The New Londoners www.thenewlondoners.co.uk Spring 2011

Policy Diane Abbott Government cuts People Q&A with Shadow Minister for Public Health p. 12

A Day in the Life

Comment

Yasmin Alibhai-Brown

Community

My Chinese London Music Living together Based on their research commissioned by the GLA, Compas researchers Ben Gidley and Hiranthi Jayaweera reflect on how to support integration in London The topic of migrant integration is a complex particularly pressing issue in London. The capital For Centre on Migration, Policy and Society and controversial one, as can be seen in the wide is a point of arrival for so many migrants and, as (COMPAS), integration involves engagement range of responses to the recent speech by Prime our successful bid to host the 2012 Olympics put by both migrants and by individuals and insti- Minister David Cameron arguing that state multi- it, “the world in one city”. What can London do to tutions of the receiving society. culturalism has failed in Britain. These topics are support the integration of migrants? continued on page 3 » WU LYF 2 The New Londoners The New Londoners 3

Letter from Living together: THE NEW LONDONERS Editor-in-Chief Editor-in-Chief Ros Lucas The online version of The New Londoners has received considerable praise since being launched in June last year. OXFAM congratulated us on its design and content and, What is integration? more recently, it was showcased at a media conference in The Hague where it received a Editor great response. One dutch local government delegate said “Seeing the magazine online Maria Teresa Sette has inspired me to do something similar in our local area – it is a great concept.” « continued from page 1 begin the moment someone arrives in in relation to identity, each of which well different national, regional and Regressive policy decisions and public sector funding cuts are beginning to bite in all a place, whether they are staying for is related and which need to be con- local policies, and the tone of politi- sectors of London society and many of the articles in this edition focus on the impact on It is a series of dynamic multi- months or for life. sidered together and not in isolation. cal debate on migration, can impact Communications and Press “living together” by the new and host communities in London. dimensional two-way processes of They occur in different domains, Different legal frameworks for positively or negatively on these Cristina Vaccaro Topically, we feature Ali Almajhraby’s story of leaving in Libya in 2004 as he fled from interaction and participation which economic, social, cultural, civic and migrants’ rights and entitlements, as processes. the oppression of the Gaddafi regime. This issue is launched on a different digital platform to ensure that readers have an Contributors improved reading experience and is also available to download as a pdf from our web- Ben Gidley site. We welcome your feedback on this and the magazine’s content. Hiranthi Jayaweera Yasmin Alibhai-Brown Ros Lucas Ruth Valentine MRC Executive Director Gary Buswell Jamie Clark Carine Dreau You can contact us or comment in many ways: Rebecca Galbraith Stefanie Heerwig [email protected] Tiija Ritna Emily Martens Visit our website: Nadine Carle Michael Aaron Williams www.thenewlondoners.co.uk Massimiliano Mariantoni Sylwia Lemanska Yaya Yosof Nidal Al Jinouri Mark Guven

Creative director and designer Valeria Murabito

Photographers Francesco Giacomini Magalita Blanchant

Produced by Migrants Resource Centre Main Office 24 Churton Street London SW1V 2LP 02078342505

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With thanks to all the volunteer journalists, contributors and media group members who took part in the production of the paper. Follow us and join in debate on: A special thanks to: English Pen

www.thenewlondoners.co.uk Supported by: 4 The New Londoners The New Londoners 5

Integration is a series of dynamic multi- dimensional two-way processes of interaction and participation

Last year, COMPAS was commis- ers and other migrants jumping the hous- parts of the capital) migration may have in access to health care, including restric- sioned by the Greater London Authority ing queue are unfounded: migrants have a slight negative impact on job vacancies tions on their entitlements, institutional to pull together the evidence on immi- limited access to social housing and are and wages. Overall migrant employment barriers, language barriers and (for irreg- gration and integration in London. The concentrated in the private rented sector. rates do not differ considerably from non- ular migrants) avoidance of contact with Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, has Perceptions of migrants jumping the migrants, but some groups are dispropor- officialdom. Underpinning many of these identified a number of key areas central is a lack of clarity around entitlements, on The challenge of global to integration processes: language, hous- behalf of both migrants and health profes- ing, the economy, health and social care, sionals. safety and cohesion, and children and The Mayor of London, Safety and cohesion young people. In our report for the GLA The evidence on community safety migration in the capital we looked at each of these in turn, and Boris Johnson, has and community cohesion points towards here we summarise the evidence we found. the need for policy intervention around Language identified a number of key reframing the immigration debate, and Migration to the UK today is significantly differ- There are a number of different categories of migrant London is a city of contrasts, and London’s For the mayor, English language is tackling negative public perceptions of ent from that in previous periods, due both to global in London today, including refugees and asylum seek- migration picture is characterised by polarity: many a key priority. The evidence confirms new migrants, through a strategy that is features and to the expansion of the European ers who only make up a small proportion of London’s at the top end of the scale in terms of income and this: it underlines the fact that language areas central to integration sensitive to local issues, takes people’s Union, although the migration flows of workers migrant stock and of new residents, but also labour skills, and many among the most disadvantaged. acquisition is absolutely central to inte- concerns seriously, and considers the from the new EU states peaked in 2007 and have migrants, family reunion migrants, overseas students This was illustrated earlier this year, when the gration, but not sufficient alone. There is processes: language, housing, potential capacity of the media, espe- been declining since then. and irregular migrants, who can face different but also London Evening Standard reported that the city significant resource allocation to ESOL cially local media, to make a positive dif- similar barriers to inte- came out first in research published by the OpenCi- in London, but also huge unmet demand. the economy, health and social ference. The Mayor and GLA group, with gration. There are also ties project on how open global cities are to valu- The evidence is not clear on what works a leadership role in the capital, have the key differences between able international migrants – and on the same day best and what provides value for money. care, safety and cohesion, potential to be central to this. ‘old’ and ‘new’ migrants reported on migrants from India so destitute they Some elements, however, stand out: Children and young people – the former arriving sleep at night in the rubbish bins of a West London access to classes in places and at times One in ten Londoners under 16 was with Empire and Com- housing estate. migrants can attend, rooting of pro- children and young people born abroad, including 10 per cent of the monwealth connections Although much of the literature on integration grammes in local communities, enhanc- A8 population. There is some evidence to meet post-war labour focuses on the more disadvantaged, it should not be ing pedagogy by building in personal and of barriers to accessing education. There demand or for family assumed that those at the top end are able to partici- community development, good contacts housing queue are related to wider short- tionately unemployed or under-employed are examples of good practice on work- reunification, the latter pate fully at all levels. There has been less policy with employers, and gearing learning ages in the housing market. Migrants are due to barriers to full labour market par- ing with refugee children, but examples associated more often attention so far on the integration of some groups towards facilitating integration processes, also more vulnerable to homelessness ticipation, while others face high levels for non-refugee migrant children are less with the labour market who can face significant challenges: low skilled including labour force integration and and to poor accommodation conditions in of exploitation and vulnerability in the well-known. There are 5000 unaccom- demand in the economic workers, family migrants, irregular migrants and social interaction. Clearly, this is a prior- the rented sector. labour market. Action on exploitation panied asylum seeking children in the growth period from the students. Key groups for policy intervention must ity area for London, and becoming more Economy and vulnerability is therefore required, as capital, and estimated 111,000 children early 1990s to 2008. include the newly arrived and the most disadvantaged. important as sources of ESOL funding At a national and regional level is the right sort of employment support in undocumented migrant households Many in the former cat- are reduced in the capital. migrants contribute positively to the for the most disadvantaged. (including 61,000 UK-born). COMPAS egory have entitlements By B.G. and H.J. Housing economy and to income levels, while at Health and social care will be publishing research on London’s similar to those of the UK- The available evidence shows that the local level in areas where there is a Migrants face health inequalities undocumented children later this year. born population. widespread perceptions of asylum seek- low skills base (as in the more deprived because of the barriers they experience Community development is key to 6 The New Londoners The New Londoners 7

migrant integration across a number of domains, and housing market where migra- including the work of migrant and refugee com- tion impacts are likely to be felt: low munity organisations and the work of mainstream skills areas and outer city ‘new con- community development providers. Evidence shows Other possibilities include tact zones’. It includes identifying that a number of stakeholders have ability, skills and pathways back to legality for undoc- experience to offer migrant integration, including a strong communication umented migrants, and the promotion local authorities, the voluntary and community sector, of a living wage for all Londoners – community development organisations across sectors strategy around migration areas where both the current and last (and especially locally embedded community anchor mayor of London have shown con- organisations), as well as trade unions and employers; including sophisticated myth- siderable leadership. Other possibili- these remain to be fully mobilised. ties include a strong communication As well as the mayor’s integration themes strategy around migration including we have summarised, the GLA has identified busting, and harnessing the sophisticated myth-busting, and har- a number of cross-cutting themes, equal life nessing the potential of partners in chances for all and partnership working: key potential of partners in civil civil society, including businesses, strategic issues cutting across the Mayor’s core the media and trade unions, to facili- themes. Partnership working is essential in facili- society, including businesses, tate integration. tating integration processes across the domains The context for this debate, how- of integration. A framework of equal life chances the media and trade unions, ever, is a time of great challenges is also central; achieving this means balancing for London, with the spending cuts the universal entitlements to which all migrants affecting migrant community organi- Greater London Authority with an have a right, regardless of status, with a sense of to facilitate integration sations in the capital, and with lead- evidence base on migration and fairness at the local level. The restriction of enti- ers in the capital having to respond migrant integration in London. For to central government pressure to cap the report, published late last year the numbers of skilled migrants and and available at the GLA’s website, Supporting both migrant community vate rented sector housing and in the international students that drive Lon- we brought together the most up to organisations and the involvement of areas of employment where migrants don’s economy. date available information we could Supporting migrants in mainstream community and are concentrated, based on the use find to describe the situation for civic structures is another priority. of existing regulatory frameworks migrants in London. This summary both migrant Other interventions could be use- and the promotion of best practice These articles summarise research represents the analysis developed fully aimed at structures or agencies through kitemarking. It includes we conducted at COMPAS (Oxford by the researchers at COMPAS, and in the receiving society. This includes focusing cohesion and public com- University’s Centre on Migration, does not represent an official view of community robust regulation of standards in pri- munication in areas of the labour Policy and Society) to provide the the GLA. organisations and the involvement of migrants in London’s demographic mainstream community and landscape civic structures is

