I am deeply saddened by the death of Professor Jason Arday at just 41 years old. My thoughts and deepest condolences are with his family, friends and all those who knew and loved him. Jason was a son of Lambeth, born and raised in our borough and growing up in Clapham. He went on to become the youngest Black professor ever appointed at the University of Cambridge, an extraordinary achievement and a source of inspiration to many. But we also cannot ignore the appalling treatment Jason faced. In the final years and months of his life, he was subjected to relentless scrutiny, personal attacks. Much of the right-wing gutter press appeared determined not simply to scrutinise an academic, but to tear down a prominent Black man whose success challenged deeply entrenched assumptions about who belongs in our most prestigious institutions. We should be prepared to call this out for what it was: a racist hounding of a prominent Black academic, taking place within a wider culture-war assault on anti-racism, equality, diversity and inclusion. His death should force some serious reflection about our public discourse, about the conduct of sections of our media, and about the additional scrutiny and hostility that Black people can face when they reach positions of prominence and influence. Jason's work focused on racism, inequality, education and opening doors for people who have historically been excluded. Lambeth should be proud that Jason Arday was one of our own. On behalf of Lambeth Council, I send my deepest sympathies and solidarity to Jason's family and loved ones. I hope they are now afforded the privacy, dignity and respect they deserve. May Jason's memory be a blessing to all that loved him and may he rest in peace.

I have spoken to and have been contacted by many residents in Lambeth about the despicable treatment, torture and shocking health conditions of Dr Husam. I have written to Foreign Secretary @YvetteCooperMP and Middle East Minister @HFalconerMP calling on them to stop sending strongly worded letters to Israeli officials and actually do something tangible that will secure Dr Husam's release from torture by the Israeli state.