Lib Dems call on Brent Conservatives to withdraw their Full Council Motion in order to protect good community relations

 Brent Liberal Democrat leader, Paul Lorber, has written to Cllr Suresh Kansagra, Conservative Group leader, and his colleagues asking them to withdraw their motion tabled for debate at Full Council on Monday September 15th. The motion is titled 'Deterence, Integration and Accommodation Impacts of Illegal Immigration on Brent'. 

Lorber argues for withdrawal because of the motion’s potential to undermine good community relations. He told Wembley Matters, ' The last thing Brent needs is incitement to protest outside any of the local hotels used and make the poor people inside fear for their lives.'

The Conservative motion includes attempts to provide reassurance on ‘deserving genuine refugees’ but then focuses on ‘illegal immigration’, ‘deterrence’and local hotel accommodation for asylum seekers. Such hotels have of course come under right-wing attack in recent weeks.

 

Deterrence, Integration and Accommodation Impacts of Illegal Immigration on Brent

Background:

Brent has seen growing pressures on its housing stock, primary care and policing, in part due to hotels used for those arriving by irregular channel crossings by boats.

Hotels are used by the Home Office to place asylum seekers and those who arrive through illegal routes. This burdens the wider public purse and taxpayers and may create resentment towards those who follow these illegal routes.

There is currently no clear policy to integrate people arriving illegally, leading to cultural tensions, fears and safety concerns. Although not in Brent, the high-profile case of sexual assault by a recent arrival has amplified public anxiety.

This Council Notes:

·  Illegal immigrants increase the demand for emergency hotel accommodation, diverting resources from Brent residents in need.

·  Brent households face extended waits for temporary housing while hotels remain filled with asylum claimants which could include those arriving by small boats.

·  The answer is deterrence to stop the boats, faster decisions that ensure people are not waiting for clarity on their immigration status for long periods of time and firm humane returns for those with no right to remain.

·  Safe and legal routes should exist for the most vulnerable, with clear caps linked to local capacity.

·  Other European countries have adopted deterrent and processing measures without veering into extreme policy e.g.

Italy agreed with Albania to process arrivals in centres under Italian jurisdiction, moving decisions away from beach landings.

Denmark legislated for third country processing, explored partnership with Rwanda while seeking a path that fits with European rules.

The European Union has struck migration partnerships with Tunisia and Egypt to curb dangerous journeys upstream.

This Council Believes:

·  Genuine refugees fleeing persecution deserve protection and swift humane  processing.

·  The integrity of our asylum system must be upheld by deterring dangerous journeys and prevent abuse of legal channels.

·  Faster decision-making is required to process asylum claims and that people arriving illegally should be deported. Quick humane returns for those with no right to remain will restore public confidence.

·  Those in genuine danger should be protected and shown the integrity of the system.

·  That residents should not be made to subsidise national policy failures which result in inflated rental costs and overstretched public services.

·  The Government has removed the Rwanda option without putting a credible solution to remove illegal immigrants in its place. This does not serve the national interest.

·  If a workable model can cut the pull of illegal routes, a serious government should test it and be honest about results.

This Council therefore resolves:

(1) To publish data on the number of hotels used for asylum accommodation in Brent and, once they are granted leave to remain, the impact on the housing waiting list.

(2) To secure monthly data from the Home Office and an exit plan for hotel use in Brent with dates and milestones.

Councillor Suresh Kansagra Kenton Ward

 

The Liberal Democrats had composed their own motion for the Group Motions section of the Full Council Agenda before they had sight of the Conservative motion. Their motion takes a contrasting approach:

 

 Standing United Against Racism and Xenophobia in Brent

 

This Council notes:

 

In recent years, particularly after the Brexit referendum, there has been a disturbing rise in racist and xenophobic rhetoric in public discourse, much of it amplified by political parties and figures on the far right and reactionary elements who seek to divide our communities. These groups have used inflammatory language, scapegoating migrants and minority communities, in a calculated attempt to stoke fear and resentment for political gain.

