Where is the voice of peace?

The Christmas season is one of peace and harmony. It centres on what happened 2000 years ago, far away in a Bethlehem stable, where a child was born. Those attending churches over the period will have heard of migrations, poverty and celebration all centred on the Middle East. Few, will have heard anything that relates these events to what is going on in the same area today. The ongoing conflict in Gaza and beyond, the thousands killed and injured. The demolition of neighbourhoods - the suffering has been and continues to be unbearable. Yet, during our celebrations here little if any of this is related. It's all a bit rose tinted. All prefer to continue gazing back 2,000 years to another sanitised version of truth - the poverty and suffering of those days is also downplayed. Stables are not great places to give birth to children It would have been good to hear much louder unified calls across the faiths for peace in our world - from the Middle East to Ukraine and beyond. The faiths can provide an important voice and lead. And it has been done before. Back in 2001, following the 9/11 attacks on the twin towers in New York, people of faith and none in this area came together to form Peace & Justice in East London. The Christian churches, synagogues, mosques, temples and gurdwaras all joined together to call for peace. We ran many public events, with speakers across the Redbridge area and beyond. The biggest meeting took place in Parliament on the night that MPs were debating in the chamber whether to go to war in Iraq. The Peace & Justice event took place in one of the larger committee rooms. It was addressed by bishops, rabbis and Parliamentarians among others. The case for peace was being made. The Peace & Justice group went onto expose the injustice of a system that saw individual foreign nationals being detained without trial under immigration law. The group made a significant contribution to those calling for peace around the world. So where is the equivalent today? Where are the voices for peace? There are many marching and protesting against the ongoing bloodshed but their voices are being increasingly screened out by a supine media. The conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine seem to have drifted down the news agenda, with the ongoing horror almost being normalised by omission. The voices for peace need to be heard loudly. Among these, those of local faith leaders should be loud and clear. They need to reflect on the history and teaching of their faiths and use that analysis to speak out in the present context for peace. It has been done before and should be happening now. Silence is not an option.

Graham Potter can do well at West Ham but he will need time

So West Ham have appointed former Chelsea and Brighton boss Graham Potter as their new manager. Fans will be hoping the new incumbent does better than outgoing manager Julen Lopetegui. Lopetegui never really seemed to fit at West Ham. Appointed last May to replace David Moyes, suddenly funds became available for players. More than £130 million was spent on nine players. There was some real talent amongst the incomers, with Aaron Wan Bissaka and Crysencio Summerville particularly impressive. But the team failed to get a top line striker. German international, Niclas Fullkrug, promised much but was then injured for a long period. General manager, Tim Steidten should have signed Colombian international Jhon Duran from Aston Villa. He was all set to come but the deal faltered at the last hurdle. Since, Duran has scored a bucketful of goals at Villa, most coming on as sub. Steidten did the deals late, so Lopetegui was weeks behind where he should have been when the season kicked off in August. The team was a work in progress and it showed, as the new manager rang the changes. The failure to fully utilise Summerville and weird substitutions, (like bringing on defenders for attacking players, when already three down) did not impress fans. Neither did Lopetegui inspire confidence on the PR front, often appearing bemused in front of the post match press conferences. There was certainly no confident narrative. Nor were the promising group of homegrown youngsters given a chance, with the likes of George Earthy and Freddie Potts sent out on loan. Lopetegui ofcourse was brought into replace Moyes - one of the most successful managers in the clubs' history Some of us warned it was a mistake at the time, getting rid of a manager who saved the club twice from relegation, then qualified for Europe three seasons running - winning the Europa Conference League in 2023. How distant those days now seem. Hopefully, Potter will hit the ground running. Time is not a commodity in ready supply for managers of Premiership football clubs. It is ironic to think back to the early days of Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United. He didn't win anything for four years, then things came good and the rest is history. No manager in the Premier League would be given that length of time today to get things right. Though, West Ham to be fair do usually give their managers more of a chance to settle. Had Lopetegui not looked so out of sorts, sustaining heavy defeats on a weekly basis, he would have been given longer. So Potter has the chance. There are a good squad of players, including some young home grown youngsters, who can prosper if handled properly. A few additions are needed, especially amongst the strikers, but the fundamentals are there for success. So let's hope Potter gets off to a good start to his West Ham career and European football can return in the not too distant future.

