At a time when far-right activists are trying to stir division and exploit people’s fears, it has never been more important to stand up to hate in all its forms. As someone who represents the people of Brent and Harrow, and who has lived here my whole life, I know what truly makes this city special. It is our diversity, our resilience and the shared values that hold us together.
I saw that spirit growing up in Brent, where people from every corner of the world live and work side by side. The British Asian community has been central to that story, helping shape the London we know and love. Our community understands the importance of hard work, compassion and standing together.
Recently, we saw a troubling demonstration organised by far-right groups on our streets. I understand that some who attended may have felt frustrated about different issues, but the organisers were not seeking solutions. Their goal was to divide us and spread fear. Their words and actions do not represent who we are as a city, and we cannot let that go unchallenged.
London’s strength has always come from its unity. Our City shows that people from all backgrounds can thrive together. That unity cannot be taken from us, and it must not be twisted by those who want to use our symbols and our identity as tools of hate.
I am a proud Londoner and proud to be English. Growing up in Neasden, I could hear the roar of the crowd from the old twin towers at Wembley Stadium. Every time England played, the whole country came alive with pride. I still remember the summer of Euro 96, when Terry Venables managed a team that brought people together. The streets were filled with St George’s flags, and it did not matter where you came from or what your background was. We were all united. That flag belonged to everyone, including families like mine who had made Britain their home.
We cannot allow that symbol to be taken by those who wish to divide us. The flag of St George represents a country that is diverse, tolerant and fair. It is a symbol of unity, not exclusion. It belongs to all of us.
The British Asian community has always played its part in building this country, from serving in the armed forces to running businesses and working as public servants. We have always believed in Britain’s promise of fairness and opportunity, and we will not let anyone tell us we do not belong.
That is why it is so important to speak out when people try to twist our national symbols or define Britishness in narrow terms. Our strength as a nation comes from our diversity and shared values. That is something to celebrate.
