UK

Tajammul Gurmani
Manchester
Member of Parliament Afzal Khan has said that the national government is responsible for the defeat of the Labour Party in the local elections in Manchester City, but the Green Party will never take over Manchester Council because the current Labour council’s performance is very good. He was talking to this correspondent after the defeat of the Labour Party in the local elections.
To a query about who is responsible for the defeat of the Labour Party, the national leadership or the councillors themselves? MP Afzal Khan said: “I think if you look at the performance throughout the country, then you have to say that the responsibility lies with the national government. It’s also because you are in the midterm. People usually give their response according to how they feel about the government. Any government, whether Labour or Conservative, gets that response, and it’s a clear message that the public are currently not happy.”
About another query that the Green Party can take over Manchester City Council in the future, he said: “My answer would be that you can never say never, but if you look at history, I think it’s very clear for 40 or 50 years now. The performance of the current Labour council in Manchester has been very good. This is one of the best-performing cities in the country, and one of the best cities where people want to come and live. It is internationally renowned. So, I think we’ve done a huge amount for the city. This is a temporary setback. I think we have recovered before. He said that Green Party don’t have the substance. They don’t have the ability to govern; they don’t have the experience as well. Even those people who have been elected now, on the 7th of May, you will see that half of them do not have a clue what to do. So, I don’t feel that there is any threat. I think the Labour Party will regroup, and they’ll perform much better in the next election.”
When asked whether the Green Party can win in his constituency in the future, he said: “No, I don’t think they can win the seat. I think I’m a very good MP. I perform well; I serve people’s issues well. I also handle a lot of important cases. For the last 25 years, I’ve been regularly winning, and I hold the record for receiving the highest number of votes in the city of Manchester” he concluded.

Bureau Report
Manchester
A coffee morning was held at Dean Trust Ardwick School in Manchester, a large number of teachers and parents attendant the event. Prominent speakers including Shazia Qasim and Gloria addressed the gathering.
Miss Shazia said that Dean Trust will host “Manchester Day.” Children and parents will wear traditional cultural dress, perform drum presentations with their national flags, and share stories in their native languages on this occasion. Miss Shazia further announced that the school management is also planning a “Ladies Night” exclusively for women. She explained that no cameras, boys or gentlemen would be allowed at the event to provide a comfortable environment for ladies.
Gloria, a motivational speaker and founder trustee of Access Beyond, delivered a presentation on how parents can better support and guide young children. She said children should begin planning their future journeys early, adding that knowledge is power and that a positive attitude plays a vital role in a child’s success. Gloria also highlighted the discipline, study habits and attitudes often seen among grammar school students. She explained that her organisation offers support programmes aimed at encouraging students to speak confidently and participate in training workshops, conferences and apprenticeship opportunities, while also helping to build better understanding between parents and children. Gloria added that there are 350 jobs are available in NHS for young students to explore and develop their talents.

Staffa reporter
London
The Labour Asians Society today attended a special address delivered by the Prime Minister of Great Britain and Leader of the Labour Party, Sir Keir Starmer, describing the speech as “powerful, passionate, and inspiring” at a crucial moment for the country’s future.
The event brought together Members of Parliament, senior Labour Party figures, dignitaries, community leaders, friendship groups, social organisations, and representatives from diverse communities across the United Kingdom. Sir Keir Starmer received a warm and enthusiastic welcome from attendees before delivering a speech focused on national unity, economic recovery, community cohesion, and long-term progress for Britain.
Speaking after the event, a spokesperson for the Labour Asians Society said the Prime Minister’s message demonstrated the qualities of strong leadership during challenging times.
“Sir Keir Starmer’s speech reflected the leadership of a man who genuinely cares for his country and its people. His message was clear, work hard, remain positive, ignore negativity, and stay focused on building a stronger and fairer Britain for everyone,” the spokesperson said.
The Labour Asians Society stated that the Prime Minister’s words further strengthened its confidence in the Labour leadership and its commitment to delivering equality, opportunity, and stability for communities throughout the country.

