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Share Your Voice: Online Safety for Young People in Erith and Thamesmead

Protecting children from harm online is a priority for the Government and for me.

Work is already underway to create a safer digital environment for young people, including closing loopholes in the Online Safety Act that allowed illegal AI-generated images and introducing new powers to respond quickly to emerging technologies. 

You may have seen that the Government is also exploring – and will soon consult on – proposals to restrict or ban social media use for under-16s, alongside other measures to improve online safety. 

I am seeking the views of residents across Erith and Thamesmead constituency on this important issue. Your feedback will help ensure local voices are represented in my discussions with the Government.

The survey takes less than five minutes to complete and is open to parents, teachers, carers, and all residents. 

Please note that a separate, pupil-specific survey has been created for young people in Erith and Thamesmead. This survey is being shared directly with schools and youth groups to ensure appropriate safeguarding arrangements.

If you are a young person who has not received the survey through your school, or a parent/carer requesting access, please contact my office at abena.oppongasare.mp@parliament.uk, and we will be happy to provide the details.

Your views will play a meaningful role in shaping my engagement with the government on this issue, and I look forward to hearing your perspective. 

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Racist Comments about Diane Abbott by Tory Party donor  

On Monday 11 March, the Guardian revealed the appalling and racist comments made by the Conservative Party’s biggest donor, Frank Hester. They revealed that Mr Hester said Diane Abbott makes you “want to hate all black women” and that she “should be shot”. 

These comments about Diane Abbott were utterly revolting and are absolutely not acceptable.  

When responding, Mr Hester said that his comments were “rude” and “had nothing to do with [Diane’s] gender nor colour of her skin”.  

I have been absolutely clear. These comments were not just rude, they were racist. This language should be condemned in the strongest terms.  

Unfortunately, it took the Prime Minister nearly two days to respond and call these remarks racist in person. However, he has yet to hand back the £10 million donation that his party received from Mr Hester.  

When these comments were revealed, I spoke out on LBC, BBC News and Sky News to share my views about these shocking remarks and why the Tories and the Prime Minister should have handed back these donations.  

You can see my remarks using the links here: LBC, BBC News and Sky News. 

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