My name is Dr Mohammed Sayeed and I am local to Nottingham, born, bred and raised here including attending a local university to which I am attached as an alumni.

Full statement

I am a competent and experienced member of a Higher Education teaching team at a local college in Nottingham bringing a wealth of expertise from my past roles in social and community work and as a PROFESSIONALLY trained social worker. I am dedicated to developing my practice and I am always sharing future research and innovative ideas with staff and students alike. I work hard to support all my students giving them extra time for tutorials and study activities to ensure they are given every opportunity to achieve. Alongside teaching level 4 and 5 students on our HNC/D I also adapt my teaching to support from level 1 right through to our Access to Higher Education courses. Our courses attract POLAR Quintile 1 and 2 and most of our students are a 1, this means we are working with highly challenging and deprived HE learners who are unlikely to achieve, but I ensure that I give them everything they need to achieve. Nottingham is the 11th most deprived Local Authority District (out of 317) and I continuously provide oopportunities for those often excluded from higher education and this is a key driver for social mobility (Nottingham is a social mobility cold spot). My entry into politics has been a long time coming and finally I have made a decision to follow this through. I am aware of both local issues and national social issues that need to be managed and competently overcome and I have with some diligence and intensity have come to some realisation that the following certainly need to be addressed in some shape, one way or the other, if GB is to become great once again. 1. Financial Stability: Nottingham City Council faces significant financial challenges, highlighted by a Section 114 report indicating an inability to deliver a balanced budget for the year. This financial instability stems from increased demands for social care, rising homelessness, and inflation impacts. The council's forecasted gross General Fund pressure of £57 million, reduced to a net pressure of £23 million through management actions, underscores the urgent need for fiscal reforms and improved financial governance (My Nottingham News). 2. Cost of Living and Social Care: The cost-of-living crisis is a pressing issue, with many households in Nottingham struggling to cope with rising expenses. This situation is compounded by increased demand for children's and adults' social care services, putting additional pressure on local resources and necessitating targeted interventions to support vulnerable populations (Notts TV). 3. Housing and Homelessness: There is a significant issue with rising homelessness in Nottingham, driven by economic pressures and inadequate housing supply. Efforts to address this include calls for more national support and local initiatives to improve housing availability and affordability (My Nottingham News). 4. Infrastructure and Development: The upcoming election for the first Mayor of the East Midlands Combined County Authority will have a major impact on planning, housing, roads, and economic development in the region. The new council governing 2.2 million people is expected to bring significant investments, such as the £1.2 billion devolution deal (Notts TV). 5. Environmental Concerns: Nottingham is also focused on addressing environmental issues, being recognized as a leader in climate action. Efforts to achieve net-zero emissions and improve air quality are critical components of the city's agenda, reflecting a broader commitment to sustainable urban development (Centre for Cities).

Multicultural communities in Nottingham face several significant issues that any prospective politician should be aware of. These include: 1. Deprivation and Poverty: Nottingham ranks high in deprivation, which disproportionately affects multicultural communities. This includes challenges related to housing, income, education, and healthcare. Many neighbourhoods in Nottingham are among the most deprived in England, exacerbating issues like low educational attainment and poor health outcomes (Nottingham Insight). 2. Health Disparities: Mental health services often fail to adequately meet the needs of minority ethnic communities. There is a significant need for culturally appropriate and responsive mental health services to address these gaps (Race Equality Foundation). Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has had an unequal impact, worsening physical and mental health in already vulnerable populations (The Nottinghamshire Plan). 3. Economic Inequality: Economic challenges are more acute in some areas of Nottinghamshire, with parts of the county lagging behind the national average in terms of education, skills, and earnings (The Nottinghamshire Plan). This economic disparity is felt more acutely in multicultural communities, where opportunities for upward mobility can be limited. 4. Educational Disparities: Education is a critical issue, with significant skill gaps in various parts of Nottinghamshire. The pandemic has further impacted education, particularly in disadvantaged communities, making it harder to recover lost learning and affecting long-term life chances for children (The Nottinghamshire Plan). 5. Council Financial Strain: Nottingham City Council is facing a significant budget shortfall, impacting its ability to provide services. This financial strain affects all residents but can disproportionately impact multicultural communities who rely more heavily on public services (My Nottingham News). Addressing these issues requires targeted policies that focus on reducing deprivation, improving access to culturally sensitive healthcare, supporting educational attainment, and ensuring economic opportunities are available to all community members. Engaging with community leaders and members to understand their specific needs and challenges is also crucial for creating effective and inclusive solutions.

