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New Blackburn with Darwen mayor’s pledge to promote racial cohesion
3:40pm Friday 16th May 2008
BLACKBURN with Darwen's new mayor pledged to use the post to promote racial cohesion.
At his mayor-making ceremony at Blackburn Town Hall last night, Coun Mohammed Khan (pictured) said he would use his year in office to set up a mayoral prog-ramme to work with community leaders and youth groups to promote cohesion.
He said: "Neither racists nor extremists should be allowed to destroy our way of life."
The Labour councillor, 62, pledged to raise money for Age Concern, the stroke unit at the Royal Blackburn Hospital, and Miles of Smiles, a charity for sick and disabled children.
He paid tribute to outgoing mayor Coun Maureen McGarvey, and thanked wife, Naseera (pictured), who will be mayoress.
Your Say YourTelegraph
Alfred, Darwen says...
7:49am Mon 26 May 08
It wouldn't be so if the mayor could actually string a sentence together.
Ex Darrener, says...
12:31pm Thu 22 May 08
Cllr M Johnson wrote:Oh dear, unfortunately you show your ignorance yet again. First of all let me repeat, mayors until the new legislation were never put forward by the public nor were they voted in by the masses, they were as now selected from within the elected council usually by the ruling political group. Also the system adopted in Blackburn for the appointment of Mayor is not covered by 'legislation' it is a simple protocol adopted by the 3 main political groups. In short it has generally been a matter of honour between the parties that they would fairly share the role of Mayor as in this way long standing councillors who have given much to the local community would not be disadvantaged by coming from one of the smaller groups. In terms of pure legislation if the majority of council members decided to vote against the nominated mayor then they could do so and put forward a different name - heaven forbid but that could even be you. On your accusations re the Mayor not being Apolitical - you have been on the council for a flick of an eye lid in relation to council history. My own knowledge of the way that the mayor has operated goes back far longer as I attended council for many yearse and only moved away quite recently, thankfully your assessment of the situation bears no reality to the way that people from all parties have represented the authority. You're comments about the party whip are interesting, you stood for a political party of which you are no longer a member, if you had any honour you would resign and stand as a true independent in a by-election. If as you believe you are doing such a good job there is a good chance that you would be re-elected and have a real mandate from local voters.
Ex Darrener, Thanks for the history lesson. Complete fabrication seems by your own comment makes no sence atall, the position was given to a leading member to act as first citizen of the borough and to chair the council meetings, they are expected to be Apolitical. That is what i said above, some one put forward from the public and voted in to the role as Mayor! Councillors being given the position because they are from a political party is not the same! If you look at the council legislation you will notice as have i that no independant can become Mayor as they are not from a political party. That is not democratic and does not fit in with political party policy. What it means is the political party whip cant use his or her power to controll a vote. political parties are controlling councils and making decisions for the people on a party basis not an apolitical basis acting for the borough and the people. I have been in council long enough to see how apolitical callins and the Mayor\'s position are not. if you think this is a flight of fantasy reed the call in reports, the fact is this is a party political situation that only represents less than half the views of the borough. The coalition has proved parties can work togeather and we can create an all party council that no party controlls, the sooner we can get away from this political party controll the sooner we can get back to working for the people first and not party first.
Cllr M Johnson, says...
10:29am Thu 22 May 08
Ex Darrener, Thanks for the history lesson. Complete fabrication seems by your own comment makes no sence atall, the position was given to a leading member to act as first citizen of the borough and to chair the council meetings, they are expected to be Apolitical.
That is what i said above, some one put forward from the public and voted in to the role as Mayor!
Councillors being given the position because they are from a political party is not the same!
If you look at the council legislation you will notice as have i that no independant can become Mayor as they are not from a political party.
That is not democratic and does not fit in with political party policy.
What it means is the political party whip cant use his or her power to controll a vote.
political parties are controlling councils and making decisions for the people on a party basis not an apolitical basis acting for the borough and the people.
I have been in council long enough to see how apolitical callins and the Mayor's position are not.
if you think this is a flight of fantasy reed the call in reports, the fact is this is a party political situation that only represents less than half the views of the borough.
