February 2024 Newsletter

Dear Friends,

Many thanks for taking the time to look at my latest newsletter for February 2024.

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

DLR to Thamesmead

This month, I was pleased to see TFL’s launch of a consultation to extend the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) to two new stations in Beckton Riverside and Thamesmead. 

Since I was elected in 2019, I have been campaigning for increased transport links for Erith and Thamesmead residents that many others across London already enjoy. My #NextStopThamesmead Campaign aims to bridge the gap that many constituents face in accessing jobs and opportunities across London. 

The TFL proposal to extend the DLR to Thamesmead would be a much-needed improvement, unlocking new homes, helping to boost connectivity and providing more public transport options for the people of Thamesmead. 

TFL are holding a consultation until the 18th of March, allowing you to have your say.  

You can share your comments through the online consultation page here and you can also share your views with me and join my campaign on my website here.

Superloop Expansion

It was also great to see the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan launch the expansion of the Superloop bus service this month, providing more transport options to those who need it.  

The new SL3 express bus route runs between Bromley and Thamesmead providing better links to Queen Mary’s Hospital in Sidcup and other locations in South East London and beyond. It will also provide better bus links for the people of Thamesmead travelling to and from Abbey Wood Station.   

My Work in Parliament

This February, I have been busy in Parliament raising my constituent’s concerns and challenging the Government in my role as Shadow Minister for Women’s Health and Mental Health.

At the beginning of the month, I was delighted to mark Children’s Mental Health Week during its 10th year in action. It is organised by Place2Be, which deserves great thanks for all the work that it does to support children’s mental health across Britain.

This year’s theme, “My Voice Matters”, went to the heart of the issue. Every child matters. Each child counts no matter who they are, what their parents do, what their race or religion are, or where they live. Every child must know that their voice matters, and we need a system that listens to every child.

Recent data indicates that the Mental Health crisis amongst our children is worsening, with record numbers of referrals to children and young people’s mental health services. In Parliament, I shared Labour’s commitments to combat this crisis by creating open-access mental health hubs for children and young people in every community, placing specialist support in every school and by cutting waiting lists for those seeking mental health support. 

I also contributed to a recent Guardian article which highlighted the steep rise in Black inpatients injured while being restrained by police in mental health units. There is a pressing need to directly challenge racial disparities in mental health treatment. These figures reveal that the shocking racial inequalities in our mental health services are only widening, and so much more needs to be done to address them.

As you may be aware, this month Parliament passed Labour’s amendment calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza and for a pathway to long-term peace. As your MP, I voted for the Labour amendment which also demanded the release of all hostages, an end to settler violence, Israel complying with the ICJ ruling and the unequivocal need for a political process to work towards a two-state solution. 

Unfortunately, these important votes and the wider debate was overshadowed by arguments over parliamentary procedure. Since entering the House of Commons in 2019, this is the worst I have seen it. It was especially disheartening to see party political game-playing at a time when our debate on this issue should be deeply serious.

In the House of Commons, I also challenged the Government on their UNWRA funding position, asking for assurances over a timeframe for bringing back the funding. The need for aid in Gaza has reached a critical position, and it’s vital that the Government gives clarity on this issue. You can see my intervention here

As ever, if you are interested in a Tour of Parliament and live in Erith and Thamesmead then I would be happy to arrange this for you. Please contact me at: abena.oppongasare.mp@parliament.uk.

Visit to London South East Colleges

It was fantastic to visit the London South East London Colleges Bexley campus this month. I had an insightful discussion with the CEO and Student Union President, as well as a tour of the college’s impressive facilities. 

It is so important that we hear directly from young people on their experiences with mental health, which is why I was very pleased to have been able to have a roundtable discussion with students from the College. 

We know that our child and adolescent mental health services are in a severe state of crisis, with the number of children and young people undergoing treatment or waiting to start care having reached new records. That’s why Labour will recruit thousands more mental health staff to cut waiting lists and ensure more people can access treatment alongside creating an open-access mental health hub for children and young people in every community. 

My visit only reaffirms my commitment to championing our colleges, empowering our teachers, and providing every student with the tools they need to succeed. I look forward to working with the College in future to support the talents and aspirations of the young people in Erith and Thamesmead.

Visit to Cornerstone School with London Sport

I also visited Cornerstone School in Belvedere, who provide a foundation of learning, tailored to pupils aged 11 – 19 who have a primary diagnosis of autism, and Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs, to join a sport session supported by London Sport. 

London Sport, a charity focussed on tackling inequality and inactivity in London, is distributing £5.7m of funding to schools in London over a three-year period. Thanks to this funding, Cornerstone School has been able to run projects for its students with new equipment and increased accessibility.

It was amazing to see the students showcasing their sports skills and competitiveness at the gym, table tennis and trampolining. I was particularly impressed with the leadership and dedication of the headteacher and her team. It was clear how passionate all the teachers were to make sure the students had a nurturing, friendly and supportive environment.

