Rushanara Ali MP today welcomed the announcement that the Olympic Torch will visit Tower Hamlets on Saturday 21 July 2012 just six days before the Opening Ceremony of the Games.  Rushanara spoke of the opportunity the visit of the Torch would bring to Bethnal Green and Bow.  She also emphasised that we must also continue to work to ensure that the Olympics fulfil their promise for local people.

Rushanara Ali said:

“It is fantastic that the Olympic Torch is to visit the East London so close to the start of the Games.  The visit of the torch six days before the Games will be an opportunity for the whole community to come together to welcome the world to Tower Hamlets and celebrate the opportunity we have to showcase the East End.

“This is also the time to remember that although we are all excited to host the Olympics in East London, promises were made to local people regarding jobs and legacy for the local area that we must ensure are kept.  For the people of East London, the Olympics and Paralympics do not finish with the end of competition and for the games to be remembered as a lasting success, they must deliver the legacy we were promised.”