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February 2026 Newsletter

Dear Friends,

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

My Endometriosis and Youth Online Safety Campaigns: Hearing from you

The Government is developing and consulting on ambitious new strategies for Women’s Health and Online Safety for young people. It is vital that the voices and lived experiences of local people help shape these plans, and I am keen to hear directly from you.

Work is already underway to create a safer digital environment for young people. The Government are now consulting on proposals to restrict or ban social media use for under-16s. Whether you are a teacher, student, parent or grandparent you can share your opinion on this issue, via my survey below.

Furthermore, while I welcome the progress already being made on women’s health, there is still much more to do. The forthcoming Women’s Health Strategy must deliver meaningful and lasting improvements: particularly in the diagnosis, treatment, and support available for those living with endometriosis. This is an issue I raised in Parliament this month and one I have championed for many years as your MP. You can find a clip of my intervention on my social media here. If you or someone close to you has been affected by Endometriosis, I would be grateful if you could share your experience through the survey below.

Greenwich and Bexley Nepalese Event

It was a pleasure to host members of the Greenwich and Bexley Nepalese community in Parliament on Tuesday 24 February, alongside former Greenwich Mayor and Mayoress, Councillor Jit Gurung Ranahbat and Gaumaya Gurung Ranahbat. The event was very well attended and celebrated the significant contributions that British-Nepalese individuals and community groups make to our wider society.

Visit to Christ Church School for Children’s Mental Health Week

It was wonderful to be joined by former England rugby star Jonathan Joseph at Christ Church Primary School in Erith. It was terrific to meet pupils and see Johnathan lead an inspiring coaching session action. The event celebrated the support available to young people and marked Children’s Mental Health Week. My thanks to the school for hosting and to local sponsors, Oscar Mayer in Erith, for helping make the day such a success

Visit to Alexander McLeod School

Delighted to visit Alexander Mcleod Primary School in Abbey Wood for their Aspiration Week. It was brilliant to share my journey and what I do as MP for Erith & Thamesmead and to hear the pupils’ questions.

New Free Breakfast Club for Erith and Thamesmead Pupils

Absolutely delighted to welcome this month’s announcement of a new free breakfast club for pupils in Erith and Thamesmead.

Linton Mead Primary School will open the latest club this Easter, helping ensure children start the day with a nutritious meal while also supporting families with the cost of living. These breakfast clubs play an important role in giving pupils the best possible start to their school day.

You can find out more on my website here about this policy and read about my visit to the breakfast clubs launched in our community last year.

Visit to Costa Coffee

Really pleased to have the chance to visit the new Costa Coffee in Abbey Wood and sharpen up my Barista skills! I enjoyed speaking with the wonderful staff and hearing about the experiences and issues that matter most to them in their work within our community.

Sistah Space Roundtable

Honoured to host Sistah Space’s roundtable in Parliament on Monday 9 February. The event centred on the proposal of Valerie’s Law, that would mandate cultural competency training for police to support Black women and girls affected by domestic abuse.

I am proud to stand alongside Sistah Space in their vital work and will continue working with colleagues across Parliament and in Government to help advance their mission of halving violence against women and girls.

Safer Internet Event

This event in Parliament bought together children, parents and teachers to discuss their experiences of the online world.  It was fantastic to hear directly from young people about how online safety programmes impact their understanding of the issue, which has helped to inform my campaigning on the topic.


My work in Parliament

Alongside continuing in my busy role as Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Prime Minister, I have welcomed several significant policy announcements this month.

Regarding maternity care, Baroness Amos’ report highlighted shortcomings in care across the country. I fully support the action the Government is taking to address this issue. Specifically, I welcome the serious consideration this report gives to the disparity in maternity outcomes for black and ethnic minority mothers. This is something I raised in Parliament last month and was interviewed about on BBC Radio 5 Live. I look forward to following the development of this strategy, including assessing the results of the Government’s neonatal and maternity investigation.

I also commend the release of the SEND White Paper which has started the process to transform a defunct system, to one where support is available when children need it, where they need it. Furthermore, the National Cancer Plan sets out how we will improve cancer care so that 3 out of 4 people diagnosed with cancer survive for 5 years or more by 2035.

