Hello Everyone,
The next few days mark a very special bank holiday weekend as we commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day, otherwise known as VE Day.
Across Newham, events will be taking place to celebrate eight decades since the beginning of the end of World War Two — to honour those lives lost in the futility of conflict and war, and also in the face of the demonic horror that was the Nazi onslaught against the people of the world. It reminds us of the importance of bringing people together, deepening bonds and promoting peace — especially as conflicts still rage across the globe.
Next Thursday, on 8 May, we’ll be remembering 1945 — when Allied forces accepted the unconditional surrender of Germany. Three months later, all hostilities ceased with the end of the war in Japan.
More than five years of war across the globe left behind death, destruction, and an indelible stain on our human story — unlike anything witnessed before. The end of the fighting brought with it both immense relief and a chance to look to a brighter future. But amidst the joy and celebration, it was also a time for mourning the loss of loved ones.
The reality is that the number of people who lived through those tumultuous times is dwindling. As with all things, their time is inevitably drawing to a close. So, these events will also act as a worthy salute to our Greatest Generation — those members of our community now in their 90s and older.
I’ll be doing my best to attend as many of these important events as possible, because the war played a significant role in shaping our borough. On a personal note, I recently discovered that my father’s father, who was from pre-Partition India, served in the armed forces of what was then the British Empire. He was posted to Italy and returned to India after the war, hoping to live a peaceful life with his family. Sadly, he then endured the disruption and pain of Partition, which led to the creation of Pakistan and India.
In Newham, the Second World War had a significant impact. Our majestic Royal Docks and surrounding neighbourhoods were heavily damaged during the war.
The Royal Docks were a major target for the Nazis, as they were one of the principal points of import into our country. Their intention was to damage the commercial life of London by bombing warehouses, wharves, railway lines, factories, and power stations in the East End. Aerial bombardment involved high-explosive bombs and parachute mines, which had a devastating effect and killed hundreds.
In next week’s e-missive, I’ll honour the victims of the South Hallsville School in Agate Street, Canning Town — including the hundreds of children who died — in what is considered one of the worst civilian incidents during a Second World War bombing raid in 1940. While the official casualty figure for the South Hallsville School bombing was 77, later evidence suggests that as many as 600 people may have died, making it the worst civilian tragedy of the war.
The world has changed beyond recognition since that time, 80 years ago. In the months, years, and decades that followed, Britain saw the creation of the NHS, the beginning of the end of Empire, the introduction of modern schooling, the rise of a multicultural society, and an end to rationing. So let’s hope the forecasters are wrong and that the sun shines for us as we celebrate this weekend.
On Monday, we had a remarkable Full Council meeting where we invited young people to play a major role. Young people from our Youth Empowerment Service, Youth Parliament, and local schools asked questions, shared their views, and spoke movingly about the recent death of His Holiness Pope Francis. Their eloquent and thoughtful contributions were much appreciated by all the councillors present. I’m sure they taught us all something valuable.
We also passed several important measures to ensure we support our young people in accessing paid work experience, securing jobs, and participating in decision-making. You can read the full measures in the Our Young People, Our Future Full Council report here.
I was also delighted to be a keynote speaker at the inaugural Women in Business Network event, part of the Newham Chamber of Commerce (NCC). Alongside Daljinder Hopal — an Associate Director at the University of East London and the founding Chair of the NCC Women in Business Network — and 70 other phenomenal women from across Newham, we gathered for a special Business Breakfast at a new coffee house in Stratford. One thing is certain: although we’ve made great strides and can boast some fantastic success stories, there’s still a long way to go.
Two joyous moments among the many I experienced this week included taking part in a podcast with young people at the Forest Gate Youth Zone — the first of many to come! — and speaking about the importance of inclusion for young people at the Show Up for Success: Industry Symposium, organised with our Youth Empowerment Service. We must ensure there are ample opportunities for our young people, especially those with disabilities. The future of our country and borough lies in their hands.
That’s why I’m heartbroken to end this week’s message with the news we all feared: the body of 11-year-old Kaliyah Coa was formally identified this week, having been recovered from the River Thames near North Woolwich a couple of weeks ago. I issued a statement, which you can read here.
I am sure I speak for all when I wish Kaliyah’s parents and family our heartfelt condolences at this time of grief.
Until next week, please take care over this Bank Holiday weekend.
Best wishes, Mayor Rokhsana Fiaz OBE Follow what I am up to via X/Twitter: @rokhsanafiaz | 
