Statement: Standing Together Against Hate in Our Community

As many of you will know, over recent weeks there have been a number deeply concerning incidents in our community. Flags have been placed on the George Lane viaduct in South Woodford, directly outside one of our local mosques. This was a deliberate and provocative act that has caused real upset, and it has no place here.

Last weekend, around 40 red crosses were graffitied across public and private property in Bushwood and the surrounding roads in Leytonstone. At the same time, far-right marches took place in London, during which police officers were assaulted and communities intimidated, actions encouraged and celebrated by hostile actors abroad. This has understandably caused grave concern among many residents.

I’ve been into South Woodford Mosque to speak with community members and faith leaders directly. I also want to thank local councillors Beverley Brewer, Joe Hehir, Saiqa Qayum and Clyde Loakes, as well as residents, for their swift action in supporting affected communities and ensuring the graffiti and flags were removed quickly. Both the council and police have acted decisively, with reassurance patrols in place and full investigations underway.

If you see anything like this again, please report it straight away to the council or police.

If you have information on the Leytonstone graffiti, please share it with the police via MET Engage or by calling 101, quoting reference CAD 1881 13/09. In Leytonstone, you can also contact Cllr Loakes directly at cllr.clyde.loakes@walthamforest.gov.uk.

Our constituency will always remain a welcoming place for everyone. We have stood together against hate and division before, and we will do so again.

Updated on 24th of Sept 2025