Tower Hamlets

Muslims once more at the sharp end

20th May 2014 Socialist Action 0

By Andrew Williams

Islamophobia is back on the rise in Britain. Just in the last few weeks the tabloid media has been raving about halal food. The only Muslim directly-elected Mayor – Lutfur Rahman in Tower Hamlets – has been subject to a witch-hunting Panorama programme and trumped up allegations of misallocation of funds. Muslim school governors in Birmingham have been accused of plotting an Islamist takeover. Plus the government is considering repressing Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood.

Lutfur Rahman – standing up for Tower Hamlets

12th May 2014 Socialist Action 0

By Andrew Williams

The Mayoral election in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets on 22 May is of national significance because of the concerted campaign to unseat Britain’s first and only Muslim directly elected Mayor. Lutfur Rahman is also the first and only Black directly elected Mayor. In the context of the current intensive media and political campaigns against Muslims and migrants, this is the most high profile fight defending diversity in British politics.