“After hearing the Prime Minister speak today, our faith and belief in his leadership have become even stronger. We believe he will stand firmly for unity, equality, harmony, and the future of Britain. His commitment to communities and to creating opportunities for all people was evident throughout his speech,” the spokesperson added.
The organisation also addressed recent political challenges and local election outcomes, urging communities to remain patient and united while the Government continues addressing long-standing national issues.
“The recent local election results may not have been encouraging for Labour in some areas, and people may understandably feel disappointed. However, it is important to remember the difficulties and challenges built up over the last 15 years. Rebuilding a country takes time, commitment, and stability. The Labour Government deserves the opportunity to complete its term and demonstrate what it can achieve for the British people,” the statement continued.
The Labour Asian Society also called for greater community engagement and constructive dialogue, encouraging individuals and organisations to actively contribute ideas and solutions that can strengthen social unity and democratic values.
“We encourage people from all communities to engage positively, share their concerns, and offer constructive suggestions to Labour leadership and to the Prime Minister. Positive ideas create positive outcomes, and together we can help close gaps, strengthen communities, and build a more united society.”
The statement concluded with a call for unity against division and negativity.
“This is a time for communities to stand together in support of peace, equality, harmony, and democracy. Britain’s future must be built on unity and mutual respect, not division or hatred. We must reject negativity and continue working collectively for a stronger and brighter future for all people across the United Kingdom.”

The 2026 local elections in England are still being counted, but the results so far point to a major political realignment rather than a normal mid-term protest vote

Staff reporter
Reform UK is the big winner of the night. Nigel Farage’s party has made major gains in northern and Midlands councils, especially in former Labour “red wall” areas. Reform has already taken or heavily advanced in places such as Hartlepool, Tamworth, Halton and parts of Greater Manchester.
Labour Party is suffering severe losses despite being in government for less than two years. Labour is losing councillors in many of the areas that helped deliver its 2024 general election victory. Some Labour MPs and local figures are already openly questioning Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s leadership.
Conservative Party is also continuing to weaken, though attention has focused more on Labour’s collapse because Labour was defending far more seats this cycle. Reform appears to be pulling significant numbers of former Conservative voters, especially in outer suburban and rural England.

Liberal Democrats are making quieter but meaningful gains, particularly in southern England and affluent suburban areas. They have reportedly taken control or strengthened positions in councils including Stockport and Richmond-upon-Thames.
Green Party of England and Wales is continuing to grow in urban and younger-voter areas, especially parts of London and university towns like Oxford and Exeter.
In London, early expectations suggest Labour may hold many boroughs but with reduced dominance. Polling before election day showed Labour vulnerable to both Green advances in inner London and Reform advances in some outer boroughs.
Analysts say the elections show the UK moving further away from a traditional two-party system. Instead, England now looks increasingly fragmented into:
Reform-dominated working-class and anti-establishment areas, Labour urban strongholds, Lib Dem suburban/southern territory and expanding green pockets.
One important caveat: counting is still ongoing, with thousands of council seats yet to be declared, so the final national picture may shift through the day.

London: Former Deputy Mayor Borough of the Hounslow, Hina Mir presented flowers to Shafiq Rehman, General Secretary of Hounslow Jamia Mosque & Islamic Centre who is also recently appointed advisor to the President of Azad Kashmir, and gave a heartfelt reception in his honour, which was attended by host Samia Chaudhry, businessman, political and renowned social figure Raja Mazhar Hayat, Chairman of Hounslow Jamia Mosque Raja Javed Akhtar, renowned Barrister Zubair Awan, Barrister Arif Rehman, Solicitor Asim Salman, Muhammad Ajaib and Bahadur Khan.

Wajahat Ali Khan
A major government-led summit on antisemitism has been convened in the UK amid a sharp rise in hate crimes and growing concern over the safety of Jewish communities. The meeting, hosted by Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Downing Street, brought together leaders from policing, education, business, and civil society to coordinate a national response to what officials describe as an escalating crisis. The summit follows a surge in antisemitic incidents across London and beyond, including violent attacks, arson attempts on synagogues, and a recent stabbing treated as terrorism. Authorities reported that antisemitic hate crimes in the capital reached a two-year high in April, prompting urgent calls for action.