London stands out from the rest of the UK in all residents in London. Within London, there a priority a number of key ways. In terms of stock (the are key differences from borough to borough numbers of migrants – those born outside the and between inner and outer London. There is a UK including those resident in the UK for many varied pattern of population turnover at borough years), London has a larger migrant population level but generally internal population changes tlements may have negative impacts on integra- than the rest of the UK: 34 per cent of London’s are high compared to international turnover, with tion and a long-term negative effect beyond the resident population. most inner London boroughs experiencing espe- sphere of integration, for instance on the public A quarter of these migrants arrived in the last cially high internal and international churn. All purse, but there is a need for more systematic evi- five years. Among recent migrants, the over- boroughs have seen an increase in proportions dence on this. whelming majority are of working age. London’s of non-UK born people within the population Building on this evidence base, COMPAS iden- migrant population is both younger and longer stock in the past four years, but in (mainly outer) tified a number of areas where intervention from established than the migrant population in the boroughs with lower population turnover – Lon- the GLA and its partners could be targeted. Some rest of the UK. Large proportions of London’s don’s “new contact zones” – this change may of these are being taken forward in the Year 2 migrants, particularly from the New Common- appear more evident. implementation plan of the GLA’s integration wealth, have British nationality, demonstrating Migrants make up a greater share of the resi- strategy, London Enriched, which is due to be their settled residence here. But migrants from dent population in inner London (40 per cent) published soon. EU15/EEA countries including Accession (A8 than in outer London (30 per cent). In Westmin- Some interventions could productively be and A2) countries are less likely to have become ster, Newham and Brent, over 50 per cent of the aimed at migrants themselves. London needs UK nationals. The peak period of arrival in the population is born outside the UK. However, targeted ESOL provision, based on review of the UK for the migrants with permanent residency nearly half of the migrant population in Brent, available evidence and on best practice, at the now in London was the 1990s and early 2000s, and over a third in Newham and Westminster times and in the locations best suited for those dropping off since then. have British nationality. Overall, around two who most need it. There is a need for clear infor- Comparing London’s migrants with the whole fifths of migrants resident in London have Brit- mation and advice on entitlements to housing, of the capital’s population, the migrant popu- ish nationality. health and other social goods and on responsi- lation is younger than the total population in bilities. There is a case for targeted employment London, especially in inner London. Migrants support, based on best practice, focusing on in London are more likely to be married or skills, employment sustainability and combating cohabiting, with dependent children, than are under-employment. Evidence based planning is required for health needs of migrant populations, particularly in mental health and maternity care. 8 The New Londoners The New Londoners 9

David Cameron’s message is that Muslims are not wanted Muslims and migrants are being used to distract people from the planned chaos implemented by this unpopular coalition, says Yasmin Alibhai-Brown

By speaking out in Munich he allied schools for separatists – from snooty are in trouble they pick on “outsiders”, put himself with the ghastly Angela Merkel white middle-classes, to pedantic, purist them into stocks so the people can turn on who delivered a similarly provocative Hindus, nutty, evangelical Christians, and them and relieve their feelings of frustra- sermon last autumn. Racism is rife in introverted, uncompromising Muslims. tion. Andrew Lansley, now in charge of both countries; in both nations, millions How does that foster integration? Michael health, said shamelessly in 1995 that they of their own natives rigidly hold on to Gove has just been accused by Bradford were using the anti-immigration card their languages and cultures. Think of because it played well those Germans who go abroad on holi- with voters. Recently day and stay in walled-off camps where he blamed migrants only German is spoken. Countless Brit- Many of us for a rise in TB in Brit- ons are similarly against integration ain, a link that used with the people of unfamiliar countries healthcare concerns to they visit or migrate to. I would rather Muslims would be whip up xenophobic have my tongue chopped off than lose panic. Cameron him- my mellifluous home languages. To with David Cameron self designed the dis- learn and love English shouldn’t mean graceful anti-refugee Muslims and migrants are being used the destruction of world languages, most if his speech hadn’t campaign for Michael to distract people from the planned chaos of which we are lucky enough to have Howard in 2005. implemented by this unpopular coalition. on our isles. The German Marshall It is politicking of the worst kind Remember the PM was at an inter- shown him to be Fund has just published Not many dawns have passed since the national security council when he let a comparative survey sparky Tory chairwoman Sayeeda Warsi rip – an outrage. Diversity is one of our selective, hypocritical, of attitudes to migrants spoke up about the “dinner table” libel- greatest assets, an antidote to militancy in Western countries. ling of all Muslims, now routine, nor- not its cause. A new study by the Run- calculating, woefully Britons, noted The malised, unremarkable, intimate, uncon- nymede Trust in Birmingham shows Economist, are shown tested. I see and hear it, too – prejudices young citizens are more bonded and at up as a “mean-minded passed around with the balsamic vinegar ease with difference than their elders indifferent to Muslim lot” – negative, hostile, or ketchup. Some Muslims deserve cas- in that multifarious city. As the speech paranoid. I don’t believe tigation and worse for the terrible things progressed, you realised that Cameron’s victims of relentless that is the full picture. they do. I frequently denounce them in problem isn’t cultural difference. It’s Britain is also uniquely my columns. But sweeping, indiscrimi- the people whom marauding Chris- racism and receptive – which is why nate execration of any collective is abhor- tian Crusaders called “curs”, wretched so many of us would not rent and must be confronted. Warsi did Mohammedans. Cameron isn’t troubled chauvinism live elsewhere. But it is that, knowing her words would infuriate by Hassidic enclaves, Orthodox Jewish going through a seri- right-wing Tories who can’t stand the dress codes, or their religiously sanc- ously bad mood and brown little upstart. tioned gender inequality and stubborn Cameron is exploiting Now, how will she react to her leader, self-removal from mainstream societies. that. who has amplified the small talk of I have been rebuffed by a veiled Muslim I accept our citi- bigotry and boomed it through a mega- woman and a Hassidic Jewish one when zens are unnerved by phone, perhaps to slap her down? I found I tried to talk to their children. And the those British Muslims Cameron’s speech in Munich indefensi- other day a young white mum told her who make endless ble even though I completely agree with daughter to come away from me, the demands, are full of some observations and policy ideas. We “Paki”. Moreover, those who only want wrath and murder- discussed these two years back when we to live with their own in white heartlands ous plans, or choose met in his office for over an hour. Self- are thought to be no threat to integration ghettoisation. How- exclusion, special pleading, women’s – they are only doing what comes natu- ever, the widespread rights, community oppression, anti-dem- rally. Little official concern is expressed national unhappiness ocratic attitudes, terrorism, the spread of about crimes committed by various non- is created by policies Wahhabi Islam are serious problems and Muslim ethnic groups against each other, pushed through by this Hope costs nothing growing. Laissez-faire multicultural poli- against Muslims or white Britons. Even Government. Mus- cies do not serve our times. State institu- more disgracefully, Tories ignore rac- lims and migrants are tions should fund shared spaces, crosso- ists who terrorise people of colour. How being used to distract ver ideas, openness and modernity. Many unfair is that? City Council of encouraging segregation people from the planned chaos imple- How to be an undocumented migrant in the UK. A report by Ruth Valentine of us Muslims would be with David Our PM, in effect, identified himself with by funding a new free school started up mented by this unpopular coalition. It is Cameron if his speech hadn’t shown him the abominable English Defence League by Ayub Ismail, who wants to ensure his politicking of the worst kind. Which is How about this? You’re living some- your family get together the cash some- doesn’t believe you have ‘a well-founded your visa, and just be told your pass- to be selective, hypocritical, calculating, when he spoke up a day before the league pupils are not “absorbed into the domi- why it must be opposed vehemently. As where in the world – your home country, how – a lot of cash – to pay the guys who fear of persecution’ if you go home. On port will be waiting at the airport. You woefully indifferent to Muslim victims of marched through Luton shouting abuse. Are nant culture”. Saudis are allowed by our the daughter of a survivor said to me at where your roots are, your friends and are known to get people out. Just out: it the other hand, the same Secretary of might manage to get past all the con- relentless racism and chauvinism. He was these the laudable British values we must Government to brainwash Muslims who the Holocaust Memorial Day in January: family, where you were educated, worked doesn’t matter where. Some hair-raising State accepts that you can’t go home. trols on trains and at ports, and into the speaking the words of white extremists embrace? Hot-headed Muslims will be even are then despised. The Tory party’s right “We Jews must look to our failings and – under some unpleasant political regime. journeys later you get to somewhere you Congratulations. You’ve become an country without being seen. Whichever but in posh. There was so much that was more convinced they are not wanted in the and left buttocks move in different direc- crimes. But when outsiders try to use that Libya, say, just to be topical; but we can find is the UK, and claim asylum. Relief. undocumented migrant. it is, you’re undocumented: not necessar- objectionable – where he spoke, what he land of their birth. tions. Not clever nor consistent with the for their devilish reasons, we know where all think of several. You do something Except it isn’t. After a few months, There are other ways, of course. You ily someone the authorities don’t know said, the timing, the purposes loitering The next charge: hypocrisy. This Gov- PM’s Big Message of the week. we must stand.” Me too. – or even nothing – that gets you into maybe a few years, they turn you down. might come in as a student and decide about, but someone who hasn’t got the behind the fine façade of his personality. ernment is enthusiastically funding So why is he doing it? When politicians Courtesy of The Independent trouble, and you have to leave. You and The Secretary of State, you’re told, to stay. You might even apply to extend documents that prove you have rights. 10 The New Londoners The New Londoners 11

You have very few rights. can’t legally. For refused asylum seekers, By definition, people in this situation don’t the risk involved is more frightening; for readily come forward to tell their stories. people who came here to work, it’s just But MRC decided those stories need to be how things are. heard, by the public and by decision-makers. Keep the office clean, it is really easy. I Going through organisations, sometimes like to do it, I don’t have any problem. I very small, that were trusted by undocu- work for 8 hours and I earn £6 per hour.. mented migrants, we interviewed forty-three I start work in the morning at 5 o’clock. people. Hope Costs Nothing brings together Salvador, Latin American man, aged 49 their stories.