The coalition has proved parties can work togeather and we can create an all party council that no party controlls, the sooner we can get away from this political party controll the sooner we can get back to working for the people first and not party first.
That is what i said above, some one put forward from the public and voted in to the role as Mayor!
Councillors being given the position because they are from a political party is not the same!
If you look at the council legislation you will notice as have i that no independant can become Mayor as they are not from a political party.
That is not democratic and does not fit in with political party policy.
What it means is the political party whip cant use his or her power to controll a vote.
political parties are controlling councils and making decisions for the people on a party basis not an apolitical basis acting for the borough and the people.
I have been in council long enough to see how apolitical callins and the Mayor's position are not.
if you think this is a flight of fantasy reed the call in reports, the fact is this is a party political situation that only represents less than half the views of the borough.
The coalition has proved parties can work togeather and we can create an all party council that no party controlls, the sooner we can get away from this political party controll the sooner we can get back to working for the people first and not party first.
Linda, USA says...
2:27pm Wed 21 May 08
Stay in the USA!! wrote:Wow, were you educated at Oxford or Cabridge? It is so apparant to see how intelligent you are. Sod off this place is for anyone to post. Why don't you go post on the Hindu times. IDIOT!!!!
Linda i think your argument got lost somewhere in your first post. Quit whilst u ahead. No onw cares to your views as you not even in the country! Go post somewher on a USA site, you complain you hate it here and never want to come back so what you doing here?! I see America has taught you well you already trying to stir things up with the different races, its not gonna work! am glad you left never to come back, we dont need your kind here!
Ex-Darrener doing mitionary work in the south, says...
1:47pm Wed 21 May 08
Cllr Michael Johnson wrote:Cllr Johnson, yet again shows how he likes to re-write history although actually looking at some of his recent forays into the public domain he seems to like re-writing the present too.
The position of Mayor in Blackburn and Darwen for me is yet another step towards the total controll of the decision making process by the council. The Mayor is voted in by the councillors on a party basis which was decided by the council a few years ago. The Mayor use to be awarded to someone who was deemed to be a fine up standing person who worked hard for the town and it was the highest accolade we could give to a resident. What we have now is a councillor who is given the position because it is the turn of that political party. What should be noted is the Mayor has a casting vote in full council which means he or she can change the balance of power using his or her second vote to win a vote. One has to question the system as it has been degraded by becoming a political tool to be used as is the want of the political leaders. I will say some councillors do deserve this honour but alas some do not. The last Mayor Mrs Magarvey did a superb job and did not tow any party line, she did on a number of occasiond abstain from voting as a sign of imparciality and she ran the council in a no nonsence school mistress ( fair but firm ) manner. As Mayors go she was outstanding and a credit to the Towns, i for one think the position should go back to being a voted for position with people put forward for the role as an accolade of their hard work for the town and not their position as a councillor. If Darwen gets its town council this is one thing i will fight for as we could have any of the For Darwen Councillor voted in due to the number of councillors or even myself yet we have been councillors for no time at all. In fact i am the longest serving councillor who is no longer in the party i co founded. This shows the madness of councillors voting for them selves into the position of Mayor . The old addage comes to mind, if its not broken dont fix it. It worked fine for years in Darwen untill Blackburn changed it, sort of says it all.
Just to put Cllr Johnson and anyone who has read his comments straight, Mayors until recently have rarely been elected by the masses. The term was originally introduced to Britain by the Normans and mayors were then appointed by the king. In the last 150 yrs or so the role of Mayor was put in place as towns became incorporated and local councils took shape to deliver public services. Mayors as now were appointed by the elected council and their key role was to act as first citizen of the borough and to chair the council meetings, they are expected to be Apolitical. Different councils have adopted different approaches to how the mayor is appointed, in some the Mayor is always appointed by the largest political group or the group in power in others as with Blackburn a fair protocol has been agreed across the political parties to share the role out, therefore allowing members from different political parties who have served the council well to be given the honour. Recent legislation has allowed councils to ask the public if they would prefer a model of leadership that would elect a mayor, but in these circumstances the mayor is not just a figure head but acts as the leader of the council with executive powers.
So you can see Cllr Johnsons comments are a complete fabrication.