UNISON’S National Women’s Conference

I was delighted to be invited to give a keynote speech at UNISON’s National Women Conference, where one of its key focuses was on women’s health at work. 

The discussions revolved around needs of women workers with respect to endometriosis, menopause and menstruation and how they hamper workplace wellbeing, especially when not taken into consideration by employers. An important motion passed was on improving maternity care for Black women who face a higher risk of losing a child to miscarriage or losing their life during childbirth. 

In my speech, I highlighted racism faced by women of colour while accessing healthcare services and I spoke about the importance of employers’ recognising and understanding menopause in women. 

I made clear that women’s health must be a priority for the Government, yet too often women’s needs have been ignored. 

Instead of continuing to sideline women’s health, I shared Labour’s mission to build the NHS fit for the future, tackling inequalities, rooting out racism and creating systems which recognise women’s health needs.

It is time to restore our National Health Service, free at the point of use, available to all. 

You can read more about the conference and my speech here: Women’s health at work is a UNISON priority says conference | Article, News | News | UNISON National

ITV’s Late Debate

It was a pleasure to be on the panel of The Late Debate with ITV News and discuss a number of important issues including the safety of public officials, tax incentives for London tourists and the upcoming Mayoral election. 

In particular, I raised my concerns about the current climate of abuse against people in public life, with people of colour and women often being more at risk. In my role as Chair for Labour’s Women Network, I have worked hard to train women to build resilience towards the abuse they are subjected to, and best practices towards tackling it.  

People in public life should not be scared or intimidated while carrying out their responsibilities and I hope to see more progress in changing the current climate. 

Visit to the Opening of Orleans Woodland Walk

Last month, I was pleased to visit the Oxleas Goldie Leigh site and officially open the new Woodland Walk. I was very impressed with this new development and excited to hear how it will support the wellbeing of staff, patients and visitors.

It was great to meet with those involved and hear about their vision for the future of Goldie Leigh. I was particularly impressed with the plans for the Health and Wellbeing Centre, which will be an excellent asset to the community.

Visit to Alexander McLeod Primary School

Last month, I also visited Alexander McLeod Primary to hear from students about their Black History Month project on the Windrush scandal.

I was so impressed with the student’s knowledge of the Windrush generation and their ability to communicate this important story that impacted so many people’s lives. 

I was also interested to hear about the student’s investigation into the different demographics of people who live in Abbey Wood and how this has changed over the years. 

Engaging with young students and seeing them so interested in politics is inspiring and truly one of the best parts of being an MP.  The enthusiasm and dedication of all the teachers and support staff at the school was evident to see. 

Update on Casework for February

Thank you to everyone who has contacted me throughout February to raise the issues that you have been facing.

Unfortunately, we are seeing an increase in constituents struggling with the increasing living costs and the strain this is placing on families. My team and I have been and will continue to support the most vulnerable as they face these challenges.

This month, delays in the Home Office processing immigration applications continue. Several IT errors have been cited, preventing the Home Office from making decisions on applications and causing further delays.

While I know the struggles that too many in Erith and Thamesmead are still facing, I was pleased to see successful outcomes on a variety of cases. I will continue to support constituents on the issues that they are facing as we move into March.

As always, if you have any concerns or issues that you like to raise with me, please contact my office using the following channels:

Furthermore:

  • Holocaust Memorial Day at Woolwich Town Hall – I was also pleased to attend this important service of remembrance marking Holocaust Memorial Day in Greenwich. 
  • Lord Bob Kerslake Celebration of Life Memorial – Pleased to attend the memorial for Lord Kerslake, who was an inspirational champion of improving our cities, towns and villages through its positions in local and national government.
  • Dinner with the Royal College of Psychiatrists – It was lovely to meet Dr Lade Smith CBE and other members at the Royal College to discuss the current mental health crisis and what more needs to be done. 

Sign up to my Coffee Morning

If you are interested in coming along to a future Coffee Morning, I’ve just launched my webpage where you, your family and friends can sign up to register your interest in attending a meeting.

Sign up:  https://www.abenaoppongasare.com/upcoming-events/coffeemorning/

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

 

January 2024 Newsletter

Dear Friend,

Many thanks for taking the time to look at my latest newsletter for January 2024.

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 and Best Wishes for 2024

I hope that everyone in Erith & Thamesmead had a very merry and restful Christmas period and are having a good start to the New Year.

Last year was one of mixed emotions. While there were so many great things going on in our community, there has been far too much pain as a result of the continued cost of living crisis. I don’t need to tell you how difficult the last few years have been and how challenging the situation remains for families across the constituency and the country.

My team and I have been doing all we can to support constituents as they face serious challenges including housing insecurity, financial difficulties, immigration issues and much more. Over the course of the last year, I worked with constituents on almost 12,000 issues and while I know too many still struggle, I’m pleased to have had many successful outcomes supporting those in need.

As you may also be aware, later this year we are expecting a General Election. I look forward to campaigning on how a Labour Government would do things differently and move our country forward if we are privileged to win. In the meantime, I will continue to work hard for our community and hold the Government to account in Parliament.