meditate, and sometimes see friends. But living like this – even for the people I claimed asylum when I arrived in 88. I work sometimes for ten hours for £5, Marc, Central/Southern African man, who consciously chose it, and are making I didn’t hear anything for ten years. I £6, sometimes £10, very rarely, at a cash aged 26 a reasonable living – is a great strain. have to go to the Home Office every 25 and carry shop. What can I do? I can’t months and sign a form, but I don’t have go back. Bashir, Asian man, aged 42 7.00 wake up my son and take breakfast I am cross, disappointment, because it is status, I don’t have any support and I’ve and go out at 8 to put my son in nursery. not normal to be in a country for twelve been here for twenty-one years. Some of the refused asylum seekers College is Monday to Friday. One volun- years and you are not allowed to go back Dominique, Central/Southern African were given a small weekly amount in tary job every Tuesday; one every week, to see your family. Yolanda, Latin Ameri- man, aged 47 vouchers or (more recently) on an Azure one every month. Ursule, Central/South- can woman, aged 31 card, both of which could only be used in ern African woman, aged 29 You have to be pretty strong to live supermarkets: like this. What can I buy in Tesco, nothing. It’s I’m homeless; sometimes I stay in the not halal. Khalid, East African man, church, near the church, in the street, aged 44 near the station, everywhere. I have been destitute for six months now. Even today, If you can’t work, and you have no Migrant. Someone who crosses a border to live in another country. I haven’t eaten anything.. I have to wash money, you still have to find a way of Reasons for migration vary and migrants are usually classified between my face and get water in McDonalds. passing the time that gives your life some economic or political migrant, although in practice it is difficult to Eden, East African woman, aged 50 meaning. disentangle both aspect. I read and study a lot. I try to better Some people work, even though they myself. I listen to music, do research, Refugee. A refugee is a person who has fled his country under a threat and is unable to go back because of «a well funded fear of persecution», as defined by the 1951 UN Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees, and who has gained the protection of his host country. I would like to feel at ease and I can’t elderly people and loved it. All of them had because I can’t do anything now. If all arrived expecting to work, to contribute to Asylum seeker. Someone who has left his country in order to seek goes well, I want to help others. I don’t society, to support themselves and send asylum in another country. For the State, a migrant becomes an asylum want others to suffer like me. Xaviere, money home. Some managed most of this; seeker once his application for refugee status has been received. Central/Southern African girl, aged 16 some, through no fault of their own, none of it. The immigration and asylum system Family migrant. A person who is granted residence for family I have depression and have been on keeps people afraid and dependent when reunification reasons. The ability to leave with ones' family is a Human anti-depressants. I became depressed they want to be responsible and independent. Right, and the UK can grant legal status to husband and wives of when I left work (because she was refused MRC makes a number of recommenda- immigrants as well as their children and dependant parents. asylum). I felt bad before, being on my tions in the report. They include an amnesty own, but I was being paid and able to help for people who have been more than five Undocumented migrant. A migrant without a legal status, either myself through working. But now because years in the country, so that they can regu- because he has entered the country illegally or, as in most cases, of the problems happening to me I feel larise their status and contribute fully; a better because its permit has expired. He can be sent back to his country and physically and mentally disabled. Debre, informed, independent, asylum determina- send to a detention centre. East African woman, aged 44 tion system; and a comprehensive legal rep- resentation service for asylum and immigra- Labour migrant. A person migrating for purposes of employment in a Like Xaviere, many of our participants tion cases. foreign country. States usually classify labour migrants along different want to be able to contribute to society, here I want to be able to settle down; to work status according to the duration of employment as well as their skills, while they are here, at home if they can ever and pay taxes and support myself. Just to so as to channel migrant workers according to the needs of the labour return. Ursule wants to train as a nurse; be like other people. Iman, East African market. Khadija, from Asia, to work in women’s woman, aged 42 rights. Debre, who trained at home as an accountant, had worked in a care home for Barrow Cadbury Trust has funded the report for Mrc. 12 The New Londoners The New Londoners 13

Myth Busting Q&A Migrants claim Diane Abbott less benefit than

Myth: Migrants move to the UK just to British citizens. claim social security benefits. They take Diane Abbott is advantage of the social security system rather than contributing to it. Shadow Minister for Fact: Immigrants are less likely to claim welfare benefits and to live in Public Health and MP National data shows social housing than people born in the UK. Migrants also make a positive contribution to the UK fiscal system for Hackney North Times of economic downturn appear times backed by a discourse portraying more marked. The ONF data by paying more income taxes than to fuel xenophobic views, and current migrants as a threat to the social condi- goes hand in hand with Home they receive in direct and indirect and Stoke Newington. restrictive immigration policies are some- tion of UK citizens, threatening their Office research published in transfers. (University College London 2002 to assess that Report on the benefits of immigration, She has been the people do not arrive 2010 www.ucl.ac.uk/news/news- in the UK hoping to articles/0907/09072302) first black woman exploit the welfare state. This research Myth: Londoners do not like migrants found that immi- and are against receiving more of them. ever elected to the grants pay more Fact: Londoners are more accepting of tax that they take in migrants than residents in the rest of the British Parliament. benefits, which was country. In fact, Londoners are used to partly explained by living in a multicultural environment, and Diane is founder of the age structure can see the benefits in having a mixture of the immigrant of people from different backgrounds the London Schools population, which is living in the capital. disproportionately (Migration Watch UK, 2010, ‘British and the Black Child of working age and Views on Migration’ www.ipsos- therefore consuming mori.com/researchpublications/ less state-provided researcharchive/poll.aspx?oItemId=847) initiative, which aims services and paying more taxes. Further- Myth: The British public is generally to raise educational more, the UK isn’t against immigration. exactly the welfare Fact: Fear and Hope, the report achievement levels paradise for immi- by Searchlight Educational Trust, grants that some published a report demonstrating a amongst Black newspapers seem strong correlation between economic employment or ‘draining’ the to refer to. Asylum seekers for pessimism and negative attitudes children welfare state. This picture of example are not allowed to towards immigration. This shows migrants as a burden for tax- claim normal welfare and live that the British public is not afraid of payer has been recently broken on a paltry amount below that immigration itself, but of how it will impact by official data, showing that which the Government states is the economic situation (Fear and Hope migrants claim less benefit the minimum necessary for UK Report, February 2011 http://www. than British citizens. benefit claimants to be able to fearandhope.org.uk/project-report/) A UK National Statistic live. Many live in destitution, (ONF) report released on sometimes homeless, espe- Myth: Refugees get hostels and housing January 20th under the title cially those who are appealing immediately and UK nationals lose out. “Regional characteristics of their case. The Refugee Coun- Fact: When people come to the UK foreign-born people living in cil states that, “most asylum seeking asylum, many are housed the United Kingdom” states seekers are living in poverty temporarily in B&Bs, whilst their case What are the implications of the on ‘failed multiculturalism’? be willing to implement in order to pro- What long-term effects could such that in most regions “…a and experience poor health and is assessed. They are called ‘Asylum cuts proposed by the Government for The attacks on multiculturalism are tect refugees and asylum seekers. changes have on the multi-cultural smaller percentage of foreign- hunger.“ seekers’ at this point still and are not migrants living in London? really attacks on diversity and the pres- There has been much talk about pos- city of London? To what extent do born people claim state bene- The study also provides an yet officially ‘Refugees’. If they are These cuts will hit women and black ence of black and brown people in the sible changes to visa procedures in the you think that the debate of failed fits/tax credits than UK-born”. overview of the profile of immi- successful, they become ‘Refugees’ & ethnic minorities the hardest. This is community so all people of colour, UK, such as abolishing a post-study multiculturalism is contradicting the When this is not the case, as grants, such as their occupation and achieve Limited Leave to remain for because women are disproportionately including refugees and asylum seekers, visa and limiting the amount of visas planned implementation of cuts? in West Midlands and London, or main trends in religion and up to 5 years. Some achieve Indefinite employed in the public sector and are should feel threatened by these attacks. issued each year. As we move into a period where ordi- the difference “is negligible,” ethnicity. It disproves another Leave to Remain, but still must pass the also big users of some services being nary families will feel under economic states the ONF. common misconception, show- citizenship test to get a UK passport. cut. As far as refugees and asylum seek- In the current economic and politi- How do you think such changes would pressure, unscrupulous politicians will Interestingly, in the places ing that, with the exception If they achieve Leave to Remain, all ers are concerned, many of the services cal climate, what type of policies affect migrants living in London? bang the anti-diversity drum. Men and where the percentage of for- of West midlands, where the must then leave the B&B they have set up for them are non-statutory, those could be implemented in order to The changes to visa regulations will not women of goodwill have to organise to eign-born people claiming majority of the population is been temporarily granted, and are then services will be the first to be cut protect migrants living in the UK? necessarily affect refugees and asylum resist this. state benefit is the lowest, such ethnically Asian, ‘white’ is the effectively homeless. In the current economic and political seekers who are currently living in as in Scotland (26%) or in the largest ethnic group in all areas How are migrants living in London climate, it is difficult to see what poli- London because of course they already North East, the difference with of the country. By Tiija Rinta and Stefanie Heerwig affected by recent political comments cies this Tory-Led Government would have their visas. By Tiija Rinta and Stefanie Heerwig the UK-born people is even By Carine Dreau 14 The New Londoners The New Londoners 15