On the issue of Cllr Khan as the new mayor, I knew Mohammed personally for many years and I know that he will do an exceptional job as Mayor of the borough, he is a sincere caring and honest man and I wish him well in his year of office.
Stay in the USA!!, says...
10:13am Wed 21 May 08
Linda i think your argument got lost somewhere in your first post. Quit whilst u ahead. No onw cares to your views as you not even in the country! Go post somewher on a USA site, you complain you hate it here and never want to come back so what you doing here?!
I see America has taught you well you already trying to stir things up with the different races, its not gonna work! am glad you left never to come back, we dont need your kind here!
I see America has taught you well you already trying to stir things up with the different races, its not gonna work! am glad you left never to come back, we dont need your kind here!
Linda, USA says...
11:48pm Tue 20 May 08
Frank,
Never did I say that I or my family are safer here in America. Infact, I don't think anyone is safe anywhere in the world the way it is today. So I have no bloody idea where you are going with this one sweetie! I do not think what I say upsets you but where I say it from. Don't let your hatred of USA cloud your judgement Frank.
Never did I say that I or my family are safer here in America. Infact, I don't think anyone is safe anywhere in the world the way it is today. So I have no bloody idea where you are going with this one sweetie! I do not think what I say upsets you but where I say it from. Don't let your hatred of USA cloud your judgement Frank.
Joe, Canada says...
9:11pm Tue 20 May 08
Dude wrote:Perth Dude .... all you have done so far is hurl abuse and not countered openmind with a reasoned and intellectual debate. Please either engage in meaningful debate or do us favour and sod off! Your unintellectual or useless contribution so far is for the gutter .... probably where you belong!
Openminded wrote:There is no argument, you are full of ****, Fact !Perth Dude wrote:This is great, when the argument is lost resort to abusive language. I worry for you! Never mind at least you tried, you must try harder next time. 0/10Openminded wrote:Yes, you are a t*sserPerth Dude wrote: Openminded, I would just like to say, you are one Gobshite !Thank you for the vote of confidence. Some of what i said must have hit home. The truth often hurts!
FRANK, bb6 says...
9:05pm Tue 20 May 08
Linda wrote:Linda my love don't let your hatred for Muslims cloud your judgement and powers of reasoning. Please do stay in the USA if you feel that is where you and your family will be protected from extremists. Something for you to ponder over .... statistically there is a 1 in million chance that you in the USA will be a victim of a muslim terrorist where as one child every three hours; eight children every day; and more than 50 children every week are killed by the GUN. And every year, at least 4 to 5 times as many kids and teens suffer from non-fatal firearm injuries. As for the figures on rape well .... you find out. One final thing you are the one who is surrounded by terrorists .... puzzled .. more innocent people not to mention US soldiers have been killed in the illegal wars on Iraq and Afghanistan then through 9/11 and 7/7. There are more deaths caused by the IRA then 9/11 and 7/7 and to top it all the blind support of the USA for Israel is the main reason that these terrorists are given fuel to do what they do. So sweetie you might end up as gun crime or rape statistic more then a terrorist act statistic.
Robert, Robert, Robert. Well,well,well after reading your comments I have to say I am a little baffled. Why am I TV led? Have I not explained to you that I LIVE HERE. No TV needed! Also, I have lived in England again no TV needed. You don\\\\\\\'t seem to mind that Muslims have more rights than anyone else. HELLO Muslims do not believe in our way of life. You only have to read the stories in the Telegraph to get that much. I lived in the Middle East for 10 years and knew many muslims, some I liked, some I didn\\\\\\\'t like just as with anyone else. But the top and bottom of it is they will never be like us it will take years and years before (if ever) that happens. Oh and sweetie incase you forgot the extremists are also trying to kill us!
Linda, USA says...
2:50pm Tue 20 May 08
Robert, Robert, Robert. Well,well,well after reading your comments I have to say I am a little baffled. Why am I TV led? Have I not explained to you that I LIVE HERE. No TV needed! Also, I have lived in England again no TV needed. You don't seem to mind that Muslims have more rights than anyone else. HELLO Muslims do not believe in our way of life. You only have to read the stories in the Telegraph to get that much. I lived in the Middle East for 10 years and knew many muslims, some I liked, some I didn't like just as with anyone else. But the top and bottom of it is they will never be like us it will take years and years before (if ever) that happens. Oh and sweetie incase you forgot the extremists are also trying to kill us!