Norwich Hospital and Mental Health Hub Visits

We know that so much more needs to be done to tackle NHS waiting times and to address the mental health crisis faced by our youth.

This month, I was pleased to join the Labour candidate for Norwich North, Alice Macdonald as we met the hard-working staff at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital and also the fantastic team at the Risebrow Mental Health hub in Norwich City centre.

It was really important to hear all the pressing issues they are facing and I was also pleased to share Labour’s plans on how we would do things differently.

My Work in Parliament

This January, I have been active in Parliament raising many constituent’s concerns and challenging the Government in my role as Shadow Minister for Women’s Health and Mental Health.

I began the month by joining the Shadow Health team in highlighting the current crisis in NHS dentistry and the Government’s failure to take action. People across the country are finding it impossible to get an NHS dentist when they need one and the consequences for patients are appalling. Our analysis found that more than half of dental surgeries in England aren’t accepting any new patients – with 8 in 10 refusing to take on adults and 7 in 10 shutting their doors to new child patients. In the Opposition, we believe this is unacceptable and needs to change.

In Parliament, we put forward a new ‘Dentist Recovery Plan’ to provide 700,000 more urgent appointments and new dentists in areas with the greatest needs. Unfortunately, the Government didn’t back our plan and I believe are continuing to fail to take urgent action to address this crisis in dentistry.

I also spoke in a debate this month on Trends in Excess Deaths, where I shared my deepest sympathies with all the families affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and why so much more needs to make our NHS fit for the future.

Then in Health and Social Questions, I shared the story of Sandy Simmons, who has waited nearly a year for surgery after a uterine prolapse. I challenged the Government to explain why so many patients are experiencing long delays to get the surgeries and treatment that they desperately need.

This month, I have also been supporting Labour’s plans to get zombie knives off the streets. After seeing the devastating impact knives have had in our constituency, I’m pleased to back these proposals and I’m also pleased to back my colleagues Helen Hayes MP’s bill to make this happen. These horrific weapons have no place on our streets. While I’m pleased the Government have committed to act, I continue to be concerned by the constant delays and urge them to take comprehensive action now.

I also supported Fleur Anderson MP’s bill aimed at creating a mould free Britain. Over 2.5 million people in the UK are renting cold, damp or mouldy homes. This is unacceptable and we need to ensure mould is addressed so children, families and everyone lives in an acceptable and safe environment.

Finally, it was also great to meet a number of constituents who came to Parliament to watch Prime Minister’s Questions this month. It was very nice to meet you all.  

As ever, if you are interested in a Tour of Parliament and live in Erith and Thamesmead then I would be happy to arrange this for you. Please contact me at: abena.oppongasare.mp@parliament.uk.

Local team from YouthBuild Ventures UK visit to Parliament

It was wonderful to meet the local team from YouthBuild UK, who came for a tour of parliament finishing with a Question and Answer session!

I thoroughly enjoyed talking to these young people who asked brilliant questions about the role of an MP, the function of parliament, job prospects and Britain’s economy.

YouthBuild Ventures UK do great work in opening access and career opportunities with construction organisations for disadvantaged young people at risk from social exclusion. It was great to meet the group in parliament and I want to thank them for coming.

Roundtable on Mental Health app ‘Shout’ with Google and Mental Health Innovations

This month, I was also thrilled to host an important roundtable bringing together MPs, Google Experts and Leaders from Mental Health Innovations to discuss and explore how technology and artificial intelligence can support mental health services in the UK.

Mental Health Innovations is a charity pioneering technology to improve the mental health of the UK population. In 2019, they launched the Shout, a text message service providing free, 24/7 mental health support to anyone in the UK.

We were also joined by the parents of a 12-year-old who was a Shout beneficiary, and it was lovely to hear how the service supported their child in their time of need. More information can be found at: https://giveusashout.org/.

My Update on Casework for January

Thank you to everyone who contacted me in the last month and over the course of 2023 to raise the issues you have been facing.

My team and I have been doing all we can to support constituents as they face serious challenges. This month, I noticed a slight increase in immigration-related queries, many of which are a direct result of the significant delays in the Home Office’s processing of cases, including EUSS applications and administrative reviews.

In January, I have referred three constituents to the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman who wanted to bring their complaints regarding the issues they had with Student Loan Company, DWP and CAFCASS. I’m also pleased to have arranged another regular surgery to speak to constituents about some more complex issues they are facing.

As always, if you have any concerns or issues that you like to raise with me, please contact my office using the following channels:

Furthermore:

  • Jo Cox Commission Event – It was good to join the launch of the Jo Cox Civility Commission report into tackling abuse and intimidation in British Politics. It’s important we reflect and learn from their findings.
  • MPS Commissioner Meeting – I also joined an important meeting with the Met Commissioner to discuss policing in London, raising important concerns around Met Reform and current strategic operations.
  • Women’s Health Summit Reception- Pleased to join the summit on Women’s Health Strategy 2024. I engaged in discussions with prominent stakeholders towards enhancing and shaping women’s health in the future and drive policies that prioritise a better experience for women in the NHS.
  • Cervical Cancer Prevention Week- It was insightful to attend an important reception by Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust to hear experts talk about the success of cervical screening and HPV vaccination programmes, how to tackle inequalities in prevention, and innovations that could help us eliminate cervical cancer.

