FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 15/10/25
Councillor Sirajul Islam, Leader of the Tower Hamlets Labour Group and councillor for Bethnal Green East, has welcomed news that the Metropolitan Police will keep the front counter at Bethnal Green Police Station open.
Councillor Islam said he was pleased that the Met had listened and engaged with local representatives. He paid particular thanks to Assembly Member Unmesh Desai for his support, and to Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime Kaya Comer-Schwartz and the Metropolitan Police for listening and responding to local concerns.
“This is a win for the people of Bethnal Green and Tower Hamlets,” said Councillor Sirajul Islam. “Thank you to everyone who raised their voice. When residents, community groups and elected representatives work together we can protect the services our neighbourhoods rely on.”
The decision follows a campaign by local councillors and community groups. On 6 August 2025 Councillor Sirajul Islam and Unmesh Desai wrote to the Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime and to senior Met leadership to request a reconsideration to proposed closures.
The Met’s earlier proposal to reduce the number of station front counters across London prompted local and city-wide concern about access to face-to-face policing.
ENDS