heavily involved in combating anti-social be unable to deliver services due to fund- behaviour in the area but, despite cam- ing cuts. This at a time when there will be paigns, will close in May. more reliance on them to support clients All of this does not bode well for due to state cutbacks. The government Britain’s migrant communities, many of are also ending their support for the Refu- whom will be among the worst affected. gee Integration and Employment Service Cutting our lives There are also cuts which specifically (RIES) in September. This is the only affect migrants and statutory service at refugees. The cuts present that helps to ESOL funding With new refugees inte- The planned government cuts are likely to have severe consequences on London – dealt with else- grate into the com- where here – which increased munity. society by increasing poverty, inequality and crime. Gary Buswell reports is so important in It seems strange, improving chances poverty and in light of all this, of employment and that David Cam- integration for new unemployment, eron should choose migrants. The legal to make a speech aid bill has been cut there comes decreeing the failure by £350 million and of multiculturalism the decision has been the risk of a and the unwillingness made to remove all of many migrants to immigration cases, rise in crime integrate. Key to the other than initial integration process asylum appeals and which threatens is the chance to find detention cases, from suitable work, to learn the scope of legal to destabilise the language and to aid. This could leave feel like you exist on thousands of vulner- the poorest an equal footing with able migrants in a others in society. The legal limbo unable to communities impact of these cuts secure their rights. may well go a long Migrant and way in undermining refugee organisations in the third sector that process. Cameron has also implied are also facing unprecedented fund- that these cuts will not be reversed if and ing cuts. The Refugee Council – which when Britain makes an economic recov- itself will lose 62% of state funding in ery. Where this will leave us if his much April – recently conducted a study of talked about Big Society fails to material- refugee community organisations which ise is unclear. found that 77% thought that they would I want to speak English If people can’t speak English how guage and ESOL are stated as a key pri- both significant resource allocation to for Business, Innovation and Skills, the can they help their children at school, ority for London Enriched: the Mayor’s this area and huge unmet demand.” In Mayor no longer has an official skills find work, take part in their community Refugee and Migrant Integration Strat- response to queries from the “Action for strategy for London. The Department for or assert their rights? The Association egy, and the London Strategic Migration ESOL” campaign the Mayor’s office Business, Innovation and Skills, who are of Colleges has questioned 75 colleges Partnership (LSMP), which is chaired by have stated that they are, “somewhat con- now “responsible” for ESOL, has yet to across England about the issue. It found the Deputy Mayor of London, Richard cerned that other changes to fee remis- carry out an impact assessment for stu- Last autumn, with Britain still reeling that are disappearing or being drastically Then there is the threat of rising unem- from poor backgrounds with the scrap- that 53% of students in these colleges, Barnes. The Mayoral Report or Migra- sion could act as a barrier to accessing dents. When they do they will find that from the economic recession, the coali- reduced. ployment. According to consultancy firm ping of both the Future Jobs Fund and the enrolled on ESOL courses, receive inac- tion and Integration in London noted that English language tuition for many others ESOL cuts will be devastating for all, tion government conducted its spend- It’s hard to see how an increase in PriceWaterhouseCoopers, one million Education Maintenance Allowance. tive benefits and that 74% these students “ESOL is absolutely central to migrant with ESOL needs.” Yet under the new but particularly for people on low wages, ing review and announced a program of deprivation and further inequality will be jobs will be As is always the are women. This means around 99,000 integration and that evidence shows skills strategy issued by the Department women and asylum seekers. David the biggest spending cuts in this country avoided. A simple glance at forthcoming lost by 2015 case with increased students will have to pay Cameron demanded in his since the end of World War One. £81bil- local authority cuts is telling – councils - including According to poverty and unem- course fees, and colleges ‘multiculturalism’ speech lion stripped from the budget – 19% in poor areas like Hackney and Doncas- 500,000 in the ployment, there fear many will be unable that immigrants should across central government departments ter face maximum 8.9% cuts for 2011-12 private sector - consultancy firm comes the risk of a to pay the fees of between ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) is the learn English. At the same and nearly 30% from local councils over whereas wealthier areas like Windsor and and the Nobel rise in crime which £400 and £1,200. At the main publicly funded English language provision in the time his government is cut- four years. Buckinghamshire face only 1% reduc- Prize-winning Price Waterhouse threatens to desta- moment there is a £4.5mil- UK, it is an essential service for migrants. But now, the ting entitlement to English Of course, tough times were bound to tions. The huge welfare shake-up includes economist Paul bilise the poorest lion fund available to help survival of ESOL is under threat. Proposed government classes. People should not lead to tough measures. But these cuts, a 60% cut in social housing funding and Kruger has Coopers, one million communities. This ESOL students who pay cuts to ESOL will mean that from August 2011: be made to learn English, enacted without proper consultation, are the closure of many homeless shelters. said that David risk is exacerbated fees, but next year there but most people, for whom likely to reap severe social consequences Social landlords will be able to charge Cameron’s pol- jobs will be lost by by the reduction will be no support fund. • Only “settled” people on “active” benefits, JSA or ESA English is not a first lan- when most come into effect in April. 80% of market prices, leading to tripling icies threaten to of the community There will be fewer stu- (Jobseekers or Employment Support Allowances), will guage, want to and need Despite government proclamations that of some rents, and housing benefit caps take Britain’s 2015 - including warden service dents with low incomes, get free classes to – so that they can access the burden of recovery will be spread could lead to 170,000 households evicted unemployment and the closure of courses will close and • Students on other benefits (“inactive” benefits) who further education and train- equally across society, some groups are in London alone. levels back to 500,000 in the youth centres cur- teachers will lose their currently get free classes will now have to pay fees, and ing, gain employment and going to be feeling the effects far more Analysis of cuts to Sure Start funding 1931. As with rently taking place. jobs. students who currently pay will pay more participate in society in than others. for under-5s has suggested it will cost over three previous reces- private sector Library closures In London alone around • Those who cannot pay will be unable to learn English, whatever way they want. As with responses to recessions in the times per child in poorest areas compared to more sions, this will can be equally 40,000 students may have to gain Citizenship or to stay in the UK Learning English should be 1930s and 1980s, it will be the country’s affluent regions. The Institute of Fiscal Studies has most likely damaging as these their ESOL place taken • Asylum Seekers will no longer have free classes their right – it is neither an poorest individuals and communities who stated that, as a result of these policies, the number have the greatest effect on low-paid work- often perform a vital role as social spaces, away from them. What • At the same time there are cuts to advocacy and obligation, nor a privilege. will bear the brunt of state cutbacks. Those of children in poverty will rise significantly in the ers in less secure jobs. Coupled with this such as Sydenham Library on Home does the Mayor’s office interpreting who depend most on services and facilities next few years. is the reduction of opportunities for youths Park, Lewisham. This library has been have to say? English Lan- By Rebecca Galbraith 16 The New Londoners The New Londoners 17 How the media portrays migrants as a threat Emily Martens examines attitudes towards migrants in the media and its affect on public perception

The majority of the subject matter seems to focus on mostly negative aspects of migration. This particular focus generated by the media has no doubt had a considerable affect No Esol, no Life on public perceptions of migrants, and the national Students Resist the ESOL Cuts issues surrounding them

I teach ESOL at the Migrants’ All the women, they are isolated. They woman observed, “I come from Soma- cutting small things, like teachers, like Resource Centre and at Newham Col- are working in the home, doing house- lia. This country is my country now so ESOL. This is not going to do anything, lets depict migrants migrants, the majority of the subject lege. I believe that ESOL is an impor- work. If they come for ESOL they know I need to understand everything – the this does not fix it.” in the UK. matter seems to focus on mostly nega- tant provision and that all people have more about how the world is. They can hospital, the council. No ESOL, no life. What are you going to do about it? For example in tive aspects of migration, rather than the right to a free education. This right fill in forms. They can do many things” Without ESOL I can’t go to college, I “We are doing a petition, a leaflet, a a recent article focus on the positive contributions was already eroded for ESOL in 2007, said Naz. can’t get a job. In my opinion ESOL poster and a demonstration – all of the in the Daily Tel- migrants make to society. This particu- when fees were introduced for some I asked the other students, do you is important. English is an interna- students together. Last week we organ- egraph, appearing lar focus generated by the media has no students. I went to Tower Hamlets agree? “Yes, they all said, YES.” tional language; you need it all over the ized a big meeting, about 50 students. in February of this doubt had a considerable affect on public College in East London to interview And, what do the women think? Is world. In Somalia you can’t get a good There are 1000 ESOL students at Tower year, Tom White- perceptions of migrants, and the national a group of ESOL students, who have this true? “Yes, if anyone came to our job without it.” Ironically, she feels, she Hamlets College, we need to let them head suggests that issues surrounding them. started campaigning against the cuts to door, and we didn’t know English, we is being deprived the chance of learn- all know and have a meeting of 200/300 migrants have In 2006, the “Fear and Hope Project” ESOL. The class included Rakib, Hus- wouldn’t open it, because we were ing the most powerful language in the students.” been arriving in sought to evaluate attitudes in the UK sain, Naz, Raz, Shahaj Begum, Malika scared.” Another said, “If ESOL is cut world, in an English speaking country. There was a discussion about whether the UK during towards migration and political extrem- and other students who did not wish to we won’t learn more English. Women Why are the cuts happening? the campaign can win. One student said, recent year at a ism by taking a survey of five thousand give their names. will have to stay at home – there will be The students all started to speak at “We can e-mail, face-book, send letters, In March 2009, BBC News Online to the UK. The reporter described how “rate of almost one a minute,” and this citizens. What the project discovered Why is ESOL important to you? more isolation and depression.” once, “because of the credit crunch, but then it is David Cameron’s decision, broadcast a short report regarding would- the men “attacked” the trucks, mainly has lead to “pressure on public services, was that about 40% of the subjects they “Without ESOL we can’t help our chil- Malika explained, “Four or five years because the government has no money. we have to accept it.” Will David Cam- be-asylum-seekers, who were attempting focusing on the migrants as being a nui- roads, housing, schools, and hospitals.” questioned felt that migrations was dren. We can’t go out shopping. We will ago I was taking my children to school If we don’t have enough nurses we will eron listen? “No he won’t, he is a rich to hitchhike from Calais to the UK. The sance, even a hazard, to the trucks and the Another recent article in The Evening a main issue, showing a five percent have a dark life. We have eyes - we can and the head asked me if I wanted to get sick, if there are not enough teachers man.” While others thought, “No, we migrants in this report lived by the side British drivers, rather than as desperate Standard, seconded economic wor- increase from 1997, and 76 % of those see the world, but with education we learn English. I was so, so happy. I had we can’t learn, if there are not enough can win – in Egypt they joined together of the road in makeshift tents and houses, people. Not once does the reporter men- ries by the Daily Telegraph, this time saw it as a national, as opposed to a local, will see more. If ESOL students like us no education in my country. Others, they police there will be more crime.” and they did it.” and every day attempted to sneak into the tion Article 14 of the Universal Declara- regarding the new benefits EU migrants issue. In addition to these statistics, in have no education, we can’t understand should be able to learn, like me.” What could they cut? “Cut the Any final comments? “All the people backs of trucks headed to the UK, unde- tion of Human Rights, which advocates from A8 countries will now be able to the wake of the increase of migration in things. ESOL is giving us life, giving “If ESOL is cut then we can’t have an bonuses of the people in the banks. The outside Europe we don’t know Eng- tected. In one particular scene a group of the right to seek protection from persecu- receive, potentially costing the govern- recent years and hard economic times, us experience to work. It stops isolation education or get jobs” said one woman, problem started from the banks. Cut lish. We are people who live in this migrants even chased a truck down the tion via asylum in other countries. ment millions of pound. As for the aspect 82% considered life in the UK worse of communities. When I came into this and another, “I’m a student and house- spending on war. If they cut education country. We are the community. Do road like a herd of deer, attempting to Although BBC’s short broadcast may of cultural anxiety regarding migrants, than it had been ten years ago. country I felt shy, I couldn’t buy a choc- wife. Without ESOL how can I learn now, there will only be more problems you understand?” jump into the back of the truck while it is at first seem rather critical of these par- The Guardian, recently issued an article Through observing the large percent- olate bar. My younger sister or brother English? If we can’t speak English, how in the future.” If you do understand then get involved still moving at full speed down the road. ticular migrants, the rhetoric and tone focusing on the depressed seaside town age of the population which views had to come with me. So I was isolated. can we help our children?” A Somali Naz expressed a beautiful analogy in the campaign; “Action for ESOL” has What is most striking about the broad- of the report generally coincides with of Blackpool. In the article the town was migration as a main national issue, about how futile been set up to fight the cuts, and for free cast by BBC however, besides the sub- other media coverage regarding migra- described as a town “raped and pillaged according to the study, in accordance the ESOL cuts ESOL provision, for all who need it. For ject matter, was the manner in which the tion and its positive and negative affects. by urban decay,” with serious drug and with media outlets, which consistently are, “After war the ideas of what you can do go to reporter and the editors of BBC chose to Often, when national issues regarding alcohol issues. Part of this issue, the arti- display migration as a negative prob- country is dam- www.actionforesol.org/take-action tell the story of these people. The over- migrants are raised in the media, it is to cle explains, is due to the fact that the lem for the country, one may conclude aged, like a river. arching theme of the report was not the discuss negative economic impacts or the town attracts a “rootless migrant popula- a link between the two entities. It would But if you try to Thanks to the students at Tower Ham- unfortunate situation these people were cultural anxiety many native Brits have tion,” which adds to the levels of poverty seem that broadcasts and new articles stop a flooding lets College and their teachers Becky put into, or their poor living conditions, begun to feel in recent years, as it seems and deprivation. portraying migrants in the UK mostly as river with a small Winstanley and Melanie Cooke but a criticism of the French government their culture is being challenged by new What one may conclude from all three a problem, and less often as an addition jug it does not for not being able to stop the migrants waves of migrant influence. This demon- of these articles, is that when it comes to society, has certainly had its affect on work. They are By Rebecca Galbraith from continually attempting to stowaway strates a theme in the way many media out- to media coverage in the UK regarding national opinion. 18 The New Londoners The New Londoners 19

Photo Story Voices of Freedom Arab

On February 25th, demonstrators gathered outside the Bahrain embassy in London to show solidarity with the Arab people campaigning for greater freedom in their countries. By Maria Teresa Sette

Environmental superhero comes to Camden 20 The New Londoners The New Londoners 21

Ahmed Abowedn 26 years old, he is from a village between Zawiya and Tripoli. He came to London last year

I left my job as a com- munications engineer in Libya a year ago and came to London. Once here I started working as a cleaner, kitchen porter and now I work as a chef. Like me, many of my fellow students have left Libya. All the people I know from my village, my friends as well as fellow students at University have all always opposed Gaddafi’s dictatorship, though we’ve never been allowed to express ourselves publicly. We have been too scared to do that! Now all Libyan people have finally found the courage to speak out and they won’t stop until Gaddafi leaves the coun- try. As soon as he does, I want to go back and start a fresh life as a communi- cations engineer in a free Libya.

