2011 was a momentous year with tyrants falling like nine pins and the world financial crisis worsening with the euro-zone teetering on the brink of catastrophe.
The Tory led government’s painful austerity was found to be hurting but not working as unemployment grew to 2.62m and government debt grew by an extra £158bn as tax income slumped and benefit payments rocketed. Labour’s call for an economic strategy based on growth and jobs went unheeded despite a plethora of economic experts calling for the same.
Locally the community pulled together in the good and bad times of 2011. The Royal Wedding saw successful street parties in Hanwell and Clarence Street, Southall. The August riots saw a fantastic community clean up in Ealing and West Ealing and the Southall community united in partnership with the police to protect public property and places of worship even getting the Prime Minister’s praise when questioned by me in the Commons.
Another question to the Prime Minister about Ealing Hospital was less successful as plans to close Ealing Hospital finally came to light in the autumn. The community led by Labour’s GLA candidate and local GP Dr Onkar Sahota will fight these misguided and shocking proposals in 2012. It will be a long battle but it is one we must win if Ealing is to continue as our local hospital.
2012 will provide more opportunities for community action and celebration with the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and the London Olympic and Paralympic Games. It will be a tough year economically so we will need these chances to forget our troubles. We also choose a new Mayor in May and I will be campaigning hard for my old friend Ken Livingstone.
Whatever 2012 brings I wish everyone a happy and peaceful New Year.