Andy Millar, Buffalo NY says...
2:01pm Tue 20 May 08
This is absurd! The reason this guy is the Mayor is to bring the communities together - What about for the good of Blackburn & Darwen, what can he do for the towns.
Sounds like all aboard the politically correct band wagon to me.
Sounds like all aboard the politically correct band wagon to me.
Apolitical, Darwen says...
1:20pm Tue 20 May 08
The above comments clearly show that treatment in the community does not work.
The question posed was "Is Mohammed Khan the best person for Mayor?" Those who have not taken their medication have resorted to personal insults .
A figure recently released is that 22% of pupils in primary schools have parents who were not born in this country - this is disturbing.
The question posed was "Is Mohammed Khan the best person for Mayor?" Those who have not taken their medication have resorted to personal insults .
A figure recently released is that 22% of pupils in primary schools have parents who were not born in this country - this is disturbing.
Dude, Perth says...
1:15am Tue 20 May 08
Openminded wrote:There is no argument, you are full of ****, Fact !
Perth Dude wrote:This is great, when the argument is lost resort to abusive language. I worry for you! Never mind at least you tried, you must try harder next time. 0/10Openminded wrote:Yes, you are a t*sserPerth Dude wrote: Openminded, I would just like to say, you are one Gobshite !Thank you for the vote of confidence. Some of what i said must have hit home. The truth often hurts!
Openminded, bb6 says...
11:57pm Mon 19 May 08
Perth Dude wrote:This is great, when the argument is lost resort to abusive language. I worry for you! Never mind at least you tried, you must try harder next time. 0/10
Openminded wrote:Yes, you are a t*sserPerth Dude wrote: Openminded, I would just like to say, you are one Gobshite !Thank you for the vote of confidence. Some of what i said must have hit home. The truth often hurts!
Robert England, manchester says...
4:48pm Mon 19 May 08
Linda wrote:Linda,Linda,Linda i have lived and worked in many counties and N.Y USA being one of them i was in Soho N.Y for 3 years.Between 97-99. And yes i thouroughly enjoyed it but home is were the heart is honey.And if you look at my previous comment i wasn't saying anything negative about America. I also want to ask how do you get the idea that muslims are running Britain when only 3.4 percent of the population is Muslim. Have you heard the term majority rules. And if you look back at British history we was in their countries first. Did we go there to learn Asian and African culture. No we didnt we wanted to simply make money, and did so for around 400 years. its just history repeating itself and we started the trend in the beginning.You just have to admit it Linda your just very TV led.
how dare you even complain about england when its people like you who move away and then complain from a distanceYep got that right, ran away as soon and as fast as my little British legs would take me! Thank God I did. I am no fake Brit I truly am British my passport says I am. I left England to have a better life and believe me I have. I have lived and worked in England and now I live and work in USA and USA is better. Have you ever worked and lived in USA? NO THOUGHT NOT so what gives you the right to comment on USA! Seems I need to point out to you that I am not having a go at immigrants but at muslims running Britain. Oh and by the way I have never ever lived on a council estate.
Linda, USA says...
3:20pm Mon 19 May 08
how dare you even complain about england when its people like you who move away and then complain from a distance
Yep got that right, ran away as soon and as fast as my little British legs would take me! Thank God I did. I am no fake Brit I truly am British my passport says I am. I left England to have a better life and believe me I have. I have lived and worked in England and now I live and work in USA and USA is better. Have you ever worked and lived in USA? NO THOUGHT NOT so what gives you the right to comment on USA!
Seems I need to point out to you that I am not having a go at immigrants but at muslims running Britain. Oh and by the way I have never ever lived on a council estate.
robert Engalnd, manchester says...
9:19am Mon 19 May 08
Linda wrote:well, well,well you can take the women out of the council estate but you cant take the council estate out of the women. how dare you even complain about england when its people like you who move away and then complain from a distance. Dont you understand your know an imigrant also but i n America..And remember America actually belonged to the native Amercians. So its just history repeating itself Linda.Its exactly people like you who dont pay taxes here but think they know whats best...you've just simply ran away. Probably because you had nothing to offer to this economy. carry on ranting from over seas you fake Brit, how can you be proud of your Britishness when you simply havent got the courage it stands for.
