After the dreadful attack at the Manchester Arena in May, Manchester people from all communities have come together to show solidarity against this atrocity. But there has also been a reported upsurge in racially motivated hate crime, particularly directed against women. Whalley Range Labour councillor Mary Watson proposed a motion in the Council meeting on 12 July speaking up both for Muslim women who have faced abuse, but also Manchester women generally who may feel less safe in the city as a result of the attack.
Mary’s speech to the Council and the following contributions by Councillor Aftab Razaq and others can be watched here, and the full text of the motion was: Continue reading
Aftab Razaq
Withington Rd bus featured in the MEN
Following our earlier post about the 85A bus route, the Manchester Evening News have also featured the new service, with a nice photo of two of our councillors (Angeliki Stogia and Aftab Razaq) along with other local residents who led the successful campaign.
New 85A bus route for Withington Road
From today, buses are running every 30 minutes through the Withington Road shopping district (terminating in the city centre and Chorlton bus station), following a successful campaign by the Withington Road First Steps project. Whalley Range councillors Aftab Razaq and Angeliki Stogia joined others this morning to see the new service get underway.
Angeliki says “Everyone in Whalley Range is delighted that the 85A Stagecoach route restores a bus service along Withington Road and Yarburgh Street. Continue reading
Last chance to vote in leadership ballot
Eligible Labour Party members and supporters have until noon on Wednesday 21st to cast their ballots in the leadership election between Jeremy Corbyn and Owen Smith.
Councillor Aftab Razaq has decided to vote for the current leader. “I haven’t always agreed with Jeremy Corbyn’s politics or his style of leadership” says Aftab, “but I was very disappointed that some MPs chose to challenge him just at the time that the party should have been uniting to take on the new Tory government under Theresa May. I think he should be given more time to show whether Labour can effectively challenge for power under his leadership. Whoever wins, let’s start looking to the future now.”
Councillor Angeliki Stogia, the Chair of Whalley Range Labour branch adds “Regardless of who you support, make sure your voice is heard by casting your vote in this important election”. The ballot closes this Wednesday and the result will be announced at the Leadership Conference the following Saturday (24th).
Fatal accident on Wilbraham Road in Fallowfield
Whalley Range Councillors Aftab Razaq, Angeliki Stogia and Mary Watson have made this statement:
We were saddened to hear about the recent loss of life in the dreadful accident on Wilbraham Road last week. Our condolences and thoughts are with the family and friends of all involved in this tragic accident.