Haringey Labour News from your Haringey Labour Team
Thank you to everyone who has continued to stick to the rules, physically distancing and saving lives this month. Council Leader, Joseph Ejiofor, is continuing to ask you to use open spaces responsibly by maintaining 2 metres between yourself and others. As some workplaces reopen, we’d also like to remind you that if your workplace is not safe, please join a union. Here’s what has been going across Haringey this month.
Before Reopening Haringey Schools We Must Put Safety First
As the government moves to open schools on 1st June, Haringey Labour is deeply concerned about the lack of scientific evidence to support the safe return to school, especially considering our large BAME population who are disproportionately affected by COVID-19.
Most schools have remained open during COVID-19, and have done an incredible job looking after vulnerable children and the children of keyworkers, but before all children return to school it is essential that the government provides assurances that doing so will not increase the spread of COVID-19.
Joseph Ejiofor, Haringey Council Leader, has endorsed the Education Unions’ joint statement on the safe reopening of schools and called on the government to step down from their plans until they can provide evidence that reassures our communities that no risks are being taken by reopening schools to all pupils.
Pavement Widening to Support Social Distancing
Haringey Labour has responded to social distancing concerns from local businesses and residents by temporarily widening the pavement at some key ‘pinch-points’ in busy areas. 21 sites have now been installed in phases one and two of the scheme, with a third still to come.
You can read more about the scheme here:
If you have a ‘pavement pinch-point’ that you’re concerned about, please email parkingschemes@haringey.gov.uk
Haringey Councillors Say Thank You
Haringey’s community has come together during the coronavirus outbreak with kindness, solidarity and generosity being shown right across the borough. Our councillors wanted to say thank you.
Celebrating Unsung Heroes
Do you know someone in Haringey who has gone the extra mile to support the community during the coronavirus pandemic? To celebrate our unsung heores, Sheila Peacock, Mayor of Haringey and Labour councillor for Northumberland Park ward is calling for nominations for an unsung hero award. Whether an NHS worker, carer, street cleaner or even a neighbour – the incredible generosity shown by the people of Haringey needs recognition.
You can nominate someone here.
Haringey Bus Drivers Welcome Safe Boarding
Buses have now moved to boarding and exiting by central doors only following pressure from bus driver’s union, Unite. Haringey has two bus garages which are one of the largest employers in the borough. Following the death of 20 drivers across London, Haringey bus drivers have welcomed this move to keep them safe at work.
Mayor of London Support for Community and Voluntary Sector
This time last week, we should have been fighting to elect Sadiq Khan as our Labour Mayor and Joanne McCartney as our London assembly members for Enfield and Haringey. However, in these challenging times, the importance of a Labour Mayor cannot be underestimated – as his brilliant scheme to support communities shows.
Obituary: Ulric Thompson
We are sad to inform you of the recent passing of Haringey’s first black Labour councillor, Ulric Thompson. Woodside Councillor, Pete Mitchell, has written about his life here. Our condolences to Ulric’s family.
Mutual aid groups in Hornsey have been providing donations to the Selby Centre Food Hub in Tottenham which is providing food packages to hundreds of families each week. You can read more about this from Hornsey and Wood Green fundraising officer and Hornsey Labour member, Sue Hughes here.
Social Quizstancing
Thank you to all those who took part in Hornsey and Wood Green’s socialist quiz and helping to raise over £300 for Haringey Giving. Check out the round on Labour Party history with some very special questioners!
Mutual Aid in Bounds Green
Labour members have been working hard in their communities to make a difference. Cathy Brennan, Secretary for Bounds Green Labour Party has provided an update on the work she has been doing with her mutual aid group. It has been inspiring to see the work of Labour activists during this crisis in supporting the most vulnerable in their communities. If you have any stories you would like to share, please get in touch at organiser@haringeylabour.org.uk.
And finally, our organiser Tom Hymas wrote an article for LabourList on how local responses to coronavirus offer a way forward for Labour.
Thank you for reading and as ever – stay safe!