Social housing activist compelled to say no MBE as disaster ‘should not exist’
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n activist who highlights the well being and security of tenants residing in social housing throughout the UK mentioned he has been “compelled” to say no a suggestion to turn into an MBE.
Kwajo Tweneboa, 24, took to social media to say he was provided an MBE final month, however made the choice to say no it – saying he couldn’t obtain the title off the again of a difficulty which “should never have existed”.
Mr Tweneboa, from Mitcham, makes use of his on-line platform to focus on the problems of tenants residing in social housing throughout the nation, however he has additionally raised issues for these residing in personal and non permanent lodging.
Mr Tweneboa speaks out for tenants who really feel their residing circumstances are unsafe, which might pertain to black mould, leaks, flooding, asbestos, pests and rodents, or different circumstances the place they really feel their rights are being challenged.
In an announcement posted to Twitter, Mr Tweneboa mentioned he felt “compelled” to show down the provide, including that some individuals throughout the UK live in what he mentioned may solely be described as “slum conditions”.
Mr Tweneboa’s assertion reads: “I want to start by thanking whoever chose to nominate me, as I have no doubt it came from a good place.
“So much grief and suffering has happened as a result of the poor state of Housing in the UK, with the vulnerable and poorest most ignored.
“Some living in, what can only be described as: slum conditions.
“On the 14th of June 2017, 72 innocent men, women and children, tragically – and prematurely – lost their lives in Grenfell Tower, through no fault of their own.
“A disaster that never should have happened.
“Since then, campaign groups like Grenfell United, Shelter and many others have stood side by side demanding systemic change.
“While brave tenants have shared their own experiences, in order to highlight the sheer lack of progress and accountability since Grenfell, many continue to suffer…
“Therefore, I cannot accept being honoured or receiving a title off the back of an issue, which realistically, should never have existed, and in saying that, I felt compelled to turn it down.”
Mr Tweneboa’s assertion added that he has written to the Prince and Princess of Wales to tell them of his choice and to specific his curiosity in working with them to boost consciousness surrounding the social points which he mentioned trigger “needless suffering to minority groups across the UK”.
He continued, saying he wished to acknowledge the Prince of Wales’ latest work surrounding homelessness.
“It can only be positive to see meaningful change across lots of other important Social issues, whilst giving a platform, an ear, and a hand to help those most ignored and neglected,” he wrote.
“Thanks to all who continue to support.”
In 2021, Mr Tweneboa was residing in a council home in Mitcham along with his two siblings.
At the time, he described the circumstances to the PA news company as being “unlivable” and “not even fit for animals”.
He mentioned he was pushed to share footage on social media of his dilapidated housing out of sheer desperation, photos which depicted his rotten kitchen, mouldy wallpaper and waterlogged cupboards.
The housing affiliation accountable took motion and consequently, the flat was repaired.
Since then, Mr Tweneboa has turn into a champion for these residing in related circumstances up and down the nation, prompting landlords and housing associations to take pressing motion and make repairs.