PREMIER BOOST FOR CULTURE BID

This article appears in today's Leicester Mercury:

Premier boost for culture bid

by Alan Thompson

The UK premiere of a film shot in Belgrave will take place in the city in September – giving a boost to Leicester's City of Culture bid.

Jadoo, which was filmed on the Golden Mile in March last year, was given its international premiere at the Berlin International Film Festival in February.

Now, the colourful comedy, which tells the story of two brothers who open competing restaurants in Belgrave Road after they each inherit half of their mother's recipes, is coming to the city.

Its director, Amit Gupta, was born above the Chaat House restaurant, in Belgrave Road.

Still owned by his family, it appeared in the film, along with Exotica, a restaurant further up the street.

People and businesses who were filmed – including Leicester East MP Keith Vaz – will get the chance to see themselves on the big screen at an as yet unnamed, cinema in the city – unless they've hit the cut ting room floor! Rajesh Pabari, owner of Shiva Shakri Foods, in MacDonald Road, off Belgrave Road, whose shop was used for a scene, said: "They spent about half a day filming a scene about the brothers buying ingredients.It will be interesting to see it, I'm looking forward to it."

Mr Vaz, who plays himself judging which of the brothers cooked the best food, said: "I actually haven't seen it yet but I am very much looking forward to it coming out.

"It was great fun filming and I hope people will go to see it and enjoy Leicester on the big screen."

Mr Vaz has been invited to a private screening of the film when it comes out in September. City assistant mayor and Belgrave ward councillor Manjula Sood said:"I think this will be a great boost for Leicester's city of culture bid.

"It will raise Leicester's profile and put the city on the map"I've known Amit, who directed the film, since he was a little boy, born and brought up in Leicester, so I'm very proud.

"The producers have asked me if it would be possible to banners up across Belgrave Road and I am going to speak to the council's festivals and events team. Jadoo's Associate producer, Farhana Bula, said: "We wanted to be able to tie in the UK premiere with Leicester's bid to become City of Culture.

"The exact date and venue are to be finalized."

LARGE GATEWAYS PLAN FOR ENDS OF THE GOLDEN MILE

This article appears in today's Leicester Mercury:

The distinctive gates in Chinatown, Manchester

Large gateways plan for ends of the Golden Mile

by Dan Martin

Large Indian-style gateways could be put up to mark either end of Leicester's Golden Mile.

Businesses along the busy shopping street in Belgrave are looking at establishing landmarks similar to the Oriental arches in Manchester's Chinatown.

Traders' representatives have been holding discussions with city mayor Sir Peter Soulsby about the idea.

Sir Peter said: "It is an idea that has come forward from the traders as a way of demonstrating the identity of the Golden Mile.

"They have expressed an interest in getting something at either end which would show people when they are entering what is a specialist shopping area.

"They want something at the city end and something at the Melton Road end.

"I have seen Chinatown (in Manchester) and it looks good. I think something similar could work here.

"There is a precedent for doing this in the city already – the arch at the entrance to the market, though that is much more modest than what is being considered."

Sir Peter said he was enthusiastic about the idea and would support it if the traders were to pay for it themselves.

He said the planned demolition of the Belgrave fly-over, set to take place after Sainsbury's relocates from Belgrave to Melton Road at the end of this year, could allow some sort of new public art feature.He said: "It is an idea in its very early stages."

Dharmesh Lakhani, chairman of the Belgrave Business Association, said: "We are looking for something that makes people think of India and the subcontinent, but with elements of Leicester and the UK.

"It could well be a gateway and we could then use an image of it as branding all along the Golden Mile. It would be lovely to have something like that.

"We are not certain yet how it would fit in with the road structure or the space available.

"Whatever we do, it will be something that reinforces the character of the Golden Mile and encourages people to visit."

Mr Lakhani said people in the area would be asked what design they would like to see in place. Children at Abbey Primary School have already come up with a series of designs that could be considered.

Leicester East MP Keith Vaz said: "The Golden Mile is a defined area of shopping excellence known across the country and I think it is a great idea.

"It would come into its own at the time of Diwali.

"It is an ambitious idea and I will support it."

Travel agent Dipak Varadia, 51, from Brandon Street, off Belgrave Road, said: "We should definitely do this. At the moment, that big, ugly concrete fly-over hardly says 'Welcome to the Golden Mile'.

"When it has gone, we can replace it with something beautiful."

WE WOULDN'T WANT TO HOG THE LIMELIGHT

This is from the Mercury Opinion column in today's Leicester Mercury:

We wouldn't want to hog the limelight

The 2017 UK City of Culture contest has been debated in Parliament, with politicians from the 11 rival locations saying why their area should win. Leicester South MP Jon Ashworth listed many of our city's assets, but said our main strength was our people. His comments, and those of some of the other MPs in the debate, reminded us just how much we have to be proud of in Leicester.

Whether you want history, art or to experience a wealth of different cultures, you would be hard pressed to find a city in the competition that beats ours.

However, whether we will take up Southend West MP David Amess's suggestion for increasing our cultural appeal is unlikely.

Mr Amess said the city's "secret weapon", Leicester East MP Keith Vaz, who entertained internet viewers with his rendition of a song from the film Grease, should represent the UK in the Eurovision song contest next year.

Leicestershire has already had a shot in the Eurovision spotlight, when our beloved Engelbert performed in the competition last year.

