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April 2025 Newsletter

Dear Friends,

Thank you for taking the time to look at my monthly newsletter for April 2025.

I hope you enjoy this update on some of the work I have been doing in Erith and Thamesmead and in Parliament over the last month.

As ever, if you want to get in touch, don’t hesitate to contact me using the email address: abena.oppongasare.mp@parliament.uk

Abena

Applications for my Campaign Summer School are Open

Very pleased to announce that my Campaign Summer School is back, with applications open now.

At the jam-packed 3-day school, young people between 16 and 18 will have a fantastic opportunity to find out more about the world of political and social campaigning from veteran political activists and partner organisations.

It’s taking place from Wednesday 23 July to Friday 25 July right here in Erith and Thamesmead. So if you’re interested – or know someone who might be – then find out more on my website here.

Crossness 160th Anniversary Celebration

Lovely to commemorate the 160th anniversary of Crossness this month with the Crossness Engines Trust. I was pleased to speak at the event and praise the important work done by the Trust and their volunteers in ensuring that the pumping station is publicly accessible and in such a great condition.

It was great to be joined by the Mayors of Bexley, Bromley, Dartford and Greenwich, as well former local MP John Austen and the great-great-grandson of Crossness’ achitect Sir Joseph Bazalgette, Sir Peter Bazalgette.

Visit to Jubilee Primary School

This month, I also had the pleasure of visiting Jubilee Primary School and meeting members of their School Parliament. I answered their great questions and discussed my political journey. I also had the chance to visit a Year 3 class who shared letters to me with their concerns about plastic pollution and climate change.

It is important that as many young people as possible are aware of local and national issues we face, so I was really pleased with how engaged all the students were!

TUC Black Workers’ Conference 2025

I was honoured to be invited to speak at the annual TUC Black Workers’ Conference, where I had the opportunity to share my political journey and reflect on how my union played a vital role in shaping my activism and politics.
It is essential that we continue to stand in solidarity with workers from all backgrounds and celebrate the vital contributions our diverse workforce makes to our country.

Government action to save British Steel

Proud to join the Government this month in voting to take control of British Steel. This important step will protect jobs and safeguard our security at home and abroad.

Sadly, the previous government failed to act, which made it more important that decisive action was taken this month to secure the future of the site, bringing security to the thousands of steelworkers, their families and the community of Scunthorpe.

Ministerial work in the Cabinet Office

It has been another important month in my role as a Minister in the Cabinet Office. For example, I’ve answered a number of critical written questions from other Members of Parliament on topics I’m responsible for, such as transparency data, security vetting and national security.

Additionally, I recently responded to a debate regarding the Government’s relationship with the European Union. I highlighted the positive dialogue and reset that is taking place and the vital steps being taken, like efforts to secure a UK-EU security pact, involving cooperation on foreign policy and defence, and to address trade barriers. If you are interested you can watch my speech here or read it here.

Furthermore:

  • Passing of Pope Francis – Deeply sad to hear about the death of Pope Francis. I share my condolences with Catholics here in Erith & Thamesmead and around the world.
  • Stephen Lawrence Day – Vital we remember Stephen on the anniversary of his murder in an unprovoked racist attack. Let’s continue to fight for equality and justice for all.
  • St George’s Day – Wishing everyone in Erith and Thamesmead – and across the country – had a very Happy St George’s Day!
  • Happy Easter – Hope all those in Erith and Thamesmead and beyond celebrating, had a lovely Good Friday and a Happy Easter!
  • Happy Passover – This month, I also want to say Happy Passover to the Jewish community here in Erith and Thamesmead and around the world.
  • Happy Tamil New Year – Very happy Tamil New Year to the Tamil community in Erith and Thamesmead, across the UK and around the world. Puthandu vazthukal!
  • Happy Vaisakhi – I would also like to wish everyone in Erith and Thamesmead and beyond a happy Vaisakhi this month! Vaisakhi di lakh lakh vadhaiyan!
  • Happy Orthodox Easter – And I want to send my best wishes to all those who celebrated Orthodox Easter this month.
  • Getting our NHS back on track – Proud to mark some great progress being made on getting our NHS back on track with Minister Ashley Dalton MP, including 700,000 extra dental appointments and ending the 8am scramble to book a GP.
  • Initial roll out of Free Breakfast Clubs this April – Very pleased to mark the Labour Government’s initial roll out of their new free breakfast clubs in 750 schools across England, including two right here in Erith and Thamesmead. 
  • Making Work Pay – So pleased to that starting April 1st, millions will have received a pay boost of up to £1,400 a year, thanks to the new Government’s National Living Wage rise.

