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Share Your Voice: Online Safety for Young People in Erith and Thamesmead

Protecting children from harm online is a priority for the Government and for me.

Work is already underway to create a safer digital environment for young people, including closing loopholes in the Online Safety Act that allowed illegal AI-generated images and introducing new powers to respond quickly to emerging technologies. 

You may have seen that the Government is also exploring – and will soon consult on – proposals to restrict or ban social media use for under-16s, alongside other measures to improve online safety. 

I am seeking the views of residents across Erith and Thamesmead constituency on this important issue. Your feedback will help ensure local voices are represented in my discussions with the Government.

The survey takes less than five minutes to complete and is open to parents, teachers, carers, and all residents. 

Please note that a separate, pupil-specific survey has been created for young people in Erith and Thamesmead. This survey is being shared directly with schools and youth groups to ensure appropriate safeguarding arrangements.

If you are a young person who has not received the survey through your school, or a parent/carer requesting access, please contact my office at abena.oppongasare.mp@parliament.uk, and we will be happy to provide the details.

Your views will play a meaningful role in shaping my engagement with the government on this issue, and I look forward to hearing your perspective. 

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Fill Out My Student Survey: Online Safety for Young People in Erith and Thamesmead

Dear Students,

My name is Abena Oppong-Asare and I’m the Member of Parliament for Erith and Thamesmead constituency.

You may be aware that the Government is considering new measures to improve online safety for young people, including whether social media use should be restricted or banned for under-16s. I want to hear directly from young people in Erith and Thamesmead about what you think. 

This short survey gives you the opportunity to share your views on social media, online safety, and what changes – if any – you believe should be made. 

✅ Takes less than 10 minutes 
✅ Completely anonymous 
✅ No personal identifying information collected 
✅ Participation is voluntary 

Your responses will help ensure that young people’s perspectives are included in discussions with the Government on this issue. 

Thank you for taking part.

Yours sincerely,

Abena Oppong-Asare MP

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Have Your Say: Endometriosis Care and the Women’s Health Strategy

Endometriosis is one of the least understood health conditions, yet it impacts the lives of far too many women.

Too many face long delays in diagnosis, limited support, and a lack of awareness about the condition across society. More must be done to improve understanding among the public, healthcare professionals, and in the workplace so that those affected receive the care, compassion, and support they deserve.

As your MP, I have been advocating on this issue for many years. Before the 2024 General Election, I worked as Shadow Minister for Women’s Health and Mental Health, where I consistently raised the importance of improving care, awareness, and outcomes for those living with endometriosis.

Now, with the Government preparing to introduce a new Women’s Health Strategy, it is vital that the voices and experiences of local people help shape what comes next.

I have already been grateful to speak with constituents living with endometriosis and to hear first-hand about their experiences, but I am keen to ensure that as many voices as possible are heard.

I am proud of the progress already being made on women’s health. This includes the announcement that menopause questions will be incorporated into the NHS Health Check, action to reduce gynaecology waiting lists for the first time in years with additional funding to tackle the backlog, and the introduction of Jess’s Rule so that GPs in England ‘think again’ when patients attend multiple times without a diagnosis or when symptoms worsen.

However, there is much more to do. We must ensure this new Women’s Health Strategy is as strong and ambitious as possible – not only for women today, but for future years and generations to come.

If you or someone you love has been affected by endometriosis, I would value hearing from you. Please take a few moments to complete the survey below and share your experiences, priorities, and ideas for change.

If you know others who may be interested in contributing, please do share this survey so their voices can be heard too.

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Another Local School Set to Benefit from Free Breakfast Club, Confirms Erith and Thamesmead MP

More families and children in Erith and Thamesmead will soon benefit from free, daily breakfast clubs as the Labour government confirms the next 500 schools to offer the scheme from April, including Linton Mead Primary School, putting up to £450 a year back in local parents’ pockets.

It represents a campaign win for Erith and Thamesmead’s Labour Member of Parliament, Abena Oppong-Asare, who has encouraged all local schools to apply to join the scheme. As a result, 647 children in their constituency will be able to access a nutritious meal at the start of the day.