Gaddafi is a criminal. He has Asman Abdul-Hamid fooled his people 19 year-old student at King’s with false prom- College London. She was I have been living in this country ises of change born in the UK though her for 29 years and my kids were born that have never family is originally from Iraq. here. I came to Britain as a student been kept. I was and then decided to settle here as I scared of the simply couldn’t live back in Libya regime because I am here today to show my whilst that man was in power. they controlled solidarity with the Libyans and The Libyan people have waited a every aspect our all the Arab people. My parents long time for the right moment to lives. But now the are from Iraq but I was born stand up as one against Gaddafi new generations and brought up here. England is as they knew that if they acted have been brave definitely home to me more than alone as individuals before they enough to at last Iraq. As a British citizen, I expect would have paid heavily for it. But stand up against the Government to do more. Brit- even now they are indeed suffer- him, they’ve ain should be supporting the ing. The Libyans don’t want mili- taken to the Arab protesters instead of selling tary intervention from outside, see streets and now weapons to Gaddafi, as they did what happened in Iraq. They are we’ve all found just a couple of weeks ago. The capable of getting rid of Gaddafi the courage to media should also be more sym- by themselves. What they expect say ‘no more.’ I pathetic towards what’s happen- from Britain, Europe and the US is can’t wait to go ing in Libya. When you watch a clear statement of condemnation back to my coun- the news on TV, instead it’s all of Gaddafi and his crimes against try, to my home. about the British people in Libya humanity. They have to stop and how to get them back safely making trades with him. into the UK.

Fanzia Khalifa Nureddin Wahelshi She comes from Tripoli and He is from Benghazi and has arrived in London 3 years been living in London since ago to join her husband. 1982 22 The New Londoners The New Londoners 23

The suppression of citizens living Why I escaped from Libya under these regimes has Britain’s two faces Ali Almajhraby is a Libyan refugee. He lives in London existed for many decades with his family after fleeing from the Gaddafi regime and Britain has indirectly Over the last few weeks most of us ported or tacitly ignored this situation in 2004, as he told to Maria Teresa Sette have been glued to our TV screens during this time. It seems that prestige, watching masses of people protesting in material and geopolitical interests are supported or tacitly ignored the streets of major cities in Egypt, Tuni- more important than morality. Histori- “I was fed up. Sick of living under that man. I wanted my children to live in a democracy and to be sia, Libya, Algeria, Yemen and Bahrain. cally Britain’s preferred a cosy relation- this situation during free citizens in a free country”. So, in 2004, Ali Almajhraby gathered all his savings, left his house in Regimes that have been in place for sev- ship with regimes in the Middle East and Benghazi where he had lived his whole life and escaped from his native country, Libya. He reached eral decades and restricted the rights and North Africa as it’s proven profitable this time London together with his wife and his three children. freedoms of their citizens have faced the from both a political and an economic former PM described Mubarak as “,immensely courageous Ali was still a child when in 1969 the young Libyan army colonel, Muammar al-Gaddafi, led a mili- power of the people. The leaders of Egypt perspective. and a force for good”. There’s a sick irony in hearing these tary coup with a group of fellow officers , deposed King Idris and later in 1970 then appointed himself and Tunisia both fell following approxi- Britain has typically adopted a politi- words after witnessing the Egyptian president’s recent vio- head of the new born General People’s Congress. mately two weeks of protests. The situa- cally pragmatic approach towards lent, albeit failed attempts at suppressing the oppositon. Since then, Gaddafi has established a fervently anti-Western dictatorship, blending Islamic orthodoxy, tion in Libya is still evolving. Mubarak and his regime since he came While Cameron condemns the violence taken against pro- revolutionary socialism and Arab nationalism. He has pursued an anti-colonial policy at home, expel- The world has looked on with disgust as to power in 1981. ‘Better the devil you testers in Libya at the moment, only in May 2007 did Blair ling foreigners from Libya and sought to establish an Islamic Socialist regime. In 1973 he took control regime leaders Mubarak and Gadafi have know’ has ultimately been the attitude meet Colonel Gaddafi together with Tony Hayward in the of foreign-owned oil fields attempted to suppress challenges to their taken by every Western government and desert and organise an oil and gas deal worth around £2bn. and reinstated traditional rule through a combination of violence particularly since the rise of the per- All this despite the fact that just one year earlier, Gaddafi Islamic laws such as pro- against protestors and media manipula- ceived Al Quaeeda threat. Egypt is both had publicly encouraged his supporters to “,kill,” enemies hibition of alcoholic bever- tion. Yet the suppression of citizens living an important political, and geopolitical of his regime. ages and gambling. He has under these regimes has existed for many ally, since it acts as a gateway to the Gulf But Britain did not only organise oil deals. Last year, Cam- been accused of supporting decades and Britain has indirectly sup- via the Suez canal and in 2001 Britain’s eron’s coalition approved a lucrative deal of tear gas, small international terrorism, of arms ammunition, stun killing dissidents in Libya grenades and smoke and of sending agents to canisters to Libya, as kill them overseas. He has well as a similar deal been involved in a number of teargas, small arms of conflicts with the West ammunition, military as well as with neighbour- cameras and sniper ing Arab countries. rifles to the Bahraini Ali’s first traumatic regime. While the Brit- experience of the brutality ish government has of the regime came at an revoked 44 licences to early age. His father was a sell arms to Bahrain and general in the Libyan army eight licences for Libya, in the days before Muam- it has yet to sign an arms mar al-Gaddafi overthrew embargo. the monarchy. As soon as While this continuing he rose to power, Gaddafi contradiction still exists, began to systematically many people facing the purge the military, elimi- rising violence have fled nating potential rivals and North Africa towards inserting his own loyal fol- Europe. Over the last lowers in their place. This two weeks about 6000 is exactly what happened migrants, mostly Tuni- to Ali’s father who in 1984, sians, fled to the Italian after facing a long trial, was expelled from the army and imprisoned for one month. Island Lampedusa. The regime thus now eyed Ali and his family as dissidents to be wary of and as a result their daily Some of these citizens life was filled not just with the fear of retaliation, but also with a longing for freedom. “We didn’t have had left these countries financial problems. I owned a small firm in Benghazi which did well and allowed me and family to long before that and have a dignified life. But I just couldn’t stand living like that any longer”, he recalls. some of them are now Ali remembers clearly his first visit to the UK back in 1979 when he came to Britain with his dad living in the UK. They to attend an English course in Kent. “I was 16 and I still remember how impressed I was to see what have been protesting freedom and democracy actually meant. After six months I went back to Libya and soon things started in solidarity in front of changing dramatically for the worst”. Ali never stopped dreaming of the day his country would get their countries’ embas- rid of the oppressive tyrant, move forward and initiate a democratic process. But after 34 years noth- sies or in the streets of ing had changed, Gaddafi still held on tightly to the reins of power and, what’s worse, had managed London. On the 12th to break the international isolation around him and establish diplomatic and economic relations with of February Egyptians many European countries. and Tunisians joined So, in 2004, Ali finally decided to give himself and his family the chance of experiencing everything thousands of people in he had always dreamt of: freedom, democracy and civil rights. He sold his business and fled his country. Trafalgar Square pro- “I am extremely grateful to the British government for helping us and giving us the opportunity to start testing for democracy. a new life as free people”. On Friday the 25th of His children started attending school after a few weeks of arriving in London. Now they are 16, 17, February protesters 18 and “feel British but proud of being half Libyan”. After 7 months of their arrival, Ali and his family gathered in front of the were recognised as refugees and therefore allowed to settle and work in the UK. Libyan and Bahraini “Almost everyday I speak to my family in Benghazi. I wish I were back there, I wish I could help. embassies to protest in The world has finally realised what sort of killer Gaddafi is. Now, it’s only a matter of time, the Libyans solidarity for the Arab will get rid of him”. world. By Stefanie Heerwig 24 The New Londoners The New Londoners 25

‘Worker Registration Scheme.’ It even costs £90 to join. Many end up sleeping rough without any benefits available to them, are then bought and accept bus Don’t call me a What you have tickets back home. Though this piece of legislation is coming to an end in May of this year, people from these countries will still have to pass the ‘Habitual Residence Test.’

