Young People’s Hustings in Lozells & East Handsworth Ward

Young People’s Hustings in Lozells & East Handsworth Ward – April 2011

A few days ago, I managed to get hold of a copy of the video put together by Aspire & Succeed of the Young People's Hustings in the Lozells & East Handsworth Ward in April 2011. I was then one of the candidates for the local elections. Following my successful election, I was interviewed by Amin Islam, the chair of Hustings on my plans for the Ward. The project was supported by the Birmingham Leadership Foundation. [youtube=http://youtu.be/KYJdi1iQHaE] [youtube=http://youtu.be/eRtI6BGon6Q] [youtube=http://youtu.be/y2hbppHwVvw]

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October 10, 2011 - waseemzaffar

Cllr. Waseem Zaffar Addresses Birmingham City Council on Cuts to West Midlands Police

A motion was presented to Birmingham City Council by the Birmingham Labour Group that included a section on the Council calling on the Government to review its proposals to cut Police resources in the light of the challenges posed by recent disturbances. The motion was amended to include a section from the Liberal Democrat amendment before being successfully voted upon by members of Birmingham City Council. I spoke on this debate, please click on this link to watch a video of ...

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October 10, 2011 - waseemzaffar

Birmingham needs an Elected Mayor

If I was ever in any doubt whether Birmingham needs an Elected Mayor, I have been convinced in the last couple of days. Many of my colleagues on Birmingham City Council feel immensely insecure about the prospect of an Elected Mayor when they clearly shouldn't. It has become very apparent that an Elected Mayor has to appoint elected Councillor's on the Cabinet. In fact, the Cabinet of the Elected Mayor can only consist of Councillors. I feel Councillor's can have greater ...

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September 09, 2011 - waseemzaffar

Birmingham tries to defuse racial tensions after deaths – by Lorraine Turner for Reuters

At the scene where three young British Asian men were killed in Birmingham this week, some of their friends are standing in the road, collecting money for a memorial to the men whose deaths sparked fears of race riots in Britain's second city. Haroon Jahan, Shazad Ali and Abdul Musavir, all British Pakistanis, were killed in the early hours of Wednesday during a wave of disorder and looting. The following evening, Tariq Jahan, Haroon's father, called for calm, as fears of ...

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August 08, 2011 - waseemzaffar

Fewer cops, higher risks – By Mike Olley in the Birmingham Mail

DID you notice something different about the recent Birmingham riots?There were no problems in Lozells. There certainly was in 1981, again in 1985 and as recent as 2005. But as Birmingham burned, Lozells was totally at peace with itself. This was pointed out to me by Lozells councillor Waseem Zaffar. He is a young man, a seasoned magistrate with an abundance of community experience. As such, he brings to the table a great deal. Waseem tells me that the reason Lozells didn’t riot ...

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- waseemzaffar

Difficult Times in Lozells & East Handsworth

It has without doubt been my toughest couple of weeks as Councillor for Lozells & East Handsworth. Unfortunately, Handsworth was once again making the headlines for the wrong reasons when during the first night of disturbances in Birmingham, at approxiamtely 10pm, businesses were attacked by thugs on the Soho Road and later on Grove Lane. I witnessed much of this first hand as I was on Soho Road before the trouble and looting broke out. Over the past couple of weeks, ...

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August 08, 2011 - waseemzaffar

People’s Conference with Chair of Home Affairs Select Committee

Following the unfortunate events of last week in Birmingham and across the country, Khalid Mahmood MP [Birmingham Perry Barr] feels that it is important for key individuals across the community to come together to discuss the underlying issues faced by our communities and in particular young people. The Parliamentary Home Affairs Select Committee is holding an inquiry into the lessons that may be learned from the wide-scale rioting and looting by predominantly young people. Mr Mahmood is very pleased that the ...

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August 08, 2011 - waseemzaffar

Plea for Calm

I have just been watching the press conference of the father of one of the three young men murdered last night. The emotional address from the father pleaded for calm and for witnesses to come forward to assist West Midlands Police. I have been in a number of meetings with Community activists from Lozells, community activists from Handsworth, senior Police officers, traders on Lozells Road and youth workers based in the ward. I have been assured by the Police that there will ...

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August 08, 2011 - waseemzaffar

Disorder in Handsworth

Tonight has been and continues to be a difficult night for all associated with Handsworth. The actions of the minority, many not from the local area, has once again caused suffering to our community. I have returned from Soho Road and have witnessed much of the acts of criminality first hand. I have been in contact with senior officers of West Midlands Police throughout the day and will continue to have communication with them over the next few days to ensure ...

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August 08, 2011 - waseemzaffar

Tottenham Riots

Like millions of others in the country and across the world, I watched on television with astonishment and disappointment the scenes of the Tottenham riots. This is no way to protest against the loss of life; a fact agreed upon by the family of the gentleman who lost his life. It is important that the IPCC investigate the death as soon as possible to ensure that the family and friends of Mr Duggan understand why he was shot to death. However, ...

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August 08, 2011 - waseemzaffar