It would be greedy of us to hog the limelight.

HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE ATTEND LEICESTER'S FIRST MANGO FESTIVAL

This article appears in today's Leicester Mercury. I should point out that the final six paragraphs appear in the online edition of the article, but not in the print version.

Celebrity chef Sanjeev Kapoor, Keith Vaz MP and Bhai Jagtap with the elephants unveiled at the mango fesitval, in Cossington Street recreation ground

Hundreds of people attend Leicester's first mango festival

by David Owen

An Indian summer arrived early in Leicester today as the hottest day of the year so far coincided with the city’s first ever mango festival.

With temperatures reaching 22C (72F), hundreds of people visited Belgrave’s Cossington Park to enjoy the unique event.

Celebrity chef Sanjeev Kapoor, host of the hit Indian Masterchef TV show, was star attraction at the festival.

Greeted on stage to cheers and applause from the crowds, he said: “It’s a beautiful day to join you all here in Leicester. The reason we are here is because of the city’s hospitality – and the great taste of mangos!

“It’s an honour and a privilege to be here with you.”

Today's event recreated the world-famous International Mango Festival, which is held in Delhi every June.

Sanjeev treated festival goers to a cooking master class focusing on dishes using mangos. He was joined on stage by Bollywood choreographer Shiamak Davar and Bollywood movie art director and set designer Nitin Desai.

Other attractions included live music, dancing and children’s competitions.

Belgrave resident Avtar Kaur, 45, said: “In India the mango is king – it’s the national fruit and the most tasty.

“It’s such a lovely day and beautiful weather for everyone to get together in the park.

“I’m really enjoying myself with my friends and the weather couldn’t be more ideal.”

Vij Joraniya, 20, also of Belgrave, said: “I’m here to see Sanjeev. He’s the most famous chef in the whole of India and it’s so great to see him here in Leicester.”

Lavtar Singh Ruprah, 47, of Wigston, was enjoying a family day out with wife Reema and the couple’s two boys, Dhilan, two, and Harmeet, one.

“It’s a nice day out for the family and it’s nice to see people from all different communities in Leicester enjoying the sunshine and mangos,” he said. “You couldn’t have picked a better day for it, could you.”

The festival’s centrepiece was four ornately carved and decorated life-size wooden elephants – symbols of luck and prosperity in the subcontinent.

Thousands of delicious Alphonso mangos from the Kokan region of Maharashtra state were supplied courtesy of Indian producers who organised a similar festival in London on Sunday.

The decision to bring the festival here was made just 10 days ago after organisers approached Leicester East MP Keith Vaz.

He said: “It has taken a lot of hard work and organisation to put this festival together, but we did it in just 10 days.

“I’d like to thank the City Mayor, Sir Peter Soulsby, the city council, members of the Belgrave Traders Association and everyone else for making this happen.”

The festival only went ahead after an appeal in the Mercury saw the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir temple, in Gipsy Lane, the Shreeji Dham Haveli temple, in Melton Road, and Leicester City Football Club agree to look after the elephants, which will be on show with two even bigger ones in the next few months.

Mr Vaz told the crowd: “These elephants will bring a great deal of luck to the city and in particular Leicester City FC, who play a very important match on Thursday.”

Speaking about today's sunny weather, Mercury weatherman Dave Mutton said: “It's more like India than Leicester. Ideal weather for our first mango festival.”

Organisers, however, have come in for some criticism after the supply of mangos ran out just 45 minutes into the festival.

“It was too short notice and not enough was done to tell local people what was going on,” said Gunvant Patel, 72, of Belgrave.

“About 500 people turned up at the park at 4.30pm only to be told it was all over. They went home feeling pretty disappointed.”

He added: “They called it a mango festival but it was more like a mango promotion, and in any case there were no mangos left by 3.45pm. Many people feel a bit short changed by the whole thing.”

LAST GASP GO-AHEAD FOR MANGO FESTIVAL

This article appears in today's Leicester Mercury:

Last gasp go-ahead for Mango festival

by David Owen

Leicester will host its first ever Mango festival on Bank Holiday Monday after 11th- hour plans came together just in time for the extravaganza to go ahead.

Organisations across the city answered Leicester East MP Keith Vaz's SOS call issued through the Mercury last week.

The politician admitted he cut it fine, but it has been confirmed that Belgrave's Golden Mile will replicate the world-renowned fruit festival held in Delhi every June.

Cossington Recreation Ground will be a sea of yellow and orange, with city residents from all communities invited to come along and join the fun.

In keeping with tradition, four giant ornately-carved wooden elephants will be the centrepiece of the festival, which will include Indian cooking demonstrations, dancing and music.

Mr Vaz hailed the staging of the festival an "organisational triumph" for the city.

"We really had our backs to the wall," he said. "But Leicester has been able to pull this together in just 10 days.

"It has been a magnificent effort and I want to thank the City Mayor, Sir Peter Soulsby, the city council's festival team, the police, Belgrave Traders Association and others for pulling this together at very short notice.

"I am particular delighted that a home has been found for the six elephants that will come especially from India." 

The elephants that could have proved the sticking point, with Mr Vaz appealing for local organisations to provide a home for the giant wooden animals. "A number of local groups, organisations and individuals contacted me offering a home for the elephants," he said.