ever wondered Q: So we can now expect loads more people coming from Eastern Europe now to claim benefits? A: Probably not; for as the Worker Registration Scheme comes to an end, so New Londoner about too now must Germany and Austria open their labour markets to their Eastern Q: Is it true anyone coming to the UK can claim benefits? neighbours. This could actually mean a reduction in people coming to the UK Dickson Rwigamba is a 22 yr old man originally from Rwanda. He was only A: No. Absolutely not. Nationals from non-EU countries, even those with from the A8 countries. work permits or who are sponsored by someone, are generally not eligible for six years old when the genocide of 1994 led his family to flee the country. He benefits. Q: Why do Refugees get hostels and housing immediately and UK nationals lose out? reveals his story to Jamie Clark Q: What about EU nationals? They can just come for a couple of A: Actually they don’t. When people come to the UK seeking asylum many months and claims benefits can’t they? are housed temporarily in B&Bs whilst their case is assessed. They are called A: Wrong again. ‘Asylum seekers’ at this point still and are not yet officially ‘Refugees’. 9am. Charing Cross, London. The out, homeless hostel seekers. The staff, cialist teams. It’s an incongruous sight remain etched on his brow. Dispassion- EU nationals must pass a ‘Habitual Residence Test’ proving they have strong Connection at St Martin’s day centre for no less weary and worn out though dedi- amidst the blurry backdrop of the South- ately he looks at me and after pausing links to the UK before any benefit can be considered. Many French nationals Q: But after they’re assessed, don’t they get given a flat for life? the homeless. Wet. Raining. Cold. Like cated and professional to the last, then get ern Counties finest as they stream out of says, ‘people ask me why she did that, for example end up sleeping rough as they cannot get benefits. Many are A: Not at all. If their application is successful, they become ‘Refugees’ and clockwork the heavy front doors creak down to the serious tasks of assessment Charing Cross Station and bustle by eyes I just don’t know’, the fragmentation bought and accept bus tickets back to Calais. This is done to prevent ‘benefit achieve Limited Leave to Remain for up to 5 years. Some achieve Indefinite open to greet a weary shuffle of worn and referral to the various in-house spe- down to take up their Soho and Covent and upheaval of early family life surely tourism’. Leave to Remain but still must pass the citizenship test to get a UK passport. Garden positions in West- takings its toll however. He escaped the If they achieve Leave to Remain, all must then must leave the B&B they have minster’s working line up. streets after a friend told him of the New Q: But it must surely then be easy for all those people from Eastern been temporarily granted and are then effectively homeless. I’m here to meet Dick- Horizon youth centre near Kings Cross Europe coming to the the UK to pass this ‘Habitual Residence Test’ as son Rwigamba, the subject who referred him to a Centrepoint hostel. many have family here already? They’re all on benefits right? Q: Ok, so they’re homeless, but then they go the council and because of my article for The New A period of a year and a half in three A: Some maybe, but all nationals of the countries joining the EU in 2004, they’re refugees they get special treatment right? Londoner. He’s not hard separate homeless hostels in Willesden, the A8 countries, (Poland, Czech Republic, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Slovak A: No chance. They must then claim benefits and start looking for work and to spot. Fixed up, looking Camden and Swiss Cottage then fol- Republic, Slovenia, Hungary) must all have worked a total of 12 months in the housing like every other homeless person. Like Dickson, many sleep rough sharp, the name’s Rwig- lowed until he finally secured a small UK before they can be considered for any benefits. And in fact they have to or stay on friends’ floors whilst attending homeless day centres to look for a amba, Dickson Rwigamba have proved they’ve worked for a year by having joined the governmemnt run hostel, take English classes and to look for work. as an imaginary trilby lands effortlessly on the prover- A sadly all bial coat peg. Part 007, part too familiar Thierry Henry, the Va Va Voom in his presentation pattern of irrevocable is there for all to see. He’s granted me an hour’s inter- relationship ‘New Londoner’ as he? Eco- view before he dashes off to nomic migrants can come work in John Lewis just up breakdown led Dickson from Preston too. the road in Oxford Circus. Dickson currently works With cuff links gleaming, and his brother to a a thirty-hour week for John silver suit shining, it feels Lewis in Oxford Circus like a Forbes exclusive, three month period of after completing a two- though all similarities with week work placement set square mile aristocracy end ‘hidden homelessness’ up by The Connection at St here. Martin’s back in 2009 and Dickson is a 22 yr old sleeping in Hackney having impressed with a man originally from canny ability to engage the Rwanda and was only six building stairwells customer. He’s not been on years old when the geno- any benefit for 18 months cide of 1994 led his family now and his three years to flee to neighbouring bedsit with Paddington Churches Hous- studying welding at the Col- Uganda. Dickson’s mother ing Association in Willesden. Two years lege of NW London forged came to the UK in ‘98 and after becoming homeless in the UK and more than anything a keen after seven years of separa- a 19 year old Dickson finally achieves a desire to graft and progress. tion he eventually joined degree of stability. No queues jumped, When the opportunity at her in 2005. A sadly all too no drugs taken, no crimes committed, no John Lewis came along he familiar pattern of irrevoca- benefit fraud, no complaints. grabbed it with both hands. ble relationship breakdown On Dickson’s questioning as to the ‘I love my team, I love to then led Dickson and his purpose of the article and the magazine, work. I hate benefits, they brother to a three month I explain it attempts to portray the reali- get on my nerves, you period of ‘hidden home- ties of the lives of those migrants new to don’t get enough money, lessness’ sleeping in Hack- London. ‘But I’m not a new Londoner’, they’re annoying. Better ney building stairwells as he exclaims, half in jest though half to be stressed at work than they struggled to compre- making a serious point about the right- stressed on benefits….’ And hend how having managed ful seat he feels he now occupies in the with words like that Dick- to elude one of the twenti- big smoke. In his eyes, he is a Londoner son could ironically be the eth century’s most horrific pure and simple. A new Londoner might darling of the Right whose genocides, they could not be someone who arrived in the last few natural political instinct make it work with mum. months perhaps, such is the natural ebb might be to deny the contri- I’ve only an hour; to probe and flow of the capital’s populace. In bution of those whose join deeper would be an inap- fact, are not our friends from the North us from overseas. ‘I’ve had propriate intrusion though chasing TV dreams and lines of coke in only one day off and been the incredulity and hurt Soho as much deserving of the epithet late only twice in a year and 26 The New Londoners The New Londoners 27

Street Art&Life

American Street artist Michael Aaron Williams captures the homeless population of London

In 1994, 850,000 people were killed in 100 days of systematic slaughter. Many sites around Rwanda now stand as memorials to the genocide. The remains of those killed stand as a testament to what took place. CC Flickr configmanager

a half’, the colour draining inexora- Connection’s teams too. It made bly from the anti immigration Red me positive’, he adds proudly. The The Horror of the Rwandan Genocide Tops with every inspiring word of best team I ask? ‘The Connection defiance and self help. of course!’, said as much out of loy- I move onto his experiences in the alty than anything else, the ‘C’ word UK and look to explore any damag- complete with definite article carry- ing influence of the negative press ing extra weight and conveyed with from certain sections of UK society. extra meaning. And Connected Dickson talks only of the negativity with this our London community of those who don’t help themselves, Dickson truly is. Job done. claims to have never been stopped And so we finish with the inevita- by the police and with an arrest- ble questions about the future. Big ing, though perhaps slightly naïve house? Fast Car? Top job? Not so. innocence asks , ‘Why would they ‘I want to get a UK passport, though stop me? I’ve done nothing wrong?’ I must pass the citizenship test first It’s reassuring to know that on this and save £1000 to pay for it’. I occasion the authorities are getting think of all our forebears arriving it right. in London at some point in history So how come this optimism? from all corners of the globe and This confidence? Of course it’s wonder if they’d have passed the ultimately all down to Dickson Life In The UK test today. Dickson himself, his take on life, his appre- continues, ‘I also want to learn to ciation of what he has and what swim, to ice skate and most of all In 1994 the world witnessed the most devastating genocide since the second world he has escaped, but he knows he’s to act!.’ Keeping it practical, simple, war. Between April and July of that year in the East African country of Rwanda, met some good people along the being realistic but with dreams an estimated 850,000 people were assassinated as a result of ethnic strife between way. He attends a local church on still to pursue seems to be the way the Hutu and Tutsi peoples. Longstanding ethnic tension had been exacerbated by Saturdays and for practical, rather for Dickson and as we prepare to Belgian colonization of Rwanda from 1918-1962 which had favoured Tutsi minority than religious reasons converted leave, the Connection press officer, rule. The Hutu majority eventually seized power from the Tutsi monarchy during the from Islam to Christianity whilst Sophie, then poses the most impor- rebellion of 1959-62 though in 1990 Tutsi armies invaded again from neighboring in Uganda. It’s the part that other tant question of all? ‘But are you Uganda to where they had originally fled. A cease fire between the rival camps was well-known religion has played happy Dickson?’ ‘I’m getting there’, brokered in 1993 but the assassination in 1994 of Juvénal Habyarimana, the head of that stands out however. ‘I played is his sanguine response. With an the Hutu led government, sparked mass killings of Tutsis by Hutu militias. for three separate Football teams attitude like this, you wouldn’t bet at one point and I help train one of against him. 28 The New Londoners The New Londoners 29

My goal in depicting street Just like people is to show their the actual beauty, fragility, and homeless, the to bring their situation people on the street into the eyes of the ignore the pieces viewer, refusing to let and many times them be forgotten see no worth in or ignored them. However, some people have and are encouraged to take these home where the pieces can survive

To find out more about Michael Aaron Williams’s work visit michaelaaronart.com 30 The New Londoners The New Londoners 31

Is London still calling? The Manchester band, WU LYF, debuts in the capital: “Four Kids Looking for a Place to Call Home”. By Massimiliano Mariantoni

Cemented windows. During the last like a “happening” than a gig! five minutes, I’ve been observing a street Music speech. “LYF” and “Lucifer behind Elephant and Castle tube station, Calling” are opening the gig, but when WU LYF may have passed questioning to myself whether anyone WU LYF arrives onstage, the audience is has ever called it home. The buildings are succumbed by the latest sound effects and through London, but they riddled with cemented windows and look music. Ellery, Jeau, Lung, and Evans are quite barren. My thoughts quickly turn surfing the same wave. In their notes, it is seem to have been rejected back to reality when the Corsica Studios easy to pick out influences coming from doors open behind me. Tonight WU LYF all different genres; “post-punk” roots by the media, being criticized (World United Lucifer Youth Founda- smoothly blend with blues melodies, as tion) are playing their London debut, (3 well as the “new sound.” because they are seen as February 2011), and I’ve got a feeling this Everybody around me is becoming will be an echo night. enlightened. My hypnotic status is tossed hostile to the “system”. Open frontiers. I remember, it was away by “Concrete Gold” and “Heavy January 2008 when (after receiving my Pop”; the web-leaked tracks that are Currently, they’re travelling degree) I moved from Rome to London. defining the band as a “hip-band.” I take around Europe and the USA, At university I had been studying the a breath. To get away any kind of bias music business, and I thought London I reset my approach. Only instinctive supporting migrant friendly would be the perfect city to give me the perceptions are now ferrying me over tools to further my knowledge. Honestly, towards gig’s end. Getting out the place, policies, and looking for I was addicted to the British culture, and the shouted words sung by Ellery begin confident that I could find a place there, to resound in my head. Historically, when a place to call home where my ideas would be shared, and not people have been alienated by the times, dismissed. Where I am from, some would shouting has seemed to be the only way say that music is an art “owned” by the to be heard. Musicians like Joe Cocker, industry, and its values become lost in Janis Joplin, or later, the Sex Pistols, entertainment. People outside of the have all shouted their pains. WU LYF industry are often excluded. I was look- are shouting the pains of our times, and ing for the music of the people- notes and heavy- pop is the genre they call it. melodies coming from the street, and that Pop culture. To think music as an item, is where our tale begins. has made every song, album, or band into London calling. WU LYF may have a barcode. Listening to music is growing passed through London, but they seem distant from being a cultural experience, to have been rejected by the media, being and becoming closer to another outlet criticized because they are seen as hos- for capitalism. Today, the music indus- tile to the “system”. Currently, they’re try is a marketing machine that survives travelling around Europe and the USA, only by media and network recognition. supporting migrant friendly policies, When WU LYF arose as a non-profit and looking for a place to call home. organization, therefore, the system did Of course, you can object, arguing that not embrace them. pop music is not the best dimension in The band formed one year ago when, which to debate the migrant issue of the live from An Outlet, four “kids” from the post-modern era. However, I personally Lucifer Youth Foundation (LYF - estab- believe that Londoners should consider lished in 1998) transformed their phi- this music as an extension of realpoli- losophy in music. Now more than 500 tik, and maybe those cemented windows “young minds” are fighting what they should be a home to those in need one called pop-apocalypse. Even though the more, instead of a barren building. band music has fascinated media and Once inside. I’m diving in the WU LYF talent scouts, LYF remains unsigned. dimension. The hall is dark and outra- This is the only way to keep cultural inde- geous films, such as “The gig is 18+,” are pendence and the “unconditioned truth.” being projected on the wall in front of the I think, in order to get this credo univer- Established in 1998, The Lucifer Youth Foundation is a non-for-profit organization bar. A photography collage by Jonathan sal, they need to fight the system from anchored to the concrete truths of unconditioned youth. The LYF encompases Flanders (another son of the foundation) inside, and – maybe – the forthcoming a selection of disciplines including petty crime, détourned design, dolla talk, enhances the stage area, catching the self-produced album “Go Tell Fire”(13th busting heads, cutting film, scripting-ill literature and playing heavy (pop). The four attention of the audience, as they wait for June 2011), released worldwide by LYF members of the band are Jeau, Lung, Elle Jaie and Evanse. the new Manchester band. This is more Recording, would be the answer. To find out more visit www.wulyf.org/ 32 The New Londoners The New Londoners 33 My Chinese London The Chinese community is one of London’s oldest communities. The first Chinese arrived during the 17th century when Britain started to trade with China. By Nadine Carle and Tiija Rinta. Photo by Magalita Blanchant

