The interview with Alessandro Georgiou will continue regularly with all parties until the general elections in May 2026, airing live every Wednesday. The first episode aired in December and January. “United Kingdom with Vatan Öz” can be watched on Kanal Avrupa at 20:00 Turkey time, 18:00 Germany time, and 17:00 UK time via the Türksat satellite and online platforms. Replays will be available on YouTube, all digital platforms, and social media.

Summary of Alessandro Georgiou’s Policies:

• Environment & Planning: Firm stance against the development of Enfield’s green belt and high-rise buildings that disrupt local neighbourhood character.
• Transport: Advocates for residents’ rights against the Mayor’s ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone) expansions and controversial Low Traffic neighbourhood(LTN) projects.
• Safety: Campaigns to increase police presence and tackle crime in Enfield and surrounding areas through pressure on the Metropolitan Police Service.

Q&A: London Politics with Alessandro Georgiou

Vatan Öz: Hello. We’re here in London, a big city with big politics. We are at the Greater London Authority’s City Hall, joined by Conservative London Assembly member Alessandro Georgiou. We’ll discuss your political journey and policies. Welcome. This is the new City Hall building, right?

Alessandro Georgiou: Thank you. Yes, the new building.

Vatan Öz: We’re entering a new era. First, let’s start with your personal political background. How did you step into politics?

Alessandro Georgiou: My political career in London started through roles in local government. I was elected as a councillor in Enfield Council in 2014, and last year I was elected to the London Assembly. I was born, raised, and educated in Enfield — “Born and Bred Enfield.”

Vatan Öz: You’re a London Assembly member. How do you view your party’s new vision and policies for families in London?

Alessandro Georgiou: Education is a top priority for me. We focus heavily on schools, youth, and the future of the education system in London. We also hold the Mayor, Sadiq Khan, accountable to ensure he works in the best interest of Londoners. London faces serious issues. We focus on real problems that directly affect city life. I do not endorse the actions of Mayor Khan and his deputy. In Enfield, crime rates are rising, and there are major challenges in transport, housing, and accommodation. I live in Enfield myself.

Vatan Öz: Let’s get to your most notable projects. What are they?

Alessandro Georgiou: Environmental policies and green transformation are vital for London. We work toward a sustainable city. Crime rates in London are rising, and we question Sadiq Khan about this. Crime is London’s number one issue. Khan and his administration have made London a city where residents no longer feel safe.

Vatan Öz: Are there tangible examples of success at the local level, like in Enfield?

Alessandro Georgiou: Freedom, democracy, and strong institutions are London’s core values. Progress is being made here. For example, free transport for seniors (Freedom Pass) is a success story. But rising crime remains a key agenda item. Policies from Boris Johnson’s era, metropolitan governance, and security are still debated today. Personally, I do not feel safe in Enfield or London. Crime is the number one issue in London. How the Metropolitan Police will respond is a major concern.​​​​​​​

Vatan Öz: We’re joined by political figures shaping UK politics. Alex, let’s continue. What does it mean to be part of the Conservative group in the Assembly?

Alessandro Georgiou: Our main responsibility is to scrutinize Sadiq Khan. We are from different parties — Khan represents Labour, we are Conservatives — so it’s important to see how we handle ideological differences. As discussed, our approach to crime differs significantly. Our goal is to ensure Londoners benefit from the services we offer. We also oversee the implementation of Metropolitan Police policies. I’d like to discuss an alternative vision for the Mayor, if you allow.

Vatan Öz: How does your party provide an alternative vision compared to a left-leaning Mayor?

Alessandro Georgiou: We do this in meetings with the Mayor. As Conservative councillors, we have an alternative budget. We don’t approve the Mayor’s budget; instead, we propose what we would do in his place. Hopefully, one day we’ll have a new Mayor to implement some of these ideas — that would be excellent. The election is near!

Vatan Öz: Thank you.

About Alessandro Georgiou


Alessandro Georgiou is a senior Conservative politician, born and raised in Enfield, North London, serving at local and regional levels:
London Assembly Member: Since May 2024
Leader of the Conservative Group, Enfield Council: Since 2022
Councillor, Cockfosters: Since 2018

Education: LLB, University of Hertfordshire
He began his political career early, first elected as a councillor in 2014.

About Alara Ayyıldız

Master’s Degree: International Political Economy, King’s College London (First Class)
Undergraduate: Nottingham University, 2015–2019
She applies her academic expertise as Alessandro Georgiou’s political advisor, developing local government strategies and assisting his 2026 local election campaign.

TV Program Details
The interview airs live every Wednesday on “United Kingdom with Vatan Öz”:

UK: 17:00

Germany: 18:00

Turkey: 20:00
Available via Türksat satellite and online platforms.