Openminded don't worry I NEVER EVER intend to come back to Lancashire because not only will it never be the same as I remember it but it is also full of complete d!ckheads like you! Good luck to you I wish you the very best and hope you, the muslims, the pc brigade and low lifes enjoy bringing England to it's knees, it's already almost there. I am proud to be British just not proud of Britain the way it is now and the t@ssers like you that live there.
Cllr Michael Johnson, says...
8:34am Mon 19 May 08
The position of Mayor in Blackburn and Darwen for me is yet another step towards the total controll of the decision making process by the council.
The Mayor is voted in by the councillors on a party basis which was decided by the council a few years ago.
The Mayor use to be awarded to someone who was deemed to be a fine up standing person who worked hard for the town and it was the highest accolade we could give to a resident.
What we have now is a councillor who is given the position because it is the turn of that political party.
What should be noted is the Mayor has a casting vote in full council which means he or she can change the balance of power using his or her second vote to win a vote.
One has to question the system as it has been degraded by becoming a political tool to be used as is the want of the political leaders.
I will say some councillors do deserve this honour but alas some do not.
The last Mayor Mrs Magarvey did a superb job and did not tow any party line, she did on a number of occasiond abstain from voting as a sign of imparciality and she ran the council in a no nonsence school mistress ( fair but firm ) manner.
As Mayors go she was outstanding and a credit to the Towns, i for one think the position should go back to being a voted for position with people put forward for the role as an accolade of their hard work for the town and not their position as a councillor.
If Darwen gets its town council this is one thing i will fight for as we could have any of the For Darwen Councillor voted in due to the number of councillors or even myself yet we have been councillors for no time at all.
In fact i am the longest serving councillor who is no longer in the party i co founded.
This shows the madness of councillors voting for them selves into the position of Mayor .
The old addage comes to mind, if its not broken dont fix it.
It worked fine for years in Darwen untill Blackburn changed it, sort of says it all.
The Mayor is voted in by the councillors on a party basis which was decided by the council a few years ago.
The Mayor use to be awarded to someone who was deemed to be a fine up standing person who worked hard for the town and it was the highest accolade we could give to a resident.
What we have now is a councillor who is given the position because it is the turn of that political party.
What should be noted is the Mayor has a casting vote in full council which means he or she can change the balance of power using his or her second vote to win a vote.
One has to question the system as it has been degraded by becoming a political tool to be used as is the want of the political leaders.
I will say some councillors do deserve this honour but alas some do not.
The last Mayor Mrs Magarvey did a superb job and did not tow any party line, she did on a number of occasiond abstain from voting as a sign of imparciality and she ran the council in a no nonsence school mistress ( fair but firm ) manner.
As Mayors go she was outstanding and a credit to the Towns, i for one think the position should go back to being a voted for position with people put forward for the role as an accolade of their hard work for the town and not their position as a councillor.
If Darwen gets its town council this is one thing i will fight for as we could have any of the For Darwen Councillor voted in due to the number of councillors or even myself yet we have been councillors for no time at all.
In fact i am the longest serving councillor who is no longer in the party i co founded.
This shows the madness of councillors voting for them selves into the position of Mayor .
The old addage comes to mind, if its not broken dont fix it.
It worked fine for years in Darwen untill Blackburn changed it, sort of says it all.
Perth Dude, Perth says...
12:37am Mon 19 May 08
Openminded wrote:Yes, you are a t*sser
Perth Dude wrote: Openminded, I would just like to say, you are one Gobshite !Thank you for the vote of confidence. Some of what i said must have hit home. The truth often hurts!
Openminded, bb6 says...
1:25pm Sun 18 May 08
Perth Dude wrote:Thank you for the vote of confidence. Some of what i said must have hit home. The truth often hurts!
Openminded, I would just like to say, you are one Gobshite !
J.P, burnley says...
1:18pm Sun 18 May 08
COUNTRYS GONE TO DOGS,,,,,WASTE OF CASH...
someone in the south, somewhere in the south says...
