My name is Tahir Mirza, and I have been an active member of the East Ham community for over 24 years. During this time, I've served in various capacities, including as a school governor at Little Ilford Secondary School for five years, as the Ex-Chair of the East Ham CLP, and as an Independent Custody Visitor.
I'm taking a stand against the Labour Party led by Starmer in the upcoming General Election and am running as your MP for East Ham. If elected, I will always prioritise your needs.
The Labour Party has taken East Ham for granted, failing us locally, nationally, and internationally.
Locally, crime and anti-social behaviour have surged, particularly in East Ham High Street. Our streets are marred by filth and fly-tipping is rampant. The Newham Labour Council has waged war on motorists, introducing the first car parking permits (double emission charges as our cars are ULEZ compliant), issuance of penalty charge notices with cars lifted within minutes by Newham Labour council, and unwanted Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs). Essential local services face cuts while council tax continues to rise, with minimal consultation with residents. Youth centres have have been closed down, housing crisis with over 30,000 people languishing on the housing register. Our roads are riddled with potholes. In sum, Labour has failed us.
Nationally, there's been a dearth of effective opposition to the Conservative government. Our NHS is in dire straits due to chronic underfunding and understaffing, with face-to-face GP appointments becoming increasingly scarce. Labour, under Starmer's leadership, fails to challenge the government and is acting as a Red Tory. Soaring rents, mortgages, and energy bills push families into poverty, forcing them to work longer hours just to make ends meet.
Internationally, Starmer's directive for Labour MPs not to vote for a Gaza ceasefire has resulted in more innocent civilian killed at the hands of the IDF. The toll in Gaza continues to mount, with 28,000 reported killed and many more trapped under rubble. How many more Palestinians must be killed before a permanent ceasefire is declared? We must hold Labour to account. We must NOT vote Labour.
As the former Chair of East Ham CLP, I experienced Islamophobia within Starmer's Labour Party, leading to my resignation in 2022. Labour's suspension of the East Ham branch in February 2021 was unjustified, depriving us of our democratic rights. I was featured in Al Jazeera TV's Labour Files, where I voiced my discontent with Starmer's treatment of ethnic minority members in East Ham.
It's time to unite against a Labour Party that, in some aspects, has become indistinguishable from the Tories.
My track record is clear: I've dedicated my life to advocating for human rights, from Palestine to Kashmir to the Rohingya crisis. I've staged three 24-hour hunger strikes outside the House of Parliament, drawing attention to homelessness, UniversalCredit and charity for GAZAstruggles. As a foster parent for a decade, I've nurtured numerous children who now contribute positively to our communities.
My five demands are:
1. Real wage payrises for all.
2. A Green New Deal.
3. Housing for the many.
4. Tax the rich to save the NHS.
5. Welcome the refugees and a world free from war.
6. I will declare Palestine as a independent and Sovereign State in the Parliament
Together, let's demonstrate to Westminster that our diverse collective conscience holds a human core. I will put your welfare top priority not warfare.
It's time to reject career politicians who've served as MPs for over forty years without significantly improving people's lives. I commit to donate 10%of my salary to local charities in East Ham.
Elect me as your MP, and I'll stand up for you and against injustice. Now is the time to speak up, to be honest, to be committed, and to speak your mind.
Yours sincerely
Tahir Mirza for East Ham
#WelfareNotWarfare