Interview Background

Mayor of London (Sadiq Khan): As of February 2026, Khan is in his third term as Mayor, responsible for transport, policing, housing, and environmental policies. Focuses include “24-hour city” initiatives, sustainability, and economic growth.

UK Local Elections – 7 May 2026:

• Nationwide local and devolved parliamentary elections
• About 4,348 council seats contested
• All 32 London boroughs will elect all council members
• 32 metropolitan boroughs also holding elections; 16 electing all members
• Six directly elected mayors
• Some elections postponed to May 2027 (e.g., East Sussex, Norfolk)

Key Voter Dates:

• Voter registration deadline: 20 April 2026
• Postal vote applications: 21 April 2026, 17:00
• Proxy vote applications: 28 April 2026, 17:00
• Election Day: 7 May 2026 (07:00 – 22:00)

Applications open today for the next wave of 500 schools to benefit from the programme, as Labour invests £80 million in the right places to give every child the best start in life – recognising that a healthy, well-educated population is essential for a thriving economy

The move is the latest step in Labour’s plan for national renewal, offering help immediately to working parents juggling childcare by giving them back up to 95 hours of time – over two and a half working weeks each year. That's money back in pockets and time back in busy lives, helping families get by whilst ensuring children are ready to learn and succeed.

By prioritising schools with the highest proportion of pupils on free school meals the rollout ensures the real-life impact of free breakfast clubs goes first to where it is most needed.

As a crucial part of the Plan for Change, a further 1,500 schools will start in September 2026, with applications due to open in January, altogether helping to extend benefits to over 200,000 more underprivileged children in a little over a year of the programme launching

Cllr Ergin Erbil, leader of Enfield Council said:

“Breakfast Clubs make a huge difference to hard-pressed families all over Enfield. Good for kids, good for families, good for bank balances, and extra time at the start of the day. Breakfast Clubs mean children have better life chances and families are better off.

“It’s brilliant to see the Labour Government making a clear choice to support hardworking families who need it. This is the change people in Enfield voted for and want to see.

“II want all eligible schools in Enfield to apply - and I’ll be doing everything I can to support them.”

Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson said:

“This is national renewal in action - breaking down barriers so every child gets the best start in life, regardless of their background.

“By rolling out free breakfast clubs to half a million more children, we're not just filling empty stomachs, we're supercharging the nation’s morning routines.

“This is about building a country where background doesn’t mean destiny, where we invest in our children's futures, and where we deliver the real change working families desperately need.”

Labour has increased the per child funding rate has for mainstream schools, making good on its commitment to roll out clubs with a variety of healthy meals.

Schools will also receive a guaranteed £25 a day to cover staffing and admin so every type of school can easily deliver a breakfast club. For an average school with 50% take up, the total funding package has increased by 28%.

It builds on consistent, tough choices to prioritise investment into to help families with the cost of living such as expanding free school meals to every family on Universal Credit, lifting 100,000 children out of poverty, and introducing 30 hours free childcare to working parents, saving them up to £7,500 per year.

The question came from Lord Rogan - Deputy Speaker of the House of Lords since 2018 and Leader of the Ulster Unionist Party in the Lords since 2009. He asked:

“To ask His Majesty's Government what is their assessment of the European Court of Human Rights’ recognition of the Immovable Property Commission as an effective legal remedy for property disputes in Cyprus.”

Baroness Chapman, speaking on behalf of His Majesty’s Government, stated:

“The European Court of Human Rights has issued several key judgments regarding the effectiveness of the Immovable Property Commission (IPC), including most recently in June 2025 where it judged the IPC to remain a valid legal remedy to domestic property disputes in Cyprus, although also noted procedural delays. The Government monitors closely the continued effectiveness of the IPC, including through the Committee of Ministers for Human Rights at the Council of Europe.”

This response is highly significant. Just as the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has consistently confirmed the IPC as the correct and effective domestic remedy for property disputes in Cyprus - most notably through the landmark Demopoulos ruling and again in its June 2025 judgment - the United Kingdom has now publicly aligned itself with that position.

Crucially, this comes at a time when the Greek Cypriot administration continues to insist that property remains an “unresolved” problem on the island, despite the fact that a fully functioning and internationally validated solution - the IPC - has existed for nearly twenty years. Instead of directing its citizens to this lawful and effective mechanism, the Greek Cypriot leadership continues to dissuade Greek Cypriots from applying, keeping the issue politically convenient while withholding access to the very remedy recognised by the ECHR and now reaffirmed by the UK.

