Mayoral deputies attend dynamic Lewisham meeting

The meeting sought to encourage and inspire the black community to politically organise and mobilise, and stand up to be counted in May's London election.

The meeting also held a minutes silence for the recently deceased leader for black, minority and oppressed groups in the UK Bernie Grant MP. The contributions from candidates and the floor contained tributes to 'Bernie'. Finally the meeting was a tribute to the legacy that Bernie and others have achieved in nurturing a more inclusive agenda for London and the UK.

Meeting: Lewisham Civic Centre Time: 7pm Date: Tuesday 11th April 2000

OBV National Co-ordinator Simon Woolley states: 'The meeting powerfully demonstrates that with political mobilisation the candidates must address the concerns of the black community. The candidates were under the spotlight to ensure their policies did not circumvent the black community. This meeting further demonstrates transport is not the be all and end all for all Londoners.'

Labour candidate Trevor Phillips said: 'The issue that concerns me most is black school exclusions-how exclusions cripples parents, children, families and communities. The candid debate here makes me even more passionate on this issue. This was by far the most interesting meeting I have had to attend so far on the campaign trail.'

Independent assembly candidate, Peter Tatchell pledged: 'To establish an equalities unit to monitor & set targets in all areas-service providers, contractors and institutions. Any particular set of bodies the GLA has to deal with will come under intense pressure to promote equality in services, training and employment'.

Lib Dem candidate, Sally Hamwee said: 'The Lib Dems will be pushing in the strongest terms possible for a London civic forum. This forum will listen and act to represent the voiceless Londoners, and directly influence more inclusive set of policies for London. Without this the majority of Londoners will not feel that the GLA is there to work for them.'

Green candidate, Jenny Jones said: 'I agree with the several contributions from the floor that we must invest more in people and less on policing. We must ensure policies in the GLA look at preventive policies for crime i.e. eradicating poverty and not responsive measures.

Notes to the editor

The London elections are on May 4th 2000. One third of the capital's population are Black. This figure is projected to rise to 40% by 2004 according to Home Office figures.