Dear Friends,

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

New Prime Minister

This month, I was delighted to welcome Andy Burnham as our new Labour Prime Minister. In his first days in office, he has demonstrated a clear determination to deliver the practical change for working families.

From cutting VAT on energy bills and reducing business rates for pubs and hospitality venues by 20%, to pledging the biggest programme of council housebuilding since the post-war era and a renewed drive to end rough sleeping, the new Government is focused on easing pressure on household finances and strengthening communities across the country. The Prime Minister has also paused further early prisoner releases and begun seeking cross-party agreement on the lasting reform our social care system so urgently needs.

These are ambitious but necessary priorities. They speak directly to the challenges facing families, businesses and public services in our area and to Labour’s mission to rebuild trust by delivering meaningful improvements in people’s everyday lives. I look forward to working closely with the Prime Minister and his Government to ensure our community’s voice is heard and that local people feel the benefits of this change.

As we begin this new chapter, I also want to pay tribute to Keir Starmer for his hard work, leadership and dedication to public service. He led Labour back into government and served our country with commitment and integrity. I wish him and his family all the very best for the future.

My Campaign Summer School 2026

I was delighted to host my fifth Campaign Summer School this month, welcoming an energetic group of local young people for three days of inspiring and practical sessions on politics, campaigning, media, business and community leadership.

The Summer School is designed to help young people build their confidence, develop new skills and learn more about how they can make their voices heard and create positive change in their communities.

It was fantastic to see the energy, curiosity and ambition of everyone who took part. I am very grateful to all our speakers, partners and supporters, including London South East Colleges, Domino’s in Thamesmead and Ocado for helping to make this year’s programme such a success.

You can read more about the event in my blog here.

Pride in Place Walkabout in Thamesmead

I was pleased to join a roundtable and walkabout with council leaders, representatives from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, and local councillors in Thamesmead to discuss the new £20 million of Pride in Place funding coming to the area.

Work is now under way to appoint a chair and board to help lead the project, with  residents’ views at the heart of how the funding is used. I look forward to working with local people to make sure it delivers the greatest possible benefit for our community.

Hosting Jo Cox Women in Leadership Programme 10^th anniversary event

It was a real pleasure to co-host the 10th anniversary event for the Jo Cox Women in Leadership Programme this month.

The event brought together graduates from across different cohorts to celebrate a decade of achievement, reflect on Jo’s life and legacy, and recognise the lasting impact of this remarkable programme.

Meeting with South-East London ICB CEO

It was important to meet with Andrew Bland, Chief Executive of South East London’s Integrated Care Board, alongside the ICB’s Bexley lead, to discuss a wide range of issues affecting residents across Erith and Thamesmead.

We covered local health service provision, NHS structural changes, waiting times, mental health support and other key priorities for our community. I look forward to continuing to work with Andrew and the wider ICB team.

Harris Garrard Academy Awards Evening

I really enjoyed speaking at Harris Garrard’s annual awards evening and celebrating the students’ achievements over the course of this academic year, including most academic, most resilient, and most improved in each subject.

It was a wonderful opportunity to highlight the hard work, and progress students have made throughout the year.

Furthermore:

• Endometriosis Rapid Tests – I welcome news that rapid endometriosis tests will be available on the NHS. I’ve been calling for more action in Parliament and will keep pushing for better care for the millions living with endometriosis.
• Improving Maternity and Neonatal Care – Baroness Amos’ final report into maternity revealed deeply worrying findings. The government must deliver on its commitment to bring lasting change in this area, and I will continue to press for action. You can read the full report here.
• Windrush Day – It was fantastic to see politicians from across parliament come together to celebrate the contributions of the Windrush generation and their legacy at a reception at Number 10 Downing Street.
• Srebenica Memorial Day – On 11th July, I remembered the victims of the genocide in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
• Meeting with Deputy Mayor, Seb Dance – Really valuable to meet with the Deputy Mayor of London alongside fellow MPs and Councillors in the area to discuss improving bus connections in Erith and Thamesmead and the wider area.
• British Beauty Council Event – I was delighted to support the important work of the British Beauty Council to represent the industry, at an event in Parliament.
• Mayor of London’s Summer Reception – Important to join this reception to discuss the Mayor’s work to build a fairer, safer, greener and more prosperous London.
• British Summer Savings Scheme – This Summer you may have heard that families can enjoy discounted attractions and meals with the launch of the government’s Great British Summer Savings scheme. Find out more here.
• Meeting with Bright Stars Kids Daycare and Thames Tiddlers Nursery – Thank you to these local nurseries for hosting an important discussion about the challenges facing independent nurseries in the constituency.
• Congratulations to the Three Lions – I really enjoyed following England’s journey at the Football World Cup, and we can be immensely proud of their third-place finish.

STAY UPDATED ON SOCIAL MEDIA:

Follow me on: X (@abenaopp), Facebook (Abena Oppong-Asare MP, Erith and Thamesmead), and Instagram (abena.oppongasare.mp). You can sign up to my digital newsletter at www.abenaoppongasare.com/get_in_touch