 

Brent is one of the most diverse boroughs in the UK. Over many decades, people from across the globe – from South Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, Eastern Europe, the Middle East and beyond – have made their home here, contributing immensely to our local economy, public services, cultural life, and social fabric. Whether as NHS workers, teachers, carers, builders, artists, entrepreneurs, or community leaders, migrants have played a vital role in shaping modern Brent into the vibrant, resilient, and forward-looking borough it is today.

 

This Council believes:

 

·       Racism, xenophobia, and all forms of bigotry must be challenged wherever and whenever they arise, including when they come from mainstream or elected political figures.

·       The demonisation of immigrants and refugees not only undermines social cohesion but also endangers the safety and well-being of residents across Brent.

·       Brent’s diversity is not a challenge to be managed, but a strength to be celebrated.

 

This Council resolves to:

 

1.    Proudly reaffirm Brent's commitment to being an inclusive, anti-racist borough, where all residents – regardless of background, nationality, or immigration status – are welcomed, valued, and protected.

2.    Publicly condemn the racist and xenophobic rhetoric being spread by Reform UK and other groups on the far/right, and make clear that such divisive narratives have no place in our borough or our politics.

3.    Celebrate the contributions of immigrants to Brent, through public awareness campaigns, community events, and educational initiatives that promote understanding, solidarity, and historical awareness.

4.    Encourage all councillors and community leaders to speak out against hate speech and misinformation targeting migrants and to work proactively to build unity across all of Brent’s communities.

5.    Continue to support migrant and refugee communities through council services, advocacy, and partnerships with local organisations working on inclusion, integration, and support.

 

Brent has always been stronger because of its diversity – not in spite of it. At a time when fear and hatred are being weaponised in national discourse, we in Brent choose a different path: one of solidarity, mutual respect, and pride in who we are as a borough. We reject the politics of division and instead embrace the values of justice, dignity, and equality for all.

 

Cllr Paul Lorber - Leader of the Brent Liberal Democrats

 

 

 

 

 

The eight Brent councillors deselected by Labour bosses from outside Brent

 Cllr Rita Begum (Kilburn)

 

Cllr Jumbo Chan (Harlesden & Kensal Green)

 

Cllr Diana Collymore (Northwick Park)

 

Cllr Tony Ethapemi (Stonebridge)
 

 Cllr Harbi Farah (Welsh Harp) Lead member for Safer Communities, Jobs and Skills0

 

Cllr Erica Gbajumo (Brondesbury Park)

 

Cllr Iman Ahmadi Moghaddam (Wembley Park) Labour Group Whip

Cllr Rajan-Seelan (Wembley Central)

Brent Council propose to spend £0.5m on tree planting

 

From the Draft Tree Strategy. Most of Brent's 19,000 trees are of unknown species at  present

 

As part of the planned spend of Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure monies (LINK) Brent Council is proposing to spend £498,360 trees in line with the Brent Tree Strategy currently in consultation. 1,500 trees wil be planted in 15 specified areas bwteen now and October 2027.

The plans have been welcomed by the recently formed Brent Tree Champions (See below), particularly the proposal for large standard size (3m tall tree) trees rater than saplings, but more detail will be needed regarding maintenance, choice of species etc.

The Proposal:

 

 CAPITAL PROJECT

This project proposes to plant 1500 trees in areas identified across the borough split across 15 identified areas in line with Tree Strategy. Pre- engagement and consultation will be carried out with residents between September 2025 and December 2025. 

 

Planting intends to commence in January 2026 with the end of establishment watering scheduled for October 2027.
 

Trees for Brent is a wide-ranging proposal to plant new trees across several neighbourhoods and Wards of Brent. Trees proposed are large ‘standard’ size, typically 3 metres tall with a fully formed clear trunk. 

There is also one area on new woodland planting proposed, under barn Hill Project Area. Areas have been identified by residents and community groups bringing forward requests direct to officers or via councillors. Several councillors are strongly in support of new trees in their wards and have developed working relationships with officers to constantly seek funding opportunities. 

