Jon Ashworth MP signs the FMO Palestinian peace flag |
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Tuesday July 29 2014 |
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Jon Ashworth, who signed the Federation of Muslim Organisations’ Palestinian Peace Flag, said: “I want to pay tribute to FMO for organising this peace flag which I, along with thousands of Leicester residents, have signed. I have looked on in absolute dismay at the unfolding events in Gaza. The loss of so much innocent life is heartbreaking and this is no means of achieving peace in the region.”
Representatives of the Federation of Muslim Organisations and local people will be taking the Peace Flag to Downing Street on Wednesday, 30 July.
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Jon, who is unable to attend Downing Street as he is abroad, commented: “In taking this flag to Downing Street, the people of Leicester are sending a clear message that we want the international community to put every effort into helping secure an immediate ceasefire so that the tragic loss of life we have seen can be halted.”
“Although I am unable to attend Downing Street on Wednesday when the flag will be handed over, this initiative has my full support and I thank Leicester’s Federation of Muslim Organisations for organising this flag.”
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| Photo shows Jon signing the peace flag |
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Jon Ashworth MP teams up with Gujarat Hindu Association to support Aid For India |
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Friday July 25 2014 |
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Jon was at Shree Mandhata Samaj Sahayak Mandal to accept donations raised by the local community and Gujarat Hindu Association for causes in India.
Last year Jon launched a Leicester-wide appeal to raise funds for Uttarakhand in India following the floods. Jon visited India in 2013 as part of a project organised by Save the Children. He visited Save the Children’s poverty projects in Delhi and Calcutta where he met with staff and the children who use these vital services.
Speaking before the event this Friday, Jon said: “I am passionate supporter of increasing our links with India. Leicester has strong bonds with India which is why I'm delighted that the local community has raised funds for charity projects in India. The money will be passed on to aid charities working in India such as SEWA International and Save the Children.”
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| “While India has an increasingly prosperous economy at the same time it is also home to some of the world’s worst poverty, which I witnessed for myself last year. I want to pay tribute to the local community and the Gujarat Hindu Association for raising money this year as well as last year following my appeal.” |
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| Photo above left; Jon with Maganbhai Patel speaking, above; Jon accepts the donation from the Gujarat Hindu Association |
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Jon Ashworth MP opens the ‘What do you see when you look at me?’ Photographic Exhibition at CURVE Theatre |
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Friday July 25 2014 |
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Speaking before the event, Jon said: “This exhibition by The Race Equality Centre aims to challenge, and destroy, the many stereotypes and misconceptions that are formed by society. This builds on the work undertaken by TREC over the years in in developing initiatives to tackle race discrimination and harassment and promote good relations amongst different individuals and groups.”
This Arts Council funded exhibition has been the brainchild of The Race Equality Centre (TREC). The exhibition looks at how we perceive others, and it raises people’s awareness of difference and gives a message to be ‘you’ and respect others for who ‘they’ are.
To put the exhibition together TREC commissioned award winning photographer, Kajal Nisha Patel. |
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The Curator, Tara Munroe, commented: “This exhibition has been a joy to put together, meeting some outstanding people along the way, who have allowed us to take a snapshot of their unique individuality. I am proud to present “what do you see when you look at me” and hope you all understand the concept.”
The exhibition, by The Race Equality Centre (TREC), will be open to the public from 26 July to end of September. |
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| Photo right top; Iris Lightfoote, Chief Executive of TREC with Jon, right bottom; Jon opening the exhibition |
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Jon Ashworth MP fasted for a day as part of Ramadan |
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Thursday July 24 2014 |
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Jon Ashworth MP fasted for the day on Thursday 24 July as part of Ramadan. Jon has completed a day’s fast the last two years during Ramadan, and repeated the experience this year.
Speaking before his fast, Jon said:
“Ramadan is such an important time for so many families across my Constituency. I want to show my support to the local community, but more than that, I want to experience Ramadan for myself again.”
Jon started the day early in the morning with Sehri at Masjid Umar Mosque on Evington Drive. He fasted for the day, breaking his fast with dates and water, Iftar, at Masjid Al Falah on Keythorpe Street.
Jon commented further:
“I fasted for the whole day, but like many Muslims I’ll went about my day as usual. It was difficult at times during the day, but I wanted to take part in Ramadan in my own small way.”
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| Photo above, Jon at Sehri at Masjid Umar Mosque. Photo right, Jon breaking his fast with dates and water, Iftar, at Masjid Al Falah. |
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Jon Ashworth MP supports the Ramadhan Food Drive |
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Tuesday July 15 2014 |
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On Saturday 19 July the Federation of Muslim Organisations will be holding a food collection drive.
This food drive is in association with the Islamic Society of Britain, LIA Relief Trust and Madani Schools Federation.
Speaking before the event, Jon said: “I would like to thank the Federation of Muslim Organisations and the other organisations for putting in place this important food drive. I know from experience that there are people in my Constituency that will benefit from this event, and for this I am thankful.”
A Food Drive is held during Ramadhan as the Holy Month is not just a time of Fasting, but also a time for putting into practice selflessness. Food donations can be dropped off at the Madani Schools Federation between 2pm and 7pm on Saturday 19 July. |
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Councillor Mohammed Dawood commented: “I encourage people of all faiths to donate essential food items to support the thousands of people, including children and the elderly, living in poverty in Leicester.”
Please help by donating the following items: tinned food, packet food, pasta and rice, instant soup and noodle packets, cereal bars, cereals, tea and sugar.
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Jon Ashworth MP speaks to Crown Hills pupils about Humanitarian Aid |
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Friday July 4 2014 |
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Jon Ashworth MP listened to the views of year 9 pupils at Crown Hills Community College, after they contacted him about their concerns on high profile international cases.
The pupils, aged between 13 and 14 years, discussed the current ‘Send All My Friends To School’ campaign – a campaign run by various international charities to secure education for all children across the globe.
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| Photo above, Jon answering questions about international campaigns |
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Jon said: “I think it’s really important that we encourage young people to take an interest in current affairs. These pupils are clearly very switched on – they know what’s happening in the world, and they’ve made the effort to lobby their MP.”
“They’ve also timed it really well, as the ‘Send All My Friends To School’ campaign is really topical now.”
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| Photo above, Jon demonstrating how Parliamentary debates work and describing the role of an MP |
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In addition to talking about international issues, the pupils also questioned Jon on his role as a Member of Parliament.
Jon commented further: “I’m enjoyed hearing what they’ve got to say. School children often come up with very challenging and thought-provoking questions, so what they had planned was great!”
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| Photo above, Jon Ashworth with the Crown Hills pupils and their teacher, Salma Owen (back row, far right) |
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