The Olympics can help promote a message of “solidarity, friendship and peace” in the East End according to Mayor of Tower Hamlets Lutfur Rahman.

Mr Rahman spoke of his excitement at the prospect of the Games and visits from other members of the Mayors for Peace organisation. The group contains more tham 5,000 Mayors from around the world, and aims to promote their vision of a nuclear-free world.

Mayor Rahman said: “I am very proud that the East End will host tens of thousands of visitors, from all over the world, for the Olympic Games.

“In the very act of bringing together so many different nationalities from across the world, the Olympic Games send a message to the world of solidarity, friendship and peace.”

Mayor Rahman joined Mayors for Peace in 2010, and discussed how they try to implement their aims.

He said: “We lobby governments, send delegations to the United Nations and strive to raise awareness around the world about the pressing need for nuclear disarmament.

“The Olympics emerged as part of a rebirth and with two aims: to celebrate sporting prowess and to end war. That message is as relevant to us today as it was to our forefathers all those centuries ago.”