Sign up to my Coffee Morning

If you are interested in coming along to a future Coffee Morning, I’ve just launched my webpage where you, your family and friends can sign up to register your interest in attending a meeting.

Sign up:  https://www.abenaoppongasare.com/upcoming-events/coffeemorning/

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

 

December 2023 Newsletter

Dear Friend,

Many thanks for taking the time to look at my latest newsletter for December 2023.

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 that everyone in Erith & Thamesmead had a very merry and restful Christmas period. December was a very busy time in our community with lots of events and activities. You may have also noticed my Christmas Advent Calendar on social media, where I was sharing so many of the great things going on. I was pleased to join a number of these events to celebrate the festive season.

For example, it was lovely to take part in the annual Christmas Tree Festival at Christ Church in Erith and to see all the impressively decorated trees. Along with many local families, charities and businesses, I was glad to decorate my tree to contribute to another successful festival. As well as this, it was nice to see so many at the Christ Church Erith Carol Service hosted by Revd Anthea Harris-Faulkner.

It was also great to attend and do a reading at a number of other carol services across our community including for the All Saints Belvedere Carol Concert and the Carol Service at the Old Royal Naval College Chapel hosted by Greenwich and Bexley Community Hospice.

And it was fantastic to join Santa with the Rotary Club of Erith as they travelled across our local area to raise funds for local charities, as the club has been doing for over 90 years.

And finally, there was no better way to celebrate the Christmas festivities than at Belvedere Community Centre’s community Christmas lunch. Such a great atmosphere and I want to say a huge thanks to the staff, volunteers and supporters of Belvedere Community Centre for bringing us all together and for the amazing food and carols!

I want to thank everyone who hosted events in Erith and Thamesmead throughout the Christmas period and again hope everyone had a lovely Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Christmas Card Competition 2023

It was also very nice to hold a constituency competition to design my annual Christmas Card for 2023.

This is where I invite students from across Erith and Thamesmead to submit their artwork to go on my Christmas Card and also to be showcased in the House of Commons by the Speaker of the House. The theme for this year was: ‘What Makes Me Happy in Erith and Thamesmead’ and I’d like to thank all the pupils who took part.

The Winner was Mija Liumpa, aged 10, from Parkway Primary School and you can see her brilliant design below – representing the old Mulberry tree near the Abbey Wood ruins.

If you would like to know more about the competition and the winner you can read my article announcing the winner here.

Thanks also to the local co-sponsors who kindly supported part of this year’s competition – Co-op Belvedere and Manak Solicitors.

My Work in Parliament

This month, I was also working hard to share Labour’s message on the NHS and our Health Care system in Parliament. I’ve also been raising several issues that I know are important to those in our community.

I began the month by challenging new Health Secretary, Victoria Atkins MP on the current state of the NHS after 13 years of Conservative Government. For example, at Health Questions, I highlighted that two-thirds of Maternity services are now rated inadequate or requires improvement and made clear that the problems are only getting worse, leaving more mothers and their babies at risk, receiving care that’s not good enough.

Furthermore, I challenged the Government to address the urgent crises of NHS waiting lists, NHS dentistry services and in Social Care that’s leaving too many across the country without the support they need. In response to these crises, I made clear the Opposition’s plans to tackle these emergencies and shared our mission to make the NHS fit for the future.

In addition to this, I also wrote to the government regarding the concerning events in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo and what steps are being taken to reduce the outbreak of disease and hunger in the region, as a result of ongoing conflict.

It was also great to have a number of constituents come to Parliament to watch Prime Minister’s Questions or go on a Tour of the estate. I was particularly pleased to hear that so many students from Woolwich Polytechnic School were able to come for a Tour.

As ever, if you are interested in a Tour of Parliament and live in Erith and Thamesmead then I would be happy to arrange this for you. Please contact me at: abena.oppongasare.mp@parliament.uk.

New Kitchen at the Javan Coker Foundation

I was also very pleased to join the Javan Coker Foundation (JCF) this month as they celebrated the installation of their newly refurbished kitchen at the JCF centre.

Alongside the Council Leader, Cllr Anthony Okereke, it was lovely to join the team for the opening and hear about all the great work they have been doing to support children and families in need.

If you would like to find out more about the charity and what they are doing in our community, then you can find their website here: https://www.thejavancokerfoundation.org/

My Update on Casework for December

Thank you to everyone who contacted me in the last month and over the course of 2023 to raise the issues you have been facing.

