May 2026 Newsletter

Dear Friends,

Thank you for taking the time to look at my monthly newsletter for May 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

The King’s Speech and a new Parliamentary Session

This month saw the start of a new Parliamentary Session, with the King’s Speech setting out the Government’s upcoming plans.

As a constituency and as a country, we face significant challenges – from an uncertain global outlook to the continued pressures of the cost of living. In my conversations with residents across Erith and Thamesmead, I know many families are still under real pressure.

That is why I welcome the Government’s focus on taking bold action to support households, rebuild our public services, unlock growth and prepare Britain for a more uncertain world.

I therefore welcome the more than 35 bills set out in the King’s Speech, which include:

  • Speeding up improvements to the NHS;
  • Helping get Britain off the fossil fuel rollercoaster so energy bills come down;
  • Ending the struggle many parents’ face for support for SEND children;
  • Scrapping the outdated leasehold system for new homes;
  • And delivering a new generation of decent and safe social and affordable housing.

Beyond these bills, I also support the Chancellor’s efforts to reduce the cost of living through the recently announced ‘Great British Summer Savings’ scheme, including a cut to Fuel Duty, lower VAT on summer attractions, and proposed price reductions on everyday essentials.

I will continue working hard in Parliament and across Erith and Thamesmead to support residents and help deliver these changes in the months ahead.

Coffee Morning at the Plumstead Centre

Delighted to hold my ‘Meet Your MP’ Coffee Morning in Plumstead. There were so many valuable conversations about the key issues facing residents and how we can work together to continue making the community a better place to live. If you want to join next time, you can sign up on my website here.

Visit to Abbey Wood Nursery School

Thank you to the team for your warm welcome at Abbey Wood Nursery School. It was a pleasure to be shown round and learn more about some of the challenges facing early years education in the area.

Joining the Bexley Voluntary Sector Forum

Great to speak with so many leaders from Bexley’s voluntary sector at the Bexley Voluntary Sector Forum, hosted by the Bexley Voluntary Service Council. I will continue to work closely with the BVSC and local organisations to help deliver vital improvements for our community.

Visit to Morrison’s Thamesmead

Lovely to visit Morrisons in Thamesmead to hear about the expansion of its online services, which will bring local jobs and more flexible shopping options to residents. It’s always encouraging to see new investment in Thamesmead.

V.E Day Celebrations

This VE Day, I was proud to join the Thamesmead & Abbey Wood Branch of the Royal British Legion to honour the courage and sacrifice of those who served during the Second World War.

SEND Reforms: ‘Putting Children and young people first’ Consultation

This month, I responded to the Government’s consultation on SEND reforms, ‘Putting children and young people first’.

My response was shaped by many conversations with parents, teachers and residents across our community, as well as the roundtable I was pleased to host with the Minister for School Standards, Georgia Gould MP. I will continue to follow the legislation closely and ensure that the voices of our community remain at the heart of these changes

Online Safety for Young People

I also responded to the Government’s recent consultation on online safety for young people: ‘Growing up in the online world’.

Over recent months, I have been running my own local survey to gather the views of residents, young people and parents across our community. The message I heard was clear: people want to see stronger and more urgent action to better protect young people online. I look forward to seeing the Government take action, and thank everyone who took the time to contribute to my survey.

My Campaign Summer School Returns

Delighted to confirm that my Campaign Summer School is back this year and better than ever.

The programme offers young people a first-hand insight into the exciting world of political campaigning. I would encourage any local young people who are interested to find out more and register their interest using the link below. Please do also share this opportunity with anyone who may want to take part.

The deadline for signing up is now Friday 19 June and you can find out more here.

Furthermore:

  • Anniversary of the Death of Lee Rigby – On 22nd May, we marked thirteen years since Lee was so tragically and senselessly murdered. His memory remains strong in our community.
  • Endometriosis Meeting – This month, I met with local constituent Nicola to learn more about her experience of living with Endometriosis. Her insights were extremely valuable. I will continue to campaign for better awareness of the condition, to support Nicola and many other women living with Endometriosis.
  • New Towns Draft Consultation – The government have also been consulting on their draft New Towns Programme, with Thamesmead as one of their proposed locations. I responded to the consultation to warmly welcome this ambitious programme to deliver the homes and infrastructure our community needs.
  • Fly-tipping Crack Down – Delighted to join Minister for Waste, Mary Creagh, to highlight the actions this government is taking to address waste criminals. Find out more here.
  • Pride in Place Funding for Thamesmead – Pleased to be holding a survey so local residents in Thamesmead can shape how this £20 million investment transforms our area. Find out more and have your say on my website here.
  • International Nurses’ Day – On 12th May, I marked the incredible skill, dedication and impact of nurses in Erith and Thamesmead and across the UK.
  • Eid Mubarak – To all those celebrating, hoping you enjoyed a blessed Eid al-Adha.