This announcement comes less than a year since Oppong-Asare welcomed the initial roll out of free breakfast clubs at Willow Bank Primary School and Jubilee Primary School, both based in her constituency. She was delighted to visit both of these breakfast clubs since their launch and spoke with teachers, parents, and students about the positive impact these clubs are already having on their lives.

The clubs come alongside a raft of measures driven forward by Labour to cut the cost of living for families in Erith and Thamesmead, including expanding free school meals, rolling out 30 hours of government-funded childcare, bringing down school uniform costs and securing the future of Best Start holiday clubs.

Delivering on promises made to working parents in Labour’s manifesto, all primary aged children attending Linton Mead Primary School will be able to access a free breakfast and at least 30 minutes of free childcare, every day, helping to support parents getting into work.

Universal Best Start free breakfast clubs are central to Labour’s Plan for Change, breaking down 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 plays a role in Labour’s moral mission to tackle child poverty, with the government on track to secure the biggest reduction in child poverty within a single parliament. By targeting support, Labour’s clubs will reach half a million pupils in England’s most disadvantaged communities. This will provide an essential meal to ensure every child starts the day ready to learn.

Bridget Phillipson, Secretary of State for Education, said:

“Free breakfast clubs sit right at the heart of Labour’s Plan for Change, breaking the link between background and success for families all over the country.

“Breakfast clubs can have a transformative impact on the lives of millions of children, feeding hungry tummies and fuelling hungry minds, so every child begins the day ready to learn.

“Alongside our plans to roll out school-based nurseries and get thousands more children school-ready, this government is delivering the reforms needed to give every child, wherever they grow up, the best start in life.”

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

“I am so happy to announce that Linton Mead Primary School has been selected as one of Labour’s Best Start free breakfast clubs and I cannot wait to see the club open in April.

“It’s a testament to both the school and the Labour government’s dedication to getting children school-ready so they are able to improve their attendance, attainment and wellbeing, as well as improving the household finances of local families.

“Through our Plan for Change, this Labour government is boosting parents’ work choices and children’s life chances.”

Photos from Past Free Breakfast Club Visits at Jubilee and Willow Bank Primary Schools:

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January 2026 Newsletter

Dear Friends,

Thank you for taking the time to look at my monthly newsletter for January 2026.

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

Happy New Year!

I hope everyone in Erith and Thamesmead had a restful Christmas and New Year, and I wish you all the very best for 2026. This year, I am excited to continue delivering change in Erith and Thamesmead and across the country. This Government is intent on hitting the ground running in 2026. Recently, we have announced:

  • A Warm Homes Plan: the biggest public investment in home upgrades in British history to cut bills, tackle fuel poverty and create jobs.
  • Legislation to overhaul the Leasehold system including capping ground rent at £250.
  • An Animal Welfare strategy that delivers ambitious reforms to keep pace with the latest scientific evidence and closes loopholes.
  • A historic clean energy security pact with European allies to bolster energy security for families and businesses and a new water strategy to deliver on our promise to clean up our rivers, lakes and seas.
  • The first National Youth Strategy in over two decades to support our young people meet the evolving challenges of today.
  • A Violence Against Women and Girl’s strategy that sets out the government’s vision for meeting its ambition to halve violence against women and girls in a decade.

I welcome the Government’s continued engagement with the public to help inform policy decisions. Please do not hesitate to raise any policy concerns or casework with me. I recognise that this is a challenging time for many, and I am always happy to support my constituents wherever I can.

Shikshapatri Event

It was an honour to see the Shikshapatri at the SKS Swaminarayan Temple in Woolwich with Linda Bird, Mayor of Greenwich. I was fascinated to learn about the Temple’s significance and the Swaminarayan.

Thames Water works and 244 Bus Diversion in Shooters Hill

Residents of Shooters Hill will be aware of road closures caused by burst Thames Water pipes, which have disrupted the 244 bus service since early December. This prolonged disruption has been highly detrimental to the local community.

I have raised this issue repeatedly with all relevant stakeholders and have escalated my serious concerns directly to the CEOs of Thames Water and Transport for London.

I am pleased that we have finally been able to secure a better diversion of the 244 to the top of Shooters Hill and the works are set to finish shortly. I want to thank all residents who have taken thetime to raise this with me, the Council and local representatives.

