Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

London's new City Hall road renamed Kamal Chunchie Way

London's new City Hall road renamed Kamal Chunchie Way

TO pay tribute to Kamal Chunchie, the race relations campaigner, road leading to the new home of the Greater London Authority (GLA) has been renamed as Kamal Chunchie Way.

Chunchie, a pastor from Sri Lanka, founded the Coloured Men's Institute in the Royal Docks in 1926 for sailors, dock workers, and local residents.


The new name of the road in east London was chosen by the public through vote. Currently, it is called Siemens Brothers Way.

The site will become the GLA's home at the end of 2021.

Last year, mayor of London Sadiq Khan announced his plan to move City Hall to the Crystal building in Newham.

The move is expected to save more than £60 million over the next five years, a spokesman for the mayor of London said.

City Hall, has been the official home of the GLA since it was opened by the Queen in 2002 and occupies a prominent position on the south bank of the Thames.

Chunchie was born into a prominent Muslim family in Sri Lanka in 1886 and was trained as a Methodist minister in the UK.

His experiences of discrimination in London's dock districts, taught him of the difficult life for the black and Asian population in places like Canning Town.

He fought for the rights of minorities in the UK, and continued his work until 1953. Chunchie died in June 1953 virtually penniless.

More For You

Uganda-high-commission-event

The event also focused on Uganda’s role in cultural diplomacy and sustainable development.

Uganda high commission hosts heritage event in London

THE UGANDA high commission in London hosted an event highlighting Uganda’s cultural heritage and investment opportunities at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Building. The event featured a performance by the Watoto Children’s Choir.

Uganda’s high commissioner to the UK, Nimisha J Madhvani, addressed the gathering, welcoming guests and speaking about the country’s cultural diversity.

Keep ReadingShow less
Maha-kumbh-pilgrims-reuters

Devotees arrive at the river bank to take a holy dip at Sangam during the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, India on January 28, 2025. (Photo: Reuters)

India says 420 million pilgrims have visited Maha Kumbh

INDIA’s government announced on Friday that more than 420 million pilgrims have taken part in ritual bathing at the Maha Kumbh, a Hindu religious festival.

Organisers say the estimate is based on artificial intelligence and surveillance cameras used to track attendance.

Keep ReadingShow less
Bird-flu-Getty

There have been 27 confirmed cases of bird flu in England and one in Scotland during the current outbreak. (Representational image: Getty Images)

England bans 'bird gatherings' to contain avian flu spread

THE GOVERNMENT has announced a ban on "bird gatherings" in England as part of efforts to contain the spread of avian influenza.

The ban, which comes into effect from midday on Monday, will apply to fairs, markets, and shows involving various bird species.

Keep ReadingShow less
Matt-Jukes-Getty

Matt Jukes, the UK’s head of counterterrorism, has called for a social media ban for children under 16. (Photo: Getty Images)

Nine-year-old among youngest referred for far-right deradicalisation

A UK charity working to counter far-right radicalisation has seen children as young as nine referred for support.

Exit Hate UK, which helps individuals leave extremist movements, said its youngest-ever referral was nine years old, with the average age of those seeking help being about 15, according to The Times.

Keep ReadingShow less
Streeting hails India’s global role as Labour backs bilateral relations

Wes Streeting addresses the Republic Day reception at the Guildhall in London last Tuesday (28),joined by Sir Lindsay Hoyle and Vikram Doraiswami

Streeting hails India’s global role as Labour backs bilateral relations

WES STREETING spoke of the priority prime minister Sir Keir Starmer and the Labour government attach to relations with India when he addressed a Republic Day reception at the Guildhall in London last Tuesday (28).

But the secretary of state for health and social care won over the large Indian crowd by paying an unexpected tribute to Rishi Sunak.

Keep ReadingShow less