Furthermore:

  • Greenwich Regional Final of the Jack Petchey “Speak Out” Challenge – delighted to deliver a message to pupils at this exciting event – a wonderful opportunity to celebrate and showcase the voices of young people from Greenwich.
  • Investment in local Community Spaces by Mayor of London – Great news for the local community as the Exchange in Erith and Moorings Sociable Club have both been selected for the Mayor of London’s new Community Spaces network! Looking forward to seeing next steps and how the community will benefit.
  • Ash Wednesday – wishing everyone a peaceful Ash Wednesday and Lent.
  • Ramadan Mubarak – wishing a blessed Ramadan to our Muslim community.
  • Lunar New Year – sharing good health and happiness this Lunar New Year.
  • LGBT+ History Month – it’s great to mark February as a celebration of LGBT+ history.
  • Time to talk day – pleased to support the UK’s biggest mental health conversation.
  • Eating Disorders Awareness Week – raising awareness of disordered eating behaviour during this week is pivotal to rethinking how we approach mental health.
  • Constituency Surgeries – if you would like to meet me to discuss national or local issues, please feel free to get in touch.
  • Tours of Parliament – 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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Pressing for Better Endometriosis Care in Parliament

Women living with endometriosis have endured pain, stigma and far too many delays in diagnosis for decades. This chronic condition, which affects around one in ten women and those assigned female at birth, can cause debilitating pain, fatigue and fertility challenges – yet many still wait years for a diagnosis and struggle to access the support they need.

In the House of Commons this week, I raised these concerns directly with the Minister, asking whether the Government’s new Women’s Health Strategy will lead to improved training for healthcare professionals and greater awareness of endometriosis. Too often, symptoms are dismissed or misunderstood, leaving women feeling unheard and unsupported. Earlier diagnosis and better understanding are essential to improving outcomes and quality of life.

I was encouraged by the Minister’s response and the recognition that more must be done to prioritise women’s health. The Women’s Health Strategy has the potential to drive meaningful change – from better education and training in primary care, to clearer referral pathways and faster access to specialist treatment. However, warm words must now translate into tangible action.

I will continue to press the Government to deliver real improvements and to make women’s health a genuine priority within our NHS.

Alongside raising this issue in Parliament, I have launched a survey for local residents to share their experiences of endometriosis and what they want in the upcoming Women’s Health Strategy. Hearing directly from those affected will help inform my ongoing work in Westminster and strengthen the case for change.

If you or someone you know has been impacted by endometriosis, I encourage you to take a few minutes to complete the survey and make your voice heard:

Your experiences matter, and together we can push for the improvements women deserve.

Social Media Post:

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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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Shikshapatri Event at SKS Woolwich Temple

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 temples significance in the community, be able to tour the temple and learn more about the scriptures.

Social Media Post:

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Winner of My Christmas Card Competition 2025

I am delighted to announce the successful conclusion of my Christmas Card Competition 2025 for Erith and Thamesmead.

This annual competition invites schools from across our constituency to take part.

The theme for this year was: ‘Love Erith and Thamesmead: portraits of local landmarks’.

Pupils were asked to draw or paint a design that showed a local landmark in our constituency ensuring it has a Christmas theme. This might have included sporting venues that make them happy, the parks or open spaces, local communities, shops, or even family and friends on a visit to a chosen landmark.  

As always, I would like to thank our fantastic students across the constituency who illustrated designs that show what they feel makes our constituency the fun place it is.

The artwork was assessed by a panel of judges, and I used the winning design as my Christmas Card this year, which was sent to over 1000 local people, businesses, and community groups. I also sent my card to the Prime Minister, the House of Commons Speaker and the King!

We had a great turnout from many enthusiastic students with many fun designs being sent in. I want to thank the schools, teachers, and parents who dedicated time to help organise the competition.

Congratulations to this year’s winner, Tanvi, Year 1, from Belvedere Infant School. Her design – alongside my full Christmas Card – can be seen below. She also wrote the below text to go with her design:

“I like to go to Lesnes Abbey Woods Park because it makes me happy. I can make new friends in the park and I play with them.”

I was delighted to meet Tanvi and her lovely family during a visit to Belvedere Infant School.

It was also great to join the House of Commons Speaker, Sir Lindsay Hoyle MP, to present Tanvi’s design during his annual Christmas Card Showcase for MPs.

With special thanks to the sponsors of my card, who backed this year’s competition – including Edible Oils Limited, Oscar Mayer, and Manak Solicitors.    

