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Celebrating my fifth successful Campaign Summer School

I was delighted to welcome local young people to the fifth edition of my Campaign Summer School this July.

Held over three days at London South East Colleges’ Greenwich Campus in Plumstead, the programme was designed to help young people learn more about politics, develop practical campaigning skills and build the confidence to make their voices heard.

I first launched the Campaign Summer School in 2021, during the height of the pandemic, because I wanted to give local students hands-on insight into how positive change happens. The programme has now taken place five times, pausing only in 2024 because of the General Election.

This year, we brought together an inspiring range of speakers from Parliament, politics, local government, the media, business and campaigning.

Damien Arness-Dalton from the UK Parliament’s Education and Engagement Outreach Team led a session on how Parliament and democracy work, while Chisola Chitambala, who appeared on the BBC’s The Apprentice, spoke about her experiences as a trailblazer in the corporate world.

Students also heard from tampon tax campaigners Laura Coryton MBE and Rima Amin about how a petition can grow into a successful national campaign.

Councillor Anthony Okereke, Leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, and Martin Angus, Political Adviser at the Local Government Association, discussed local government and community leadership.

Paul Richards, a writer, broadcaster and former government special adviser, led a practical session on how to write a press release. Aletha Adu, political correspondent at The Guardian, spoke about the role of the media and how young people can get started in journalism.

We were also joined by strategy consultant John Lehal, who shared his experience of careers in public affairs and politics, and Bashir Ibrahim, who spoke about his role as a senior adviser to the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan.

It was fantastic to see the energy, curiosity and thoughtful ideas that the students brought to every session. They engaged fully with the speakers, asked important questions and showed a real determination to make a difference in their communities.

I hope everyone who took part left feeling more confident about using their voice, taking action and pursuing their ambitions.

I am extremely grateful to all the speakers who gave their time and shared their knowledge and experience. I would also like to thank London South East Colleges for their generous hospitality and Domino’s in Thamesmead for kindly providing pizzas for the students between sessions.

Following this year’s programme, I am expanding my LinkedIn network to bring together students, speakers and members of my wider professional network. I hope this shared space will allow participants to exchange ideas, discover opportunities and support campaigns that create positive change in our community.

I am incredibly proud of what the Campaign Summer School has achieved across its five editions, and I am already looking forward to welcoming the next generation of young changemakers.

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June 2026 Newsletter

Dear Friends,

Thank you for taking the time to look at my monthly newsletter for June 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 Prime Minister’s Resignation and Looking to the Future

This month marks an important moment in national politics, as Keir Starmer’s time as Prime Minister comes to an end and the country prepares for a new Prime Minister to take office shortly.

I am grateful for the opportunity I had to serve in his Government, first as a minister and then as his Parliamentary Private Secretary, and for the seriousness and commitment to public service he brought to the role.

Whatever changes take place in Westminster, my focus remains the same – standing up for our community, working hard for local residents, and helping to deliver the stability, opportunity and better public services people rightly expect.

Thamesmead’s Pride in Place Chair Applications Now Open

Earlier this year, Thamesmead Birchmere Park was selected for the Government’s Pride in Place Programme, bringing £20 million of investment to our community.

Residents will have a key say in how this funding is spent, and applications are now open for the Chair position to help lead this important work.

Find out more about how to apply here, complete my Pride in Place survey here, or watch my announcement video here.

Plumstead Make Merry Festival

As ever, it was great to join Plumstead Make Merry Festival. It is a brilliant celebration of local music, arts, food and community spirit. Huge thanks to the volunteers who make this much-loved festival possible, and to everyone who came together to celebrate.

South Rise Primary School Visit

I was delighted to visit the Eco-Committee at South Rise Primary and hear about the fantastic work pupils are doing to support their school environment and wider community.

I also joined them for a litter pick around the school grounds and was impressed by their enthusiasm, teamwork and commitment to making a positive difference.

Coffee Morning at All Saints Parish Church

I was pleased to attend a coffee morning at All Saints Parish Church in Belvedere, where I had the opportunity to meet with parishioners.

It was a pleasure to speak about my role as the Member of Parliament for Erith and Thamesmead, answer questions from attendees, and hear directly about the issues that matter to local residents.

Joining Bexley Voluntary Sector Council Awards

Honoured to attend the Bexley Volunteer Excellence Awards and present the Trustee of the Year Award. Lovely to celebrate the incredible individuals and teams who make a real difference across Bexley. Congratulations to the winners, all nominees, and thanks to BVSC for hosting.

Visit to Thamesmead PDSA Pet Hospital

Great to visit Thamesmead PDSA Pet Hospital following its relocation from Eynsham Drive. It was lovely to tour the new facility, meet the dedicated team, and hear more about the important support they provide to pets and families across our community.

Ghana-UK Investment Summit Speaking and President Meeting

Delighted to speak at the Ghana-UK Investment Summit. I welcomed a renewed commitment to the Ghana-UK partnership and the practical opportunities it can create for people and businesses in both countries.

I also met with the President of Ghana and the Prime Minister at 10 Downing Street to discuss further collaboration between our nations.

Hosting Cancer and Health Inequalities Roundtable

It was a pleasure to host DChanger UK in Parliament to discuss cancer inequalities in Black communities. Proud to support their vital work supporting underserved communities facing cancer.

Speaking in Parliament on Online Safety for Young People

Protecting children online means going further than access restrictions. Reading constituents’ views on my survey showed strong support for action, and I’m pleased the Government is listening. Now we need stronger transparency over the algorithms shaping what children see. I raised this issue in Parliament, which you can watch here.

Furthermore:

  • Attended the UK Parliament Teacher Ambassador Programme Reception – It was a pleasure to join this welcome reception and to congratulate Sara, a local teacher, on her successful application to the programme.
  • D-Day Anniversary – 6th June marked 82 years since D-Day, and it was important to mark the extraordinary courage of the British and Allied forces who landed in Normandy that day.
  • Jo Cox anniversary and Great Get Together – 10 years since her death, Jo’s legacy lives on in every barrier broken, and in every act of courage and sisterhood she inspired. I was honoured to attend the Great Parliamentary Get Together this month in her memory.
  • Grenfell Tower Anniversary – Nine years on from Grenfell, we remember those who tragically lost their lives.
  • Great British Summer Savings Reception – Pleased to hear from the Chancellor at No. 11 Downing Street to hear how constituents will benefit from this scheme.
  • DLR Consultation – Transport for London is currently consulting on plans to extend the DLR to Thamesmead. You can have your say here ahead of the 16 July deadline.
  • Parliamentary Defence Showcase – Proud to support and meet members of our Armed Forces at a Defence Showcase in Parliament during Armed Forces Week.
  • Wishing best of luck to England in the World Cup – Let’s hope we can bring it home this time!
  • Monthly Advice Surgery – Important to host my monthly advice surgery this month to discuss issues impacting local residents.

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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