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.abenaopponga

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Abena’s ‘Meet Your MP’ Coffee Morning in Plumstead

Delighted to hold my ‘Meet Your MP’ Coffee Morning at the Plumstead Centre this May.

There were so many valuable conversations about the key issues facing residents and how we can work together to continue making the community a better place to live.

I’m always looking to engage with constituents and that’s why I host my ‘Meet your MP’ coffee mornings in-person and in our constituency.

Constituents are more than welcome to join and have a chat with me and other members of our community about all of the important issues we face today. I’m happy to speak about both local and national topics and answer questions from constituents on any topic. 

If you want to join next time, you can sign up on my website here.

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Visit to Abbey Wood Nursery School

Thank you to the team at Abbey Wood Nursery School for such a warm welcome during my recent visit.

It was a pleasure to be shown around the school, join pupils in their lessons and see first-hand the care, creativity and dedication that go into supporting children in their early years. I was also grateful for the opportunity to hear more about some of the challenges facing early years education locally.

We also had an important discussion about the Government’s SEND reforms and the recent consultation, Putting Children and Young People First. I was pleased to continue that conversation with Headteacher Gill Crowley, who also attended my recent roundtable on the reforms with the Minister for School Standards, Georgia Gould. Her contribution helped underline just how important it is that the voices of schools, families and children are heard as these changes are developed.

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Abena visits Morrisons in Thamesmead

Lovely to visit Morrisons in Thamesmead to hear about the expansion of its online services, which will bring local jobs and more flexible shopping options to residents. It’s always encouraging to see new investment in Thamesmead.

Thanks to all the staff for hosting me and showing me around the store.

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Commemorating VE Day with the Royal British Legion in Abbey Wood

This VE Day, I was proud to join the Thamesmead & Abbey Wood Branch of the Royal British Legion in paying tribute to the courage, service and sacrifice of all those who served during the Second World War.

It was a privilege to stand alongside local veterans, Legion members and residents from across our community as we reflected on the freedoms secured by that wartime generation, and the duty we share to remember them.

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Abena welcomes stronger renters’ rights from today for over 12,500 people in Erith and Thamesmead

More than 12,500 private renters in Erith and Thamesmead – and millions more across London and England – are set to benefit from stronger protections from today, as the new Renters’ Rights Act comes into force.

The new law introduces the biggest changes to renters’ rights in over 40 years, giving local tenants greater security and protection against unfair practices.

Around 12,581 renters in the constituency will benefit from measures including a ban on Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions, helping to prevent people being forced out of their homes without reason.

Renters will also benefit from:

  • Limits on rent increases to once per year
  • A ban on bidding wars for properties
  • A cap of one month’s rent for upfront payments
  • Stronger protections against discrimination for those with children or in receipt of benefits
  • New rights to request a pet, which landlords must reasonably consider
  • Greater flexibility, with tenants able to end tenancies with two months’ notice

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

“Too many renters in Erith and Thamesmead have been living with the constant fear of losing their home through no fault of their own.

“These historic reforms will make a real difference to people locally – giving renters the security they deserve, protecting them from unfair practices, and helping families put down roots in their communities.

“I’m proud that this Labour government is delivering the biggest upgrade to renters’ rights in a generation.”

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

“For too long, families have lived with the constant fear of eviction, while young people have been outbid for the homes they need to start their lives.

“Today we are putting that right. We promised to fix a broken rental system and we’re delivering.

“This historic action will make renting fairer, safer and more secure for millions, so people can settle, put down roots and build their lives.”

Housing Secretary Steve Reed said:

“Renters have been living at the mercy of rogue landlords and in fear of losing their home for too long.

“We are putting a stop to this with historic changes that give renters the security they deserve – marking the beginning of a new era for private renters.”

The new law also introduces tougher enforcement powers for councils, with fines of up to £40,000 for landlords who break the rules, ensuring that rogue operators can no longer evade accountability.

Nationally, the reforms are expected to benefit around 11 million renters, while also improving the system for the 2.3 million landlords in England.

Across the wider area, the reforms will deliver stronger rights to for 76,127 private renters across the Royal Borough of Greenwich and 40,009 in the London Borough of Bexley, highlighting the scale of change locally.

Alongside these reforms, the government is investing in stronger enforcement and modernising the courts system to make it easier for both tenants and landlords to access justice.

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