By stating that the Government “monitors closely the continued effectiveness of the IPC,” the UK makes clear that it recognises both the Commission’s ongoing legitimacy and its central role in resolving property disputes. This directly undermines claims that no remedy exists and strengthens the TRNC’s position within international discussions on the property issue.

The response also demonstrates that the IPC - despite political pressure and persistent attempts to ignore its existence - remains firmly rooted in international law and continues to be treated as such by key European actors.

For Northern Cyprus, this marks an important reaffirmation: the IPC is effective, lawful, and recognised - not only by the European Court of Human Rights, but now also explicitly by the United Kingdom.

Source:
https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2025-11-03/HL11561#answer#:~:text=Cyprus

Enfield Labour is committed to building a safer borough. The Council is already investing £4.4 million into tackling crime and antisocial behaviour, alongside a major boost in resources from the new Labour government, which is funding more neighbourhood police officers across the country.

In Enfield and more specifically Edmonton, the Council and police have been working together on Operation Pisces, which has already led to more than 700 arrests and cut crime in the area by 20%.

Other action includes:

      •     23 new frontline enforcement officers since May 2023

      •     Knife crime with injury down by 19% among under-24s

      •     Over 1,000 CCTV cameras operating 24/7 across the borough

      •     50 local businesses signed up to the Enfield Night-Time Safety Charter

      •     Park and town centre patrols over the summer to keep green spaces and town centres safe

      •     A second knife surrender bin launched near North Middlesex Hospital

Cllr Erbil added:

“For 14 years the Tories cut police numbers and left communities vulnerable. Now, thanks to the Labour government, every neighbourhood in Enfield will see real changes from increased frontline enforcement to police officers patrolling our parks more frequently. Enfield Labour is working every day for a safer, cleaner and fairer borough.”

Yvette Cooper is the new foreign secretary

David Lammy arrives in Downing Street after becoming deputy prime minister

The shake-up follows the resignation of Angela Rayner as deputy prime minister, housing secretary and deputy Labour Party leader earlier this afternoon.

Here are the most recent moves:

Pat McFadden has been appointed secretary of state for Work and Pensions
Steve Reed, former environment secretary, takes up Rayner's old post as housing secretary
Emma Reynolds will replace Reed as environment secretary
Peter Kyle becomes business secretary, previously held by Jonathan Reynolds
Instead, Jonathan Reynolds will become the new government chief whip
Liz Kendall will take his old post as science secretary
Lisa Nandy will remain culture secretary, despite months of briefing against her
Meanwhile, Rachel Reeves retains her role as chancellor

This afternoon, Starmer made sweeping changes to the government's top jobs. In case you missed those developments, here's what happened earlier:

David Lammy has been appointed as the new deputy prime minister, in addition to being made justice secretary
Yvette Cooper has taken his old post as foreign secretary
Shabana Mahmood becomes home secretary
Ian Murray is no longer secretary of state for Scotland, and has expressed his disappointment. It'll be Douglas Alexander who now takes up the role
Lucy Powell, who was leader of the House of Commons, has also left the government. We now know that she'll be replaced by Alan Campbell

Chair, Council of Turkish Cypriot Associations UK (CTCA UK) Kenan Nafi writes to Avrupa. 

A Deepening Hypocrisy

The Republic of Cyprus was founded in 1960 as a partnership state between Greek and Turkish Cypriots, with the UK, Türkiye, and Greece as guarantors. That partnership collapsed in 1963 when Turkish Cypriots were forcibly ejected from state institutions and violently excluded from public life. Since then, the island has remained divided, with the Greek Cypriot administration acting unilaterally while claiming sole legitimacy a claim the UK continues to
support in practice, even as it professes to back a bi-communal, bi-zonal federation that recognises the political equality of both peoples. This is not diplomacy. This is duplicity.

Dialogue Is Not a Crime

Mr Khan’s outreach to Turkish Cypriots aligns fully with the UK’s supposed policy of inclusivity and engagement. Punishing him for doing so is not just inconsistent it’s outrageous.

Council of Turkish Cypriot Associations (UK): "The Most Valuable Treasure is Our National Culture"
"En Değerli Hazinemiz Milli Kültürümüzdür

NAFI: "Would the UK have ever approached the Northern Ireland peace process byrefusing to speak to one side? Would it accept peace in Ukraine or Palestine by
only engaging with one party? Of course not. Yet in Cyprus, that’s exactly what it’s doing silencing voices that dare to promote balance and dialogue.

2004: Promises Made.
2025: Promises Broken.