The first Chinese settled around Pen- nyfield and Limehouse Causeway near the docks. At this time, houses were not allowed to be built within a 3 mile radius from the City of London. However, in 1666, the Great Fire destroyed 13,000 homes and so the area where China Town is nowa- days was starting to be built to accom- modate for the loss. Because of this, the first incarnation of China Town took place in Limehouse in the 19th century when a number of Chinese people came over to the UK in search of work. Soon enough a number of Chinese cafes and restaurants could been seen around the area. Laundrettes were another common business venture for the Chinese. Post-war years saw the decline of the East End China Town, however, when the shipping industry began to take over that side of London after Limehouse was destroyed in the war. The invention of high street laundrettes brought a loss to the Chinese community as well, and 34 The New Londoners The New Londoners 35

modern Chinese cuisine in a refined atmosphere. w3.hakkasan.com

Ping Pong is a chain of modern tea houses serving dim sums all day. There are over a dozen restaurants across London. www.pingpongdimsum.com

Cha Cha Moon is a funky modern noodle bar in Soho, on Ganton Street. Created by Alan Yau (who also created Wagamama but no longer owns it), Cha Cha Moon is a fun and cheap eat. www. chachamoon.com

Jenny Lo’s Tea House is a small col- ourful café near Victoria, on Eccleston Street, which serves original dishes at a very good price. www.jennylo.co.uk

Chinatown to make it a major tourist Chinese cuisine modern and stylish place that serves attraction. An example is the first public There are so many Chinese restaurants exquisite dim sums all day as well as celebration of the Chinese New Year, in London that choosing one can some- beautiful French style patisseries and which took place in 1985. Today, the time be overwhelming! Here are a few macaroons. www.yauatcha.com Chinese are the fourth largest Asian com- suggestions of Chinese cuisine with a soon the Chinese moved on from the area. After the early munity in London, with over 100,000 twist. For a real treat, try Hakkasan on part of 19th century, different waves of Chinese immigrants people, and China Town continues to Hanway Place (W1) or in Mayfair. The had settled in different parts of London. There were approx- evolve. Yauatcha, on Broadwick Street, is a acclaimed restaurant offers inventive imately 2000 Chinese in the UK in the 1950s. When the British soldiers returned to the UK from the war in the Far East, they were keen to continue eating exotic Chinese food in London. Since there were only a few Chinese restaurants in the Chinese New Year Noodles West End at this time, the Chinese picked up on the idea and started opening restaurants in the area that is now Cooked noodles is a very common dish in Chinese homes and restaurants. known as China Town. The new restaurant workers were Noodles can be cooked in many different ways. Plain noodles are a more mainly farmers from Hong Kong who had settled in Soho common daily food, whereas for festive occasions they can be turned into and Bayswater. delicious dishes by adding some more ingrediants. Below is a simple and cheap The new China Town grew and, in the 60s and 70s, it recipe for stir friend noodles that are often served during Chinese New Year was known as ‘the Imperial City’, with the intention of celebrations. making a point to the Chinese out of the UK on how the Chinese had their own ‘town’ in the centre of London. Serves: 4 Collaboration between restaurants, shop and cafe owners was also started up so that the needs and the wants of the Ingredients community could be facilitated and China Town promoted. 3 dried egg noodles (or any other noodles that you can find) Other business, such as translation and interpretation serv- 3 mushrooms (shiitake or any other type) ices, were soon started up. Soon enough a number of mas- ½ red pepper sage and acupuncture places were also seen. ½ yellow pepper Since the 80’s, Westminster City Council has transformed ½ courgette 1 carrot 12 mangetout (or 1/4 of a can of garden peas) 4 baby sweetcorn 1 spring onion 2 garlic cloves 4 cm piece fresh ginger (or 2 tsp of ginger powder) The Year of the Rabbit 3 tbsp vegetable oil The Chinese annual cycle follows the moon, and so the Chinese New Year normally takes place in February. The current 2 tbsp light soy sauce year is the Year of the Rabbit. ‘The Rabbit symbolises such characteristics as creativity, compassion, and sensitivity. Rabbits are friendly, outgoing and prefer the company of others, they also prefer to avoid conflict. Rabbits believe strongly Heat a pan of water until boiling. Add the noodles and cook for about four minutes, or according to packet instructions. Loosen the noodles with a fork while in friends and family. Their serene nature keeps Rabbits from becoming visibly upset, which is why they tend to keep these they cook to stop them from sticking together. Drain.Prepare all the vegetables. Slice the mushrooms and red and yellow peppers. Cut the courgette and feelings inside. When they don’t express these feelings, such feeling can cause Rabbits to become ill. Sophisticated, carrot into batons. Cut the mangetout and baby sweetcorn into thin strips. Slice the spring onion. Finely chop the garlic. Peel and finely chop the ginger. Heat well-mannered, and stylish, those born under the Sign of the Rabbit enjoy leaning about cultural issues and learning a wok until it is almost smoking. Add two tablespoons of the oil and the drained noodles and stir-fry for a few minutes. Allow the noodles to brown slightly about people from other countries. Rabbits are most comfortable being at home, which are often well organised. Rabbits (this will create a smoky flavour). When browned, remove the noodles from the wok and set aside. Stir fry the prepared vegetables in the wok. Add the are articulate and good communicators, which is why friends and acquaintances seek out their advice. Good careers mushrooms first, followed by the peppers, carrots and baby sweetcorn. Stir well and keep the vegetables moving. Add the courgettes and the mangetout for Rabbits include: writer, actor, fashion designer, therapist, public relations, or teacher. Rabbits tend to give more of (or peas) and continue stirring. Once all of the vegetables are cooked, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Return the noodles to the wok and stir fry for a themselves than they should in relationships, which can lead to unrealistic expectations and unhealthy situations. minute. Add the spring onions, garlic and ginger and fry for another minute. Add the soy sauce and stir until well combined. Serve immediately. 36 The New Londoners The New Londoners 37

A Day in the Life London Globetrotter Agata Nowak Southall ‘Little India’

Agata Nowak is a 27 year-old On a chilled and cold Autumn Friday PhD student in Hematology at Cristina Vaccaro hanged around Southall, Imperial College in London. When the ‘Little India’ of the London Borough of she is not doing experiments in the Ealing laboratory, you can easily find her

