As-salamu alaykum, sisters, brothers, friends.  

It is a great pleasure to be with you all in the holy month of Ramadan, and It is wonderful to see so many of Lambeth’s different communities, represented here tonight.   

Ramadan is about coming together, as we do every evening to break fast. It reminds us that, whatever our differences, we all fundamentally share the same needs, for food, shelter and companionship.   

Lambeth people come from every corner of the World, but we are united; many backgrounds, but a common future.  

As mayor of Lambeth, this is my message, one community, one Lambeth, one London. Only by working together, can we overcome the challenges we face.   

This is why Ramadan is so important, it keeps us in touch with those less fortunate, those who are too easily forgotten. In doing so, it reminds us of the importance of going out into our communities and making them a better place for all. Whether this is through fighting for social justice, volunteering with local charities, or just simply being a better neighbour.   

The Oasis community is an excellent example of this spirit, which they maintain all year round.   

So I would like to thank the organisers and the community members for hosting us tonight and for all the work they do in Lambeth and beyond. Your efforts do no go unnoticed.   

I wish you all a peaceful and blessed Ramadan.   

Ramadan Mubarak   

Thank you.