Abena Oppong-Asare MP’s Full Christmas Card 2025:

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November 2025 Newsletter

Dear Friends,

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

Autumn Budget and the DLR to Thamesmead Confirmed

The Chancellor’s November Budget takes important steps to ease the cost of living, reduce national debt, and cut NHS waiting lists. It includes measures such as increasing the National Living Wage, freezing prescription charges, protecting the triple lock, and committing to lift over 450,000 children out of poverty during this Parliament.

Crucially for Erith and Thamesmead, the Budget also delivers a major win for our constituency: the long-awaited DLR extension to Thamesmead is finally moving forward. After decades of waiting, this transformational project will unlock new homes create jobs, and open up opportunities for local residents.

I was delighted to join the MP for West Ham and Beckton to mark this landmark announcement, which will benefit both our constituencies. You can watch our video together on social media here. Having heard directly from residents, I know how much this matters. One local resident, Peter, who has lived in Thamesmead for over 40 years, told me how pleased he is that this long-promised improvement is finally becoming a reality.

I look forward to working with partners to ensure this vital project is delivered. You can find out more on my website or listen to my BBC London Radio interview with Eddie Nestor CBE.

Remembrance Day Events 2025

It was an honour to represent Erith and Thamesmead this November during several important Remembrance Day events in our community and in Parliament.

I joined the Wreath laying at Memorial Hospital in Shooters Hill and Thamesmead Clocktower in Thamesmead town centre as well as Plumstead Cemetery followed by the War memorial at Woolwich New Cemetery.

Then on Remembrance Sunday I attended St Michael & All Angels in Abbey Wood,
followed by a visit to Abbey Wood Memorial Gardens, where poignant artwork by local schoolchildren was on display.

I also pay tribute to the volunteers who supported the Royal British Legion to raise funds for such a great cause and I was pleased to meet some of them at their stand in Morrisons, Thamesmead.

Finally, it was an honour to attend the opening of the House of Commons Gardens of Remembrance with the Speaker of the House of Commons and colleagues. Proud to plant my tribute on behalf of Erith and Thamesmead constituency in memory of all who served and sacrificed for our country.

Campaign Win for 244 Commuters

Fantastic news for local commuters who use the 244 bus: after years of campaigning, Transport for London (TfL) has finally confirmed that double-decker buses are coming to the constantly overcrowded 244!

I’ve been pushing hard on this and I’m pleased TfL has listened to our community. I’m told that new electric double decker buses will be rolled out as they become available from the manufacturer, through the first few months of 2026. However, you may have seen some double decker buses already in operation!

Don’t hesitate to reach out to me about how this impacts you and find out more on my website here.

Officially opening the Off the Ropes Boxing Charity in Abbey Wood

I was thrilled to cut the ribbon and officially launch the Off the Ropes boxing charity at the Oxleas NHS Trust Goldie Leigh site in Abbey Wood.

It was fantastic to be joined by Oxleas CEO Dr Ify Okocha, Off the Ropes lead Warren Dunkley, and so many others to mark this exciting milestone. Their incredible team is helping local people build strength, confidence, and resilience – both inside and outside the ring.

What an inspiring mission, and huge congratulations to everyone involved. Great to have a chance to show off my boxing skills also! You can find out more about their work here: https://offtheropes.org.uk.

Willow Bank Primary School Visit

It was a pleasure to visit Willow Bank Primary School and spend time with pupils, staff, and parents. I joined the breakfast club, spoke with the school community at their sharing assembly, and met with the School Ambassadors. It was a great opportunity to hear children’s views on local community issues and to share insights about my role as their MP.

St John Fisher Catholic Primary School Visit

Great to visit St John Fisher School recently also. The pupils gave me a very creative and warm welcome and asked brilliant questions about Parliament and life as an MP. Inspiring to see such engaged young people – future leaders of Erith & Thamesmead!

Dominoes Visit

Great visit to the Domino’s Pizza store in West Thamesmead and even to get a chance to make a pizza! Huge thanks to Georgiana and the team for the warm welcome and for showing me the skill and hard work that goes into their business. 


Thamesmead Islamic Centre Visit

I had the chance to attend and observe prayers at the Thamesmead Islamic Centre. It was great to hear about the important contribution of the Islamic Centre to the local community and seeking to provide great social value. It was also a good opportunity to hear directly from constituents about their local concerns and pick up important casework.


