Politics
LGBTQ+ Commonwealth protest held in Birmingham during Queen’s Baton Relay
Protests were held today as the Queen’s Baton arrived at Aston Hall in Birmingham on its final stop before entering Alexander Stadium for the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony this evening. Around 50 activists from the LGBTQ+ community lined the route in Aston, calling out “state-sanctioned homophobia” in the 35 Commonwealth member states that criminalise homosexuality.
IN PICTURES: Birmingham City Council leader Ian Ward’s new council cabinet
The Leader of Birmingham City Council announced his new cabinet this spring, with women in the majority of seats for the first time, and now new images have been released of the new dream team. Cllr Ian Ward initially revealed the nine members who would be joining him in making the big decisions for Birmingham in May…
First Black mayor elected to Wolverhampton city council in its 200-year history
History was made in Wolverhampton today after a former NHS nurse was elected to become the first black Mayor of the city. Councillor Sandra Samuels (Lab, Ettingshall) said she was deeply humbled by the historic appointment and hailed it as “my life’s greatest honour” after spending 23-years in local politics.
Birmingham City Council leader Ian Ward survives leadership challenge from Cllr Waseem Zaffar
Birmingham City Council leader Ian Ward has narrowly survived a tough leadership challenge from his cabinet colleague Cllr Waseem Zaffar today. Results of a closed vote which took place today (Saturday 14 May) revealed that Cllr Ward has beaten off a dramatic challenge to his leadership and will remain in control of Birmingham City Council…
David Cameron lambasted by Muslim groups for claiming critics of Prevent programme ‘enable terrorism’
A Birmingham community cohesion advocate has denounced suggestions by former Prime Minister David Cameron that opposing the government’s Prevent programme “enables terrorism”. In a new report published this week, former PM David Cameron has claimed people who oppose controversial de-radicalisation strategy Prevent are fuelling terrorism, but Mashkura Begum – who is openly critical of Prevent – feels…
Council leaders’ hustings to be held in Birmingham ahead of local elections in May
Aston Students’ Union is set to host a Birmingham City Council leaders’ hustings ahead of the local elections on 5 May. Local leaders from the Labour, Conservative, Lib Dem and Green parties will take part in the event that will be held in the Students’ Union in front of a live audience on 29 April.
Channel 4 Dispatches reveals the shocking failure of Prevent to tackle far right and religious terror
Monday’s edition of Dispatches on Channel 4 exposed shocking revelations about the failure of the government’s controversial de-radicalisation Prevent programme which is allowing some perpetrators, including far right terrorists who want to ignite a “holy race war”, to evade justice. Dispatches: Are We Losing the War on Terror? (18 April) revealed the disturbing truth about the Government’s…
‘Prevent has been a total failure and should be scrapped,’ Muslim leader calls out counter terrorism strategy
A Muslim community leader from Birmingham has slammed the government’s anti-terror Prevent programme for failing to stop radicalisation, accusing it of “sowing the seeds of suspicion and hate towards ordinary Muslims”. Mashkura Begum, chair of community empowerment organisation Saathi House, features in a special Dispatches programme to be aired on Channel 4 tonight which explores failures…
Thousands expected to join mass rally in London marking global UN anti-racism day
Hundreds of Birmingham residents are today joining thousands of people in London for a rally to mark international UN Anti Racism Day. As protests take place in cities around the world under the slogan ‘World Against Racism & Fascism’, the annual awareness day is being observed with a mass march through central London this afternoon.
West Midlands mayor unveils £15bn of investment opportunities for region
The Mayor of the West Midlands, Andy Street, has launched £15bn worth of housing, regeneration, commercial and infrastructure development opportunities to international investors at the MIPIM property conference in Cannes, South of France. MIPIM is the world’s leading real estate event, bringing together over 20,000 property professionals from around the world, including over 4,000 investors,…