The four life-size carvings will arrive on Monday, with two 24ft by 12ft giants arriving the following week after the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir temple, on Gipsy Lane, Shreeji Dham Haveli temple, Melton Road, and Leicester City Football Club agreed to look after the elephants.

The Mango Festival will take place from 3pm, with activities for all ages, including cooking with celebrity chef Sanjeev Kapoor, dancing with Bollywood choreographer Shiamak Davar and a visit by Bollywood movie art director and set designer Nitin Desai.

Dharmesh Lakhani, chairman of Belgrave Business Association, said: "It's taken a lot of hard work but the fact it's going ahead is thanks to the effort put in by Keith and everyone else involved.''

VAZ HOPEFUL OF A MANGO EXTRAVAGANZA

This article appears in today's Leicester Mercury:

Vaz hopeful of a mango extravaganza

City MP Keith Vaz remains confident of staging the country's first mango festival in Leicester – with just 10 days left to get it organised.

The Leicester East MP wants Belgrave's Golden Mile to stage an extravaganza in tribute to the national fruit of India over the early May bank holiday weekend, mimicking the famous International Mango Festival held, in Delhi, every June.

A meeting involving the police, the city council officials and business representatives was held yesterday to discuss plans for the event.

Mr Vaz said afterwards: "I am extremely grateful to the city mayor for the support given to the proposal to have the first mango festival in Leicester.

"If it's going to go ahead, a lot of hard work needs to be done in the next few days. I am optimistic we will meet the deadline. We're not staging the Olympics, it's only a mango festival."

Mr Vaz has arranged the delivery of six giant wooden elephants to Leicester, which would form a key part of the festival.

An appeal was issued in the Mercury on Wednesday for people to look after the elephants in the run-up to the event.

Mr Vaz said: "I am delighted so many organisations have contacted my office and offered to look after one of the elephants.

"We will be having an X-factor style contest, the E-factor, if you like, to consider exactly where to put them, as we have more offers than elephants.

"The collective view is that we have everything we need to make this happen."

Dharmesh Lakhani, chairman of Belgrave Business Association, attended the meeting.

He said: "It is a very exciting opportunity for Leicester. I believe the costs will be met by the mango growers of Maharashtra. The elephants will be something different for the city.

"I think it is a good idea, but there isn't much time to get it organised, just 10 days."

KEITH'S BIG PROBLEM

This article appears in today's Leicester Mercury:

Keith's big problem

by David Owen

Keith Vaz faces an elephant-sized headache as he tries to organise the country's first ever Mango festival – in two weeks' time.

The Leicester East MP wants Belgrave's Golden Mile to stage an extravaganza in tribute to the national fruit of India over the early May bank holiday weekend, mimicking the famous International Mango Festival held in Delhi every June.

So far he has not finalised any of the details of the festival, such as what events would take place as part of it.

However, he has arranged the delivery of six giant wooden elephants to Leicester, which would form a key part of the festival.

Now he has just days to find somewhere suitable to display and store the ornately-decorated beasts, which are on their way to the UK from the Indian subcontinent.

Mr Vaz said: "I was approached by people working for the regional government of Maharashtra, in Mumbai, who said they wanted to organise a Mango festival in the UK.

"They have organised a festival in Trafalgar Square and I said 'if you're coming to England you've got to come to Leicester!' They said it was a great idea.

"It would be wonderful to have the focus of the festival in Belgrave and a way of promoting all the fantastic green-grocers in the area.

"These festivals are a celebration of Indian culture and food – and what a coup it would be for us in Leicester to host the country's first mango festival – and before London!"

Mr Vaz now has to finalise the arrangements – including temporary homes for the wooden elephants, which are up to 24ft by 12ft in size.

The Mercury was the first organisation in the city to know of the palns.

Mr Vaz has already approached the Mercury about having one of the elephants outside our offices in George Street and is now contacting Leicester City FC, Leicester Tigers and large city colleges, such as Rushey Mead School and Soar Valley College.

"This is a bit of an SOS," he said. "I am delighted that the organisers of the first Mango Festival have decided to come to Leicester.

"The elephants are an essential part of the festival but we need to find locations where they can be displayed – and where they will be looked after.

"We are looking for groups, businesses or even individuals who would house and look after the giant elephants for a three-month period.

"I know time is short but it would be such a shame if we missed out on this great opportunity," he said.

Councillor Manjula Sood, assistant city mayor for community involvement and equality, said: "If the festival can go ahead it would be wonderful – much better here than in London!"

The council is organising a "multi-agency" planning meeting to discuss the proposals with Mr Vaz for Friday.

Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby said: "It sounds like an interesting proposal and I have asked our festivals and events team to provide advice and support to Keith to help him with its delivery."

SENIOR LEICESTER MUSLIM LEADER CALLS ON HIS COMMUNITY TO SPEAK OUT AGAINST SEX GROOMING GANGS

This article appears in today's Leicester Mercury:

Senior Leicester Muslim leader calls on his community to speak out against sex grooming gangs

by Ciaran Fagan

A senior Muslim community leader has said people need to speak out against child sex grooming gangs in his community and all others.

Sheikh Ibrahim Mogra, a Leicester imam and a senior member of the Muslim Council of Britain, (MCB), said grooming gangs existed in all communities.

However, cases recently uncovered in Derby and Rochdale, have involved Asian Muslims, he said.