My team and I have been doing all we can to support constituents as they face serious challenges. Unfortunately, it has been another very difficult year as far too many have faced housing insecurity, financial difficulties, immigration issues and much more.

As I mentioned in my last newsletter, this year my team and I have worked on almost 12,000 issues for constituents. While I know too many are still struggling, I’m pleased to have had many successful outcomes and to have made a lot of positive change for many in our community. I will continue to challenge the Government on all these issues as well as working with constituents on many of the personal issues they are facing.

As always, if you have any concerns or issues that you like to raise with me, please contact my office using the following channels:

Finally:

  • St Fidelis Primary School Christmas Singers – I wanted to say that I’m so proud of all our St Fidelis singers who participated in the King’s Christmas Speech with Bexley Music on Christmas Day.

Sign up to my Coffee Morning

If you are interested in coming along to a future Coffee Morning, I’ve just launched my webpage where you, your family and friends can sign up to register your interest in attending a meeting.

Sign up:  https://www.abenaoppongasare.com/upcoming-events/coffeemorning/

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

 

November 2023 Newsletter

Dear Friend,

Many thanks for taking the time to look at my latest newsletter for November 2023.

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

Remembrance Sunday

This November, I was honoured to lay wreaths at Thamesmead War memorial followed by the War memorial at Plumstead Cemetery in remembrance of all those from Erith & Thamesmead who gave their lives to protect our freedom. On Remembrance Sunday, I also went to the Wreath laying at Callender’s Cables Memorial.

Thank you to Thamesmead and Abbey Wood Royal British Legions for arranging the services and for all the work they do throughout the year.

Earlier in the month, I was also honoured to place a poppy in Parliament’s Garden of Remembrance on behalf of the residents of Erith and Thamesmead.

We shall never forget those who bravely served and paid the ultimate sacrifice.

Cost of Living Crisis and the state of public services

I know how worried so many have been in our community as a result of the ongoing cost of living crisis. I don’t need to tell you how extraordinary and challenging the last few years have been and how challenging the situation remains for families across the constituency and the country. 

Here in Erith and Thamesmead, my team and I have been doing all we can to support constituents as they face serious challenges. This year, I also updated my cost of living to share information and support options, which you can find online on my website, or reach out to my office to receive a physical copy.

Beyond the cost of living crisis, I am also absolutely devastated by the crumbling state of our public services. The state of our NHS and all our public services is critical to building a strong Britain. However, we now have NHS waiting lists reaching 7.8 million, with 2.5 million people out of work due to long term sickness. I hear this all the time on the doorstep – families who aren’t able to see the GP or are stuck on waiting lists for urgent treatment or appointments. These delays and waiting lists are completely unacceptable and put lives at risk, day in and day out.

I am pleased to say that the Opposition is committed to getting waiting lists down and getting people treated on time, as well as tackling the current cost of living crisis. I’m so passionate about breaking down the barriers to opportunity for all in our community and across the country and I will continue to advocate for these proposals and for change that could make such a big difference.

My Work in Parliament

This month, I’ve been working hard to share Labour’s message on the NHS and our Health Care system in Parliament. I’ve also been raising several issues that I know are important to those in our community.

Firstly, I wanted to share my disappointment and the disappointment of the Opposition regarding the lack of a bill to reform the Mental Health Act in the King’s Speech. This was an opportunity to commit to ending the significant inequalities that leave Black people and ethnic minority groups more at risk of detention. Since this omission, the Opposition announced their commitment to bring forward this important, cross party and widely supported legislation to make sure the Mental Health Act treats everyone fairly and responsibly.

I was also pleased to respond to the Autumn Statement this November, when I challenged the Chancellor over their failure to provide stability for working families and our economy. After 25 tax rises in the last four years, this new economic statement doesn’t change the fact that households will still pay £4,300 more in tax under this Government. You can watch my intervention here.

I was also very pleased to hold a number of important roundtables this month in Parliament. These include a roundtable on Maternal Mental Health and how mothers face so many challenges during and after birth, and also a roundtable with businesses on improving mental health in the workplace. As ever, if you are interested in a Tour of Parliament then I would be happy to arrange this for you. Please contact me at: abena.oppongasare.mp@parliament.uk.

Meeting with the University of Greenwich and Woodland Academy Trust

I also recently met with teams from the University of Greenwich and Woodland Academy Trust to discuss the Government’s new Initial Teacher Training (ITT) accreditation scheme.

The University of Greenwich provides 300+ locally trained teachers each year who go on to work in our fantastic schools. I have been concerned that world-leading institutions like Greenwich, who are rated as outstanding or good by Ofsted, were withdrawn from the scheme, and how this affects schools and trusts like Woodland Academy Trust.

I have written to and will continue to speak to the Education Department to raise my concerns. On that same day, it was also nice to join for the opening day event at the new Lime Wood Primary School in Erith.

Small Business Saturday

It was fantastic as always to get out and about on Small Business Saturday and support our local businesses!

All our local small businesses are such an integral part of our community and I want to thank everyone supporting them by shopping local or by recommending and giving them a shout out when possible.

