Author | Lightnews

Debbie Weekes-Bernard @debbieweekesb.bsky.social · 21d

As #NationalHCAW comes to a close, I am reiterating this important message: hate will never win in our great city. Not now, not ever. Unity will always prove stronger than division.

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Debbie Weekes-Bernard @debbieweekesb.bsky.social · 28d

The @mayorofldn is committed to working with our civil society & community orgs to foster connections across London's diverse communities.

Our new #LovedandWanted Fund will invest £900K to strengthen this work across the city.

Apply by 19 Oct: www.london.gov.uk/programmes-s...

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Reposted by Debbie Weekes-Bernard

Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan @london.gov.uk · 28d

I’m proud of our Pension Credit campaign, but too many Londoners are still missing out on vital support.

That's why City Hall is working to reach even more Londoners as we build a better, fairer city for everyone.

Pension credit helping thousands of low income older Londoners transform their lives - Harrow Online

More than 4,400 older Londoners have claimed up to £21.5million in “vital” Pension Credit in the last year, the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS)

harrowonline.org

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Debbie Weekes-Bernard @debbieweekesb.bsky.social · 28d

Today is #WorldMentalHealthDay. With Home Office funding, we're supporting trauma-informed services which improve the mental health of asylum seekers in London- recognising the deep, difficult impact of their journeys and stories.

London stands for compassion, dignity and care.

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Debbie Weekes-Bernard @debbieweekesb.bsky.social · 29d

Always a pleasure to visit our Go! London Young Entrepreneurs. Am always inspired by the innovative ways they use sport & physical activity to make a difference & am proud Go! London funding is supporting the next generation of young leaders to drive positive change in their communities

Debbie Weekes-Bernard @debbieweekesb.bsky.social · Oct 8

During challenging times, celebrating the incredible work happening across London’s communities has never mattered more

Our latest Communities newsletter is out now. Sign up to receive updates, read inspiring stories & get involved in shaping our city

🔗 tinyurl.com/59wxfxjh

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Debbie Weekes-Bernard @debbieweekesb.bsky.social · Oct 7

Today is a solemn day of remembrance. We honour the lives lost on October 7th and our thoughts and prayers are shared with those that continue to grieve. London stands united against all forms of hatred and remains committed to peace, compassion, and cohesion in our great city.

Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan @london.gov.uk · Oct 7

My statement on the second anniversary of the 7 October attacks.

Two years on from the horrific terrorist attack on Israel on October 7, we remember all the innocent victims whose lives were cruelly stolen by Hamas.

Our thoughts are also with the families whose loved ones were callously murdered, as well as with the hostages who disgracefully remain in captivity and must be released immediately.

October 7 was the single deadliest day for the Jewish people since the Holocaust and a profoundly painful experience for London’s Jewish communities. We must never forget this atrocity, nor the deep distress and grief it has caused many Londoners.

As the vile terrorist attack on Heaton Park synagogue in Manchester last Thursday demonstrated, we still have far more to do to tackle the poison of antisemitism and drive it out of our society.

Our Jewish communities must be able to live, work and worship freely – without the fear of harassment, discrimination, intimidation or violence. The fact they are currently unable to shows we must work much harder to stamp out antisemitism wherever it rears its ugly head.

We must never allow conflict overseas to divide us at home. As Mayor, I will continue my work to promote inter-faith dialogue and build bridges between our different religious communities. Whether it’s antisemitism or any other form of bigotry, London has no place for those who seek to sow the seeds of hate.

On this solemn anniversary, we must also acknowledge the suffering and trauma since 7 October 2023. Like so many others, my heart aches for the tens of thousands of innocent civilians in Gaza who have been killed and the families who have been torn apart.

Today, more than ever, I pray that the cycle of terror, killing and bloodshed that has engulfed the region can soon be brought to an end; that the surviving hostages can be set free; that vital humanitarian aid can flow into Gaza; and that Israelis and Palestinians can one day live side-by-side in two states and in peace.

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Debbie Weekes-Bernard @debbieweekesb.bsky.social · Oct 3

To our Jewish community: we stand with you today and every day. We will not tolerate hatred against any community of faith or belief.

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Debbie Weekes-Bernard @debbieweekesb.bsky.social · Sep 30

The London I know & love is built on the strength of many communities who call it home, working together & celebrating our shared values.

Londoners' reception to our #LovedandWanted campaign has been wonderful.

We know this is a much-needed message.

Join us in sharing it❤️

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Debbie Weekes-Bernard @debbieweekesb.bsky.social · Sep 25

For more than three years, we have funded dozens of organisations and supported thousands of BN(O) Hongkongers. We remain committed to supporting them to feel safe and thrive in London. We are excited to announce the grantees of this year's Hong Kong Fund: tinyurl.com/38jr9nde

London Hong Kong Welcome Programme

Information on projects of the Hong Kong Welcome Hub, to support the integration of BN(O) status holders.

tinyurl.com

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Reposted by Debbie Weekes-Bernard

Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan @london.gov.uk · Sep 23

I’ve said it once, I’ll say it again.

Ignore the haters, London is the 🐐

Graphic with the headline “London is the greatest city in the world” set against a bright view of the River Thames with the Shard, Tower Bridge and the city skyline.

The text celebrates what makes London special: regularly voted the number one city in the world, incredible diversity with over 300 languages spoken, world-class transport, world leader in finance tech and life sciences, best museums and galleries many free to visit, world-leading nightlife, food sport and music for every taste, host to the world’s best sporting events, home to seven Premier League clubs, globally-ranked universities, a city where you can be yourself and love who you love, and a place for everyone.