In 2004, Turkish Cypriots overwhelmingly (65%) voted for the UN backed Annan Plan to reunify the island. Greek Cypriots rejected it. The response from world leaders at the time was unequivocal:

“We must now act to end the isolation of Northern Cyprus.”
- Tony Blair, former UK Prime Minister
“Turkish Cypriots should not suffer from the rejection of the UN Plan.”
- Bernard Bot, Council of Europe
“[Their] vote has undone whatever rationale might have existed for pressuring and
isolating them.”
- Kofi Annan, UN Secretary-General
Yet 21 years later, not only has the UK failed to lift a single barrier it continues to
uphold the very isolation it promised to end.
This is not just a policy failure. It is a moral failure.

Silence in Westminster

On 12 August, CTCA UK formally wrote to five MPs Stephen Doughty MP, Dame Priti Patel, Alicia Kearns MP, Wendy Morton MP, and Douglas Alexander MP expressing grave concern over Mr Khan’s resignation and the broader marginalisation of Turkish Cypriots.Not one of them responded. Not even an acknowledgment. This silence speaks louder than any statement and it speaks volumes about the unwillingness of some British politicians to even recognise the existence of Turkish Cypriots.

A Clear Demand

CTCA UK demands the UK Government:

Publicly clarify that dialogue with Turkish Cypriots is not only acceptable but essential to peace. Condemn the political pressure that led to Mr Khan’s resignation. End all policies that contribute to the isolation and erasure of Turkish Cypriots from international engagement. We also call on all UK political parties, MPs, and institutions to reject this censorship and to stand up for fairness, inclusivity, and democratic values. Turkish Cypriots are not invisible. We are not expendable. And we will not remain silent.

Kenan Nafi
Chair, Council of Turkish Cypriot Associations UK (CTCA UK)

Turkish Republic of the Northern Cyprus President Tatar said: “The pressure exerted on Afzal Khan CBE, MP for Manchester Rusholme, after his visit to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus at my invitation, is yet another stark example of the Greek Cypriot leadership’s primitive and domineering mentality. For an elected parliamentarian to be forced to resign from his role as the United Kingdom’s Trade Envoy to Türkiye simply because he engaged with the Turkish Cypriot people is a shameful affront to democracy and equality. For decades, the Greek Cypriot leadership has abused its illegitimately held status to isolate the Turkish Cypriot people and to silence our voice in the international arena. If, today, even the simple act of a parliamentarian visiting the TRNC is enough to provoke such hostility, it is clear that the Greek Cypriot leadership has never abandoned its 1963 mentality. This is the reality we face. Those who still believe that the Cyprus issue can be resolved by entrusting the future of our people to the Greek Cypriot side fail to comprehend the gravity of the situation.
For 62 long years, the Turkish Cypriot people have been denied their most basic human rights as a result of this mentality. The unjust and unlawful policy of isolation pursued by the Greek Cypriot leadership constitutes a silent crime against humanity. The international community must no longer turn a blind eye to this injustice; it must finally deliver the justice and equality to which the Turkish Cypriot people are rightfully entitled.
I also call upon the Turkish community in the United Kingdom: Raise your voices against this injustice and stand firmly with Mr Afzal Khan CBE. Supporting Mr Khan means taking a principled stand against the Greek Cypriot leadership’s fascistic and anti-democratic stance. Forcing an elected parliamentarian to resign under threat and pressure, simply because he chose to meet with the democratically elected President of the Turkish Cypriots, is a grave stain on democracy itself.”

“Enfield is home to people of all faiths and backgrounds, and it is through our shared values of compassion, understanding, service and unity that we can create a stronger borough.

“Community is not just about where we live; it’s about how we support, uplift and empower each other through healthy living, well-being in accessing services for cultural need and activities.

“I promise to support and encourage all the agencies and voluntary sector units that work tirelessly to provide excellent services to those who need it most.” 

The Mayor of Enfield traditionally picks a charity or selection of charities to support during their term. For this year, Cllr Greer has chosen three charities:

Enfield Sickle Cell Society which has a support group based in North Middlesex University Hospital.

Enfield Black Heritage Hub which is a community based group in Edmonton, who reach hard to engage communities across the borough.

Macmillan Cancer Support which has incredible Enfield based fundraising volunteers.

Throughout the year, the Mayor and Deputy Mayor will attend more than 500 engagements.

Cllr Ergin Erbil  will continue as the Leader of the Council respectively.

Cllr Tim Leaver will continue as the Deputy Leader of the Council respectively.

The members of the Council’s Cabinet and their portfolios for the year ahead were confirmed:

Children’s Services - Cllr Abdul Abdullahi.

Community Cohesion and Enforcement - Cllr Gina Needs.

Culture and Inclusion - Cllr Chinelo Anyanwu.

Environment and Placemaking - Cllr Sabri Ozaydin.

Finance and Procurement - Cllr Tim Leaver.

Health and Social Care - Cllr Alev Cazimoglu.