Please pop to the local shops to get those Christmas presents and stocking fillers.

Suicide Prevention Event in Parliament

Really pleased to join an important Parliamentary panel and reception event on Suicide Prevention led by the Samaritans.

We can and must do so much more for all those struggling or in crisis. In my role as Shadow Minister for Women’s Health and Mental Health, I am committed to tackling rising Suicide rates that continues to have a devastating impact on so many lives.

Thanks to the Samaritans and their Chief Executive Officer, Julie Bentley for running the event. And also thanks to Sajid Javid MP and the Speaker of the House of Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle for hosting the event.

Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists’ Annual Dinner

Great to join the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists’ Annual Dinner last month.

I was pleased to speak to their team and hear more about their mission to improve the health of women and girls here in the UK and across the world. Thanks to Dr Ranee Thakar, President of the RCOG, for the invitation.

Crossness Nature Reserve Visit

In November, I also visited Crossness Nature Reserve to discuss the work they do to ensure that wildlife continues to thrive.

We also discussed the Cory decarbonisation project, which proposes putting a new facility on part of the reserve & the potential impact on rare wildlife in the area.

Google Digital Event in Thamesmead

I was also very pleased to host a great Digital Garage event in Thamesmead to help you develop new digital skills. With the help of Google UK, we were able to offer a fantastic range of courses and workshops that helped a number of local businesses.

Thanks to all who were able to come and I’m looking forward to hearing how these courses translate into your future work.

My Update on Casework for November

Thank you to everyone who contacted me in the last month to raise the issues you are facing.

Here in Erith and Thamesmead, my team and I have been doing all we can to support constituents as they face serious challenges. Far too many face housing insecurity, financial difficulties, immigration issues and much more.

As we come to the end of the year, I thought I’d share that up until now I have assisted with almost 12,000 issues and while I know too many still struggle, I’m pleased to have had many successful outcomes and to have made a lot of positive change for many in our community. I will continue to challenge the Government on all these issues as well as working with constituents on many of the personal issues they are facing.

I was also pleased to do another advice surgery this month and speak to several constituents facing particularly challenging situations. Thanks for all who were able to attend. As always, if you have any concerns or issues that you like to raise with me, please contact my office using the following channels:

Furthermore:

  • Parkway Primary School – It was also great to visit Parkway Primary School to announce the winner of my Christmas Card Competition. You can find out more about the winner on my website.
  • St Fidelis Catholic Primary School – Very good to hear that nearly 40 pupils from St Fidelis Catholic Primary School were able to visit Parliament in November.
  • Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas – Wishing Hindus, Jains and Sikhs across Erith and Thamesmead and beyond a joyful and peaceful Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas.
  • Change and Check Event with ITV’s Lorraine Kelly – Pleased to join ITV’s Lorraine Kelly, Dr Hilary Jones and Helen Addis at the Change + Check campaign event in Parliament to discuss the importance of Breast Cancer awareness.
  • Lush Cosmetics Parliamentary Reception – Was great to meet with the Lush team, leading scientists and animal welfare organisations in Parliament to discuss the importance of responsible and ethical product testing. 

Sign up to my Coffee Morning

If you are interested in coming along to a future Coffee Morning, I’ve just launched my webpage where you, your family and friends can sign up to register your interest in attending a meeting.

Sign up:  https://www.abenaoppongasare.com/upcoming-events/coffeemorning/

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

 

October 2023 Newsletter

Dear Friend,

Many thanks for taking the time to look at my latest newsletter for October 2023.

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

Conflict in Israel, Gaza and the Middle East

Like you and so many across our community, I have been following the recent events in the Middle East and feeling intense distress and horror at what is unfolding.

It goes without saying that I condemn all acts of terrorism unequivocally. Anyone who commits war crimes such as these must be held to account. The murder of innocent Jews will never serve the just cause of Palestinian freedom and statehood.

However, we must also distinguish between the innocent people of Gaza and the terrorists of Hamas. In Gaza, as well as the thousands of innocent civilian casualties, we now see a community forced to live without power, food and water. Hundreds of thousands are fleeing their homes and countless families are living in terror.

I believe the international community has a responsibility to deliver the humanitarian response needed to safeguard innocent lives and to ensure that the civilians of Gaza have access to the food, water, medicines and power which are so desperately needed.

It is also very worrying to hear about the domestic concerns that have arisen as a result of this conflict. I’m sure you will be aware of the rise of Antisemitic and Islamophobic incidents within our country in recent weeks. I hope you will agree that all forms of discrimination and racism are wrong and have no place in our society.

At this time, we must extend a hand of friendship to neighbours and across our faiths. Small gestures, even chatting to a neighbour from a different faith group, will make a big difference at this time, and is something we can all do.

This is a rapidly changing situation, and I can assure you I will continue to follow developments very closely.

Launch of The Voice Newspaper’s Black British Voices Report

At the end of September, I was so pleased to chair the launch of the landmark survey on Black British Voices by The Voice Newspaper in the Houses of Parliament.