I shared an update on the situation here and will continue to monitor developments on this issue closely.

Visit to Greenwich Food Bank

At the end of last year, I volunteered at Greenwich Food Bank. This was a great opportunity to help an organisation that provides crucial support for families in the area.

I’m inspired by the incredible team of volunteers who make their work possible. I was proud to promote their winter appeal, which you can find more about here.

Christmas Celebrations

Last year’s Christmas Card Competition was as competitive as ever. My thanks to all the students who sent in their designs. I really enjoyed meeting the winner, Tanvi, Year 1, at Belvedere Infant School whose drawing of Lesnes Abbey Wood Park was sent to, amongst others, the PM and the King! I also shared the design with the Speaker in Parliament.

I was also delighted to give a reading and help decorate the tree at Christ Church Erith’s Christmas Carol Service.  It was a wonderful evening where I was joined by Revd Anthea Harris-Faulkner, Cllrs Nicola Taylor and Chris Ball, and so many from our local community.

It was great to join the Erith Rotary Club for their Annual Sleigh Tour, the Community Hospice for their Carol Concert, and the Speaker for his Christmas Reception as well.

Finally, it was a pleasure to attend the Greenwich Mummies Forum’s joyful Christmas event with local children, parents and elders. It was a very festive occasion and great to support and celebrate with such a fantastic community group in Plumstead!

Opening of Asian Oriental SuperMart

I had the honour of opening Asian Oriental SuperMart on Plumstead High Street in December. It is always a privilege to champion local businesses throughout the constituency.

Small Business Saturday

I celebrated the local high street during #SmallBusinessSaturday at the start of December. This included a visit to the Community Hospice shop, where I learnt more about their work supporting hospices in Erith and Thamesmead.


Royal Mail Visit

Really pleased to visit Royal Mail in December and celebrate the hard work of our brilliant posties ahead of the festive rush!


Holocaust Memorial Day

To mark Holocaust Memorial Day on 27th January, I attended a commemoration event at Woolwich Town Hall. I also signed the Holocaust Educational Trust’s Book of Commitment in Parliament – I fully support the Government’s commitment to tackling antisemitism that this Memorial Day reaffirms.

Parliamentary Work

On top of continuing in my role as Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Prime Minister, I have recently had the chance to speak in Parliament on behalf of my constituents.

Firstly, I welcomed the Government’s plan to develop Thamesmead Waterfront as part of their New Towns strategy in the House of Commons. I firmly believe this is one of the biggest opportunities in the country that will provide up to 15,000 new homes, thousands of new jobs, an expanded new town centre and high-quality green spaces for Erith and Thamesmead constituents. You can watch my speech in full here.

As well as this, I raised the case of one of my constituents whose mental health is negatively affected by the noise produced by the fireworks at a Westminster Hall debate. I support the Government’s consideration of reform to fireworks legislation and their use in a safe and responsible manner. You can watch my intervention here.

Lastly, I spoke during the budget debate where I welcomed the funding the Government has allocated for the DLR to Thamesmead. You can watch this speech here.

It has also been a pleasure to join several parliamentary events and learn more about the advocacy of some terrific organisations, including the Samaritans, Young Women’s Trust, The British Beauty Council, L’Oreal, Show Racism the Red Card and the Armed Forces.

Furthermore:

  • SL11 Launched – the new SL11 is now running. While it brings quicker journeys and new connections, I also know some residents have concerns about the changes to the 472 that the introduction of the SL11 has affected. Please feel free to share your experiences with me.
  • President of Germany’s address to Parliament – great to listen to President Steinmeier’s address in the House of Commons in December.
  • Martin Luther King Day – proud to mark MLK Day on January 19th and his commitment to anti-racism.
  • Burns Night – wished all my Scottish constituents a very happy Burns Night.
  • ARC and CIC You Tour of Parliament – Great to sponsor their visit to Parliament, many of whom had never been before. If you are a resident or organisation based in Erith and Thamesmead constituency, don’t hesitate to reach out to organise a tour at: abena.oppongasare.mp@parliament.uk  

Stay updated on social media

For regular updates on my activities, follow me on X (@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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