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Seven Slough councillors resign over Abbott row and Gaza

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Seven councillors have resigned from the Labour Party, citing concerns over the treatment of Diane Abbott and Faiza Shaheen, the party’s stance on Gaza, and remarks made by the local MP.

The councillors from Slough Borough Council claim that debates over whether Abbott and Shaheen could stand for election exposed “institutional racism” within the Labour Party.

Faiza Shaheen was prevented from running as Labour’s candidate in Chingford and Woodford Green, north London, due to historical social media posts, while Diane Abbott was only recently reinstated after her suspension from Labour.

A Labour spokesperson stated, “We are focused on electing a Labour government and delivering the change that people in Slough and across the country need.”

Councillors Zaffar Ajaib, Sabia Akram, Haqeeq Dar, Mohammed Nazir, Naveeda Qaseem, Waqas Sabah, and Jamilia Sabah were all listed in a statement announcing their resignation on Monday night.

In their statement, the councillors expressed that they felt compelled to resign: “We must stay true to our values and conscience, even if the party we once believed in has abandoned them.”

The councillors also criticized Labour’s position on the Gaza conflict and its hesitation to support parliamentary motions calling for a ceasefire.

Additionally, they condemned Slough’s current MP, Tan Dhesi, for accusing independent candidate Azhar Chohan of “toxifying” the town. Chohan, a former Labour Party member, has garnered support for his pro-Palestine stance and has the backing of the organization Muslim Vote.

In a statement, Dhesi warned against being “duped” by individuals “asking one faith community in particular to vote in a block.”

The councillors indicated they would continue serving on Slough Borough Council as independents.

Tan Dhesi responded to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, noting that he had been canvassing with some of the resigning councillors recently and they had not mentioned their grievances at the time.

“It’s very strange that some of them were out canvassing with me recently, including over the last two days and didn’t raise any such grievances,” Dhesi remarked.

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OLLY MURS plays READING – Palmer Park on Friday 13th June 2025!

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Olly Murs fans, buckle up! The Palmer Park Summer Series is delighted to announce Olly Murs Live in Palmer Park, Reading on Friday 13th June 2025.

It’s 15 years since Olly exploded onto our screens, yet he is still more determined than ever about what’s next. With 7 successful albums, 5 of them reaching no.1, in excess of 2 million tour tickets sold, 7.6M monthly Spotify listeners & a combined following of over 27M across social media, Olly has so far had an incredible career as a singer, songwriter & TV personality.

2024 was also a busy year with Olly working 44 dates touring with Take That & finishing off the summer with a run of his own headliner gigs. Having just announced a summer tour in 2025,
Olly has another action-packed year ahead of him & will be celebrating his 15-year anniversary gigging all the hits as he travels down the road to Reading, Palmer Park with Legacy Live on Friday 13th June.

Don’t miss the chance to celebrate 15 fantastic years of Olly Murs in Reading! Book your tickets now at www.legacylive.co Limited Tickets Available!

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Host a Street Party This Summer – Apply Now for Free Road Closures in Reading

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People are being encouraged to bring communities together this summer by holding their own street parties as part of The Big Lunch 2025.

This year’s celebrations are particularly significant, as they coincide with the 80th anniversaries of VE Day and VJ Day – a special opportunity to come together with neighbours in both celebration and commemoration.

Free Road Closures for Summer 2025 Street Parties

Reading Borough Council is once again supporting local events by covering the cost of road closure fees for street parties on any of the following weekends:

  • Saturday 8 & Sunday 9 June – The Big Lunch Weekend
  • Saturday 28 & Sunday 29 June – Armed Forces Day
  • Saturday 5 & Sunday 6 July
  • Saturday 12 & Sunday 13 July

How to Apply

To host a street party, residents must apply by Monday 21 April 2025. Applications must ensure the proposed road closure does not affect a main through-route or public transport route. Organisers are also asked to consult with neighbours, address any concerns, and ensure access for emergency services is maintained throughout the event.

You’ll need to provide:

  • Your name and contact details
  • The name(s) of the road(s) to be closed
  • The date and times of the closure
  • A list of the properties that will be affected
  • Details of how you will notify residents of the closure
  • Confirmation that neighbours are on board with the plans

So, roll out your bunting, get the trestle tables down from the loft, and start planning your perfect summer street party!

For more information and to submit your application, visit the Reading Borough Council website.

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MP for Earley and Woodley Yuan Yang shortlisted for women’s prize

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Official portrait of Yuan Yang MP

MP for Earley and Woodley Yuan Yang among shortlisted women for the Women’s Prize for Non-Fiction in 2025.

Yuan Yang, the MP for Woodley and Earley, wrote Private Revolutions: Coming of Age in a New China, while Oxford-based Dr Rachel Clarke wrote The Story of a Heart.

Ms Puri said the non-fiction works were “united by an unforgettable voice, rigour, and unique insight”.

The shortlist is rounded out by Dr Rachel Clarke’s The Story of a Heart, The Buffalo Stance singer’s A Thousand Threads, Chloe Dalton’s Raising Hare, Clare Mulley’s Agent Zo: The Untold Stories of Courageous WW2 Resistance Fighter Elzbieta Zawacka, and Helen Scales’ What the Wild Sea Can Be: The Future of the World’s Ocean.

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