He said he was concerned that people were reluctant to speak out against the problem.

Mr Mogra, the MCB’s assistant secretary general, said: “This is an appalling and abhorrent kind of behaviour which is totally unacceptable regardless of race or religion.

“Some of those perpetrators who have recently been convicted happen to be from the Muslim community so we need to be at the very front of the voice that is condemning this.

“It is important that leaders of religious communities speak out against this deplorable and abhorrent behaviour by adults toward vulnerable children.

“We should always be prepared to speak out against this form of criminality and remind our community of its obligation to protect children and young people from this form of exploitation.

“We will keep speaking out until we have eradicated this menace from society.”

The MCB is working with organisations including the police, the NSPCC and Muslim groups to raise awareness of the problem and to highlight people’s need to speak out against it.

The Muslim Council of Britain is planning a national conference to educate people about grooming, he said.

Mr Mogra spoke out against the practice when he appeared on BBC Radio Four’s Sunday programme this weekend.

The programme also spoke to Leicester East MP Keith Vaz, who is chairman of the Home Affairs select committee, which is also investigating the scale of the crime.

Mr Vaz told the programme: “There is no excuse for this kind of criminality, whoever is involved in it, but I don’t think it is a particular group of people, I don’t think it’s a particular race or religion.”

The Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOP) said child sexual exploitation spanned “all cultures and ethnicities”, while the recent cases had “highlight that Asian males have been involved in an organised manner in exploiting young women”.

A CEOP spokeswoman said: “Some of these cases involved offenders from different backgrounds as well, although CEOP are investigating why there may be a majority of Asians in these particular kinds of offence.”

Mr Mogra's radio appearance can be heard here:http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b01rqgys/Sunday_07_04_2013/

EDUCATION SECRETARY OPENS FREE SCHOOL

This article appears in today's Leicester Mercury:

Education Secretary opens free school

Education Secretary Michael Gove unveiled a plaque at a school yesterday to mark its official opening.

The minister was at Leicester's first free school, Krishna Avanti, in Evington, where he cut a ribbon in front of guests and pupils, including Leicester East MP Keith Vaz.

Mr Gove pioneered the free school concept in which parents, charitable groups and others can bid to set up a school.

Krishna Avanti was set up by the Hindu-based Avanti School's Trust in September 2011, using £4.5 million of Government funding.

Mr Gove spoke about the "inclusive" nature of the school, which takes pupils from all faiths.

Head teacher Christopher Spall said: "It was great to have the minister here and to celebrate the opening with guests from across the city's faiths.

"It also gave us a chance to show off the facilities and to thank all those who helped bring the school together."

KRISHNA AVANTI PRIMARY SCHOOL OFFICIALLY OPENED BY RT HON MICHAEL GOVE MP

I'm privileged this morning to have been invited by the Governing Body of Krishna Avanti Primary School to attend the official opening of the school, in the presence of guest of honour The Rt Hon Michael Gove MP, Secretary of State for Education.

Krishna Avanti Primary School is housed in Evington Hall (a Grade II Listed Building) which was built in 1835 as the home of the Sheriff of Leicester. Set in five acres of of lush grounds, the spacious site provides an ideal environment for learning and play. The hall was previously home to Leicester Grammar Junior School. There has been a major refurbishment and new build programme which combines the very latest in modern design with the heritage of Evington Hall.

Keith Vaz MP (in whose constituency the school lies) acts as MC for the visit. Mr Gove's car is about half an hour late, which gives guests more time than we expected to mix and mingle in the cold outside the front entrance to the school.

Once Mr Gove arrives, it's hard to get a decent photo of him, despite my best efforts (witness exhibit A, above, where Mr Gove's face is obscured by the furry microphone on Nick Harmer's video camera). I have more luck getting a shot of Mr Gove leaving (exhibit B, below).

The Minister's visit is covered extensively in the local media (see reports in the Leicester Mercury before and after, reproduced in this blog) and on the school's website.

EDUCATION SECRETARY TO VISIT LEICESTER'S FIRST FREE SCHOOL

This article appears in today's Leicester Mercury:

Education Secretary to visit Leicester's first free school

Education Secretary Michael Gove was due to officially open Leicester's first free school today.

Mr Gove pioneered the free school concept and will visit Krishna Avanti, in Spencefield Lane, Evington, to unveil a plaque at the site.

The Hindu free school, which was set up by the Avanti School's Trust in September 2011, takes pupils from all faiths but has a Hindu ethos.

Some £4.5 million was granted by the Department for Education to the trust to buy and develop the school in the grade II-listed building, formerly occupied by Leicester Grammar Juniors.

A contribution of £200,000 was also made by the trust.

Mr Gove said: "Free schools such as Krishna Avanti are helping to raise standards across the country.

"Krishna Avanti provides an inclusive education with a special Hindu ethos that is rightly popular with parents and I'm delighted to have this opportunity to meet the staff and children."

Krishna Avanti was created under the Government's new education agenda where parents, charitable groups and others can bid to set up a school, providing they demonstrate the ability to do so.

Although free schools don't have to follow the national curriculum, Krishna Avanti does.

It is funded via the local education authority in the same way as most schools, but money goes directly to the school and no cash is retained by the city council for central services.

Three free schools in London are also run by the trust.

Leicester East MP Keith Vaz will also be at the site for its official opening.