1:15pm Sun 18 May 08
I escaped from Blackburn 30 years ago but returned regularly to see family until about 5 years ago. I visit this website most days to see what's going on in my hometown. But actually I've come to realise that I do it, not so much to see what's going on, but to have a laugh at the reader comments. Blackburn is dump, full of chavs and pound stores by the sounds of it.Oh living in the South, it's FAB
i love you all, says...
12:35pm Sun 18 May 08
how much work has he and EVEN more so has his WIFE done and paid NI/TAX
Integration, A Smoke Screen says...
5:45am Sun 18 May 08
Was the new mayor voted in? If so the populus put him there. Whilst he is there and he is so keen on integration I hope he is going to have an input and stop and secular schools in Blackburn and only allow integrated schools. Why should the public pay for an all girls muslim school because it is their faith. My daughter is Christian but has to learn in a multi cultural school. Why are muslim girls different.
Monty Panesar, says...
2:28am Sun 18 May 08
Darrener wrote:I gather that your a patriot,
British Born Darwen asks was the councillor born in England. Even if he was that doesn\'t mean his first affiliation would be to England. I wonder which cricket team he supports?
and a follower of the English cricket team,That you have never applauded the likes of Kevin Pietersen,Alan Lamb or Nassar Hussain who where all born away from these shores with at least one parent being none English.If so Does the fact of them being of dual nationality ease your conscience whilst spurring on the England team to win ?At least Mayor Khan accepts that we do have a problem with extremists when many others would of just carried on burying their heads in the sand.
Perth Dude, Perth says...
1:12am Sun 18 May 08
Openminded, I would just like to say, you are one Gobshite !
Openminded, bb6 says...
12:02am Sun 18 May 08
British Born wrote:What difference does it make? We have a scottish born prime minister!
Just 1 question was the councillor born in this country
A question for you. Are you really english or german? Looks like you slept through History lessons in school or more likely you never went to school, hence your intellectually devoid post. It must be a Darwen thing where besides Darwen there is nothing else which is quite pathetic. What exactly are you doing for your community and how many of your mates too? Do us a fovour and crawl back under the stone you came out of and stay there.
Openminded, BB6 says...
11:53pm Sat 17 May 08
Linda wrote:I'm glad to hear that you never plan to return, and i worried either, you are not worth worrying about. You claim to be british but don't even have a clue of the true british ideals which made Britain Great. A true brit would not resort foul language nor lose their calm in a debate. Integrity in an debate would never be compromised like you did in your absurd, unintellectual and meaningless rant. If you wake up and see what is around in the U S of A you will find there are more weirdo's and low lifes as a ratio than the UK. You are more likely to get raped or murdered in the USA than the UK, lets hope you don't become a statistic. The USA in economic terms is on its knees so good luck there, you will need it! One further fact unlike the economic migrants from eastern europe whose main purpose is to create a better life back in their homeland the contribution of the asian community, both hindu and muslim, in economic terms runs in the billions and not millions. Nobody invited the brits to invade their country to create the british empire. You reap what you sow, hence the asians having a right to come to britain. Another fact, you should be ashamed of yourself in calling your fellow white brits low lifes, why? Statistics prove that of all the groups who face social deprivation it is unfortunately the white community who engage in criminal activity or are dole dossers, in the main.
Openminded don't worry I NEVER EVER intend to come back to Lancashire because not only will it never be the same as I remember it but it is also full of complete d!ckheads like you! Good luck to you I wish you the very best and hope you, the muslims, the pc brigade and low lifes enjoy bringing England to it's knees, it's already almost there. I am proud to be British just not proud of Britain the way it is now and the t@ssers like you that live there.
Apolitical, Darwen says...
11:19pm Sat 17 May 08
I have more than one question to put to Mayor Khan.
1. In which country were you born?
2. How do you benefit our country in terms of your profession simply put, what is your occupation and is it to the public benefit?
3. Do you agree with earnings in this country being sent abroad to support dependants in other countries, thus denying our economy re-circulated spending and wealth?
4. Do you agree with economic migrants?
5. Do you agree with free movement of labour throughout the EU e.g. Polish builders?
6. What is your view concerning any prposed introduction of Sharia Law into this country?
7. Why could not Muslims and Hindus peacefully co-exist in pre 1947 India, without partition?
8. Can you ever see a case for a claim for partition of certain areas of this country that become predominantly Islamic in terms of population.