Housing - Cllr Ayten Guzel.

Planning and Regulatory Services - Cllr Susan Erbil.

Transport and Waste - Cllr Rick Jewell.

Cllr Ergin Erbil and Cllr Tim Leaver will continue as the Leader and Deputy Leader of the Council respectively.

Polling stations in Jubilee ward will be open from 7am to 10pm on polling day.

Ian Davis, Chief Executive and Returning Officer at Enfield Council, said: “It’s important to make sure your voice is heard in your local elections.

“If you are not already registered to vote, you can do so online or by contacting our Electoral Services team.

“If you decide to vote by post, please don’t wait until the deadline to apply. Sending your application now will make sure it is processed early, and your postal vote can be sent to you more quickly.”

If Jubilee ward residents are registered to vote and would like to apply to vote by post or by proxy, they are advised to visit:

https://www.enfield.gov.uk/services/councillors-and-democracy/how-to-vote or email: elections@enfield.gov.uk

Residents voting in person at their designated polling station will be required to bring photo identification (ID). Details on the types of accepted ID can be found on the Council’s voter ID page: https://www.enfield.gov.uk/services/councillors-and-democracy/voter-id

Polling cards will be posted in advance to eligible residents who are already on the electoral register.

It is not essential to bring a polling card to the polling station on the day of the by-election to vote.

For further information on the Jubilee ward by-election and for poll card and postal vote pack delivery dates visit:

https://www.enfield.gov.uk/services/councillors-and-democracy/jubilee-ward-by-election’

Publishing the analysis, Labour’s Cllr Ergin Erbil said, “Everybody in Enfield deserves basic rights and protections at work – whether that’s freedom from the risk of fire and rehire or day one rights like paternity leave and protection from unfair dismissal. “Up to 4935 local workers in Enfield could benefit from the ban on exploitative zero- hour contracts alone. These are real, practical improvements that are going to change lives. “That is the change Labour promised – modern rights at work designed to give us all the protections we need, and create a workforce ready to deliver the economic growth we so badly need after 14 years of stagnation under the Conservatives.”

“My colleagues and I meet regularly with the local police to ensure our residents feel safe, despite the troubling increase in reported hate crimes against both Jewish and Muslim communities in London.

"Enfield Council denounces hate crime in the strongest terms; we will not allow our communities to be divided by intolerance or prejudice. We continue to engage in open dialogue between faith leaders, community groups and residents.

“We must choose compassion over division. I have drawn hope from our borough’s spirit of unity, seeing Muslim and Jewish communities come together to build bridges. Enfield is made up of many communities and this diversity is one of our key strengths.

“We are proud to be a borough of diversity and inclusion. As we move forward, I urge all residents to embody the values of empathy and humanity, to come together to ensure a safe, welcoming borough free from hate. We are at our strongest when we stand together united against hate.” 

Cllr Erbil was elected Labour councillor for Edmonton Green in 2018 and has been serving as the Council’s Deputy Leader since 2022.

As Deputy Leader he has overseen significant climate action projects including the delivery of a record number of street trees planted, the creation of wetlands and rewilding projects, improving accessibility to green spaces, the delivery of new school streets, which have all contributed towards creating a greener and more sustainable Enfield.

As well as continuing to deliver the green agenda, Cllr Erbil will also focus on creating a Fairer Enfield having chaired the first ever Equalities Board in Enfield in 2020.

Cllr Ergin Erbil said: “We will continue to invest in our town centres to create a borough where all residents can thrive.

“Over recent years Enfield Council has delivered hundreds of new homes for local people, wonderful parks, excellent schools, award-winning projects, national leadership on adult and social care provision, increased provision for those with special educational needs and disabilities, and so much more.

“We have some incredible projects in the pipeline that I am excited to progress - residents will see the completion of Reardon Court in the coming weeks and the beginning of the development at the Joyce and Snell’s Park estates in Upper Edmonton. In addition, the delivery of the first phase of improvements in Enfield Town are due for completion soon, one of many town centre projects that I am proud to be spearheading.  Every bit as important is the continued day-to-day delivery of hundreds of essential services, amid the enormous financial challenges being faced by all local authorities.”

The new Leader will also focus on maintaining Enfield Council’s balanced budgetary position.

Enfield Council has been under-resourced for several years with central government funding cut in real terms by 42 per cent since 2010. Cost pressures in temporary accommodation remain acute, despite several actions that have been implemented to address this particular challenge.

However, the Council has balanced its budget through income and savings proposals.

Cllr Erbil and the Cabinet will work with the Government to try and ensure that going forward Enfield gets the funding and resources required to meet the needs of local residents and will continue to ensure the Council delivers sustainable and high-quality services.

