Looking for signs of hope amidst all the chaos and reasons for despair. Opinion piece Newham Recorder 26.10.22 (written while awaiting the coronation of Sunak, the third prime minister in 3 months)
A critical look at the long way still to travel to achieve equal opportunity and treatment irrespective of gender or ethnicity. (Barking and Dagenham Post opinion piece 10.8.22)
The Goverment’s take on freedom of belief is examined by East London Humanists [Opinion piece Ilford Recorder (9.6.22); Barking & Dagenham Post (8.6.22.)]
The vicious sentence on Humanist Mubarak Bala should remind all ‘culture war’ warriors that the hidebound religious have always presented one of the biggest threats to free speech. Barking and Dagenham Post Opinion Piece. 4 May 2022.
Mubarak Bala, President of the Nigerian Humanist Association, was jailed for 24 years on 5 April simply for expressing non-religious views on Facebook. Our group is supporting a protest organised by Humanists UK at the Nigerian High Commission, near to Trafalgar Square. Join us to urge the Nigerian Government to overturn this vicious sentence and repeal all blasphemy laws. For further details see:
The pre-council election hustings on 11 April at Wanstead Library succeeded in achieving a generally good-natured and constructive debate. It was co-organised and co-chaired by East London Humanists and local conservation group, The Wanstead Society.
The panel, comprising one candidate from each of the four main parties, were quizzed on a wide range of subjects. They included traffic pollution, making cycling easier and safer, addressing home insulation and emissions, and preserving local conservation areas. While there were of course disagreements, the overwhelming consensus was in favour of green policies across the board. All recognised the importance of acting locally to tackle the various threats to our environment.
The final question perhaps summed up the mood of the meeting. When asked to give a simple yes or no answer to disinvestment from fossil fuels, the response was unanimous. This included the Conservative representative, who happens to be a member of the London Borough of Redbridge Pensions Fund Committee.
A large, generous and attentive audience donated £150. Approximately half will go to cover the cost of room hire with the balance being donated to the Disasters Emergency Committee Ukraine Appeal.
Local council elections are due to take place in England and Wales on Thursday 5 May.
Wanstead Environmental Election Hustings at Wanstead Library 11.4.22. On the stage, from left to right: Ashley Gunstock (Green), Cllr Paul Canal (Conservative), Paul Kaufman (Chair East London Humanists), Eileen Flinter (Chair The Wanstead Society), Cllr Jo Blackman (Labour – current Cabinet Member for Environment and Civic Pride), Scott Wilding (Liberal Democrat).
The appointment of Adam Rutherford as Humanist UK’s next president is cheered as an important antidote to the ugly spectre of racism. East London Humanist opinion piece published Barking and Dagenham Post 30.3.22, Newham Recorder 13.4.22.
A mini environmental festival was held in Valentines Park, Ilford, East London on 24 February. Deferred from Valentines day due to the high wind, the gathering was held in a corner of the park being re-wilded by the local community.
