WEMBLEY MATTERS News and views on local politics, the environment, climate change, culture and local history
There have been numerous calls for Barry Gardiner, Brent West MP to take up the case of constituents who are on hunger strike in the Palestine Action case.
Today on Twitter he vented his frustration and and said, ' My constituents are on hunger strike, yet ministers are failing to answer reasonable questions about their imprisonment and medical care or to meet their lawyers.'
This is the letter he appended:
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“We want to represent a party that believes in a radical overhaul of our systems to tackle the cost of living crisis and rising inequality.” Our five new councillors on why they left Labour to join the Green Party! 💚
— The Green Party of England & Wales (@greenparty.org.uk) 16 December 2025 at 19:02
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Morale and solidarity is high
The strike has been supported by a number of organisations including Brent Trades Council and Brent Your Party. Today Brent Green Party attended with Iman one of the councillors who has transferred to the Greens.
Today was the seventh day that NEU members at Woodfield Special School with more strikes tomorrow and Thursday until the Academy Trust management make a move. In the video below one of the affected workers explains their cause:
If the Academy Trust and the NEU do not reach agreement another three strike days are allocated for January 2026
From Brent Green Party
Following a surge in the polls and with membership growing to over 180,000 in just a few months, the Green Party is today announcing the biggest block defection yet to the Greens, with 5 Labour councillors coming over to the Green Party,
The 5 Brent Councillors are:
Cllr Harbi Farah (Former Labour Cabinet Member, Welsh Harp)
Cllr Iman (Former Labour Party Whip, Wembley Park)
Cllr Mary Mitchell (Welsh Harp)
Cllr Tony Ethapemi (Stonebridge)
Cllr Erica Gbajumo (Brondesbury Park)
These latest defections come on the back of seven previous defections in London alone since September, with two in Southwark in the last month.
Zack Polanski, Leader of The Green Party of England & Wales, said:
The Green surge has just widened in London. What we’re witnessing in Brent mirrors what we’re hearing across the country on doorsteps and in polls. Good Labour councillors can see Labour has abandoned any sense of progressive politics and is showing absolute cowardice in its doomed attempt to out Reform, Reform with the politics of division and scapegoating.
Increasingly, people are finding the alternative they need by joining the Green Party and working for a better world shaped by hope rather than fear.
In the elections in May, it is the Greens who will be taking the fight to Reform and we show our intent today in Brent. This is just the start.”
Brent Green Party said:
Brent is the most diverse borough in London, rich in history and culture, yet years of Labour and Tory austerity have taken a heavy toll. Services continue to shrink, in-work poverty is rising, families are under pressure, and local businesses face growing uncertainty. In one of the world’s wealthiest cities, such inequality is indefensible.
By joining the Brent Green Party, Tony, Iman, Mary, Erica and Harbi are now able to speak out and push back. They are dedicated councillors who work hard for their communities, and Brent Greens stand ready to support them as they fight to put the needs of residents back at the heart of local government.
Statements from Councillors
Cllr Iman Ahmadi-Moghaddam (Former Labour Party Whip)
Ward: Wembley Park
I joined Labour to build a fairer society, but Starmer’s government has abandoned any ambition to change the system. This government has doubled down on austerity whilst the cost of living devastates families, sides with big developers instead of fixing Brent’s housing crisis, and scapegoats migrants to distract from its own failures. And whilst Israel commits genocide in Gaza, this government arms the perpetrators and criminalises peaceful protest.
Throughout my time as a Councillor, I stood up for and organised for Palestine, for renters’ rights, leaseholders’ rights, for human rights, for an end to austerity, and for a fairer Wembley Park and Brent.
I am joining the Green Party, which is now home to the values of compassion, social justice and community power. I will continue serving Brent with those values at my core.
Cllr Mary Mitchell
Ward: Welsh Harp
I’ve been a Labour party member for a decade, and a Labour councillor for four years. I have always believed that a Labour Party in power was worth fighting for.
Instead the Labour Party has left the values that I stand for, and what the Party historically has stood for and achieved.
In copying far-right policy and rhetoric on migration, scrapping jury trials and the draconian policing of protest, we have seen the Labour Party move to the right.
In downgrading investment in the energy transition and deepening fossil-fuel interests, the party has gone against manifesto promises on tackling climate change and nature depletion.
The appalling complicity in Israel’s genocidal actions in Gaza and suspension from the party of those who call this out is a stain on Labour’s historic record of free speech and human rights advocacy.
Where positive change has happened it has been tinkering around the edges. Yet the challenges that we face as a nation, and locally, are so significant that we require systematic change. I no longer believe that the Labour Party is capable of, or willing to fight for, the level of change it historically brought about.
