Honoured to unveil the new Children’s section and plaque at Abbey Wood Memorial Garden.
The garden, entirely volunteer-run under the dedicated leadership of Secretary John O’Rourke, has been 11 years in the making.
It was a privilege to join the team, local community, and veterans for such a meaningful occasion.
Congratulations to John and all involved on this remarkable achievement.
Social Media post by Abena Oppong-Asare MP:
Dear Friends,
Thank you for taking the time to look at my monthly newsletter for May 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
Positive steps forward through our Plan for Change
Whether it’s securing major trade deals with the EU, USA, and India, or delivering local initiatives like free breakfast clubs and tougher action on fly-tipping, this Government is taking meaningful steps to improve lives across Britain.
The economy is also recovering – it’s now the fastest-growing in the G7, and interest rates have been cut four times since the election last year. And I’m pleased that the Prime Minister has taken the decision to review the Winter Fuel Payment after listening to voters across the country. I know this will be positive news for many local residents.
Our ‘Plan for Change’ is working – but I know full well there’s so much more to do. I’m focused on building on the progress we’ve made – delivering more, delivering faster, and always with working people at the heart of it.
Fly-tipping Crackdown in Erith and Thamesmead
Fly-tipping has been a persistent issue in Erith and Thamesmead and across the country – up by a fifth in recent years, while prosecutions have fallen. Our streets and green spaces deserve better.
Having campaigned on this in Opposition, I fully back the Government’s new crackdown on rogue waste operators. For too long, fly-tippers got away with it – that ends now. Find out more how this will make difference locally and hear directly from the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on my website here or online here.
Visiting New Free Breakfast Clubs at Local Schools
I’m delighted that Willow Bank Primary and Jubilee Primary – both in Erith and Thamesmead – were chosen for the first phase of the free breakfast clubs’ rollout in Primary Schools across the country.
It was lovely to visit Jubilee Primary and see the breakfast club in action. Speaking with teachers, parents, and students, it’s clear these clubs will make a real difference. Learn more on my website.
Visit to Severndroog Castle ahead of VE Day
Proud to visit Severndroog Castle and speak at their VE day celebrations and their May Producers Market. I had the pleasure of seeing the wonderful view of London at its peak and listen to the Greenwich Community Choir as well as taking part in other activities on the day. Great to be joined by Cllr Zeeshan and to see so many residents celebrating and commemorating together.
Meeting with Home Instead Dartford in Erith
This month, I was also able to visit the Home Instead Dartford office in Erith. I had a very constructive discussion with their team on the importance of local carers and our care sector. Lovely to hear about their great community work also, including their work with Christ Church, Erith and Hawksmoor Primary School in Thamesmead.
End of Mayoral Term Charity Dinner with Cllr Jit Ranabhat
Had the pleasure of attending Cllr Jit Ranabhat’s End of Mayoral Term Charity Dinner. A sincere thank you to him for his dedicated service as Mayor of Greenwich – particularly as the first mayor of Nepalese heritage.
Throughout his term, he’s made a meaningful impact by engaging with underrepresented communities and championing charitable causes. His leadership over the past year has been truly inspiring.
Speaking at Men’s Matters Meeting
Nice to join a Men’s Matters meeting at the Moorings Centre in Thamesmead. It was good to speak to them on the importance of mental health issues in men and giving residents guidance about how they access help and support in our community.
VE Day Celebrations
This month marked the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day. It was important to remember and commemorate all those who lost their lives. You can watch a video I did to mark the day here and find out more about constituency events going forward here.
My Campaign Summer School Deadline
As you may know, this Summer I’m excited to be hosting my Campaign Summer School right here in Erith and Thamesmead. If you know anyone between 16 and 18, who may be interested, let them know how to find our more and sign up on my dedicated webpage here! The deadline to sign up is Friday 27 June 2025!
Ministerial work in the Cabinet Office
Pleased to share some key progress we’ve made in the Cabinet Office this past month.
Firstly, I joined the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster to open the new UK Resilience Academy, which will train over 4,000 professionals a year to help the UK respond to major threats.
I also visited Sheffield Hallam University to explore how government, industry, and academia can work together to build a skilled cyber workforce – crucial for our national security and economic growth.
Finally, I toured the new Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service Training Academy in Aintree – a world-class facility supporting fire and rescue teams across the UK. In Aintree, I also joined the third meeting of the Government’s national Floods Resilience Taskforce.
