Unite’s position on former mayor Lutfur Rahman and Labour in Tower Hamlets
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Version 0 of 1. Your article on the rally in support of Lutfur Rahman (Boss of Unite union backs ousted Tower Hamlets mayor, 1 May) may lead to misunderstandings regarding Unite’s position on this matter. Certainly, Unite has worked closely with Mr Rahman in developing a community centre in Cable Street assisting hundreds of people in a deprived community secure skills and training; and we applaud his stand against using contractors who blacklist trade unionists. The division between his supporters and the Labour party, their natural home, is a regrettable one. Related: Unite's Len McCluskey backs away from fight to reinstate Lutfur Rahman I am also concerned at the democratic implications of a judge dismissing an elected mayor – laws allowing for such a procedure, against which there seems to be no appeal, should be changed. Unite believes elections should be fought on the streets, not in the courts. Trade unions know all too well that the judiciary is a flawed guardian of democratic rights. Resting the case on archaic and potentially racist concepts like “spiritual influence” makes the matter worse. However, I do not seek to judge the totality of the case against Mr Rahman and cannot give him support on issues which are matters for the court and in which Unite has no involvement. In the election to choose his successor, Unite will, of course, be supporting the Labour candidate.Len McCluskeyGeneral secretary, Unite • Over the last few days, most of your writers have talked about the nation “turning its back on Labour”. One writer (Zoe Williams, 11 May) claimed Labour “were not offering anything that anybody wanted”. That may be how it looks inside your Westminster media bubble. Out here in the real world, more than 9.3 million people wanted it, some of us very much.Matthew SimpsonSheffield |