In the Green Party, I find a party that recognises the interconnectedness of people and planet and the importance of radical systems change.
I know many residents I represent will welcome this news. It is a privilege to be part of a new era of Green Politics in Brent, and to give Brent residents a real choice at the ballot box for a greener, fairer future.
Cllr Harbi Farah (Former Cabinet Leader for Safer Communities)
Wards: Welsh Harp
For many years, the Labour Party was my political home. It was a place I deemed represented the ideals of social justice, equality, and collective well-being. I dedicated my public life and my hope to the vision of a fairer Britain, one where the most vulnerable were protected and the powerful were held accountable.
Over recent years, however, an overwhelming and accumulating sense of disappointment has taken hold. This decision to leave the Labour Party is not one made lightly, but out of necessity and a deep-seated conviction that theparty no longer serves the principles it once championed.
My primary disillusionment stems from what feels like a consistent pattern of broken manifesto promises. We were offered a transformative agenda, a genuine shift in power dynamics, but time and again, when faced with political headwinds or internal pressures, those commitments seemed to vanish such as welfare reform, scapegoating immigrant, race to the far right, scrapping jury trials and silencing internal debate dissent
The gap between rhetoric and reality widened into an unbridgeable chasm. It became increasingly difficult to reconcile my values with a party that appeared to compromise on core principles for the sake of perceived electability, often leaving the most radical and necessary changes behind.
I am leaving the Labour Party because my values have not changed; the party has. I still believe in a society structured around solidarity and genuine systemic change. I am a socialist, and I seek a political home that unambiguously champions these ideals.
It is with this renewed clarity that I have decided to join the Green Party.
In the Green Party, I have found a movement that not only understands the urgency of the climate crisis but also fundamentally embraces socialist principles. The Green Party’s commitment to public ownership, wealth redistribution, strengthening public services, and championing a universal basic income aligns precisely with the socialist vision of an equitable society.
My hope now rests with the Green Party. I look forward to working alongside others who share an unwavering commitment to a compassionate, sustainable, and truly socialist future for our country.
Cllr Tony Ethapemi
Ward: Stonebridge
I left the Labour Party because the party is no-longer the Party I joined over twenty-five years ago. Over time it has let me down in the values we shared - fairness, social justice, humanity and democracy. These principles guided my involvement and inspired my commitment, but I no longer feel they are upheld in the way I had hoped. The party I thought was broad and inclusive is no longer, it has lurched to the far right.
The Green Party now reflects my values of social justice, humanity and fairness. I have in recent times been inspired by the socialist values imbibed by the leader of the Green Party and desire to serve the community as a Green Party member.
Cllr Erica Gbajumo
Ward: Brondesbury Park
After nearly twenty years of membership, I have taken the difficult decision to resign from the Labour Party. Over time, I have felt that the party I joined has changed in both tone and direction, moving away from the values and principles that originally inspired my involvement.
I have also grown increasingly concerned about the internal culture of the party, which in my experience has become more centralised and restrictive, leaving less space for open debate and genuine representation.
My responsibility is to act with integrity and to put the residents I represent first. After careful reflection, I believe the Green Party offers a clearer and more consistent commitment to social justice, community wellbeing, and accountable politics. It is for these reasons that I will continue my work as a councillor under a new political home.
Left-Right: Tony, iman, Erica, Mary and Harbi
A statement from the newly formed Green Group of Councillors in Brent Council: Cllr Tony Ethapemi, Cllr Erica Gbajumo, Cllr Harbi Farah, Cllr Iman Ahmadi Moghaddam, Cllr Mary Mitchell. 15.12.25
Like thousands of others, we joined the Labour Party because we believed in building a fairer society. As councillors, we took that mission into Brent, determined to stand up for the people who placed their trust in us.
Between us we have over 80 years membership of the Labour Party and over 30 years experience as local councillors representing our communities and advocating for residents. We have now come to the realisation that we can no longer play that role effectively while remaining within the Labour Party.
We always knew being a party of government would put the principles and values of the party to the test, but we have watched as on every issue this government goes further away from the founding Labour Party principles of democracy, social justice and equality.
We have a huge amount of respect for many of our hard working Labour colleagues and party members in Brent, but we don’t feel that the party represents the values we hold any longer.
We want to represent a party that believes in radical overhaul of our systems to tackle the cost of living crisis and rising inequality, including wholesale reform of our tax system to ensure that the richest pay their way, rather than tinkering around the edges.