Cllr Erbil said: “I have witnessed first-hand the challenges facing residents and local councils across the country, with rising demand for services, and our challenge to deal with years of funding cuts.

“In Enfield we have always risen to the challenge of protecting the vital services local people rely on and innovating to deliver more with less.  I am confident we can tackle the ongoing financial challenges head-on. We may have to make some difficult decisions but our number one priority is to protect those that are most vulnerable and in greatest need. As Council Leader, I will ensure we continue to deliver good quality services and care to our residents, accelerate the provision of decent homes and affordable housing, and lay the foundations for young people to grow up in a borough with opportunities for their future development.”

He added: “I will lead our borough with a spirit of progress: proudly anti-racist, inclusive, welcoming, kind, and open. A place where you can be who you are. A place for us all.”

Cllr Tim Leaver was also confirmed at Wednesday’s Council meeting as the Deputy Leader. Members of the Council’s Cabinet and their portfolios are:

Children’s Services - Cllr Abdul Abdullahi

Community Cohesion and Enforcement – Cllr Gina Needs

Climate Action and Placemaking – Cllr Sabri Ozaydin

Environment, Culture and Public Spaces - Cllr Chinelo Anyanwu

Finance and Procurement – Cllr Tim Leaver

Health and Social Care – Cllr Alev Cazimoglu

Housing - Cllr Ayten Guzel

Planning and Regulatory Services - Cllr Susan Erbil

Transport and Waste - Cllr Rick Jewell

Leader’s message – September 2024

“I am thankful for the opportunity to serve residents and communities across our borough as Leader of Enfield Council. I was born and raised in Enfield and continue to live here with my young family.

“I am committed to continuing our long and successful track record of being a fiscally responsible and well-run Council, delivering the best for local people. We have an incredible opportunity ahead of us. We already know Enfield is a great place to live, work, and visit, but there is work to be done to make sure every single one of our neighbours can build a good life here in the borough. I will work closely with local people, and our partners in the Police, the Greater London Authority and Government to bring in investment and our fair share of resources.

“My immediate and main priorities include sustainability, the green agenda, reinvestment in our town centres and creating an environment where all residents can thrive. Tackling inequalities in health and wellbeing, employment and access to decent homes will also be the top of my agenda.

“Since becoming a councillor in 2018, I have witnessed first-hand the challenges facing residents and local councils across the country, with rising demand for services, and our challenge to deal with years of funding cuts. I am confident we can tackle the ongoing financial challenges head-on. We face these challenges with a strong Cabinet, committed council staff and an executive team that will work with me to make the most of opportunities for our Council and borough.

“We may have to make some difficult decisions but our number one priority is to protect those that are most vulnerable and in greatest need. As Council Leader, I will ensure we continue to deliver good quality services and care to our residents, accelerate the provision of decent homes and affordable housing, and lay the foundations for young people to grow up in a borough with opportunities for their future development.

“I will lead our borough with a spirit of progress: proudly anti-racist, inclusive, welcoming, kind, and open. A place where you can be who you are. A place for us all.”

Cllr Ergin Erbil, Leader of Enfield Council.

Nesil Çalışkan, who is the ruling Labour Party MP for Barking, will also chair the Labour Friends of Turkey Group. Nesil Çalışkan, a Turkish MP of Northern Cyprus origin, said:

"Yesterday we met with the Labour Friends of Turkey at our first meeting. I am very happy to have relaunched the group. I am also very happy to have been confirmed as chairman. You can sign up to our mailing list to receive updates: https://labourfriendsofturkey.org.uk."

Nesil Çalışkan outlined her aims by saying that they will work towards the following:

Bringing together Labour Party members and supporters of Turkish origin

Encouraging support for the Labour Party among voters of Turkish origin; forging closer ties between the Labour Party and left-wing politics in Turkey; and building support for a progressive vision for Turkey’s future.

Who is Nesil Çalışkan?

Nesil Çalışkan, who was nominated by the Labour Party for the Barking and Dagenham district of London, the capital city, after winning the general election held in the UK on July 4, became the first Turkish MP of Northern Cypriot origin to enter the House of Commons. She says that her maternal grandparents, of Northern Cypriot origin, lived in Lefkara, in the south of the island, before Cyprus was divided in two, and that they migrated to east London before Christmas in December 1972. Çalışkan joined the Labour Party at the age of 14. She has been an active member of the party for 20 years. She completed her undergraduate studies in politics and international relations at the University of Reading and her postgraduate studies in politics and communications at the London School of Economics. She worked for the National Health Service (NHS) for several years.

When was the Labour Party Friends of Turkey Group founded?