Opening the summit, Starmer urged institutions to “act with urgency” in tackling antisemitism, announcing new measures aimed at strengthening accountability. Universities will be required to audit and report incidents on campus, while arts and cultural organisations could face funding cuts if found to be promoting hate. Law enforcement agencies are also stepping up their response. Prosecutors have been instructed to fast-track hate crime cases, while police are deploying specialist units to protect Jewish communities, including counter-terrorism support.
Community leaders welcomed the summit but warned that stronger and more immediate measures may be needed. Some have called for tougher legislation against extremist groups and greater oversight of public demonstrations accused of inciting hatred.
The summit reflects wider global concern, with international reports showing rising antisemitic violence in recent years. Experts at the meeting stressed the importance of coordinated efforts across sectors to address both online and offline hate. As the UK grapples with what some politicians have described as a “national emergency,” the outcomes of the summit are expected to shape long-term policy aimed at safeguarding Jewish life and countering extremism in all its forms.

Tajammul Gurmani
Manchester
Mark Ward, a seasoned humanitarian leader, addressed an online training session with head office staff of Al Mustafa Welfare Trust (AMWT). He joined via video link from San Francisco, USA, while staff were present in the UK. Mark has over two decades of experience in aid, disaster relief, and international diplomacy. He is a former US Foreign Service career minister, chairman of PARSA, a charitable trust working in Afghanistan, and Global Advisor for the Zakat Foundation USA. Mark resigned from foreign service when Donald Trump became President in his last term, and later devoted his life to humanitarian work. He chose Afghanistan as his main focus because most of his staff are from Afghanistan, while he is the only foreigner.
The topic of the session was “Future directions in aid and humanitarian response.” He said PARSA is working in education, humanitarian aid, and emergency response in Afghanistan. Highlighting the importance of humanitarian work, he said that aid is more important today as people face increasing disasters, conflicts, and climate challenges worldwide. He added that beneficiaries in Africa, Afghanistan, and other regions need urgent help, but funding has reduced as the USA has stopped support. He appreciated the work of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation for increasing funding in the current situation, and stressed the importance of private donations from families and communities. He urged the USA and UK to restore their aid support.
Talking about Afghanistan, he said gender education remains a taboo in a male-dominated society and is a sensitive issue that can only be handled by local staff. He added that their teams have built strong relationships with local authorities, including the Taliban, allowing their offices to remain operational. He said that after the Taliban takeover, PARSA started work in education and peacebuilding, aiming to rebuild systems damaged by 40 years of war. Signing contracts with NGOs and donors remains a key priority. He stressed that Afghanistan needs donations and long-term commitment.
He also answered questions from Rizwana Latif, Sadaf Javed, Shahid Kharal, Ahmed Nawaz, and other participants. He said he plans to visit Afghanistan next month, where he will tour schools. He noted that flights are operating from Dubai and encouraged others to visit. He advised participants not to focus only on funding, but to work on the ground in Kabul and start meaningful humanitarian efforts. Responding to a question on strategy, he emphasised the need for sustainable, long-term projects rather than seasonal initiatives like Ramadan meals. He concluded that educating people in Afghanistan is more beneficial than short-term feeding programmes.

Bureau Report
Manchester
Mahmood Khan elected President, Mahboob Elahi Butt Finance Secretary, and Sufi Muhammad Hussain General Secretary of the Press Club of Pakistan (PCP) UK during the Annual General Body meeting held at Longsight Library, Manchester. The election held under the supervision of Nasrallah Khan Moghal. Both President and Finance Secretary elected unopposed for a second term. A large number of PCP members attended the meeting, including Mahmood Khan, Gulzar Khan, Pervaiz Masih, :Atta Ullah Cheema, Samuel Jacob, Murwat Ahmad, Cllr Muqaddasah Bano, Rabnawaz Chaudhry, and others. During the meeting, annual activities and financial reports also presented.

Bureau Report
Manchester
The South Manchester Muslim Community Association (SMMCA) re-elected three board members during its Annual General Body Meeting held at Quba Masjid Stockport Road, Manchester. Muhammad Fazil was re-elected as General Secretary, Nasir Aziz as Finance Secretary, and Khalid Mahmood Sufi as board member. The meeting was chaired by Nasrallah Khan Moghal, alongside Dr Zahir Fahim. A total of nine candidates contested for three vacant board positions. During the meeting, Finance Secretary Nasir Aziz presented the financial report to the house.
Members unanimously rejected a resolution proposing an increase in membership fees to £250. The meeting concluded after all agenda items were completed.