John Simpson, chairman of the trust, said: "We're pleased Michael Gove and Keith Vaz have accepted to formally open Krishna Avanti.

The trust now has four schools in its family, each of which are committed to providing a distinctive high quality education."

Mr Vaz said: "I'm delighted that despite his busy schedule, Mr Gove is coming here. I want to pay tribute to Krishna Avanti, who worked long and hard to acquire this school, and for the land to remain as an education site. This is a symbol of what makes Leicester so special."

Finishing touches to the school were made at the end of last year. It now has two new classroom blocks added to the building and a worship hall which doubles up as a dining area.

A large plaza has also been created. The grade II-listed building has been repainted throughout and new carpets added.

RECEPTION AS EXHIBITION ENDS

This article appears in today's Leicester Mercury:

Reception as exhibition ends

A reception has been held to mark the end of an exhibition commemorating the 40th anniversary of the expulsion of Asians from Uganda.

The show, From Kampala to Leicester, began at New Walk Museum in July.

It told the story of Leicester's Ugandan Asian community from1972 to the present day and how the 10,000-strong community which settled in the city has influenced its development.

The exhibition, which was extended by a week because of its popularity, featured films, personal testimonies and rare artefacts borrowed from Leicester's Ugandan Asian community.

Belgrave Business Association hosted a reception at the museum on Friday for 60 guests, including Leicester East MP Keith Vaz and city mayor Sir Peter Soulsby.

The association's chairman, Dharmesh Lakhani, said: "The influx of the Asian community has played a major part in Leicester as we see it today.

"It was important to recognise the part the community has played in Leicester's history, reflected in the exhibition put on by the museum."

LET'S BUILD FIRST ASIAN MALL

This letter appears in today's Leicester Mercury:

Let's build first Asian mall

The frequent occurrence of often violent robberies in the Golden Mile and the impending improvements to reduce them will probably eventually result in the area becoming a pedestrian-only zone.

Is there another solution to this problem which, at the same time, gives the city a major tourist attraction?

Shortly, Sainsbury's is leaving its present position and moving to the site once occupied by Thorn Lighting, while the present site will probably be made into smaller units.

Could not – with a lot of thought, discussion, investigation and negotiation – traders turn the vacated property into the first Asian shopping mall in the UK and, possibly, Europe?

The mall would have an area for a restaurant that would supply all types of Asian cuisine and an area separated from the main hall to accommodate insurance brokers, solicitors, financial advisers, travel agents – probably including the visa office secured by Keith Vaz.

It could become a fully comprehensive area for the Asian community.

One of the biggest problems with the Golden Mile is the lack of parking.

This would be solved, as there is a large car park.

Another problem is security, which again could be an improvement on the present situation.

Obviously, the financial side would have to be considered, but even that could be helped by applying for various sources such as the Lottery Fund, the Portas Fund – even the council could help.

There are a lot of Asian entrepreneurs who might even be interested in entering negotiations with Sainsbury's.

Perhaps Ratilal Govins would consider discussing such a proposition, its feasibility and its potential as a tourist attraction, as, apart from Leicester, there are many other areas with large numbers of Asians who would welcome such a project and could become regular visitors to the centre.

Perhaps Mr Vaz would lend his support to such a project.

If it did cause any problems, perhaps the Gandhi statue could be re-sited in the hall or in the entrance to the mall.

If it did not offend, perhaps it could named the Gandhi Centre.

Mr G Wainwright, Oadby

FORCED MARRIAGE LAW "IS WELCOME"

This article appears in today's Leicester Mercury:

Forced marriage law "is welcome"

Campaigners have welcomed a Government plan to outlaw forced marriages – but warned the laws could deter victims from coming forward.

The proposed new laws mean parents who force their children to marry could be brought before the courts and possibly jailed.

Meena Kumari, who runs Safe, which helps protect young people from being forced to marry welcomed the proposal and said a growing number of victims were coming forward to seek help.

However, she urged ministers to proceed with the new laws with caution.

Ms Kumari said: "Some of the people we have supported might not have come forward if they thought their parents could end up in prison.

"So, while we are really grateful that the Government is taking this issue so seriously, they have to proceed with caution.

"Some of the people who we work with would simply walk away if they thought they were going to have to face their families in court."

Safe works with police, social services, schools and colleges to identify victims and help them flee abusive homes and rebuild their lives, sometimes under new identities.

It is hearing from one person every month – some as young as 14 – who fear they are being pushed into a marriage against their will.When it launched two and a half years ago, new cases were coming to light every three months, Ms Kumari said.

Detective Inspector Mark Parish, who runs Leicestershire Police's domestic violence team, said: "We are seeing a gradual increase in cases, but it is still under-reported.

"It is a big step for people to contact us but they can be assured we will do everything we can to help them get through this difficult period in their lives."

Police have the option of seeking court orders to prevent families forcing a relative to marry. Officers also put victims in touch with welfare organisations such as Safe or local authorities for help with re-housing and ongoing support.

Leicester East MP Keith Vaz is chairman of the Home Affairs Select Committee, which has previously urged the Government to outlaw the practice.

Mr Vaz said: "The Government must not only prosecute those who commit this appalling crime, but prevent it from happening in the first place. There should be zero tolerance of this harmful activity that ruins the lives of so many."