It was founded in 2007 with a ceremony held in the House of Commons building next to the Thames River. In 2007, Labour Party House of Commons Group Chair Hazel Blears, Turkish Ambassador to London Akın Alptuna, Consul General in London Bahadır Kaleli, embassy officials, and many Labour Party MPs and members of the European Parliament attended the organization. In her speech at the ceremony, the late Nilgün Canver, one of the founders of the group, stated that the purpose of establishing the "Labour Party Friends of Turkey,"  which will operate as a lobby group, was to develop Turkish-British relations and to accelerate Turkey's EU membership.

TURKISH LANGUAGE==> https://www.avrupaajansi.com/siyaset/ingiltere-de-turkiye-nin-isci-partili-dostlari-baskani-h24453.html

AVRUPA (European Agency) AVA Voice of European Turks

Mongan, from Ealing, West London, pleaded guilty to both charges at Uxbridge Magistrates' Court on Saturday, it added.

He was remanded in custody for sentencing at the same court on Tuesday, 13 August."I hope the fast response from our officers sends a clear message that we will act to hold those who behave in this way to account," Detective Inspector Jonathan Potter, of the Roads and Transport Policing Command, said in the statement."I'm glad Mongan has been swiftly brought to justice and will now face the consequences of his actions," he added.The incident took place at a time when the UK has been in turmoil for days, with violent far-right rioters spewing racist and Islamophobic vitriol targeting Muslims, minority groups, and immigrants.The riots were fueled by false claims spread online that the suspect arrested for the July 29 fatal stabbing of three children in Southport was a Muslim asylum seeker.Authorities have since identified the attacker as Axel Rudakubana, a 17-year-old teenager born in Cardiff to Rwandan parents, but this has done little to deter far-right mobs.As of Aug. 8, a total of 483 people have been arrested, while 149 charges have been filed in connection with riots in towns and cities across England.

Deputy Leader of the Council, Cllr Ergin Erbil, is the new interim leader.

An announcement on the new leader will be made at a Full Council meeting at Enfield Civic Centre on Wednesday 18 September.

Cllr Nesil Caliskan has issued the following statement following her resignation:

“Following my election as a Member of Parliament, I have today resigned as Leader of Enfield Council. My Deputy Leader, Cllr Ergin Erbil, will act as interim Leader until the Enfield Labour Group elects a new Leader ahead of the next full council meeting on the 18th of September.

“It has been an honour to serve as the first female Leader of Enfield Council since 2018. I thank the residents of Enfield for giving me the opportunity.

“Local authorities have faced profound challenges in recent years, but despite this, Enfield Council has led the way on multiple fronts. From ambitious housebuilding and regeneration programmes, to protecting and driving innovation in frontline services such as Adult Social Care and Children’s Services.

“I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved in Enfield over the past six years. Across the country councils have demonstrated that they are well-placed to best understand and deliver for communities.

“In moments of crisis, like we saw with Covid, councils step up and do an outstanding job.  Not only do councils provide crucial help for residents in need, but they also create better places for people to live and work. I will continue to champion the valuable role councils play in our communities.

“I want to say thank you to all the Cabinet Members and Labour councillors I have worked with to deliver the agenda of our administration. I would also like to thank the thousands of council officers across the organisation.

“All politicians rely on officials who understand them and their ambitions for the areas we represent. A particular thank you therefore to Chief Executive Ian Davis, senior officers, past and present, and the team of officers in the Labour Group office - all of whom have been brilliant public servants to the people of Enfield.

“I leave behind a Labour Group of councillors who represent Enfield’s fantastic diverse community. The London Borough of Enfield will always hold a special place in my heart, and I look forward to following future achievements.”

Tamworth and Rotherham, where rioters targeted hotels housing asylum-seekers a few days ago, are also among the locations for Wednesday's riots. Meanwhile, heads of mosques in West Midlands have warned against reactive violence as some communities plan to hold counter-protests to protect streets from rioters. A similar message was also issued by Haniya Adam of Green Lane masjid in Birmingham in the light of messages and threats on social media. "Our messaging was very clear: allow the police to do their work. We don’t use the language of violence. Our first response is to pray, to call on a higher being and ask for protection for everyone in the country," he said Tuesday. Qari Asim, the chair of the Mosques and Imams National Advisory Board also said they have issued guidance that "none should take the law into their own hands." "It’s the job of the police and other authorities to protect individuals and mosques, and we should support them rather than become a hindrance," said Asim. Anas Altikriti, the CEO and founder of the Cordoba Foundation, also called for not to cause harm or damage. "Let’s not give them the pleasure. Let’s make absolutely sure that we act according to our faith, according to our religion," he noted, referring to those who "would love nothing more than to see Muslims act violently and break the law." Altikriti also called on Muslims to report every single crime, incident, and attack, whether verbal or physical. The UK has been in turmoil for days, with violent far-right rioters spewing racist and Islamophobic vitriol targeting Muslims, minority groups, and migrants. The riots were fueled by false claims spread online that the suspect arrested for the July 29 fatal stabbing of three children in Southport was a Muslim asylum seeker. The attacker has since been identified by authorities as Axel Rudakubana, a 17-year-old teenager born in Cardiff to Rwandan parents, but that has done little to rein in the far-right mobs.