Campaign Summer School Visit to 10 Downing Street and Parliament

Delighted to welcome graduates from my Campaign Summer School to Westminster! They met the Prime Minister’s team at No.10 and heard from the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Lisa Nandy MP, alongside Jess Morden MP and Uma Kumaran MP. It was inspiring to see their enthusiasm and commitment to getting involved. Find out more about my 2025 Campaign Summer School here.

Fireworks Coalition Event in Parliament

It was important to join the Fireworks Impact Coalition in Parliament this month. Many constituents have raised serious concerns about the impact of fireworks on themselves, animals, and the wider community.

Attending this event, hosted by the coalition and supported by organisations such as the RSPCA, provided an opportunity to hear directly from those affected.

I welcomed the Government’s public safety campaign this year, which has helped raise awareness of these issues, and I have assured constituents that their views will be fed into the upcoming review on this topic.

Black Maternal Health Parliamentary event

It was great to speak at the Maternal Mental Health Alliance’s (MMHA) Black Maternal Health parliamentary event, hosted with the Motherhood Group.

We heard about MMHA’s new report and the vital work being led by activists to advance Black maternal health. It was also brilliant to be joined by the Minister for Women’s Health, Baroness Merron, and Baroness Luciana Berger, Chair of MMHA.

Sikh Parliamentary Event sponsored by Tan Dhesi MP

Pleased to join Tan Dhesi MP at this event alongside Erith and Belvedere Temple member Bakhshish Singh Tumber. The event marked the 350th anniversary of the 9th Sikh Guru’s sacrifice. Thanks also to the Supreme Sikh Council UK for organising.

My work in Parliament as PPS to the Prime Minister

This month, I have continued my work as Parliamentary Private Secretary (PPS) to the Prime Minister. As we approach the end of the year, I’ve been working closely with parliamentary colleagues to help drive forward the Government’s Plan for Change.

Furthermore:

  • My ‘Meet Your MP’ Coffee Mornings – Delighted to promote these events, which
    you find out more about and sign up on my website here.
  • Morning After Pill free on the NHS – Delighted by this news that the morning-after pill is now available free of charge on the NHS. This Government is breaking down
    barriers with the biggest advances in women’s reproductive health since the 1960s.
  • Bring Kids Back Campaign – Proud to support the Bring Kids Back campaign on #WorldChildrens Day. We must stand together and demand the return of thousands of Ukrainian children, who are being kept from their families in Russia.
  • UK Parliament Week – Thanks to all those who reached out to me about taking part in UK Parliament Week. Great to see so many involved in our democracy.
  • White Ribbon Day – Proud to wear a White Ribbon as people come together to
    stand up against men’s violence against women and girls.
  • Sepsis & Leukaemia Awareness Week – Proud to wear the ribbon supporting
    Sepsis & Leukaemia Awareness Week and to meet the family and friends of Jibraan
    Chaudhary during their visit.
  • World Mental Health Day – Important to mark this awareness day in November.
  • World AIDS Day – December 1st was World AIDS Day so I was proud to share my
    support for all those working hard to make it so no one has to die from AIDS again.
  • Home Instead Dartford and All Saints Belvedere Parliament Tours – Delighted
    that I was able to sponsor a visit and tour of Parliament for both these groups this
    November. If you are a resident or organisation based in Erith and Thamesmead,
    don’t hesitate to reach out at: abena.oppongasare.mp@parliament.uk

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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Abena welcomes breakthrough on campaign pledge to deliver DLR extension to Thamesmead

Abena Oppong-Asare, Member of Parliament for Erith and Thamesmead, has welcomed reports that the Government is expected to confirm funding for the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) extension to Thamesmead in next week’s Budget – a major milestone for a project she has championed since her election in 2019.

The extension from Gallions Reach to Thamesmead – with a new station at Beckton – would bring a rail link to Thamesmead for the first time and help tackle decades of transport inequality in one of London’s most transport deprived areas. Journey times to Stratford could fall from currently up to 55 minutes to around 25 to 30 minutes, with commuters also able to reach Canary Wharf in 20 to 25 minutes and Liverpool Street in 35 to 40 minutes.

Extending the line is expected to unlock 25,000 new homes, up to 10,000 jobs and nearly £18 billion in private investment over 30 years – a scale of regeneration that would benefit both existing residents and future generations. It is believed over half a million people that live in Erith and Thamesmead and the wider area will benefit from this extension.

Abena was first elected on a pledge to campaign for this project, and she launched the #NextStopThamesmead campaign immediately after being elected. She has spent years driving cross-party and cross-institution support – including engagement with the Mayor of London, TfL, local authorities, developers and ministers.