We want to represent a party that recognises that there is a not just a conflict, or even a humanitarian emergency, but a genocide taking place in Gaza, one with British roots and one that we are supporting through arms sales and criminalising peaceful protest.
We want to represent a party that recognises that people and planet are inextricably linked and that we need to do much more to tackle the biodiversity and climate crises. That this is not something that will only affect our children, but is a case of national security here and now.
We want to be members of a party that has a real and open conversation about national identity & community cohesion and that doesn’t scapegoat immigrants, a party that maintains its international obligations to asylum seekers and stands firm against racism.
We want to be members of a party nationally and locally that values diversity of opinion rather than a top-down structure with no space for difference, that silences and expels members who speak out against the party line. We want to shape politics differently in Brent.
We did not enter public life to serve a party machine - we entered it to serve our residents and we will not abandon that duty. That is why we are today resigning our membership of the Labour Party, and joining the Green Party, becoming the first Green Group of Councillors in Brent.
We are proud to be part of the Green Party’s vision of hope and to be providing Brent residents with a real alternative to the status quo. Because there is an alternative. An alternative to austerity. An alternative to a politics that tells you “there’s not enough money” whilst billions keep flowing into the pockets of the wealthy and we continue to chase economic growth at all costs.
Today marks a new chapter in local politics in Brent, rooted in accountability and a commitment to environmental and social justice.
We invite all who share this vision to work with us in offering Brent a real alternative. Together, we can build a Brent that puts people before profit, public good before private greed and hope before fear.
Noreen and Alan Scott are Brent residents very concerned about the condition of the Palestine Action hunger strikers. They have written to their MP, Barry Gardiner to ask him to urge Justice Minister, David Lammy, to act to prevent loss of life.
They invite residents to sign the letter by emailing noreenscott@hotmail.co.uk or copying her into their email to Barry Gardiner. Add comments and requests in comments section below this article. Barry Gardiner's email address: barry.gardiner.mp@parliament.uk
Remember to put your address on your email so that Barry Gardiner knows you are a constituent.
Dear Barry,
We understand that one of your constituents, Heba Muraisi (one of the Filton 24) has been on hunger strike for since 3rd November, which is now 41 days and rising.
This is a very serious, life and death, situation and I/we are increasingly concerned that the government and its associated institutions are failing in their duty of care to this young woman, as well as seven others’ who are on hunger strike, protesting against their conditions in prison as well as the tainted political shenanigans associated with their incarceration, all of which appears to be a blatant disregard for their human and legal rights.
“After 41 days of a hunger strike, the body undergoes severe physical changes, including significant muscle loss, weakness, and a high risk of organ failure. Prolonged fasting can lead to serious health complications, including infections and neurological issues, and may ultimately result in death if not addressed.”
Heba is now reported to be in HMP New Hall in Wakefield, Yorks. From Brent this is a 3.5 hour journey by car and almost 9 hours by public transport.
Her family, friends and thousands within our community are deeply worried about her.
Concerns have also been raised regarding the government’s failure to respond to emails and requests for meetings.
Sadly it’s become evident that the government doesn’t care as it appears to be showing a contemptuous disregard for Heba’s human and legal rights - something that’s particularly worrying as her health, as well as the health of the seven others’ on hunger strike, is rapidly deteriorating.
In the circumstances, I/we implore you to visit Heba and do all you can to raise this serious matter with David Lammy, the Minister of Justice, and other associate government departments.
As we are rapidly approaching Christmas, the season of goodwill, please acknowledge the historic struggle and suffering of the Palestinians as well as the reason Heba took the action she did, along with other members of the Filton 24: an act in protest of the Israeli government’s indiscriminate bombing of Gaza and cruel treatment of the Palestinians, which has left over 70,000 dead, including women and children, with tens of thousands homeless and bereaved at Christmas. “A plausible genocide” according to the ICJ.
In relation to genocide ministers should also be reminded that: ‘Governments have a clear, binding legal duty to prevent genocide under international law, stemming from the 1948 Genocide Convention (Article I) and customary international law, obligating all states to act to stop it, even outside their borders if they have the capacity to influence events, with this duty reinforced by the UN's "Responsibility to Protect" (R2P) doctrine. This obligation requires states to take measures to prevent and punish genocide, not just react to it, with failure to do so potentially leading to state responsibility and even complicity.’
We should therefore remember, had the government honoured their responsibilities the Filton 24 would not have taken the action they did.
Enough is enough! It’s time to acknowledge what’s going on. We must honour our duty and responsibilities as a nation to speak out and end the unnecessary suffering and complicity.
