Mandela Statue in Doubt

Trafalgar Square is once again the scene of dispute. Westminster City Council’s decision to reject the commissioning of a statue of Nelson Mandela in the square is being condemned as an overtly racist move. Just a few months ago there was a public outcry at the decision to place a statue of a disabled woman on the Fourth Plinth. When I read that some people found the statue ‘grotesque’ or ‘hideous’ I realised that people still find it hard to accept difference in our society.

Just as the statue will be the first feminine presence in the square, the statue of Nelson Mandela would have firmly embraced the multiculturalism at the core of the modern British nation. Westminster Council’s decision is even more incomprehensible in light of the fact it went against the wishes of our Prime Minister, the London Mayor, and the majority of Londoners.

London Mayor, Ken Livingstone, was the first to label it a racially insensitive decision from an all-white, conservative committee. The council responded by ignoring the symbolic value of the piece entirely and validating its position on the grounds that it doesn’t look pretty enough. Nevermind, that this was designed as a tribute to the man who had the courage to confront one of the most appalling human injustices in history.

Free Festival Fun

The Line up for London’s biggest free festival was confirmed this week. Leading hip hop artists, Ty, Big Brovaz and hot new talents Shystie and Lady Sovereign will headline this annual anti-racism event. This year the festival returns to Victoria Park after a year's hiatus at the Millennium Dome. Over 100,000 attended last year and it looks set to be even bigger this year with an increased number of refreshment stalls and a comedy tent. The forecast is for sunny spells.

Mercedes Murder

A London man who murdered his former partner as she tried to stop him taking their £12,000 Mercedes has been jailed for life. The Old Bailey heard how Frank Wade, from Kilburn, north London, ran down Melanie Malcolm, 49, as she leaned on the bonnet to stop him driving off. The car originally belonged to Ms Malcolm but she gave it to 46-year-old Mr Wade to drive because she was disqualified. Judge Brian Barker said: “This was a loss of temper, awful behaviour. This car was described as a gift of love but you used it as a lethal weapon.”

Lazy London

London is officially the world’s laziest city. Londoner, Tom Gibson, succeeded in his bid to break the world record for continuous TV viewing. His mammoth 47 hour viewing session slashed the previous record by a whopping seven minutes. Gibson carried out his task in a mocked-up living-room on the Cromwell Road which was open to public viewing. He kept himself awake by stretching his legs at regular intervals and claimed his highlight was watching the Champion’s League.

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