Both Labour and the Greens are out canvassing hard in Gorton & Denton with Muslim voters. They are mobilising on the Gaza issue…
Labour candidate Angeliki Stogia has been joined by Lucy Powell and backbench MP Afzal Khan at local mosques today. Party activists are distributing a letter from Khan which says the following:
“Assalamualaikum,
As we enter the blessed month of Ramadan we must come together. We must not let those who seek to divide us win and use our community for political gain.
My thoughts are never far from those whose lives have been upended by conflict, particularly our brothers and sisters in Gaza.
Labour’s priorities are to ensure the ceasefire is upheld, get aid into Gaza, and support rebuilding. We took the historic step of recognising the State of Palestine and we will never stop working for lasting peace and a two-state solution. Only Labour is serious about delivering for our community. A vote for the Greens will let Reform and their racist policies win. Vote Labour for unity, not division.”
The Greens – Polanski and candidate Hannah Spencer are also in town – have meanwhile targeted 14 local mosques and are distributing Ramadan cards of their own. Guido has seen the notes for activists:
“A warm and joyful greeting of “As-salaamu alaykum” and “Ramadan Mubarak” when handing over the card is essential.
When someone accepts a leaflet, saying “JazakAllah” (thank you) is respectful and appreciated.
Wearing a keffiyeh is always a bonus.
Wrap up warm — it’s a two-hour shift.
A happy, respectful canvasser is always the best kind.
Mosque leads will be paired with volunteers at HQ.
High street and supermarket visits are also available for Ramadan card distribution to the public.”
A constituency-level poll from Omnisis, whose methodology has been heavily criticised by Labour and some other pollsters online, has the Greens leading on 22% versus Reform on 20% and Labour in third on 18%. 31% are undecided. It’s all to play for…
Starmer was read out a list of his 13 U-turns on BBC Radio 2, to which he responded:
“Well, I am a common sense merchant.”