Announcing the plan, the Prime Minister said local authorities and voluntary groups would be given a share of a £500,000 fund to help combat the problem, including helping teachers to spot children at risk.

A Home Office spokesman said the Government would publish further details of the proposals later. Contact Safe on 0800 022 3353 or visit: www.safedvs.co.uk

FAITH WITHOUT FRONTIERS

This article is published in the February edition of From Dusk 2 Dawn (FD2D) magazine:

Faith without frontiers

by Alastair Ballentyne

As part of my continuing mission to explore the diverse melting pot that is Leicester, I have inevitably come to a part of our community that is rarely discussed and often considered taboo - faith groups.

In recent times, religion has garnered a bad reputation partially through attempts to legitimise war and unpopular foreign policy.

There is an as-yet unexplored gulf between religion, belief and blind faith and in this day and age I believe it is important to question which one of these terms most accurately refers to the code of conduct by which believers live.

It’s interesting that something that has been part of civilisation for thousands of years has become such a taboo in the sensationalist times we live in, but then a person’s beliefs should never become their social bracket. I am more interested in what people in the ‘faith communities’ are doing to help improve the quality of life for the wider community as a whole.

To fairly represent this I met with two individuals - Pastor Samuel Gapara, founder of the Emmanuel Apostolic Gospel Choir who are currently based at DMU and my father, George Ballentyne the equality and diversity officer of Leicester’s Council of Faiths. Both of their organisations are different but ultimately their common goal is to assist in sustaining healthy relationships between all citizens of Leicester, and keep the people of the city well-informed about the diverse society they are part of.

The Emmanuel Apostolic Gospel choir began by chance when Keith Vaz, MP for Leicester East visited Aylestone leisure centre. He stumbled upon Pastor Samuel holding a service there, as he and his compatriots don’t currently have a church building of their own. Vaz’s mission was to find singers for his mother’s funeral and asked if the congregation could provide the voices he was looking for. As a result they started rehearsing as a choir. They remained on good terms with Vaz after performing at his mother’s funeral, and he has since invited them to sing at different functions for dignitaries and celebrities such as Ed Milliband, Cherie Blair and Jackie Chan! After this the choir members embarked on community projects to help people who had fallen into prostitution and drug addiction.

The choir is open to people of all ages, religions and ethnic backgrounds and by Pastor Samuel’s own admission he feels that religion can segregate people and wants the choir to transcend this boundary. As testament to this he told me about how they once had a member of the Hindu community playing Tabla to add a different musical dimension instead of it being religiously motivated.

Ultimately the choir experience is about more than just religion – it is to maximise happiness and enjoyment in people’s lives rather than the beliefs that may govern them.

Of course part of the choir’s purpose is to spread the message of belief but Pastor Samuel feels that if people are introduced to faith groups in this way, then it allows them to maintain an open mind and form an unbiased opinion of their work.

Being based at DMU, Pastor Samuel feels that universities are key to the development of the choir and DMU has allowed them to use campus facilities to provide educational resources to disadvantaged individuals. During our conversation he placed emphasis on the importance of receiving good quality education, which unfortunately in this day and age is still not available to all.

The choir have been engaged in many fundraising activities and have been known to sing late into the night in the city centre at the weekends as they wish to raise enough money to build a church. Their vision is that it will be a beacon to those in need regardless of their background. The church will be open 24/7 (Pastor Samuel stressed that the building will never be locked) for anyone who needs a place to go regardless of their circumstances. It will also house recording studios and classrooms for tuition in subjects ranging from the academic to the artistic. This is of the utmost importance, as the Pastor explained that people from different ethnic backgrounds might find it hard to attend higher education institutions and their educational needs are not always adequately met.

Whatever your preconceptions of a gospel choir may be, it is impossible to deny that they are working to improve the quality of life and facilities available for individuals living in the community. Their work is not just Leicester-based; I was informed that they have members working far afield as Zimbabwe, Ghana and Jamaica. They are operating on a scale that most local philanthropic organisations could only dream of.

As Leicester is a city of multi-faith, I felt it necessary to discuss the work of the Leicester Council of Faiths, which is currently celebrating its twenty-fifth anniversary and is a very important, yet often unsung local organisation. It doesn’t make interfaith events happen or claim credit for such events but it provides a public face for activities that might normally go under the radar. It is made up of community leaders from each of the different faith communities (Christians, Muslims, Jews, Sikhs, Hindus, Buddhists, Jains and Baha’i’s). It brings together and encourages interaction of the different faith communities to promote a peaceful co-existence; it also helps bring together white British culture with modern Asian culture and within that bringing Muslims, Hindus and Sikhs together. It also importantly acknowledges the differences within the different religions as people too often put all members of a faith under one umbrella without regard for their cultural differences.

Leicester is one of the most diverse European cities and that is something to be celebrated. The Council of Faiths promotes the idea that everyone is human with different hopes and ideas that can transcend cultural boundaries.

It is also interesting that people of Leicester are happy to partake in different cultural festivals such as the Mela, Divali and the St George’s day regardless of their heritage. It is as if they are able to do this because they share a common ‘spiritual heritage’ just by being from Leicester.