Please call for the immediate bail of Heba and the other seven hunger strikers. Address all their concerns in compliance with the law and their human rights.Signed:
Noreen Scott
Alan Scott
Saba Qureshi
Martin FrancisFitzroy Lee
Carol Madeleine Foster
Sheila Novak
Soodi Balali
Nushzad Nazemi
Erika Shipley
Chris GriffenSohail Ahmed
Gaynor Lloyd
Keith Perrin
Add your name by emailing Noreen Scott: noreenscott@hotmail.co.uk include your address.
There is green space planned between the blocks but it will be very much shaded by the height of the development.
Only 105 of the homes out of 1,151 are social rent (9.1%):
A film made by local volunteers CURB (Clean up River Brent) has been entered for the Smiley Charity Film Awards (The Smileys). The awards support over 5,000 charities and engage over 1 million individuals through voting. The films spread the message, gets more volunteers involved and help to fund raise.
The playful factual film highlights pollution on the River Brent is set to Schubert's "Trout Quintet". A homegrown project assembled from footage taken by volunteers on the Brent.
Ben Morris, Director of CURB, said:
Follow this link to vote for 'The River Remembers (What We Forget)' LINKI was out with my dog in the Pitshanger Park in October 2021 when I noticed the Brent had turned a foul-smelling grey. A blocked sewer had overflowed filling the river with human waste and detergent. I was inspired to found Clean up the River Brent (CURB) and with many volunteers we have since removed over 100 tonnes of rubbish, planted 1000s of plants, and campaigned to prevent further pollution of the river.
When (producer) Jon Rowe came to me asking if I had any film concepts to highlight the abuse of the river and create a clarion call for change, I knew I had the bones of an idea for a queasy yet playful short film to be made out of the thousands of photos and videos we had taken of the Brent over the years, showing both its beauty and its horror. So with the help of the very talented (director) Lisa Robson we put together what we hope can be both a warning shot about the state of our rivers and a call to arms to demand and embody change in our communities.
Anyone can become a River Guardian.
Introductory Guest Post by local historian Philip Grant
Like most seasonal traditions, when this time of year comes round I feel that there has to be a Wembley History Society Christmas Picture Quiz. [Well, there has been one each year since the Covid-19 lockdown in 2020, so it has become a bit of a tradition!] As in previous years, Martin has kindly agreed to share the quiz with “Wembley Matters” readers. The question paper is attached below, so please feel free to “have a go!”
There are ten pictures again this year, each with two questions. This time, the quiz is about sports and entertainment stars who’ve appeared at Wembley over the years. I drew up a list of “possibles”, but decided not to include this 1930s speedway rider, as only a few people would probably know who he was. However, if you want to see if you can find the answers, here is an extra star for you:
a) Who was he?
b) Where in Wembley did he run a sports shop for many years?
How many questions can you answer? The quiz is just for fun (no prizes!), and you’ll get the answers on this blog site next week. Don’t worry if there are some you don’t know, because the more questions you can’t answer, the more details you’ll discover in a week’s time.
You are welcome to share the quiz (and later the answers!) with friends and family, or former Wembley residents, if you think they will enjoy it too. Good luck!
Philip Grant
Cllr Kathleen Fraser (Independent, Chalkhill ward) speaks to the Planning Committee
There were some carefully considered contributions to Brent Planning Committee last night when a Metropolitan Housing Trust application for 61 new homes on the Chalkhill Estate was discussed. New blocks of up to 5 storeys will replace garages and car parking space on the 'Science Blocks' area.
Contributors recognised the need for more social housing and were pleased that ALL the new homes will be at social rent. A rare occurence in Brent!
However, there were some downsides. Mariana, from the most affected block, Einstein House, made a detailed case that a three storey block, replacing one storey garages, would impact on the amount of daylight residents received and were too close, well causing Einstein flats to be overlooked from the balconies of the new block. Various mitigation measures were discussd, including screening of windows, tree planting etc. None of the proposals seemed to fully answer the problem.
Cllr Kathleen Fraser, (Independent Chalkhill ward) whilst advocating the case for more social housing, recognised the disruption that would occur to residents and listed their concerns in full. She wanted assurances that existing residents would be fully involved and consulted as the demolition and new build took place.
There was concern that a CPZ would land hard-pressed low income residents with further charges.
An issue that emerged during the discussion was a lack of confidence in Metropolitan Thames Valley's management of the estate including management, maintenance, waste, safety, anti-social behaviour and issues such as abandoned cars dumped in estate car parks. Metropolitan Housing Trust is separate from the daily managment and were not ble to answer fully. Brent Council will need to be in close touch with residents, councillors and Metropolitan when the work gets underway.
The Planning Committee unanimously approved the application.