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Adam Bienkov @adambienkov.bsky.social · Sep 22

Sadiq Khan condemns Nigel Farage's threat to deport hundreds of thousands of Londoners with settled status.

“They have legal rights and are our friends, neighbours and colleagues, contributing hugely to our city.

“Threatening to deport people living and working here legally is unacceptable.”

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Debbie Weekes-Bernard @debbieweekesb.bsky.social · Sep 18

The Mayor (@london.gov.uk) is a powerful voice against all forms of hate & division in our city. Privileged to join global leaders & activists for the @unesco.org anti-racism conference in Paris & speak on how we build a global alliance to tackle far right narratives seeking to divide communities

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Reposted by Debbie Weekes-Bernard

Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan @london.gov.uk · Sep 17

What’s happening in Gaza is a genocide.

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Debbie Weekes-Bernard @debbieweekesb.bsky.social · Sep 17

Those who spread division dismiss kindness as weakness. In London, we see it as a super power. That’s why @MayorofLondon is backing our communities through a new £900k #LovedandWanted Fund to support Londoners, bringing people together to ensure no one is left behind.

Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan @london.gov.uk · Sep 17

President Trump has fanned the flames of the far-right.

And now a toxic form of politics is spilling out onto our streets.

These are dark times, but those who seek to divide us will not win. www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...

After the far right’s march on our streets, Londoners must show Trump we reject his politics of fear | Sadiq Khan

These are dark times, but those who seek to divide us will not win. The capital’s soul and spirit are as inclusive and optimistic as ever, says London mayor Sadiq Khan

www.theguardian.com

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Debbie Weekes-Bernard @debbieweekesb.bsky.social · Sep 17

London has a proud history of celebrating diversity as our strength. Openness & inclusion are part of everyday life thanks to the tireless work of local communities. I'm proud the Mayor continues to invest in the orgs supporting Londoners & ensuring everyone feels #LovedandWanted

Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan @london.gov.uk · Sep 17

In London, hate will never win.

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Debbie Weekes-Bernard @debbieweekesb.bsky.social · Sep 16

The Far-right aim to stoke fear & divide our diverse communities by spreading hate but they will fail.

By standing together & celebrating diversity we send a clear message of unity. Leaders must recognise this & use their words, positions & platforms to pull communities together not apart

Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan @london.gov.uk · Sep 15

We must unite against those who seek to divide us.

I know many people, particularly from London's diverse communities, are feeling extremely worried following the events this weekend.

It takes me back to how I felt growing up in the ’70s and ’80s, when
far-right political parties marched on our streets.

The leaders of the far-right are once again attempting to hijack our flag, with minorities being intimidated and fear, hatred and division being sown.

As Londoners, and as proud Brits, we must unite to reject the far-right
– just as we have many times before.

But it’s going to take a huge effort from us all – from people of all races and backgrounds, who are willing to stand up for our British values of equality, inclusion and mutual respect.

As Mayor, I'll continue to do everything I can to challenge the far-right and all those who peddle the politics of fear and division.

I urge other politicians and Londoners to do the same.

MAYOR OF LONDON, SADIQ KHAN

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Reposted by Debbie Weekes-Bernard

Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan @london.gov.uk · Sep 15

We must unite against those who seek to divide us.

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Debbie Weekes-Bernard @debbieweekesb.bsky.social · Sep 15

This #ESEAHM2025, I had the pleasure of visiting the Philippine Theatre UK group. Through incredibly moving performances, they spoke about trafficking & exploitation but also joy & identity. A wonderful opportunity to celebrate ESEA community & heritage at the #MayorsCommunityWeekend

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Debbie Weekes-Bernard @debbieweekesb.bsky.social · Sep 15

I had a wonderful time with South East London Community Energy & Flower & Dean Estate Paracarnival for the #MayorsCommunityWeekend. We celebrated what makes London strong – teamwork, talent, diversity, inclusivity. On a weekend when some came to promote hatred, these orgs promoted community & joy

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Debbie Weekes-Bernard @debbieweekesb.bsky.social · Sep 10

The #MayorsCommunityWeekend returns to London this weekend! 🎉

In partnership with @tnlcommunityfund.org.uk over 200 events/activities are taking place from Friday 12th - Sunday 14th of September

Go to our interactive map to find events near you 👉 apps.london.gov.uk/community-we...

Mayor's Community Weekend

This map shows events taking place on the Mayor's Community Weekend.

apps.london.gov.uk

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Debbie Weekes-Bernard @debbieweekesb.bsky.social · Sep 10

We all have a responsibility and part to play in tackling the climate emergency. Seeing how the young Londoners from Harlington and Pinkwell school approach it, with real understanding and care is truly inspiring. The future of London’s environment is in safe and green hands 🌳

Debbie Weekes-Bernard @debbieweekesb.bsky.social · Sep 4

The #MayorsCommunityWeekend returns to London next week 🎉

In partnership with @tnlcommunityfund.org.uk over 200 events/activities are taking place across the weekend of the 12th - 14th of Sept

Go to our interactive map to find events near you 👉 apps.london.gov.uk/community-we...

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Debbie Weekes-Bernard @debbieweekesb.bsky.social · Aug 22

City Hall hosted its 8th commemoration ahead of the Intl Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition. Thank you Dr Denise Noble & Yomi Sode for your powerful words. We must never forget this painful history & its lasting legacies as we stand against racism & injustice.

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Debbie Weekes-Bernard @debbieweekesb.bsky.social · Aug 20

An unforgettable evening at City Hall for the sold-out screening of Barrel Children by @nadinewrites1.bsky.social a deeply moving film detailing rarely heard stories about Windrush children, trauma & the impact of family separation. Thank you to all who joined us. #WindrushLegacy #BarrelChildren

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