Keeping people safe is our top priority, and these steps are part of how we’re delivering on that mission.
Furthermore:
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
In recent years, fly-tipping has skyrocketed by a fifth whilst the number of prosecutions has fallen by the same amount. The failure to punish these criminals has left our high streets, roads and countryside buried under an avalanche of rubbish.
Having campaigned on this issue during my time in opposition, I strongly welcome the new Government’s tough stance on fly-tipping and waste crime. For far too long, under previous Governments, waste criminals and fly-tippers who blight our communities went unpunished undeterred. That ends now.
Councils will now have the power to work with the police to identify, seize, and crush vehicles used by waste criminals. Drones and mobile CCTV cameras will be deployed to track down the cars and vans used by fly-tippers so they can be taken off our streets and destroyed.
Those who operate illegally will face serious consequences – with new legislation introducing prison sentences of up to five years for those caught transporting or dealing with waste unlawfully.
These are strong but necessary steps to clean our streets, both here in Erith and Thamesmead and across Britain as well. I will continue to keep a close eye on how this policy is implemented locally, and I welcome any concerns or suggestions constituents may have as we work together to tackle this important local issue.
Pleased the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs personally addressed this vital issue facing Erith and Thamesmead in the video above.
My Post on Social Media supporting the Government Announcement:
Dear Friends,
Thank you for taking the time to look at my monthly newsletter for April 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
Applications for my Campaign Summer School are Open
Very pleased to announce that my Campaign Summer School is back, with applications open now.
At the jam-packed 3-day school, young people between 16 and 18 will have a fantastic opportunity to find out more about the world of political and social campaigning from veteran political activists and partner organisations.
It’s taking place from Wednesday 23 July to Friday 25 July right here in Erith and Thamesmead. So if you’re interested – or know someone who might be – then find out more on my website here.
Crossness 160th Anniversary Celebration
Lovely to commemorate the 160th anniversary of Crossness this month with the Crossness Engines Trust. I was pleased to speak at the event and praise the important work done by the Trust and their volunteers in ensuring that the pumping station is publicly accessible and in such a great condition.
It was great to be joined by the Mayors of Bexley, Bromley, Dartford and Greenwich, as well former local MP John Austen and the great-great-grandson of Crossness’ achitect Sir Joseph Bazalgette, Sir Peter Bazalgette.
Visit to Jubilee Primary School
This month, I also had the pleasure of visiting Jubilee Primary School and meeting members of their School Parliament. I answered their great questions and discussed my political journey. I also had the chance to visit a Year 3 class who shared letters to me with their concerns about plastic pollution and climate change.
It is important that as many young people as possible are aware of local and national issues we face, so I was really pleased with how engaged all the students were!
TUC Black Workers’ Conference 2025
I was honoured to be invited to speak at the annual TUC Black Workers’ Conference, where I had the opportunity to share my political journey and reflect on how my union played a vital role in shaping my activism and politics.
It is essential that we continue to stand in solidarity with workers from all backgrounds and celebrate the vital contributions our diverse workforce makes to our country.
Government action to save British Steel
Proud to join the Government this month in voting to take control of British Steel. This important step will protect jobs and safeguard our security at home and abroad.
Sadly, the previous government failed to act, which made it more important that decisive action was taken this month to secure the future of the site, bringing security to the thousands of steelworkers, their families and the community of Scunthorpe.
Ministerial work in the Cabinet Office
It has been another important month in my role as a Minister in the Cabinet Office. For example, I’ve answered a number of critical written questions from other Members of Parliament on topics I’m responsible for, such as transparency data, security vetting and national security.
Additionally, I recently responded to a debate regarding the Government’s relationship with the European Union. I highlighted the positive dialogue and reset that is taking place and the vital steps being taken, like efforts to secure a UK-EU security pact, involving cooperation on foreign policy and defence, and to address trade barriers. If you are interested you can watch my speech here or read it here.
Furthermore:
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
This Summer, Abena Oppong-Asare, MP for Erith and Thamesmead, announces she will once again be hosting her annual Campaign Summer School, and encourages young people interested in making a difference in their community to sign up now.
Taking place from Wednesday 23rd to Friday 25th July 2025, the school is designed to empower and inspire young people between the ages of 16 and 18 from the local area to engage in politics and campaigning.
The Campaign Summer School offers first-hand insight into the exciting world of political campaigning – bringing together the expertise of veteran political activists, local and national journalists, and partner organisations.
