Aspire administration to increase major events in Victoria Park
I have been shocked and frustrated at a decision taken by the Aspire administration in Tower Hamlets to increase the number of major event days allowed in Victoria Park – the jewel in our borough’s crown. Events in the park are known to local residents to be highly disruptive, both while the events are taking place and while event infrastructure… Read More >
In Roman Road LDN: Motion calling for Gaza ceasefire ruled outside of Council remit
I was quoted in the Roman Road London online magazine because my motion on the Gaza conflict was not accepted due to safety concerns. The full article can be read online here: https://romanroadlondon.com/tower-hamlets-aspire-labour-green-gaza-ceasefire-motion-rejected-council/ My quote: “My main priority is that I want everyone in Tower Hamlets to remain and feel safe in the borough and that is what my motion… Read More >
Green’s motion on Gaza conflict disallowed
My motion calling for peace in Tower Hamlets and a ceasefire in Gaza was not been allowed to be presented at the Full Council this evening 15 November 2023. Having spoken to the legal and monitoring officer, this decision to disallow motions on the topic was taken because the issue is not something that Tower Hamlets Council has any direct… Read More >
In the Evening Standard: Sadiq Khan urged to use legal powers to prevent East End LTNs being axed
I was quoted alongside Sian Berry, Green London Assembly Member, in a piece in the Evening Standard on Berry’s request that London Mayor Sadiq Khan uses GLA powers to prevent removal of Tower Hamlets LTNs. More information about the question is here: https://cllrnathaliebienfait.net/sian-berry-am-pushes-sadiq-khan-on-tower-hamlets-ltns/ My quote is as follows: “Nathalie Bienfait, a Green councillor in Tower Hamlets, said there was huge… Read More >
Sian Berry AM pushes Sadiq Khan on Tower Hamlets LTNs
Green London Assembly Member, Sian Berry, has highlighted that London Mayor Sadiq Khan can and should step in to prevent Lutfur Rahman from removing vital Low Traffic Neighbourhoods in Tower Hamlets. At Mayor’s Question Time on Thursday 12 October 2023, Sian Berry AM highlighted that the London Mayor Sadiq Khan has powers under the Greater London Authority Act which allows… Read More >
Liveable Streets Cabinet decision
Mayor Lutfur Rahman has done the unthinkable. At Cabinet on 20 September 2023, he decided that Low Traffic schemes in Bethnal Green and Arnold Circus will be removed. This decision is the culmination of a year and a half of uncertainty, campaigning and consultation after consultation for the residents affected. However, for the campaigners in Bethnal Green, it is just… Read More >
Tower Hamlets Council LGA Peer Review
Tower Hamlets Council received surprisingly positive feedback during an initial feedback session given by Local Government Association (LGA) Peers as part of a regular Peer Review. The LGA requires local authorities to have peer reviews every 4-5 years to monitor performance, governance and conduct. Representatives from other councils around the country acting as LGA Peers conducted an in-depth review of… Read More >
All Points East festival 2023
This year, one of Britain’s favourite parks, Victoria Park, was again host to a major music festival, All Points East. While improvements have been made by the event organisers in recent years, I object to the events being held in the park in August school holidays, given that many surrounding residents do not have their own outside space and rely… Read More >
Annual Council Meeting, 17 May 2023
Every year, the council holds an Annual Meeting at which it decides some procedural matters for the coming year. The highlights are the election of a new Speaker – or the confirmation of the current one, confirmation of the Cabinet for the coming year, confirmation of committee chairs. At this meeting, I chose to make a speech reflecting on the… Read More >
HAC Bow: events, disruption, updates
This is an ongoing situation and this blog post is being updated regularly as I obtain more information. Please contact me if you have any questions. Background Concerns were first raised to me regarding events being held at the HAC venue on Morgan Street after the tragic death of a teenager in September 2022. Concerns included: Following reports of these… Read More >