 Sadly, in last year there has been a dramatic fall in external funding for large standard trees suitable for street and public realm planting. (small woodland whips continue to be available but there is very limited potential to plant these in Brent, residents are not looking for tiny trees, they want to see something of significant size).

Some residents’ groups in project areas listed below have been waiting a long time for suitable funding opportunities therefore this NCIL roundis very welcome and will address an extensive list of community requests.
 

For ease of project management and to ensure focussed community engagement with a wide range of different groups, proposal has been divided into 15 distinct local neighbourhood areas.
 

Number of new trees is given for each project site, these numbers have been assessed by officers as realistic for planting in each area.

Criteria used to assess project areas are:

1/. Community interest and support for new trees
2/. Councillor support
3/. Brent Connects identified priorities for each area
4/. Need for trees in the areas proposed, officer site survey to assess existing tree provision
5/. Sites affected by development, proximity to Growth Areas
6/. Indices of Multiple Deprivation (based on 2015 IMDs)
7/. Tree Equity Score – a measure of tree canopy cover by LSOA for each project area
8/. Area of Open Space Deficiency – Significant for some Project Areas.

 

BRENT TREE STRATEGY CONSULTATION

There are two Tree Strategy Cosultations next week register on-line and complete the on0line consultation here: https://haveyoursay.brent.gov.uk/en-GB/projects/draft-brent-tree-strategy/1
 

Consultation ends on the 18th September 

 

BRENT TREE CHAMPIONS

 

 

Brent Tree Champions has been set up with the following aims: 

1a.         Campaign to maintain and preserve existing Brent trees in public spaces and private gardens.

1b.         Campaign to increase the tree canopy through replacement of felled trees and new planting.

1c.         Encourage the community to appreciate their trees and their contribution to mitigating the local effects of the climate and ecological emergencies

1d.         Encourage the community to actively engage with the above aims.

2. Individuals and organisations who agree with these aims are invited to join us. Email BrentTreeChampions@gmail.com and follow Brent Tree Champions on Twitter @tree_brent1424

 

Labour Bosses Sack Eight Sitting BAME Brent Councillors for Supporting Palestine and Close in on Council Leader Muhammed Butt

Brent Anti-racism Charter 2022

Exclusive insight from a former Brent Labour Party member:

Labour's Ruling Body (National Executive Committee) have imposed all Labour council candidates in Brent without any say from thousands of local party members or long serving MPs.

This includes barring eight sitting BAME Councillors, including Labour’s Chief Whip Cllr Iman Ahmadi Moghaddam and Cabinet Member Cllr Harbi Farah from standing in the May 2026 council election.

All deselected councillors signed a statement calling for a ceasefire in Gaza in October 2023, infuriating Starmer loyalists. This is thought to be the primary motive for their deselection. 

White councillors who also signed the same statement survived the purge, in a move that will undoubtedly raise some difficult questions for Labour on the doorstep amongst Brent’s diverse communities. 

⁠The panel that decided Labour’s candidate list was chaired by Starmerite and corporate lobbyist Abdi Duale, who also carried out most of the interviews that led to the Councillors being deselected.

London Labour Party Executive member and Kingsbury Councillor Shama Tatler did not stand [she said so in Twitter statement]. She was a vocal supporter of the move to take decision making out of the hands of Labour members, and is rumoured to have been actively involved in deciding the final list of candidates. Cllr Tatler was also involved in the running of a similar process in Leicester in 2023, which deselected 19 Muslim and Hindu Councillors. 

New Starmerite MP, Georgia Gould, imposed by the national party in 2024, is rumoured to have taken time out of her busy government ministerial role to personally intervene to encourage the purge and replace sitting Councillors with her Starmerite allies. 

This comes four days after Labour's catastrophic defeat in the West Hampstead ward by-election in neighbouring Camden Council. A similar 23-point swing in Brent in 2026 would see councillors being lost in almost every single Labour-held ward. The recent upheaval in Brent Labour will undoubtedly increase this likelihood, leading to internal fears that Labour could lose control of Brent’s administration.