At this jam-packed 3-day event, young people will have the opportunity to gain the skills and knowledge needed to make a real difference within their community and learn how to make their voice heard in our democracy.
The Summer School programme is expected to include sessions from:
Applications are now open for those interested in signing up. The link can be found on Abena’s website here and the deadline to sign up is Saturday 31 May 2025.
Abena Oppong-Asare MP said:
“As the first female government minister of Ghanaian descent I know firsthand that whether you’re dealing with environmental issues, crime, or education, effective campaigning is the key to influencing and challenging those in power.
“I am determined to do all I can to empower our young people to be the change they want to see in the world.
“That’s why I am so exciting to launch my Campaign Summer School 2025, taking place this July, and I encourage everyone aged between 16 and 18 living locally to sign up now! See you there.”
Testimonies from past Campaign Summer School alumni:
“We all left empowered and with our minds stimulated. The emphasis on the importance of thinking critically about the world around us, and how to take action in orchestrating the change we want to see.”
“It was an amazing opportunity, it made it clear what we as young people can do to make a change, it inspired me to start a campaign and campaign to change something I am passionate about.”
“It was eye-opening and inspirational and made me want to do more for society.”
For any further information please contact the Office of Abena Oppong-Asare MP at: abena.oppongasare.mp@parliament.uk
Dear Friends,
Thank you for taking the time to look at my monthly newsletter for March 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
Celebrating International Women’s Day 2025
This month, we celebrated International Women’s Day 2025 – an important occasion for girls and young women across our country and the world. It’s a time to reflect on the significant progress made toward gender equality and to renew our commitment to creating equal opportunities for everyone, regardless of gender or background.
This year was particularly special as we celebrated the remarkable progress in electing women to the House of Commons. In last year’s election, a record-breaking 263 women were elected, making up an all-time high of 40 percent.
To mark the day, I was proud to stand alongside my fellow women MPs in the House of Commons chamber. I also posted a video on the day, which you can see here.
Greenwich Mummies Forum visit on IWD
Lovely to join the Greenwich Mummies Forum at the Plumstead Centre as part of their festivities celebrating International Women’s Day (IWD). It was inspiring to hear from our local mums and shine a spotlight on their incredible strength.
Visit to Lessness Heath Primary School
Enjoyed my visit to Lessness Heath Primary School in Belvedere, meeting Headteacher Miss Bolton, Assistant Headteacher Mr Jackson and Primary First Trust’s CEO Miss Hamilton.
It was also fantastic to tour the school, meet the wonderful students during their lunch break, and even wish the school dog, Lola, a very happy birthday!
Visit to Oscar Mayer in Erith
Pleased to visit Oscar Mayer on Erith Marshes this month. I had a productive discussion with Alex James and his team on their role locally and the challenges they face. I’m committed to supporting our local businesses while also securing the strongest workers’ rights in a generation.
Ghana’s 68th Independence Day Parliament Event
I was thrilled to attend Ghana’s 68th Independence Day celebration reception in Parliament, hosted by Bell Ribeiro-Addy MP. It was a fantastic event, joined by Lord Paul Boateng, the Minister for Africa, Lord Collins, and many other important voices from the Ghanaian community here in the UK.
As the first female Minister of Ghanaian heritage, it meant a lot to be part of this celebration and represent our constituency, which has the largest African descendant population in the country. It was a great chance to shine a light on the incredible contributions of Ghanaians in the UK and come together for such a special occasion!
Usdaw ‘Breaking Down Barriers’ event in Parliament
Pleased to join members of Usdaw’s Breaking Down Barriers programme during their visit to the Houses of Parliament.
It was good to see the important work Usdaw is doing to strengthen representation in union roles, workplaces across the country, and in politics. The group was full of impressive individuals from all walks of life who asked thoughtful questions.
Women’s History Month in Parliament
This March, we’re also celebrating Women’s History Month. It was great to join fellow Members of Parliament at the House of Commons Speaker’s reception to mark the occasion and reflect on the progress made by women in the UK.
Update on the Government’s ‘Plan for Change’
This month, the Government has continued delivering on its ‘Plan for Change’. I’m pleased to see the Education Secretary recently launch the initial rollout of free breakfast clubs, benefiting children across England, including Jubilee Primary School and Willow Bank Primary School in our constituency of Erith and Thamesmead.