This ground-breaking report and its findings are shocking but to many they will not be surprising. The report details the results of the largest ever survey of Black Britons – surveying over 10,000 people. It reveals the concerns felt by so many about racism across our country and within our core institutions.

Following this report, I’ve been pleased to share the findings with my colleagues in Parliament and with the Government. I hope that everyone can take on board this vital research and raise awareness of racial injustices wherever it is found.

You can read the full report here.

My Black History Month Debate in Parliament

Black History Month is an important moment of reflection each year when we celebrate the great achievements of Black Britons. Therefore, this year I was pleased to host a debate in Parliament – the first Black History Month debate in two years – see links below to see what was said.

As you may know, the theme of Black History Month 2023 has been “Saluting our sisters”. In my speech, I was delighted to highlight several Black Britons, and especially Black British women, who for too long have been under-recognised in our national conversation.

You are welcome to read my full speech on the UK Parliament’s website here.

You can also watch my speech here.

Finally, while this is an essential annual event in the UK and worldwide, I spoke about how we must commit to talking about Black history all year round. I thank everyone who celebrated this year and all those continuing to fight for positive change.

My Work in Parliament

This month, I’ve been working hard to share Labour’s message on the NHS and our Health Care system in Parliament. I’ve also been raising several issues that I know are important to those in our community.

Firstly, in my role as Shadow Minister for Women’s Health and Mental Health, I started the month by challenging the Government over their lack of action to tackle rising Suicide rates across England and also their failure to reform the Mental Health Act (MHA). You can see my response here: https://twitter.com/abenaopp/status/1714308914697683406

Suicide rates have been shockingly high for too long and the Opposition has committed to reversing the rise in suicides in England and Wales within five years. I also have been tremendously saddened by the lack of action from this Government to reform the MHA, which even they have agreed is out of date and must change. If nothing does change, we will continue to let down all those suffering with severe Mental Health conditions.

I’ve also been pleased to speak about the important issues of birth trauma, IVF provision and baby loss. Pregnancy, birth and becoming a parent can be a special and rewarding time for many people. But there can sometimes be severe complications that impact the baby, the mother, and the parents. I sympathise with all those affected and in Parliament I challenged the government to do more where possible to provide support.

Furthermore, I was pleased to respond on behalf of the opposition regarding my colleague Carolyn Harris MP’s debate on the Menopause. Women’s health has for too long been a marginalised issue. And when it comes to women’s health, the issue of the menopause is critical. It affects every woman but there is still a lack of support for women experiencing the menopause. I shared how Labour would make important changes if we were elected, like making the workplace more suitable for women going through the menopause.

It was also lovely to meet a number of constituents and activists in Parliament this month. For example, I was pleased to meet Laura and Luciana from the Maternal Mental Health Alliance and it was fantastic that so many students from Woolwich Polytechnic School were able to visit Parliament too. 

As ever, if you are interested in a Tour of Parliament then I would be happy to arrange this for you. Please contact me at: abena.oppongasare.mp@parliament.uk.

Superloop SL3 Consultation Update

You may remember, in the July newsletter, I urged you to take part in the consultation about this new express stop bus service between Thamesmead and Bromley. The results of this consultation were published this month: showing a positive response and TFL have announced that they have decided to proceed with the proposals which will have a positive impact on transport links within the area.

Southeastern Ticket Office Consultation Update

I also wanted to share that the Government has now u-turned on their plans to close Southeastern ticket offices. Thanks to residents and councillors who responded to the campaign to submit consultation comments.

Further information can be found via this web link.

Defibrillator and CPR Training in Parliament

After my Parliamentary debate on increasing public access to Defibrillators in July, awareness is increasing, and more training is now becoming available.

It was great to have so many members of Parliament and staff learning about this lifesaving training and these devices. I hope that we can continue to spread the message of awareness around the whole country and save lives as a result.

This event comes after the good news in September about the new defibrillator at Lesnes Abbey Lodge. A big thank you to Lesnes Abbey Friends who worked so hard to make that happen and for inviting me to see the new device.

Thanks especially to the Speaker, Lindsay Hoyle for hosting the event in Parliament and also to the London Ambulance Service for providing the training.

Let’s continue to push for progress.

Windrush School Visit

It was also great to join pupils from Year 6 at Windrush Primary School in Thamesmead last month. It was really nice to be grilled by them on what I’ve been doing as an MP and hear about why they love living in our local community.

A big thanks to the school for inviting me and I look forward to coming back again soon.  

Cambridge University’s Black History Month Dinner

I was delighted to attend the recent Black History Month Dinner at Cambridge University alongside Naomi Campbell and friends, old and new. 

The dinner was a great celebration of Black Britons and Black British History, and I was so pleased to meet so many inspiring people there.

I want to thank the hosts of this event – Simon Wooley, the Principal of Homerton College and also the President of the Cambridge University African Caribbean Society, Michael Lawson-Falomo for hosting such a fantastic evening.