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

“This is a huge step forward for Thamesmead. For too long, residents have been cut off from the transport links that much of London takes for granted. The DLR extension will finally change that – opening up access to jobs, education and opportunities across the capital.”

“I have championed this from day one. I raised it in my maiden speech and I’ve pushed ever since for the investment and regeneration our community deserves.”

“This breakthrough belongs to everyone who backed the campaign – residents, community groups and partners across London. Now we need confirmation in the Budget and a clear path to delivery, because Thamesmead has waited long enough.”

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said:

“I’m really pleased that the Government is backing the DLR extension to Thamesmead – something I’ve long called for alongside London’s businesses and communities. The project is a win-win and a massive vote of confidence in London. It will not only transform travel in a historically underserved part of the capital, but also unlock thousands of new jobs and homes, boosting the economy not just locally but nationally.

 “I look forward to working hand in hand with Ministers to deliver this vital project as we continue building a more prosperous London for everyone.”

The plan aligns well with the Chancellor’s pledge to choose growth over austerity in the Budget and drive renewal in every part of the UK.

This breakthrough comes just months after the Chancellor committed at the Spending Review to working with Transport for London (TfL) to explore options for delivering the DLR extension to Thamesmead. It also follows the government’s announcement in September that Thamesmead has been identified by the New Towns Taskforce as one of 12 recommended locations for the next generation of new towns.

The Autumn Budget will be delivered by the Chancellor on Wednesday 26 November 2025.

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Attending the Fireworks Impact Coalition Event in Parliament

I was pleased to attend the Fireworks Impact Coalition event in Parliament on 12 November to hear firsthand from organisations and individuals about the impact fireworks can have on animals, vulnerable people and communities. I know this is an issue many constituents in Erith and Thamesmead have raised with me, and I take these concerns very seriously.

While the vast majority of people use fireworks safely and responsibly, it is important that we continue to minimise the risk of harm. I therefore welcome the Government’s ongoing work to engage with charities, businesses and consumer groups to examine the current legislation and gather evidence on where improvements may be needed.

I am also encouraged by the Government’s fireworks public safety campaign for this year, which provides clearer public guidance and highlights the risks of misuse. I will follow developments closely, including the progress of the Fireworks Bill, and continue to represent the concerns of my constituents on this issue.

Thank you once again to all those who have raised this issue with me.

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Abena celebrates local victory as double decker buses to be introduced on overcrowded 244

Local Member of Parliament for Erith and Thamesmead, Abena Oppong-Asare, has welcomed Transport for London’s (TfL) announcement that double-decker buses will finally be introduced on the consistently overcrowded 244 route, following years of campaigning by local residents, community groups and representatives.

The change will significantly increase passenger capacity on the busy route, which serves key local areas including Shooters Hill, Woolwich, Thamesmead, and Abbey Wood. TfL confirmed that the new double-decker buses will be phased in over the coming months, alongside updated journey planning information and stop notices.

This marks a major milestone in a long-running local campaign. Back in 2017, TfL proposed wide-ranging route changes, including making the 244 double-decker, but these plans never materialised – leaving residents increasingly frustrated.

The issue has been of particular concern to Shooters Hill residents and members of the Shrewsbury Park Residents’ Association, who have highlighted overcrowding for nearly a decade.

Since taking on Shooters Hill as part of her constituency in 2024, Abena Oppong-Asare MP has repeatedly raised the issue with TfL – experiencing the overcrowding herself and pressing for urgent improvements.

Abena Oppong-Asare, MP for Erith and Thamesmead, said:
“This is fantastic news for local residents who have been raising concerns about overcrowding on the 244 for many years.

“It was vital for me to raise this directly with TfL and I’m delighted that they have listened to our community and agreed to introduce double-decker buses. This will make a real difference for commuters, the elderly, school pupils and families who rely on this service every day.

“I’d like to pay tribute all those who together have worked tirelessly over the years to keep this issue on the agenda. This is a great example of what we can achieve when residents and representatives work together.”

TfL had previously indicated that an update would be provided in early autumn 2024, but no confirmation followed. The latest announcement now confirms concrete plans to increase capacity, with double-decker buses being phased in after changes to stopping arrangements in Thamesmead.

Abena Oppong-Asare MP visiting a 244 bus stop in Shooters Hill to mark the victory:

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