This appears to be the first step in removing council leader Muhammed Butt, motivated by Starmerite outrage over his non-compliance, especially his decision to allow Brent council to set up a ‘twinning arrangement’ with Nablus, a town in Palestine.

EDITOR'S NOTE - The deselected individuals remain as Brent councillors until the May 2026 Local Election unless they resign.

Who are these 'security' people people in Barham Park? Some questions.

Illustrative image - not an actual scene from Barham Park!

 

 

Dear Edtor,

In the past few weeks I have observed what  appears  to be security guards patrolling Barham Park.

 

They have been using high spec binoculars and questioning people in the park.

 

Could anyone answer  the following:

Why are they there?

Who are they?

Who is paying them?

Do they have the right to stop and question people?

Do they have the power to arrest or ban people from the park?

Also, surely this is a job for the community police  officers.

 

Be grateful if anyone can answer  the above?

 

Local (name supplied) 

Get the Vibe on Sunday at St Raph's Community Day - fun, food, stalls, music

 

Full List of Labour Party selections for Brent Council elections in 2026

 1. Alperton Delroy Morrison, Judith Forbes, Mansoor Akram

2. Barnhill Robert Johnson, Rhoda Ibrahim

3. Brondesbury Park  Ryan Hack, Tashi Thomas

4. Cricklewood and Mapesbury Gwen Grahl, Tariq Dar

5. Dollis Hill Liz Dixon, Parvez Ahmed, Arshad Mahmood

6. Harlesden and Kensal Green Matt Kelcher, Mili Patel, Tina Amadi

7. Kenton John Poole, Janice Long, Fiona Mulaisho

8. Kilburn Rita Conneely, Anthony Malloy, Leeta Holmes

9. Kingsbury Saqib Butt, Jas Bajwa

10. Northwick Park Narinder Bajwa, Shymala Rajan-Vince

11. Preston Daniel Kennelly, Orleen Hylton

12. Queen's Park Lesley Smith, Neil Nerva, Marc Harris 

13. Queensbury Omid Fadakar, Simon Cheng, Sabah Ibrahim

14. Roundwood Jake Rubin, Fleur Donnelly-Jackson, Samiah Anderson

15. StonebridgeTrevor Blackman, Promise Knight, Abdi Aden

16. Sudbury Teo Benea, Greg Innes

17. Tokyngton Muhammed Butt, Krupa Sheth

18. Welsh Harp Iftekhar Ahmed, Mary Mitchell, Amer Agha

19. Wembley Central Anita Thakkar, Sonia Shah, Ketan Sheth

20. Wembley Hill  Lloyd Mcleish, Ishma Moeen, Joyce De Souza

21. Wembley Park Ajmal Akram, Apurval Saral 

22. Willesden Green Saqlain Choudry, Prema Thakkar, George Burn 

 

 

Exclusion of current councillors from the above list does not necessarily mean they have been deselected by the recent process. Like Shama Tatler, above, they may have decided not to stand as did Steve Crabb. Cllr Kathleen Fraser was barred from selection following her suspension.

'Half of the left councillors have been deselected' - first reactions to London Region sponsored Brent Council selections for May 2026 council election

 Results and comments from reliable sources are coming in as the selection of Labour candidates for the May 2026 council election are announced in letters to candidates. One insider said, 'Half of the left councillors have been deselected'.  The selections were made by the London region of the Labour Party rather than local Labour Party members.

Two high-profile  de-selections were the Labour Group whip Cllr Iman Ahmadi Moghaddam and Cabinet meber Harbi Farah. Cllr Jumbo Chan, an NEU member and backer of anti-academisation campaigns is another casualty along with Cllr Tony Ethapemi (Stonebridge) and Cllr Erica Gbajumo (Brondesbury Park).

One disappointed candidate commiserated with another saying, 'Don't tak it to heart. The selection process was as corrupt as it's ever been. A pity because it looked hopeful for an even playing field this time, but not to be.'

I will update this blog post as more results and reactions come in. 

