Step Forward Luton invites Bedfordshire MP to experience all that Luton has to offer

Step Forward Luton is a community-led place brand dedicated to celebrating the unique offerings of our town and challenging persistent misinformation about Luton.

Ambassadors have directly challenged the reported claims of Blake Stephenson MP, that Luton contains racial “no-go zones” and is “a very dangerous place”. Instead, they have called for him to visit the town and experience those same places and communities for himself.

Abu Nasir, Chair of Step Forward Luton said:

“I would welcome Mr Stephenson to visit our wonderful town and walk with me around some of the areas he identifies as no-go zones. He will find communities rich in culture, from a fantastic food offer to vibrant events, as well as communities that work alongside and support each other. A town proud of its heritage and confident in its future direction.

Our objection to Mr Stephenson’s comments is not party political. As a town we are aware of challenges and open to legitimate criticism, but that criticism must be specific, proportionate and evidence based. Our 225,000 residents should not be characterised by unsupported sweeping statements.”

Luton is a town experiencing unprecedented growth, with over £5 billion of investment underway, including airport expansion, a £1.7 billion town centre regeneration programme and opportunities to grow a visitor offer in the town with the nearby Universal Studios Development in progress.

This is an exciting time for the town and its residents, with the ongoing celebrations of 150 years of Borough Status in 2026, the recent Party in the Park event headlined by Kaiser Chiefs and many more exciting developments on the horizon.

While Step Forward Luton does acknowledge challenges within Luton, including crime, inequality and pressure on public services, these are not dissimilar to other comparable towns. These issues require honest discussion and practical action, supported by specific evidence.

Across Luton, residents of different ethnicities, faiths and backgrounds share schools, workplaces, businesses and neighbourhoods as part of everyday civic life. Sweeping descriptions of racial exclusion risk misrepresenting that experience and deepening division.

Ambassadors have therefore called on Mr Stephenson to explore the town with them, and substantiate any claims with evidence, or retract them and apologise to the residents of Luton.