Nottingham faces several crime and disorder issues that are significant for any prospective politician to address including, 1. Violent Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour: Nottingham has experienced concerns related to violent crime and anti-social behaviour. 2. Substance Misuse: Drug and alcohol misuse are persistent issues impacting community safety. 3. Domestic Violence: Addressing domestic violence is a critical priority. 4. Youth Crime: Engaging young people in positive activities to divert them from criminal activities is another focus. 5. Community Safety Partnerships: Collaboration between Nottingham City Council, Nottinghamshire Police, and other local organisations is key to tackling crime.

National Contemporary Social Issues 1. Cost of Living Crisis: Nationally, the UK is grappling with a cost-of-living crisis, characterised by rising prices of essentials like food, energy, and housing. 2. Healthcare and Social Care: The National Health Service (NHS) and social care sectors are under significant strain due to funding challenges, workforce shortages, and increasing demand. 3. Housing Affordability and Homelessness: Housing remains a critical issue, with a shortage of affordable homes contributing to rising homelessness rates. 4. Environmental Sustainability: Climate change and environmental sustainability are major national concerns. emissions by 2050, requiring substantial changes in energy production, transportation, and industrial practices. 5. Economic Stability and Employment: Economic stability and employment are central to national discourse, with ongoing efforts to recover from the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic

Current global issues significantly impacting UK politics include geopolitical tensions, economic challenges, climate change, and technological advancements. Here are some key points: 1. Geopolitical Tensions: US Presidential Election: The upcoming US presidential election in November 2024 is crucial, with potential implications for UK foreign policy. • Russia's Political Climate: The re-election of Vladimir Putin in March 2024 continues to solidify his control, likely continuing the aggressive stance in Ukraine. 2. Economic Challenges: Inflation and Interest Rates: Although inflation is expected to slow and interest rates may decrease gradually, the UK faces challenges in achieving significant economic growth. • Public Finances: The dire state of UK public finances limits the scope for increased public spending. 3. Climate Change: The UK's commitment to climate change initiatives remains a pressing issue. 4. Technological Advancements: Artificial Intelligence (AI): The rise of AI presents both opportunities and challenges for the UK. 5. Global Role and Foreign Policy: The UK's role on the global stage is under scrutiny. Improving relations with the EU post-Brexit, managing ties with the US and China, and contributing to international governance and development are critical areas for the next government. The ongoing conflict in Gaza has significantly impacted UK politics, influencing both domestic and international policy stances and voter behaviour. Domestic Political Impact 1. Labour Party Dynamics - Labour has experienced internal and external challenges due to its stance on the Gaza conflict. Leader Keir Starmer’s support for Israel has alienated some Muslim voters and party members, contributing to losses in local elections. The issue has also led to defections within the party, with councillors leaving Labour due to perceived insufficient condemnation of Israel’s actions. 2. Conservative Party Reactions - The Conservatives have maintained a more supportive stance towards Israel, aligning with the government's broader foreign policy. 3. Public Opinion and Activism - The conflict has sparked significant public demonstrations and activism across the UK. Protests in support of both Palestinians and Israelis have been frequent, sometimes leading to tensions and requiring increased security measures. International and Diplomatic Impact 1. Foreign Policy Stance: The UK's position on the Gaza conflict is part of its broader foreign policy, aiming to balance support for Israel with calls for humanitarian relief in Gaza. 2. Transatlantic Relations: The conflict also plays into the UK's relationship with the United States. The Biden administration's strong support for Israel has influenced UK policy, as both nations often coordinate on Middle Eastern policy matters. 3. Global Political Repercussions: The Gaza conflict has broader implications for global politics, influencing electoral dynamics and political discourse in countries with significant Muslim populations or strong pro-Israel constituencies. The Gaza conflict continues to shape UK politics, affecting party dynamics, voter behaviour, and the country's foreign policy. As the situation evolves, its repercussions will likely remain a significant factor in both domestic and international political arenas.

Well here you have it! A small taste of the contemporary social issues that I will endeavour to address, should I be successful in my upcoming General Election.