Last year, the EDL cast a dark shadow over Leicester’s proud multi-faith community when they descended on the city. It brought people from different backgrounds together as a community because they love and value Leicester’s multiculturalism and united when it came under threat. There was a rather touching "peace vigil" in the cathedral the night before the march where people from all faith communities gave readings from all manner of religious texts. So well attended was the vigil, there was only room to stand. Over the past three years the Council of Faiths has held an exhibition in the Highcross shopping centre with the main purpose being to present a ‘fuller and accurate’ understanding of faiths in the city. The exhibition takes place as part of ‘Interfaith week’, which ran from November 20-26. It is an important event in the local calendar as people seem to be wary of interfaith dialogue but as the exhibit is manned by a constantly changing group of people from different communities, it is a change to see cross-cultural cohesion in action and allows people to find out more about what each religion is about. Although the work of the Council of Faiths is important for the community, it is run on a shoestring budget and is the only organisation of its kind in Leicester.

It is important not to write off the faith communities’ efforts in our perceptions; their work in developing the resources available to all of us is invaluable. Groups like the Emmanuel Apostolic Gospel Choir are more honest and committed to their aims than a lot of groups offering some similar services that are nothing more than self-styled professional time wasters. The Council of Faiths is important because it campaigns for social issues such as better healthcare and provides a platform for people’s voices to be heard and encourages multi faith dialogue by engaging directly with the city as a whole.

GOVERNMENT TO HEAR PLEA ON COST OF POLICING EDL MARCH

This article appears in today's Leicester Mercury:

Government to hear plea on cost of policing EDL march

MP Keith Vaz and Leicestershire Chief Constable Simon Cole are to meet Government minister Nick Herbert to discuss the cost of policing last weekend's English Defence League march.

As previously reported by the Mercury, the Leicestershire force faces a bill of at least £800,000 for protests by the EDL and Unite Against Fascism last weekend.

The final bill could be even higher when planning and preparations in the run-up to the day itself are taken into account.

Leicester East MP Mr Vaz said it was "unfair" that the entire cost for the policing operation lay at the door of the county force, which has had to save millions of pounds from its budget because of Government spending cuts.

He raised the issue, along with his concern at the impact on frontline policing from budget cuts, with policing minister Mr Herbert during the Police Grants debate in the House of Commons.

Speaking after the debate, he said: "Leicestershire Constabulary, like others in the country, is facing serious cuts to its budget in light of the Government's deficit reduction programme.

"It is highly unfair that the £800,000 bill for policing the march should have to be met by the Leicestershire police force.

"I am delighted that policing minister Nick Herbert has agreed to meet with me on this issue."

Chief Constable Simon Cole has also accepted an invitation from Mr Vaz to meet him and the minister.

A police spokesman said: "The chief constable has been invited to meet with Mr Vaz and Mr Herbert to discuss the issues surrounding the cost of policing these kinds of protest marches and the implications for police resources."

About 700 people took part in the EDL march on Saturday, February 4, while police said 200 joined the Leicester Unite Against Fascism's counter protest on a separate route.

The chief constable put 2,200 officers on the streets on the day, with most of the operation costs coming from the need to bring in police from 16 other forces.

The Leicestershire force was praised for its handling of the potentially volatile affair and there were no arrests.

Although the police are entitled to a financial contribution from football clubs such as Leicester City for policing home games, that is not currently the case with protests involving loosely-affiliated groups such as the EDL.

A Home Office spokesperson said: "Ministers regularly conduct private meetings with MPs to discuss any issues or concerns."

Writing in a First Person column in the Mercury, earlier this week, Mr Cole said: "It is not for the police to set the laws, but I do think that there needs to be some reflection about the costs and expectations placed on police forces as we are currently paying, on your behalf, the price of free speech.

"That price is significant, and it is paid with the money paid in through taxes by us all."

RELIEF AFTER UNWANTED EDL'S VISIT

This letter appears in today's Leicester Mercury:

Relief after unwanted EDL's visit

The news that the English Defence League (EDL) march on Saturday passed with little disturbance to local residents and business owners is a relief ("Police praised for handling of EDL demo in Leicester", Mercury, February 7).

I would like to add my congratulations to the Mayor and the police for the way in which they handled the EDL march and I was pleased to see that disruption was at a minimum compared to the last march in 2010.

The tactics employed by Leicestershire Constabulary and their successful efforts to maintain order are to be commended.

Similarly, the determination of the people of Leicester to carry on as normal and not let the protest interrupt their routines is admirable.

We have made it clear to the EDL that they are not nor will they ever be welcome in our city.

Keith Vaz, MP for Leicester East

US CIVIL RIGHTS LEADER JESSE JACKSON HONOURED WITH DEGREE AT DE MONTFORT UNIVERSITY

From today's Leicester Mercury:

US civil rights leader Jesse Jackson honoured with degree at De Montfort University 

Civil rights campaigner the Rev Jesse Jackson received an honorary degree yesterday. 

He was a key speaker at De Montfort University's conference on terrorism and radicalism, organised by the Parliamentary Home Affairs Select Committee, chaired by Leicester East MP Keith Vaz.  

Mr Jackson said other cities could look to Leicester for tips on multicultural and racial harmony. 

He said: "This is a multicultural city and it shows that when people work alongside each other, together as a team, things can work.  

"Here is Leicester there are many races and many faces from many places."
Mr Jackson marched with Martin Luther King Jr in Selma, Alabama, in the 1960s and, in 1979, visited South Africa, where he spoke out against apartheid.  

