A belated Eid Mubarak!

I’ve already had the great privilege of celebrating Eid this year all across Lambeth.

Lambeth is home to one of the most unique communities in the world, and there is always something special about seeing us come together united in our differences.

I’ve often heard it said that it is the destination, not the journey that is most important.

But I disagree!

Wherever you come from, wherever you’ve been or wherever you may end up we are all together here today as citizens of Lambeth, united as a community.

Breaking bread with your neighbours as we are tonight should be the most natural act in the world.

But sadly what comes so easily to us has greater and greater symbolism in the increasingly divisive times in which we live.

So for that reason and many more, I thank you for coming!

I wish you all a peaceful and prosperous year to come,

Let’s continue to lift each other up and make a better community for all.