Further deselections;

 Cllr Rita Begum

Cllr Rajan-Seelan

Cllr Diana Collymore 

 

Brent Cabinet to allocate £5m in Neighbourhood CIL Projects ahead of the 2026 local council election

 

The spending of Strategic and Neighbourhood Infrastructure Levy has been the subject of some controversy in Brent with the amount of unspent funds piling up over the years. The Lib Dems have urged wider use of the funds and having dismissed the proposal initially, the  Brent Labour Administration recently changed its mind and  approached the government to loosen up the rules.

From Brent Infrastructure Spending Statement December 2024
 

The Neighbourhood CIL (NCIL) has gone through a number of different processes to choose which projects benefit, including special  meetings where a public vote takes place. Cabinet recently decided on an officer led approach (see image ) which removes the public from detailed decision making.

The Officers' report going to Cabinet on September 8th lists projects above £100k in value that Cabinet has to approve, and those below £100k which the Lead member has already signed off after a Panel recommendation.

In the past it has been claimed that CIL should only be used for capital projects (such as a building or equipment), when bids have been put forward requiring, for example, a salary to be paid.  Revenue can be allocated to ensure the maintenance of the capital project.

Officers in this report, put forward a rather more nuanced interpretation of the rules that appear to allow for wider use (rather hesitantly it must be said):

 

Under the CIL Regulations, the neighbourhood portion of the community infrastructure levy is to be applied to: 

 

(a) the provision, improvement, replacement, operation, or maintenance of infrastructure (which is defined as set out in paragraph 9.1 above); or

 

(b) anything else that is concerned with addressing the demands that development places on an area.

 

The issue that arises is whether the wording of the second ‘limb’ (‘anything else…’ etc) allows an authority to spend the neighbourhood portion on any projects that can be shown to address the demands arising from development in a particular area, or whether that spend has to be limited to projects with some form of physical outcome. The Planning Practice Guidance (the PPG, which is published by central government as guidance to local planningauthorities) suggests that the only requirement is whether the spend addresses the demands on an area caused by development. However, the PPG is guidance, not a statement of law. A number of local authorities have adopted an approach whereby the allocation of the neighbourhood element of CIL is limited to projects with some form of physical element.

 

Where possible projects for neighbourhood funding do not obviously have a physical element or outcome, consideration should be given on a case-by-case basis to whether the specific details of the proposed project might be said to fall outside the scope of the relevant part of the CIL Regulation.

 

This year's total NCIL allocation at £5,088,231  is much higher than the £1,297,445.18 spent in 2023-24. (22-23 £3,084,850.45, 2021-23 £4,505,237.36) and it has been suggested to me  that this was to allow a popular splurge before the local election in 8 months' time.  I couldn't possibly comment!

 

You might have fun deciding which of the many worthy projects listed 'have some form of physical outcome'. Some of the proposals are quite vague.

 

A. OVER £100k        B. UNDER £100k

 

Coldplay reschedules next weekend's shows at Wembley Stadium due to underground rail strike

From Coldplay

 

We’re sorry to announce that, due to planned industrial action on the London Underground, we’ve been forced to reschedule our final two concerts of the current Wembley Stadium run. Without a Tube service, it’s impossible to get 82,000 people to the concert and home again safely, and therefore no event licence can be granted for the nights of 7th and 8th September. 

 

To avoid cancelling the shows, our only option is to reschedule. The Sunday 7th September show will move to Saturday 6th September. The Monday 8th September show will move to Friday 12th September. All tickets will remain valid for their rescheduled date. 

 

If you’re able to attend the new date, you do not need to take any action to secure your ticket for the rescheduled show. Your existing ticket will be valid for entry. Any ticket holders who are unable to attend their rescheduled show can get a full refund on their ticket, and are requested to contact their point of purchase before 12noon BST on Tuesday 2nd September. 

 

Any returned tickets will be put on general sale at 11am BST on Wednesday 3rd September, exclusively via Ticketmaster. The shows on Saturday 30th August, Sunday 31st August, Wednesday 3rd September and Thursday 4th September will go ahead as scheduled. We're very sorry for the inevitable disappointment, frustration and inconvenience that this situation causes. 

