Apsana Begum is interviewing by Weekly Desh’s Editor Taysir Mahmud

Taysir Mahmud ::

The Labour Party has shortlisted Apsana Begum and Amina Ali to be the next Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Poplar and Lime house. Apsana Begum applied to be the candidate on a platform of greater grassroots involvement in politics and campaigning on local issues.

On her background, Apsana said, “I was born and raised in Shadwell ward of Tower Hamlets, attended local schools in the borough and have been a local worker delivering services to local residents. In 2015, I took my activism forward to tackle the austerity measures implemented by the Tory government. I campaigned to protect key public services, from campaigning against the closure of day care nurseries as well as the Community Languages Services. I have held positions of Branch Secretary, then Equalities Officer and also CLP Secretary and campaigned to ensure we have greater involvement of members in the democratic processes and encouraged members to participate in democratic processes without any barriers.”
Responding to a question as to what are the priorities in Poplar and Lime house. Apsana replied, “The child poverty rate in Tower Hamlets is one of the highest in the country, so eliminating child poverty rate in Tower Hamlets will be one of my main priorities along with campaigning for better housing conditions and a lifelong education service.”

Responding to questions about her campaign, Apsana said, “It has been an exciting campaign engaging and enthusing members on “a new kind of politics” – grassroots and people-powered. I want to inspire a new generation of activists involved in grassroots campaigning, activism and politics and engaging members on this. I want to work with constituents to ensure that no community is left behind and every constituent is supported for the issues they experience, regardless of their background. I am also proud that I am running alongside a strong BAME woman candidate, Amina Ali.”

The short interview ended with Apsana leaving to priorities meeting with Party members. She apologised for not spending more time on media interviews, as it is important for her to visit and speak with members of the Party who ultimately decide their party candidate and help campaign to secure a Labour government in the next General Election. Upon leaving, Apsana said, “I am deeply grateful to the Weekly Desh newspaper for supporting community campaigns locally”.

Today, Sunday 27th October 2019 at 4:30 pm, Apsana Begum and Amina Ali will be contesting for the chance to be Labour PPC for Poplar and Limehouse. Doors open at 4pm. Doors close at 4.30 pm. St. Paul’s Church, Bow Common, St. Paul’s Way, E3 4AR for Labour Party members only.