9. What is your view of mass immigration into this country?
10. Certain Muslims have expressed the desire to see the Crescent Moon and Star (the Pakistani flag) fly over 10 Downing Street, do you agree with their aspirations?
11. Have you publicly expressed any revulsion over extremism of any kind being experienced on the streets of this country?
12. When Pakistan plays England in a cricket test match series, which team do you support?
If you answer these questions candidly, which for political reasons I doubt you will be able to, then I wish you luck in your years as Mayor of Blackburn.
1. In which country were you born?
2. How do you benefit our country in terms of your profession simply put, what is your occupation and is it to the public benefit?
3. Do you agree with earnings in this country being sent abroad to support dependants in other countries, thus denying our economy re-circulated spending and wealth?
4. Do you agree with economic migrants?
5. Do you agree with free movement of labour throughout the EU e.g. Polish builders?
6. What is your view concerning any prposed introduction of Sharia Law into this country?
7. Why could not Muslims and Hindus peacefully co-exist in pre 1947 India, without partition?
8. Can you ever see a case for a claim for partition of certain areas of this country that become predominantly Islamic in terms of population.
9. What is your view of mass immigration into this country?
10. Certain Muslims have expressed the desire to see the Crescent Moon and Star (the Pakistani flag) fly over 10 Downing Street, do you agree with their aspirations?
11. Have you publicly expressed any revulsion over extremism of any kind being experienced on the streets of this country?
12. When Pakistan plays England in a cricket test match series, which team do you support?
If you answer these questions candidly, which for political reasons I doubt you will be able to, then I wish you luck in your years as Mayor of Blackburn.
Darrener, Ireland says...
10:34pm Sat 17 May 08
British Born Darwen asks was the councillor born in England. Even if he was that doesn't mean his first affiliation would be to England. I wonder which cricket team he supports?
British Born, Darwen says...
10:09pm Sat 17 May 08
Just 1 question was the councillor born in this country
British Born, Darwen says...
10:09pm Sat 17 May 08
Just 1 question was the councillor born in this country
Bank Top, Blackburn says...
9:22pm Sat 17 May 08
If Mr Khan is Half as good at being the Mayor as he is at being one of my local councillors he will do Blackburn proud.WELL DONE Mr Khan.I know how hard you Kate,and Dave work for this area so Thank you and keep up the good work.
Linda, USA says...
8:26pm Sat 17 May 08
Darrener, Ireland.
Couldn't have put any better myself!
Couldn't have put any better myself!
Darrener, Ireland says...
8:21pm Sat 17 May 08
I wonder how many Christian Mayors there are in Islamic countries. I am not racist but at what level do you draw the line before there is a Muslim prime minister.Cop on to yourselves Britain they will soon be ruling the country. Rule Britannia my arse where is your British Bulldog did he lose his balls
Linda, USA says...
7:37pm Sat 17 May 08
Openminded don't worry I NEVER EVER intend to come back to Lancashire because not only will it never be the same as I remember it but it is also full of complete d!ckheads like you! Good luck to you I wish you the very best and hope you, the muslims, the pc brigade and low lifes enjoy bringing England to it's knees, it's already almost there. I am proud to be British just not proud of Britain the way it is now and the t@ssers like you that live there.
Openminded, BB6 says...
6:35pm Sat 17 May 08
Linda wrote:Blackburn is also glad not to have you live there too. You are one arrogant person who thinks that Blackburn would be honoured to have a racist like you. Unfortunately you are the joke, this guy is not the first muslim mayor and will not be the last. He has probably done more to serve Blackburn then you ever did or will do, therefore your views are irrevant. The ward he serves has high levels of social deprivation mainly amongst the white community whom he has served with great distinction (see post by wensley fold). Please do us a favour and stay in fascist USA and if you are inclined to come back let us know so that we can persuade you to stay there!
A Mayor called Mohammed, seen everything now!! Thank God I don't live there anymore too. What a complete joke!
2 Caterpillars Crawling, Up My Nose says...
6:00pm Sat 17 May 08
Is that the guy from OFF THE BUSES ?