Voting by post is the easiest way to vote as photo ID is not required.

The deadline to apply for a postal vote is 5pm on Wednesday 19 June, but residents must have registered to vote before requesting a postal vote. 

If residents decide to vote in-person at their designated polling station (including a proxy vote), the law requires every voter to present physical photo identification.

A copy of ID on a mobile phone or tablet device will not be accepted. A list of all accepted forms of ID can be found on the Council’s website.

If residents do not have valid photo ID, a free Voter Authority Certificate can be obtained from the Council’s Electoral Services team. The deadline to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate is 5pm on Wednesday 26 June.

Ian Davis, Chief Executive and Constituency Returning Officer at Enfield Council, said: “We want to ensure all eligible residents in Enfield are able to vote in person or by post, so it is important those who have recently moved in to the borough, or are not currently on the register take action now to ensure their voice is heard.

“Voting at polling stations has changed, so it’s important if you wish to vote in person, you must produce appropriate photographic ID. It’s important to familiarise yourself the requirements sooner rather than later.

“The process has never been simpler as all of the resources are available online. You can also contact our Electoral Services team by phone or email for advice.”

Constituency boundaries in the UK have changed. The borough is divided into three constituencies and three MPs will be elected (one for each constituency). The constituencies are Edmonton and Winchmore Hill, Enfield North and Southgate and Wood Green.  

To find out more about how to apply to vote by post, voting by proxy or obtaining a Voter Authority Certificate, contact the Council’s Electoral Services team on 020 3821 1813. Email: elections@enfield.gov.uk or visit: www.enfield.gov.uk/services/councillors-and-democracy/how-to-vote

These include a stamp duty cut for some first-time buyers, a new Help to Buy scheme, and tax cuts for landlords who sell properties to their tenants.

Sunak stressed the economic challenges the UK has faced in recent years, citing the COVID-19 pandemic and the spike in energy prices following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.Despite these challenges, he claimed that economic stability is returning, with inflation back to normal levels, real wages rising for almost a year, and the economy growing healthily."The question now is who is best to turn that foundation into a secure future for you, your family, and our country," he said.Sunak highlighted the Conservative Party's commitment to security, both economically and in terms of national defense.The manifesto includes a pledge to increase defense investment to 2.5% of GDP by 2030, which Sunak described as the biggest sustained increase in the defense budget since the end of the Cold War.

The main opposition Labour Party would not match this commitment, he said. Labour is well ahead in the polls for the July 4 elections

 ‘Party of Thatcher and Nigel Lawson’

On the issue of border security, Sunak reiterated the party's stance on the controversial Rwanda scheme, stating that flights would start in July if the Conservatives are re-elected.He argued that this plan to send some asylum seekers to the small East African country would act as a deterrent to illegal immigration.Additionally, the manifesto includes a proposed migration cap, with Sunak saying migration to the UK has been too high in recent years.He pledged that the Conservatives would cut migration in half, mirroring their success in halving inflation, and then reduce it more each year.Sunak also reiterated the party's belief in lower taxes, stating that people should not be taxed on work twice.By 2027, the proposed cuts to National Insurance would be worth £1,300 ($1,657) to the average worker, he said.He criticized Labour's tax plans, claiming they would increase taxes by more than £2,000, a burden families cannot afford – a charge that Labour leader Keir Starmer denied in an election debate last week.Citing the take-charge 1980s prime minister and her Treasury chief, Sunak declared, "We are the party of Margaret Thatcher and Nigel Lawson," emphasizing the Conservatives' commitment to "sound money."

The manifesto promises that the proposed tax reductions will be funded by controlling the rise in working-age welfare, which Sunak described as "morally right."

He argued that those who can work should do so, reflecting the party's stance on welfare reform.Acknowledging public frustration with the Conservative Party and his leadership, Sunak asserted that the Conservatives are the only party with a clear vision for the future.He accused Starmer of not providing details on how Labour's plans would be funded, saying he is asking voters for a "blank check.”Sunak warned that a Labour government would result in higher immigration and taxes, and accused Starmer of wanting to change the voting rules to maintain power, such as by lowering the voting age to 16.