He also won praise for negotiating the release of American soldiers and civilians held around the world and, in the 1980s, became a leading national spokesman for African Americans and twice stood for the Democrats nomination for president.  

When asked what Leicester could do to further fight terrorism, he said: "We must be radical but radical in a loving and caring and peaceful way, fighting together to change our world.  

"We must think about the way we interpret the word 'radical' and remember that Jesus was a radical – but in this peaceful sense I talk about.  

"We must all fight to coexist in peace."  

Mr Jackson spoke at the conference about the lessons to be learned from the US experience of tackling radicalisation and said that we must address the disparity in wealth between the rich and poor in order to achieve peace.  

Other speakers at the conference included Ian Paisley Jr MP, who discussed his experiences in Northern Ireland, as well as Home Office security minister James Brokenshire and Dr Dipu Moni, the foreign minister of Bangladesh.  

At the conference, Mr Vaz announced he would today ask parliament to honour Mr Jackson by nominating him for a Nobel Peace Prize.

UNIVERSITY SET TO PAY TRIBUTE TO REV JESSE JACKSON

From today's Leicester Mercury:

University set to pay tribute to Rev Jesse Jackson 

Civil rights campaigner the Rev Jesse Jackson will receive an honorary degree from De Montfort University next week. 

Rev Jackson, who twice ran for president in America in the 1980s, will be the keynote speaker when the university hosts a major conference on preventing terrorism on Tuesday. 

The conference has been organised by Parliament's powerful Home Affairs Select Committee, chaired by city MP Keith Vaz, which is looking at the causes of terrorism and radicalisation in the UK.

The university's vice-chancellor Professor Dominic Shellard said: "We share Rev Jackson's values throughout our university community.

"We are very pleased to welcome him to DMU and honour his numerous achievements as an inspirational advocate and campaigner for civil rights in the USA and around the world." 

Mr Vaz, who represents Leicester East, said: "This conference is set to contribute significantly to the conversation on radicalisation and I am looking forward to hearing from Rev Jackson when he delivers his keynote speech next Tuesday. 

"The roots of violent radicalisation remains a subject of great national interest and this prestigious institution, with its reputation for hosting and furthering national debates, is the perfect location." 

The conference's findings will be passed to the Government as it creates its Prevent Strategy, which is designed to stop people becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism. 

Rev Jackson's keynote speech will look into the lessons to be learned from the US experience of tackling radicalisation.

After the conference, he will receive his honorary degree at a ceremony at the St Mary De Castro Church, adjacent to the university campus, in front of hundreds of invited guests. 

Other speakers at the conference include Ian Paisley Junior MP, who will discuss his experiences in Northern Ireland, as well as Home Office security minister James Brokenshire and Dr Dipu Moni, the Foreign Minister for Bangladesh. 

The threat from the far right as well as religious fanaticism will also be considered. 

Heightened security is expected to be in place across the campus due to the number of high-profile political figures at the event.
Rev Jackson last visited the city in 2008.

SUPPORT FOR CAMERON IN LEICESTER OVER FORCED MARRIAGE

This article appears in today's Leicester Mercury:

Support for Cameron in Leicester over forced marriage

Campaigners have welcomed David Cameron's pledge to give greater protection to women forced to marry against their will.

The Prime Minister said yesterday that forced marriage – as opposed to consensual, arranged marriage – was "little more than slavery".

He announced measures to encourage victims to come forward and said the Government was considering strengthening the law to punish those who coerced children into wedlock.

Meena Kumari, of Safe, a police-backed support group for Leicester's victims of domestic violence, welcomed the publicity for the often hidden issue.

Safe works with police, social services, schools and colleges to identify victims and help them flee abusive homes and rebuild their lives.

Ms Kumari said: "The fact the Prime Minister is talking openly about forced marriage is great. People have shied away from this issue.

"We are seeing an increase in the number of cases we're dealing with, but I don't think that is because it's a growing problem."The greater awareness is helping and people are no longer prepared to tolerate being treated this way."

But she urged caution about making arranging a forced marriage a criminal offence.

"Some of the people we have supported might not have come forward if they thought their parents or other close relatives could end up in prison," she said.

Leicestershire police started recording forced marriage cases in 2004 and over the next four-and-a-half years was alerted to 34.

In the following 18 months, to April last year, it received 101 reports.

The figures have continued to climb since, said Det Sgt Kev Wright, of the specialist domestic violence team.

He said: "As with domestic violence, the increased number of reports is seen as a positive."

Aneeta Prem, founder and president of Freedom, a charity which supports victims, said: "It may come as a surprise to many that forcing someone into marriage is not already a criminal offence. We are delighted the Prime Minister is taking a lead on this issue."

Mr Cameron also announced that those who breached court orders designed to protect victims once they had moved away from their families could face a harsher penalty than the current maximum two-year prison sentence.

The Prime Minister announced a series of measures to reduce immigration, including requiring people who wish to settle in the UK to have good command of English and evidence that they have the finance to support themselves.

In response to these measures, Leicester East MP Keith Vaz, chairman of the Home Affairs Select Committee, said: "At a time when abuses in the immigration system, including bogus colleges, remain prevalent, it would be a better use of resources to focus on improving administration in the UK Border Agency."

Contact Safe on 0800 022 3353.

www.safedvs.co.uk