 The RMT explained the causes of the strike on their website:

 

Tube union RMT, announced rolling strike action across the network beginning on Friday 5th September for seven days, with different grades taking industrial action at differing times.

The strikes come after management refused to engage seriously with union demands on pay, fatigue management, extreme shift patterns and a reduction in the working week, as well as failing to honour previous agreements made with staff.  

   

RMT says that management’s dismissive approach has fuelled widespread anger and distrust among the workforce, who voted in overwhelming numbers to take strike action.   

   

 

Some Wembley local history to enjoy in the next few weeks!

Guest post by local historian Philip Grant in a personal capacity 

 

Sir Arthur Elvin in 1948.

 

I have to declare an interest, as I am involved with most of the events featured in this guest post, but I hope that by sharing the details on “Wembley Matters”, more people who might be interested in one or two of them will have the opportunity to enjoy them.

 

An aerial view of Wembley Town Hall, nearing completion in 1939.
(Image from “Wembley” by Geoffrey Hewlett, 2002)

 

 As part of Open House weekend, the Lycée International Winston Churchill in Forty Lane is opening its doors to the public for guided tours on Saturday 13 September, from 10am to 2.30pm. Although it has been a French Lycée since 2015, many people still know the building as the former Brent Town Hall. It started life as Wembley Town Hall, designed by Clifford Strange and built between 1937 and 1940. The former Town Hall is Grade 2 listed, and this is a rare opportunity for residents to go inside, so if you want more details please “click” on this link.

 

During his lifetime, Arthur Elvin became known as Mister Wembley, and played an important part in making Wembley the world-famous destination it is today. Yet many local people now don’t know much about him, or even why the name Elvin has been given to a garden square behind the Civic Centre or a school in the High Road. I felt that his story needed to be told, so I am giving an illustrated talk about him at the Wembley History Society meeting at St Andrew’s Church Hall, Kingsbury, on Friday 19 September at 7.30pm.

 

 

As the poster above says, visitors to the Society’s meetings are very welcome, and the 83 and 302 buses, which stop close to the venue, should be running along Church Lane again by the time of the meeting! So, please come along, arriving between 7.15 and 7.25pm if possible, if you would be interested in discovering more about “Mister Wembley” and his part in our local history.

 

Arthur Elvin played an important part in bringing the 1948 Olympic Games to Wembley, and that famous sporting event, and the part the local community played in making it a success, are the subject of a free “coffee morning” talk at Kingsbury Library on Tuesday 7 October, from 11am to 12noon (with tea/coffee and biscuits available from 10.45, so come early!). It is best to reserve your place for these Brent Libraries events, and you can do that by “clicking” here.

 

Title slide for the “coffee morning” talk on Tuesday 7 October.

 

The pre-arranged 1948 Olympic Games talk has been included in the programme for “Our Freedom – Then and Now”, a nationwide project, with Brent Libraries as one of its participating cultural organisations, building on the legacy of the VE Day and VJ Day 80^th anniversary commemorations. When I heard about this project, and that Brent’s aim was ‘an opportunity for local people to creatively explore and share Brent’s hidden wartime stories, connecting the past with their own experiences of community, resilience, and freedom today,’ I knew that I had a resource which would fit perfectly into that theme.

 

Title slide for the “coffee morning” event at Wembley Library on Wednesday 22 October

 

The result will be seen and heard at a Wembley Library “coffee morning” on Wednesday 22 October, from 11am to 12noon, when the first-hand Second World War experiences of two local housewives will be shared, through extracts from letters they wrote to a friend. Those letters were saved by their former neighbour, and eventually donated to Wembley History Society by her daughter in 2020, and they provide a fascinating insight into every-day life at that time. The extracts will be read by two ladies from Brent Libraries, while I will be providing the pictures which link their stories. You can reserve your seat for this event by “clicking” here.

 

Philip Grant.