Or a mini Hitler ?
Hitler did fouk all for religion and cohesion !
And he did fouk all either !
Or a mini Hitler ?
Hitler did fouk all for religion and cohesion !
And he did fouk all either !
Linda, USA says...
5:51pm Sat 17 May 08
A Mayor called Mohammed, seen everything now!! Thank God I don't live there anymore too. What a complete joke!
Apolitical, Darwen says...
4:52pm Sat 17 May 08
Whilst I have no reason to doubt Mayor Khan in his pledge for racial cohesion, does this mean he has a genuine desire for integration?
I am only looking at the facts and they are disturbing for one who is a pacifist and integrationist, but who sees the dangers in mass migration.
In 1947 the inhabitants of the Indian sub-continent were unable to live peacefully together due to Hindu and Islamic differences. East and West Pakistan were in conflict thereafter, albeit largely due to geographical separation, and in 1971 Pakistan and Bangladesh were created. There have been border conflicts since that time throughout the Indian sub-continent.
In Kosovo we have seen the influx of Albanian Sunni Muslims and the indigenous Serbs have been displaced over the last decade. A separate State of Kosovo has been created, supported by the G8 countries, who have taken the soft option, whilst its creation is opposed by Russia and many eastern countries.
I quote these facts to draw attention to the dangers of failure to integrate and create a homogenous society. The ghettoization of our country is a grave concern and we see glaring examples of this in such areas as Blackburn, West Yorkshire, Leicester, Nottingham, Luton and Slough, caused by mass immigration and failure to integrate. The Labour Party which Mayor Khan represents has failed this country in allowing uncontrolled immigration and ghettoization.
I am only looking at the facts and they are disturbing for one who is a pacifist and integrationist, but who sees the dangers in mass migration.
In 1947 the inhabitants of the Indian sub-continent were unable to live peacefully together due to Hindu and Islamic differences. East and West Pakistan were in conflict thereafter, albeit largely due to geographical separation, and in 1971 Pakistan and Bangladesh were created. There have been border conflicts since that time throughout the Indian sub-continent.
In Kosovo we have seen the influx of Albanian Sunni Muslims and the indigenous Serbs have been displaced over the last decade. A separate State of Kosovo has been created, supported by the G8 countries, who have taken the soft option, whilst its creation is opposed by Russia and many eastern countries.
I quote these facts to draw attention to the dangers of failure to integrate and create a homogenous society. The ghettoization of our country is a grave concern and we see glaring examples of this in such areas as Blackburn, West Yorkshire, Leicester, Nottingham, Luton and Slough, caused by mass immigration and failure to integrate. The Labour Party which Mayor Khan represents has failed this country in allowing uncontrolled immigration and ghettoization.
jim, blackburn says...
3:07pm Sat 17 May 08
I fully support cohesion however you must find the right people to promote this. What and who makes a community leader, its a nonsense.
Michelle, says...
8:24am Sat 17 May 08
Oh No wrote:Thank God, you dont live in Blackburn any more!!
Was there no chance of local born and bred people wanting to be Mayor. Thank goodness I don't live in BLACKburn anymore
Oh No, Far Away says...
5:57am Sat 17 May 08
Was there no chance of local born and bred people wanting to be Mayor. Thank goodness I don't live in BLACKburn anymore
JOE, Blackburn says...
2:20am Sat 17 May 08
The chances or the two communities getting together, the Rovers have more chance of winning the Champions League than that ever happening.
wensley fold, blackburn says...
5:54pm Fri 16 May 08
very proud of you!! you have done a great job forthe past 16years... well done
googly, says...
3:46pm Fri 16 May 08
What is the purpose of having a mayor??
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Sal, says...
6:47pm Sat 7 Jun 08
This really seemed to spark some people off. A racist woman in America who wants to stir the pot. Seemed to work. Several others arguing about the heritage of the mayor..with such stupidity like the partition of India. How is that applicable?
gosh there really are reasons to wonder who lives here.
I say, good job to you Mayor. Sadly Blackburn is on the map for all the wrong reasons - racism, drugs, prostitution, financial fraud, car fraud etc.. And I bet many of the posters on here are into one of those.