Stay updated on social media

For regular updates on my activities, follow me on Twitter (@abenaopp), Facebook (Abena Oppong-Asare MP, Erith and Thamesmead), and Instagram (abena.oppongasare.mp).

You can also sign up to my digital newsletter at www.abenaoppongasare.com/get_in_touch

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Celebrating New Free Breakfast Clubs at Primary Schools in Thamesmead

School mornings have likely got a lot easier for many families in the constituency of Erith and Thamesmead this month as the Labour Government rolls out an initial 750 free breakfast clubs at primary schools across the country.

Two of the schools selected for this initial phase are Willow Bank Primary School and Jubilee Primary School, both based in South East London’s Thamesmead community.

The breakfast clubs offer 30 minutes of free childcare, a healthy start for kids and a little more breathing room before the school bell rings.

Parents will be supported with additional time at the start of the day to attend appointments, get to work on time and run errands. In total, this means parents may be able to save up to 95 additional hours and £450 per year if their child attends free breakfast clubs every day.

This amount rises to a saving of up to £8,000 every year when combining Labour’s free breakfast clubs with further support through the expansion of government-funded childcare and new school uniform cap on branded items.

Today, local MP for Erith and Thamesmead, Abena Oppong-Asare, welcomed the announcement by visiting Jubilee Primary School. She joined their morning breakfast club and spoke with teachers, parents, and students about the positive impact these clubs will have on their lives.

Universal free breakfast clubs are central to the Labour Government’s Plan for Change, removing barriers to opportunity by making sure every child starts the school day ready to learn – with research showing the clubs have a lasting impact on children’s behaviour, attendance and attainment.

The scheme also has an important role to play in Labour’s commitment remove the stain of child poverty. Out of the 180,000 children who will benefit from the early adopter schools nationwide, around 67,000 attend schools in deprived areas. This will provide an essential meal to ensure every child starts the day ready to learn.

These clubs also sit alongside Labour’s action to tackle the cost of living, with inflation falling for two months in a row, wages growing faster than prices and fuel duty frozen. Together, the Labour Government believes this shows their Plan for Change is delivering for working families.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

“As a parent, I know that the combined pressures of family life and work can often feel impossible to juggle. That is why our manifesto promised to make parents lives easier and put more money in their pockets with free breakfast clubs. Under a year since we came into office, this government is delivering that through our Plan for Change.

“The rollout of free breakfast clubs is a truly game-changing moment for families in this country. They mean parents will no longer be hamstrung by rigid school hours and have the breathing space they need to beat the morning rush, attend work meetings and doctors’ appointments, or run errands. And crucially, it means better life chances for children.

“By making these clubs free and universal, we’re doing something that previous governments have never done. We’re going further and faster to deliver the change working families deserve. That’s the change this government was elected to deliver.”

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said:

“Free breakfast clubs are a central part of our Plan for Change. At a time when there is so much pressure on families, they provide real help with the cost of living and ensure children start the day with a nutritious meal.

“On top of the hectic school run, parents should not have to worry about how to balance work and getting their children fed and ready for school. These clubs will break down barriers and help children settle in, focus and get the most out of their learning.

