Agenda item

The Worshipful the Mayor welcomed back Councillor Zakia Zubairi following her accident, which was endorsed by Council. Councillor Zakia Zubairi spoke in thanks for Council’s best wishes during her recovery. 

The Worshipful the Mayor expressed his shock and sadness on behalf of Council following the recent terror attack at Westminster on 22 March.  He noted that Council’s thoughts and prayers were with the victims of the attack, the bereaved and those still anxiously awaiting news on the injured. He noted one of the injured in the attack was Barnet resident and policeman Kris Aves who had just attended a commendation ceremony and who had sustained very serious injuries. The Worshipful the Mayor expressed that the Council’s best wishes went out to him and his family.

The Worshipful the Mayor noted he had received a letter from the Mayor of the Berlin borough of Tempelhof-Schoneberg, Angelika Schottler, on this matter which he read to Council:

“Dear Mr Longstaff,

We are deeply shocked by the terror attack in London yesterday.

On behalf of the people of the Berlin borough of Tempelhof-Schoneberg I express my condolences to the victims and their families.

This strike on the anniversary of the Brussels attacks which claimed the lives of 32 people once again shows that radical extremists continue to have the ability and motivation to commit mass murder in Europe. We condemn all these horrific attacks in Europe.

This barbaric attack targeted the very heart of democracy in Westminster. However, it did not succeed because it will unite all of us against the scourge of violence and terrorism.

Yours sincerely

Angelika Schottler

Mayor”

The Worshipful the Mayor noted he had responded to Mayor Schottler to express his thanks on behalf of Council, and to note that he would be attending a service of Hope and Reconciliation at Westminster on 5 April where all London boroughs would be represented along with the Prime Minister, leaders of other faiths and the emergency services.

The Worshipful the Mayor noted he understood that other Members wanted to say a few words on this matter, and called on the Leader to speak, followed by the Leader of the Opposition.

Cllr Richard Cornelius and Cllr Barry Rawlings each spoke to express their views in solidarity with the sentiments expressed by The Worshipful the Mayor.

On request of The Worshipful the Mayor Council held a minute’s silence.

The Worshipful the Mayor noted that Council held a Civic Awards ceremony on 28 March to recognise exceptional people in the borough. He noted awards were presented to:

• Mr Andy Savage - In recognition of his service to the Avenue House Estate Trust and Friends of Stephens House and Gardens
• Mrs Chris Sykes - In recognition of her commitment and dedication to vulnerable elderly people in the borough
• Mr George Irons - In recognition of his services, commitment and contribution to the local area as Vice Chairman of the East Barnet Residents’ Association and the Champion of the Friends of Oak Hill Park
• Mr John Irving - In recognition of his outstanding voluntary contribution as Chairman of the Mill Hill Preservation Society for the last 12 years.
• Dr Chris Page - In recognition of his outstanding contribution to the North London Hospice as a trustee from 1995 until 2013 and as one of the Founders of the fundraising North West Support Group

The Worshipful the Mayor reminded Council that tickets for Gala Dinner on 4 May are still available and he hoped that as many of you that can attend will do so, as the proceeds will go to support the Mayoral charities. He noted that if Members could not attend the Dinner there was still the opportunity to support these charities by supporting him in his run in the London Marathon on 23 April. The Worshipful the Mayor noted Members’ sponsorship for his efforts would be much appreciated.