Need for real change of mindset on transport

The role of cars in our society has become increasingly contentious over recent years, with the growing threat of climate change. Cars and other vehicles have helped cause much damage. There have been efforts as a result to restrict their usage, as well as provide less damaging vehicles, powered by electricity. The progress of the electric car has been a major step forward over recent years, though critics point to the damage in climate terms that producing such a vehicle can cause. The car ofcourse has become a major mode of transport over the past 100 years. It has liberated so many people's lives but at a cost. In the intolerant, divided society of today, it is often difficult to have a reasoned debate about car usage. It rapidly descends into a pro and anti debate. The way forward is probably a middle way. We cannot go on destroying the air that we breath and the life source that we depend upon. Nor can there be a sudden withdrawal of a means of travel that so many still depend upon. Other forms of getting around need to be improved to help reduce the need for car usage. The London Mayor's active travel target of 80% of journeys being by foot, cycle or public transport by 2041 is something all must get behind. People will only get out of their cars, though, if these other means of transport are made cheaper and easier. The recent rearrangement of the bus timetables in this area have not helped. Transport For London (TFL) claim numbers using the old routes are down on pre-Covid levels, while the costs of providing the service are up. Data drives change. Critics claim that TFL have not listened and people who used the bus as a vital means of travel are now unable to do so. Hopefully, matters can be resolved. Councillors and our Leyton and Wanstead MP Calvin Bailey have been involved in trying to get TFL to adjust it's plans. A great plus in public transport has been the addition of the Elizabeth Line. Quick, efficient and comfortable, it has to represent a travel model for the future. Cycle infrastructure has been rolling out across London, making this form of transport more accessible and safer. Clean air ofcourse is an important catalyst in encouraging more people to cycle. The introduction of congestion and the Ultra Low Emission Zones have been important moves in progressing the cause of clean air. So too have been school streets schemes. So there is much going on to encourage more active travel, which will also bring a fitter, healthier population as well in the long run. So there are many positive things happening to encourage a real modal change in how people get around. But there is still a long way to go if that 80% target is to be achieved.

England will win World Cup in 2026

Football fans will enjoy a new book from West Ham legend and World Cup winner Geoff Hurst titled Last Boy of 66. The title of ofcourse draws attention to the fact that Hurst is the last of the players remaining alive from that momentous day 60 years ago, when England won the World Cup at Wembley. That in itself is surprising. All would be in their 80s, if alive today. Hurst is 83. In these days of living longer, the law of averages would suggest more should remain alive. Many have drawn attention to the disproportionate number of the team who got dementia. The book offers some fascinating incites, especially for West Ham fans. The prominence of Bobby Moore, Martin Peters and Geoff Hurst in the team. (West Ham fans like to claim they won the World Cup, with Hurst and Peters scoring all four goals) .)The revelations that Peters always carried a certain resentment over being left out of the West Ham FA cup winning team of 1964. Also, that he wanted the team to do better in the league. Peters joined Spurs in 1970. Then, Moore being in dispute with West Ham as the World Cup finals began. It seems, he probably played the final thinking he'd be a Spurs player afterwards. Later, Hurst found out that Manchester United wanted to sign him in 1968. The response from West Ham manager Ron Greenwood to his Manchester United counterpart Matt Busby was a telegram reading "No, regards, Greenwood." Player power was very much less than today. Indeed, the treatment of the players in that team down the years has been pretty appalling, particularly from the FA. Instead, of being lauded, they and their wives were often snubbed. One of the endearing themes of the book is that these were just a bunch of ordinary blokes, brought together to create a great football team. They got plenty of fame but little of the riches of players today. Most, went into other trades, after football. Hurst sold insurance, as did Peters. Roger Hunt went into the family haulage business, whilst Ray Wilson became an undertaker. A number sold their medals to make ends meet. Yet, the achievements of the team have lived on for 60 years. To a degree they represent a ghost that has haunted every England team put out since that famous day in July 1966. The game has changed dramatically since that time, in some ways for the good, in others less so. But still England have not won the World Cup. A couple of semi- final appearances is all England has to show for 59 years of effort. This, though, maybe about to change, with the stars seemingly aligning. Next year marks the 60th anniversary of that win, England have the players to win, as proven in recent tournaments. To top it all, they have a manager, Tomas Tuchel, from the country, Germany, that England beat in 1966. So, yes all is set for England to once again win the World Cup in 2026. But in the meantime, Geoff Hurst's book offers a great insight to those who did it the first time around in humbler but great days. * Geoff Hurst - Lost Boy of 66 Published by Ebury Spotlight, £22