“We are delivering on our promises and giving every child the best start in life while making sure families get the support they need, wherever they live.”

Abena Oppong-Asare, MP for Erith and Thamesmead, said:

“I was elected to on a manifesto promising change and the opening of the new free breakfast clubs at Willow Bank Primary School and Jubilee Primary School, supporting families in Erith and Thamesmead, shows that Labour is delivering.

“The new clubs prove that Labour’s Plan for Change is putting children first, supporting working families and breaking down barriers to opportunity.

“During my visit to Jubilee Primary School today, I saw firsthand how the free breakfast clubs are set to become a vital support for our local community; getting children school-ready, improving attendance, attainment and wellbeing, as well as saving local families up to £8,000 a year.”

Government research shows most parents (87%) think breakfast clubs are a good chance for children to socialise, and two thirds (66%) recognise the value of clubs providing educational activities.

Breakfast clubs have been shown to boost children’s reading, writing, and maths by an average of two months.

Early Adopter schools, including Willow Bank Primary School and Jubilee Primary School will shape the future of the national breakfast club policy, contributing directly to its implementation. The wider paid-for wraparound childcare offer – for all primary children to be able to access childcare between 8am-6pm – continues to roll out across the country.

Victoria Taylor, mum of two children aged 5 and 7, said:

“For me, free breakfast clubs provide vital support, meaning I can get into work a little easier and ensure my two kids are settled and ready to learn.

“I’m a primary school teacher, so early mornings are a must however I try to not let my busy schedule dictate the pace of mornings. “Taking my children to breakfast clubs means I know they are fed, ready to start the day and emotionally regulated – the commitment to rollout nationally will make the world of difference for working families.”

Social Media Post from Abena Oppong-Asare MP visit to Jubilee Primary School:

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Applications now open for Abena’s Campaign Summer School 2025

This Summer, Abena Oppong-Asare, MP for Erith and Thamesmead, announces she will once again be hosting her annual Campaign Summer School, and encourages young people interested in making a difference in their community to sign up now. 

Taking place from Wednesday 23rd to Friday 25th July 2025, the school is designed to empower and inspire young people between the ages of 16 and 18 from the local area to engage in politics and campaigning. 

The Campaign Summer School offers first-hand insight into the exciting world of political campaigning – bringing together the expertise of veteran political activists, local and national journalists, and partner organisations.  

At this jam-packed 3-day event, young people will have the opportunity to gain the skills and knowledge needed to make a real difference within their community and learn how to make their voice heard in our democracy.   

The Summer School programme is expected to include sessions from: 

  • Councillor Anthony Okereke, Leader of Greenwich Council
  • Christine Quigley, Vice President of Crestview Strategy
  • Yeukai Taruvinga, Chief Executive of Active Horizons
  • Google Digital Garage Team  
  • Local and National journalists

Applications are now open for those interested in signing up. The link can be found on Abena’s website here and the deadline to sign up is Saturday 31 May 2025.

Abena Oppong-Asare MP said:

“As the first female government minister of Ghanaian descent I know firsthand that whether you’re dealing with environmental issues, crime, or education, effective campaigning is the key to influencing and challenging those in power.

“I am determined to do all I can to empower our young people to be the change they want to see in the world.

“That’s why I am so exciting to launch my Campaign Summer School 2025, taking place this July, and I encourage everyone aged between 16 and 18 living locally to sign up now! See you there.”

Testimonies from past Campaign Summer School alumni:

“We all left empowered and with our minds stimulated. The emphasis on the importance of thinking critically about the world around us, and how to take action in orchestrating the change we want to see.”   

“It was an amazing opportunity, it made it clear what we as young people can do to make a change, it inspired me to start a campaign and campaign to change something I am passionate about.”   

“It was eye-opening and inspirational and made me want to do more for society.”   

For any further information please contact the Office of Abena Oppong-Asare MP at: abena.oppongasare.mp@parliament.uk

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