London boroughs like the City of Westminster & the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea.  These boroughs already hand over a precept of their council tax over to the Mayor to the tune of around £310 per household and therefore, it could simply operate as an extension of this process.

In my view, one of the strongest merits of a mansion tax is that it would go some way towards rebalancing the gross inequality of the council tax regime.  The broad banding of property valuations is the fundamental flaw with the council tax.  It means that a large family home in the centre of town occupied by a family over a long period of time, having benefited from property inflation, but where the children have flown the nest, find themselves paying the same amount of council tax as that of multi-billionaires like Lakshmi Niwas Mittal & Abramovich! This is unfair and a London Mansion Tax could be organised in such a way that only those at the top of the tree are asked to pay.

I think the London Finance Commission has missed an opportunity to give some beef to the idea of a Mansion Tax, if not at a national level, most certainly in a London context.

At last months MQT, l questioned the Mayor about the impact of his fire cuts for Central London.

At the outset l was challenged by the chair of London Fire Brigade James Cleverly AM questioned about how in every 2 minutes the intensity of a  fire can quadruple.  As he attempted to heckle me, I told him that l found it surprising that he didn’t know this as chair of the Fire Authority of London!

I strongly suggest he reads the attached article by a scientist at the Fire Research Station of the exponential curve fo fires in commerical premises of how a fires intensity can double in two minutes. Its a long standing principle that holds as well for domestic fires.

Eventually l informed the Mayor that both the City of Westminster & Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea uanismously agreed motions against the fire cuts in their boroughs. This involves losing both Westminster & Knightsbridge fire stations and an engine at Chelsea Fire Station. This was of course before the London Fire Brigade released details of increased response times for loca wards in London. The statistics reveal that 41 local wards in London will noe fall outside of target response times, due to the Mayor’s decision to cut 12 fire stations, 18 fire engines and 520 firefighters. The wards include Abbey Road, Churchill, Tachbrook, Vincent Square, Warwick and West End in the City of Westminster.

In Warwick the increase is from4.34 to 7.16 minutes; Vincent Square the increase will be 3.54 to 6.14 minutes and Tachbrook increase from 4.29 minutes to 6.33. These increases are all more then 2 minutes. These might not sound alot but a fire as stated already can quadruple in intensity every two minutes. These increases are truly scandalous and no wonder they didn’t release this information sooner.

The public consultations meetings for the respective two boroughs are both next week as outlined below;

 1. Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea public consultation of draft London Safety Plan 5, 10th of June commencing at  7.00pm at Kensington Small Hall, Hornton Street, W8 7NX

 2. City of Westminster, public consultation of draft London Safety Plan 5, 11th June commencing at 7.00pm at Parker Morris Hall, The Abbey Centre, 34 Great Smith Street, London SW1P 3BU

I strongly recommend residents of both the borough of Westminster and Kensington & Chelsea turn up and show their concerns that the Mayor could take such risks with their lives.

At a public meeting in Churchill Gardens Estate last week, we heard first hand how the Lupus Street Crown Post Office (PO) would effect the local community if closed.

The residents of Pimlico would face a 20 minutes’ walk to the nearest alternative post offices in Vauxhall Bridge Road and Ebury Street with no direct bus links. This when the queues at Vauxhall Bridge Road post office are already regularly stretched outside on the pavement. Furthermore the Post Office in Vauxhall Bridge Road does not have access for disabled customers with wheelchairs and the Post Office representatives could not say how much it would cost to do the works.

We also heard from local small businesses as Lupus Street traders use the Post Office banking facilities and if the post office were to close, local businesses would lose this important business facility, as well as having to carry cash some distance to banks elsewhere. Also experience elsewhere shows that when post offices close down surrounding local businesses suffer badly, leading to more empty shops.  It was also established that the use of Lupus Street post office for Council-related transactions is the highest in Westminster and if the post office is closed residents will have nowhere where they can pay their rent and rates or renew their parking permit now that the Council has closed all its One Stop shops.

We had some Post Office representatives as well at the meeting saying that Lupus Street Post Office loses £100,000 a year and  that for every £1 of income it costs the post office £1.84 (although statistics provided by the CWU suggest that the figure is £1.33). Illustrating well the folly in separating the Royal Mail from the Post Office counter service. Nowhere else in the world has this been done where its normal practise for the counters to be subsidied by the delivery operations.  

As my colleague Cllr Paul Dimoldenberg has said, they will be no “passport to Pimlico” for residents if Lupus Street Post office closes as the neighbourhood would lose one of the essential services from the PO counters, the check & send Identity & Passport Service! 

So watch this space, as local residents show us the “Passport to Pimlico” spirit as its acknowledged the PO is the hub of the community.