in the kitchen making all kinds of white British communities. olic and Pentecostal churches, Syna- delicious cakes We go for a stroll along the gogues, but one stopover which is a must chaotic streets and soon come for all visitors to this surreal and wonder- across the Himalaya Palace ful place is the Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh I come from a small town in Poland called Piotrkow Trybunalski. I Cinema where Bollywood Sabha Sikh temple, which is where we arrived in Britain in 2006 as a visiting researcher at Leeds University films are advertised on the head next. where I spent two semesters. I was nearing completion of my masters board. By the look of satisfac- Located in Havelock Road it is impos- degree in Medical Biotechnology which required at least 12 months tion on the faces of the people sible to miss this imposing and magnifi- of laboratory experience outside my country. So, after spending ten passing while humming Indian cent building which is the biggest temple months at University of Perugia in Italy, I then chose to go to Leeds songs the film must have been in the world outside India. because of the good reputation of the research team. When I decided good. We enter the temple in awe and soon to do a PhD, London was the obvious choice. Europe’s best medical As well as claiming the first learn the true fashion of Sikh hospital- research teams are in London and I have always been attracted by pub which accepts rupees, ity and kindnesses of this welcoming this city so wanted to come here and check it out for myself. So here Southall is home to a library community whose principles are to live I am. In 2007 I started my PhD in Hematology at Imperial College, with a wide choice of books according to the teaching of Guru Singh researching the role of O-linked glycosylation on the function of Von Sabha. The temple Willebrand Factor. Moving to London was not easy and find find- On the short bus ride from Boston the beautiful, colourful saris hanging in has an upstairs ing a flat was especially difficult. For the first three weeks months I Manor to Southall station we were sur- shop windows, the delicious looking food where people stayed at some friends’ house in Camberwell and it would take me rounded by children of varying ethnic and spices displayed on the stalls, eve- are sitting listen- an hour and half every day to reach the laboratory. But I eventually heritage; English, Indian, Black and other rything about the place screams India. ing to the prayers found the perfect place. I now live in Shepherds Bush in a nice house Asian loudly discussing and greeting In fact, although Southall is home to a coming out from with very friendly housemates: an English guy, an Italian girl and a friends and bake cakes. I do miss Poland sometimes though . going to happen next as it’s getting quite difficult to obtain each other. significant number of people from the speakers. We sit couple of Hungarians. I usually wake up at 7.30am and at about 9am I miss my family, my friends, the countryside, and of course funds. Anyway, my PhD research project is now coming to Once in Southall we understand why Indian subcontinent, you would be fooled on the carpeted I am in the laboratory in Hammersmith Hospital where I work on the food. Nevertheless, I like living in London as you can an end and in a few weeks time I will discuss my final dis- the place is dubbed “Little India”, our to think of Southall as ethnically homog- floor and observe different experiments every day. My team is made up of researchers never get bored here.Since I started working in the labora- sertation. So what next for me? Well I’d love to think I could senses are tickled by all things Indian. enous as it is also home to more recent the people who from different nationalities which is very stimulating and also very tory in Hammersmith Hospital which is three years ago continue with the laboratory research I’ve been doing for the The loud music blaring from the shops, arrivals from Africa as well as the former are lost in their useful to the research project itself, as each of us brings our own com- now, there’s been increasingly less researchers joining the last three years, and as importabtly to stay working with the own prayers and petence plus our own network from our country of origin. When I team due to the shortage of funding and therefore of projects. same research team. This has been one of the highlights for we are soon lost in am not holed up in my laboratory, I go to the gym, hang around with I currently have a contract for a year and don’t know what’s me of living in London. our thoughts. After a while we slowly venture downstairs and come across Dominika: “Why I left England for good” what looks like a in different languages; English, Punjabi, big dining room where people are sat on I first arrived in England on January 2007 a few years after the UK opened its borders to Polish nationals and made it possible for us to find Hindi, Gujarati, Urdu, Bengali, as well as the floor eating and chatting freely. We work and earn a little money. I wanted to experience something new. I was quite frustrated back then as I had just graduated from university Arabic, and Somali. put our heads in and are quickly invited and couldn’t really find a satisfying job. My personal life was in a mess as well and I couldn’t decide what I wanted to do. From the beginning One thing that you will not miss in in and given food. Men behind the coun- I thought of moving to live in England as a sort of adventure and mostly as a fantastic opportunity to improve my language skills. When I Southall are the many religious sites, ter serve us vegetarian curries and bread, eventually arrived in the UK I moved in with some friends and shortly after started looking for work. It was quite stressful at first as I felt my Mosques, Hindu temples, Roman Cath- we sit on the floor and we happily chat English just wasn’t strong enough to make myself understood. while eating the It took me around three weeks to find a job at McDonald’s. I didn’t really want to work there but I was running out of money and basically delicious food and had no other choice. I promised myself that I wouldn’t stay there for long and that I’d be looking for a better job every day. And so I did. After drinking Indian eight weeks spent at McDonald’s I was offered two different admin-clerical jobs and I went to work in HBOS’s Data Management Depart- chai, some of us go ment. I really liked my new job, I worked evening shifts and I had plenty of time in the mornings to go shopping, cook a meal and maybe for second helpings spend some time at the gym. I also liked the fact that at last I was independent, living on my own, earning enough money to cater for all my obviously. needs, meeting new people and making new friends. Back then I felt good and I didn’t want to return to Poland. I thought that this was the We could stay kind of life I wanted for myself and I was happy and satisfied with it.As the months passed by however I began to feel that despite all this there was still something missing. like this for ever I was very satisfied with my job and I knew my managers were happy with my performance too so on that front everything was going well. But I missed my friends and but unfortunately family. I was less happy than before and I started thinking of going back home before I became sad in any way. I wanted to preserve happy memories of London. I returned it is getting late so to Poland and I’ve never regretted my decision. I was even lucky enough to get a really good job in accounting only a couple of weeks after I got back home. I’m sure the we have to leave self confidence I developed in England helped me make a good impression on the HR department and I have been working in the same company for three years now with and catch the bus no plans to quit. I have recently been promoted and I have a chance to develop. Also, a couple of months after my return I met a wonderful boy and we have been together to the station, and ever since. We have plans to move in together soon and now I’m the happiest person in the world. I sometimes miss certain things about England, but I’m not planning to so reluctantly set come back any time soon that’s for sure.’ off back home but determined to return soon. 38 The New Londoners The New Londoners | Info point The New Londoners 39

What’s On London Events Voices from No Man’s Land The poems published on this space are by refugees and asylum seekers living in London Tango Fire – Flames of Desire 12 – 23 April Peacock Theatre Performed by Argentina’s hottest dance company, From a Different Place Flames of Desire retraces the history of Tango, from its origin in Buenos Aires to its contemporary dance By Nidal Al Jinouri form. £15 - £42 After a long torment, www.sadlerswells.com After a bitter privations, I enter a new town, New in everything - Zarghuna Kargar: Hidden Stories from Streets, houses, Women from Afghanistan The people here are not like others. 15 April Where am I? Am I dreaming? Southbank No I am awake! Everything is great – Beauty, tranquillity, Former presenter of Afghan’s Women Hour, happiness Zarghuna Kargar will share the stories and I am in love with the world, tragedies of Afghan’s women, as well as her own Jealousy doesn’t exist here story, retraced in her book Dear Zari - Hidden Decipher doesn’t exist here Stories from Women from Afghanistan Termination, no one knows, £8 and me! www.southbankcentre.co.uk I am lost in the new world, I can see lovers, couples, And I am alone, Chouf Ouchouf searching for someone! I have nobody in this world 21 – 25 April I can’t live alone here, Queen Elizabeth Hall And I don’t want to go back to the past What do I do? Chouf Ouchouf is an original show combining How do I behave? contemporary performances and traditional I don’t know about the law, Moroccan acrobatics. It is the latest collaboration Nobody looks at me, between Groupe Acrobatique de Tangier and Swiss Maybe they don’t understand my language? artists Zimmermann and de Perrot. Or they don’t like to speak to stranger? £15 - £30 The Hoopoe Bird Istanbul I am close to someone Could I ask? www.southbankcentre.co.uk By Yaya Yosof By Mark Guven Will they answer me? He might say I am too curious, The cherry tree blooms I remember now, the city of many faces Must I agree about this world? Angelic and Faithful, Where lots have lived, rejoiced and passed Please let me be here East End Film Festival A supernatural lovely Hoopoe bird, Glitters and tears, hugs and smiles As a migrant, 27 April – 2 May East to West, rich to poor, left to right. I said that to myself. Supermodel of ~Shaba kingdom, He looked at me and said, One of London’s biggest film festivals, this year’s Queen of Sweden eyes, Ships whistle at one another, You are wanted for investigation, programme includes a special focus on Romanian Strawberry cheeks Seagulls joyful too I said I didn’t do anything, cinema. There will also be a number of special Weaving between continents, islands, time The court said Go back where you come from! events, workshops, outdoor screenings, music, art Sweet fresh harmonic Across civilisations, places, mosques and dew. I returned crying, and poetry across iconic East London venues. Tamarind smile Not knowing my destiny www.eastendfilmfestival.com/ Gazelle flips quick turns Now time stand still, crumbs become seeds ‘Se Yek’ utters wrinkled uncle, time for fresh teas Jumping between the stairs Dice floats on tobacco clouds, young respect old To splash the smiles lights All in harmony – still I hope – in the city of gold. Vaisakhi on the Square The Merchant of Bollywood Greenwich + Docklands hot blood, soul and special purple scarf Sunday 2nd May – from 12.00pm International Festival Trafalgar Square 31 May – 3 July Peacock Theatre 24 June – 2nd July It is the Hoopoe, The lovely hoopoe bird, Vaisakhi is a Sikh festival featuring traditional After receiving a huge success at the Peacock This festival presents a wide With a sparkling tail. and modern dance performances. Vegetarian food Theatre last summer, The Merchant of Bollywood range of original outdoor prepared by the Sikh community will be available. is back. The vibrant and colourful dance show tells performances. The programme Free the story of the world’s largest film industry. will be announced late April. £18 - £45 Free www.sadlerswells.com www.festival.org

40 The New Londoners

Q: What is the ‘winter blues’? A: Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that people experience between September and April. Another name for it is ‘winter depression,’ as the symptoms are more appar- ent during the winter. Milder form of this condition is called the ‘winter blues.’ Q: What are the symptoms of ‘winter blues’? Health Advice A: The two main symptoms are a low mood and a lack of interest in ordinary things. Other indicators include sleep problems, lethargy, putting on weight, irritability, loss of libido, and feeling down or unsociable. For those with SAD, the symptoms of low mood and depression are much more severe. Winter Blues Q:What is thought to cause the ‘winter blues’? A: It is uncertain as to what the factors of this condition are; however, scientists think that it may be linked to the shortening of daylight hours, and/ or the lack of sunlight, in winter. Q: How common is it? A: It is estimated that every winter 17% of the population in the UK experiences the ‘winter blues.’ As for the SAD, a further 7% of Brits are affected; in particular during December, January and February. Younger people -especially those in their twenties- tend to be affected by SAD more frequently than others. Q: What will ease the symptoms of the ‘winter blues?’ A: There are many ways to beat the ‘winter blues.’ Being physically active is one of them. Trying to do an hour-long walk each day, especially on sunny days, could be very effective in boosting your energy and mood levels, as a result of the light therapy. If you don’t fancy walking on your own, join the free NHS service ‘A Walk in the Park.’ There is more info at the following link http://www.wfh.naturalengland.org.uk/walkfinder/london/walk-park Also, remember to eat your 5 a day - balanced diet, which will help to keep you in shape over the winter. In addition, spending time with friends and family will keep your spirits up. Q: Can I get professional help? A: Yes, there are talking therapies available such as counseling, psychotherapy or cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). You can either be referred by your GP for talking treatment or you may be able to do it yourself, by so called ‘self-referral,’ through The Improving Access to Psy- chological Therapies (IAPT) programme.

For more information please visit www.nhs.uk/Livewell/counsel- ling/Pages/Accesstotherapy.aspx The ‘winter blues’ www.nhs.uk/livewell/winter- health/pages/10tipswinterblues. aspx The Seasonal Affective Dis- order www.nhs.uk/conditions/Sea- sonal-affective-disorder/Pages/ Introduction.aspx

By Sylwia Lemanska

Health Inclusion Project Worker for North Westminster

The Health Inclusion project at the Migrants Resource Centre helps migrants access health Legal Advice services and information through a wide range of activities. Fear of Debt

Q: The credit card company is on the amount paid, either with what amount you have left over threatening me with court action, the creditor or with the court. If a for your credit debts. will I get sent to prison? court judgement is made and you If you have more than one A: You cannot be sent to prison do nothing, the creditor can apply credit debt, you should divide for non-payment of a consumer to the court for enforcement which, the amount on a pro rata basis credit debt. Court action for credit most commonly, is done through amongst your creditors. For debt is in the County Court which bailiffs. advice and support on this you is a civil court which does not have However, you should not get can get a self-help pack from the sanction of imprisonment for to this stage if you make an offer National Debtline at www.nation- debt. Actions pursued in the County of repayment and stick to it. To aldebtline.org.uk or speak to them Court may lead to a county court work out what you can reason- on their freephone number 0808 judgement being made against ably afford you should draw up a 808 4000. National Debtline you which might make it difficult budget showing your income and is a charity and you will not be for you to get credit in the future. essential expenditure – such as charged for the service. However, there are many opportu- rent/mortgage, council tax, fuel, nities prior and after court action TV Licence, telephone, food, The advice above is provided by for you to try to reach agreement clothing, travel to work – and see MRC’s Legal Advice Team