A new London MP has hailed the music industry in her constituency where businesses are bringing in “money, money, money” including with the ABBA Voyage hit show.
In her maiden speech, Stratford and Bow MP Uma Kumaran stressed the political and democratic history of this part of the capital before highlighting its music links.
She told the Commons: “The Woman’s Hall at Old Ford Road in Bow was home to Sylvia Pankhurst and Norah Smyth and the headquarters of the East London Federation of Suffragettes from 1914 until 1924. It was the beating heart of the east end suffrage movement, and the home of the matchgirls’ strike and the largest union of women and girls in the country.”
She added: “Parts of my constituency have been represented by illustrious political figures including Charles Key, Keir Hardie, Lansbury and Clement Attlee, who led the Labour Government that created our beloved NHS.”
Ms Kumaran continued: “It is not just political history that we are blessed with in Stratford and Bow. I am sure that many honourable Members in the Chamber love nothing more than going home after a long day sitting in the Chamber and putting on their favourite grime playlist.
“They can thank Bow for playing an integral part in the origins of grime music, with Roman Road and its once-beloved record shop producing artists and crews such as Roll Deep and Skepta to name just two.
“Over in Newham, we have our top boy Kano.”
To laughter, she added: “I can see that I have completely baffled some honourable Members.
“For those whose tastes are a bit more retro, we are also home to ABBA Voyage. My constituency is a place where people can come and spend their money, money, money in some of our brilliant local and international businesses.”
Ms Kumaran was one of a number of new London MPs who praised the capital’s diversity in their maiden speeches.
She explained: “People from all over the world have come to Stratford and Bow to make the UK their home. My constituency is a prime example of Britain at its best, with pearly kings and queens, and white, European, Indian, Bengali, Pakistani, Chinese, African, Asian, middle eastern, Caribbean communities and more living side by side and working together to make a better society for everyone.
“Wherever someone is from, they are welcome in Stratford and Bow.”
She added: “Stratford and Bow is a wonderful, vibrant and diverse constituency, and our current heritage lives up to that history. Forest Gate is the home of independent cafes and shops and Forest Gayte Pride, overlooking the nature and beauty of Wanstead Flats.
“There are the bustling shops of Green Street serving communities throughout east London, alongside mosques, temples, synagogues, gurdwaras and churches. It is a place that is truly representative of the rich tapestry of cultures and people that make up our great capital city, London.”
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