I also backed the Children’s Wellbeing & Schools Bill, which will cut school costs for families, drive up standards, and ensure no child falls through the cracks. Additionally, Parliament approved the Employment Rights Bill, the biggest upgrade to workers’ rights in a generation – strengthening sick pay, banning exploitative contracts, and protecting against unfair dismissal.
Finally, I welcome the Government’s “Pathways to Work” Green Paper, which includes proposals to tackle inactivity and improve employment support for disabled people and those with health conditions. While I recognise the sensitivity of this issue, I believe these crucial steps will contribute to creating a fairer system that enables individuals to live with dignity and independence.
Ministerial work in the Cabinet Office
I’ve been excited to carry on my work in the Cabinet Office this month. I began by attending and speaking at the opening of Lloyd’s of London’s ‘Life in the Sun’s Atmosphere’ exhibition. I spoke about what the Government is doing to build a more resilient society. Find out more here.
During Cabinet Office Questions, I was pleased to update the House of Commons on the Government’s emergency alert system to keep the public alert and safe as quickly as possible during emergencies.
Additionally, it was important and moving to join Cabinet Office colleagues and other Members of Parliament to commemorate the COVID-19 Day of Reflection – marking five years on from the start of the pandemic. It was a time to remember those we lost and honour the sacrifices made by so many.
Furthermore:
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
Enjoyed my visit to Lessness Heath Primary School in Belvedere, meeting Headteacher Miss Bolton, Assistant Headteacher Mr Jackson and Primary First Trust’s CEO Miss Hamilton.
It was also fantastic to tour the school, meet the wonderful students during their lunch break, and even wish the school dog, Lola, a very happy birthday!
Social Media post by Abena Oppong-Asare MP:
Had a great time visiting Lessness Heath Primary School in Belvedere last Friday!
— Abena Oppong-Asare MP (@abenaopp) March 28, 2025
Loved touring the school, meeting the amazing students and teachers, and wishing school dog Lola a happy birthday!@Lessnessprimary pic.twitter.com/UvL9SlKrGH
Lovely to join the Greenwich Mummies Forum at the Plumstead Centre as part of their festivities celebrating International Women’s Day (IWD).
It was inspiring to hear from our local mums and shine a spotlight on their incredible strength.
Photos of Abena Oppong-Asare MP with Greenwich Mummies Forum on Saturday 8 March 2025:
Social Media post by Abena Oppong-Asare MP:
Great to join @greenwich_mummy at the Plumstead Centre for their #InternationalWomensDay event yesterday!
— Abena Oppong-Asare MP (@abenaopp) March 9, 2025
Inspiring to celebrate the strength of local mums and discuss how we can empower women and their children in our community.
Thank you for having me! #IWD2025 pic.twitter.com/p3H2l1HQdt
It was a pleasure to attend the relaunch of education classes at the Vaughan Mills Education Centre on Woodlands Farm, alongside Shooters Hill Councillors, Ivis Williams and Raja Zeeshan and the respective Mayors for Greenwich and Bexley.
I saw the fantastic nature on offer at the Farm on our tour led by Dr Barry Gray, chairman of the Woodlands Farm Trust. It is imperative more young people get outside and enjoy the great green spaces available to them in our constituency.
Photos of Abena Oppong-Asare MP at St Margaret Clitherow Primary School:
Social Media post by Abena Oppong-Asare MP:
Had a fantastic time at the relaunch of the Vaughan Mills Education Centre at Woodlands Farm!
— Abena Oppong-Asare MP (@abenaopp) February 23, 2025
It was a pleasure to tour the space with the Farm Trust’s chair, alongside @JitRanabhat, @RajaZeeshan83, @iviswill and others.
Great to see such a lovely green space in our community! pic.twitter.com/9m5sHnNLOg
It was important to recently join a walkabout with the Thamesmead Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT). It was insightful to see and hear firsthand how they deal with the challenges of policing in the local area. What stood out as especially valuable was observing how they cooperate with local schools to ensure a safe dispersal at the end of the school day – making sure the area is kept safe for the students and residents.
It is important we continue to restore trust in our police and crack down on all forms of crime.
Social Media post by Abena Oppong-Asare MP:
Important to join a walkabout with the Thamesmead Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT).
— Abena Oppong-Asare MP (@abenaopp) February 3, 2025
It was insightful to see how they keep our community safe and hear about the day-to-day challenges they face.
We must restore trust in police and crack down on all forms of crime. pic.twitter.com/PFdMV7uSsU
