Leader's update - Friday 3 July 2026

Published: 03 July 2026

Dear neighbours,

Thank goodness for Harry Kane. Congratulations to the England team for getting over the line on Wednesday evening. In typical fashion, they left it late but did enough to set up a last‑16 tie against hosts Mexico this weekend.

I was all set for an early night on Sunday and had already set my alarm for the 1am kick‑off on Monday. However, news reports now suggest the match may be moved to the more reasonable time of 7pm on Sunday because of the threat of thunderstorms. This World Cup is full of drama.

I know many of you were already planning to head out for the game because the Government has extended pub licensing hours to allow venues to stay open for the match.

Whether you’re heading out to watch the game or staying at home with family and friends, enjoy the occasion. And win or lose, please stay safe, look after one another and be mindful of your neighbours on the journey home.

On Thursday, we finally had the chance to mark Armed Forces Day after last week’s event fell victim to the heat. Despite the delay, it was fantastic to see so many residents, veterans, serving personnel and families come together.

Armed Forces Day is an important opportunity to recognise and celebrate our Armed Forces community, and to thank all those who serve or have served in the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force, as well as the families who support them. Their dedication, resilience and willingness to serve deserve our respect and gratitude. Redbridge is proud to stand alongside our Armed Forces community and honour everything they do.

I was also honoured this week to be elected Chair of Local London, a partnership that brings together council leaders from across east and north‑east London to champion our communities and promote the region as a whole. I’m looking forward to working with colleagues to make the case for greater investment and opportunity across East London, ensuring our part of the capital gets the recognition it deserves. Most importantly, I’ll be using the role to help attract investment, jobs and growth here in Redbridge.

This Saturday sees the return of the 8th annual Deaf Street Party, taking place from 12pm to 6pm at St Laurence Church in Barkingside. Every year, this fantastic event attracts a large crowd and provides a welcoming space for the deaf community to come together, connect and celebrate. With a variety of stalls, activities and entertainment on offer, I know it will be another great day.

Finally, on Monday at 12.30pm, we will gather on the steps of Redbridge Town Hall to mark the anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide. More than 8,000 Bosniak men and boys were murdered in July 1995, while others suffered trauma, loss and displacement.

The memorial is an opportunity to remember those who lost their lives, honour the survivors and stand in solidarity with their families. It is also a chance to reflect on where hatred, prejudice and intolerance can lead, and to reaffirm our commitment to challenging them wherever they exist. I hope you will join us for this important act of remembrance.

Have a great weekend and take care.

Kam