Hopes and fears for the New Year

The New Year approaches with a mixture of hope and trepidation. The last 12 months have seen violence abound across the globe. There have been the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, then at home the far right led riots against migrants in the summer months. It must be hoped that peace and reconciliation can be brought to all these situations. At present, the main beneficiaries of the international conflicts are the arms trade. Then there is the growing devastation being caused across the world by climate change. It is difficult to believe there are some people still in denial about what is happening. They take refuge in ignorance and believe crucial decisions can be put off to another day. The longer the world waits, failing to seriously address the problems, the worse things will become. More and more resources will have to be devoted to tackling the problem, with mass forced migrations resulting from homelands being made uninhabitable. It is, though, not all bad news on climate change, measures are being taken to address cause and effects. It is just the slowness of these actions. It is an emergency that merits rapid action. The natural world is not about to wait for human beings to catch up. There have been political changes in the last year, with the Labour Party elected in the UK and Donald Trump returning as president in the US. The Labour government has done some positive things since taking office last July but is not communicating well with the electorate. It is not putting out a narrative as to where it wants to go and how it intends to get there. Simply repeating the word change isn't t going to cut it. There is a good story to tell, the government needs to communicate it. A second Trump presidency fills many with trepidation. The divisive rhetoric and threats of the campaign trail promise to make the world a more dangerous place. Democracy itself seems on the line. On a more optimistic note, President Trump has never been a fan of war, so the prospects for America playing a positive role in bringing some of the bloody conflicts mentioned earlier to an end maybe brighter. What the Democrats in the US and Labour here need to learn is that if they want to retain office, inequality needs to be addressed. America has a successful economy, with 3% growth rates - a level that can only be dreamed of in the UK. Yet, that wealth creation has not flowed to the mass of people. Instead, the relatively few have once again benefited. Only when greater sustainable growth flows to the mass of people and they feel their lives are better will those responsible be rewarded. So entering the New Year, there are hopes and fears. Let's hope things improve on all levels for the mass of humanity and that we draw back from the abyss of destruction. A more unified, less divisive world pulling together for the common good of all has to be the way forward. Have a happy and peaceful New Year.

Christmas is a time to be nice

Christmas is the season of peace and goodwill. A time when people come together to celebrate. Never have such sentiments been more needed. It sometimes seems like we live in a world of aggressive intent. Social media has helped foster these attitudes. People seem to think it is fine just to attack others, often online, who they have usually never met. The anger that flies off the keyboard is amazing to behold. Some seem to just have to get the angst off their chest. It has always been my line as a local councillor to deal with issues if I can, and if they come under the council remit. If they don't, then I will try to direct the individual concerned to those who can help. What we are not here for is to just be shouted at. We are not here to absorb others anger, which they need to let out somewhere. Thankfully, this is something that does not happen that often. There is though growing anger toward those involved in public life. They have become targets of hate, as was tragically seen with the murders of MPs David Amess and Jo Cox in recent years. It now seems incredible that a few years ago there were no gates on Downing Street or elaborate security around the Palace of Westminster. Politicians mixed freely amongst the public. Attitudes only began to change at the end of the 1970s. The changes are the terrible conclusion of a hate filled society, constantly looking for someone to blame. The media does not help in this respect. This always trying to nail someone, get them sacked or removed, individualising every problem, rather than looking to the underlying issues. The behaviour of many in public life, as seen with the expenses scandal a few years ago and the constant stream of those in public office seemingly not coming up to the standards required, has helped fuel the anger. There seems to have been a break down in trust between those in power and those they purport to represent. This will take a long time to repair but it must be fixed. That said, the vast majority of those who serve in public office are decent people doing it for the right reasons. Unfortunately, the few bad apples tend to tarnish everyone. Moving forward, can we all be a little kinder and understanding of others. Join debates and discussions with an open mind, with respect for the other person, no matter how much you may disagree with them. Try a little kindness. On the plus side we do read everyday of incredible acts of kindness and generosity. Christmas is a time to celebrate such things and look to do more positive things toward each other. Let's give it a try? Happy Christmas.

While pubs close around the UK, in Wanstead, the George has been saved

The George & Dragon pub, formerly the George, will be opening in January. The £1.5 million refurbishment of the pub by new owners Urban Pubs & Bars (UPB) will bring a new experience for the people of Wanstead. The saving of the pub is something to be celebrated. Pubs are going down across the country, with the cost of living crisis accelerating this process. It is rare to save or open a new one. The continuation of the George legacy, which goes back to the 18th century, is very welcome. The campaign to save the George played no small part in this achievement. It showed how much local people care for this iconic pub. A petition signed by 3,589 people, showed the appetite for a place where people can eat and drink together but is also a community space. In a world where people seem to be becoming increasing disconnected and isolated, this important function of pubs and other hospitality premises should not be under estimated. The appetite for good, reasonably priced beer was again emphasised in October with the great turn out for the Wanstead Beer Festival. Attended by more than 700 people, the festival was almost drunk dry but not quite. Next year the organisers intend to try to go one better, another step towards making Wanstead a beer capital. So now, we wait for the George & Dragon to open. UPB have been impressed with the local support that was shown for the old pub. It shows people really value and care for the place. UPB have been keen to engage, meeting recently with Leyton & Wanstead MP Calvin Bailey and myself to explain their plans. It all looks exciting with the new owners keen to become an active part of the Wanstead community. They have a particular commitment to sourcing locally, which fits well with the bigger vision for sustainable living. It is great that many of the staff from the George are being kept on, others have been redeployed by previous owners Wetherspoons. UPB expect to take on more staff, as their plans progress The new owners won't be providing the cheap prices of Wetherspoons but they do recognise the need for variety and that not everyone can afford £6 plus pints. But for now it is a case of wait and see. The future looks bright. What shouldn't be forgotten is the effort of so many to save the pub. Whilst Wetherspoons refused to listen, the new owners have. The Wanstead community has once again come together and been heard. Now, just looking forward to that first pint in the George & Dragon.