World Mental Health Day 2023

On Tuesday 10 October we marked World Mental Health Day. On this important day, I shared my thoughts about how we need to do so much more to support those suffering with their mental health.

These are challenging times, after a once in a generation pandemic and a devastating cost of living crisis, and it is important to emphasise that everyone’s mental health matters. Reaching out and sharing experiences must not be a sign of weakness but a testament to our resilience. Together, we can break the stigma and ensure access to quality mental health care for everyone.

In my new role as the Shadow Minister for Women’s Health and Mental Health, I also restated Labour’s commitment to transformational policies that will expand our mental health services and bring support directly into our schools and communities.

I hope that this World Mental Health Day, we were able to take another important step forward and encourage more to join the conversation to make sure no one suffers in silence.

My Update on Casework for October

Thank you to everyone who contacted me in the last month to raise the issues you are facing.

The last few months have been a busy period where I have been contacted by many constituents on many important issues.

As many of you will know, housing continues to be a huge issue in Erith and Thamesmead and is the main concern of many constituents contacting me. I will continue to challenge the Government on this issue as well as working with constituents on many of the personal issues they are facing.

I am also very concerned about the delays in the Home Office’s processing of immigration applications. Some people are waiting for 12 months or even longer for a decision to be made on their applications, during which time they are unable to travel, change jobs, and often struggle to provide for their families.

To reflect the changing cost of living crisis that we are currently facing, I have also recently updated my Cost-of-Living booklet for those who need extra support. If you would like a copy of the booklet or would like my office to share copies of my booklet with local businesses or groups, please email me at: abena.oppongasare.mp@parliament.uk.

As always, if you have any concerns or issues that you like to raise with me, please contact my office using the following channels:

Furthermore:

  • Women in Westminster Article – I was pleased to join the House Magazine team and share my story of how I ended up in politics and Parliament. We discussed what’s good and not so good about being an MP and how there is so much more to do on issues like equality and in my new role in the Shadow Health Team. You can read the article on the Politics Home website here.
  • Rethink Mental Illness Meeting – Nice to meet the Rethink Mental Illness team in Parliament and meet some of those who have suffered as a result of the out-of-date Mental Health Act.
  • Show Racism the Red Card Day – It was important to commemorate ‘Show Racism the Red Card Day’ to make sure we challenge racism, misconceptions, stereotypes and negative attitudes in football and across society.
  • Breast Cancer Awareness Month – October was Breast Cancer Awareness Month and I urge all women to check themselves, support those in need and raise awareness about the important issue.
  • New Statesman Article on ‘How would a Labour government fix the NHS? – I’m pleased to share the following article that was in the New Statesman last month. It shared the vision of each of the Opposition’s Health Ministers, including myself, about how we would make the NHS fit for the future. Read the article here.

Sign up to my Coffee Morning

If you are interested in coming along to a future Coffee Morning, I’ve just launched my webpage where you, your family and friends can sign up to register your interest in attending a meeting.

Sign up:  https://www.abenaoppongasare.com/upcoming-events/coffeemorning/

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

 

September 2023 Newsletter

Dear Friend,

Many thanks for taking the time to look at my latest newsletter for September 2023.

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

 

Appointment as Shadow Minister for Women’s Health and Mental Health

I hope you will be pleased to know that I have recently accepted the position of Shadow Minister for Women’s Health and Mental Health. This is such an important role and these are issues that I’m really passionate about.

As I start this new position, I thought I would share some of Labour ‘s plans to get NHS waiting lists down and getting people treated on time. We have a 10-year plan for change and modernisation and this will include one of the biggest expansions of the NHS workforce in history. But more than that, we plan to put individual care and mental health treatment at the heart of our mission. An issue that has for too long been in the shadows.

These are plans that will make a real difference in Erith and Thamesmead and across the country. With Labour, more care will be delivered on your doorstep, out of the hospital and in our communities. We will focus on prevention and a move towards transformational new technologies.

In my new role, I will be working with various charities and stakeholders, listening to experts in Women’s Health and Mental Health, and considering how Labour will do things differently. I will also be speaking to those working in our health and care sectors and the patients receiving care. Thank you to all those who have sent kind messages to me following this appointment.

This September began with an unprecedented emergency regarding the possibility of unsafe concrete or RAAC (Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete) in many of the nation’s schools and colleges.

These first few weeks in September are some of the most important of any academic year – when students are returning to their school to start the new year. As you can imagine, like many across the country, parents, teachers and students in our community expressed their worry, concern and anger about this crisis.

As a result of these events, I have been in regular contact with the Secretary of State for Education and her Department to make sure that they are doing all they can to investigate and resolve this issue as soon as possible.

On Monday 4 September, I also asked the Education Secretary a question in the House of Commons to make sure that every school and local authority who had RAAC in part or all of their buildings had been contacted and there was an action plan in place.

I can confirm that in the most recent announcement regarding schools in England, the Government have listed no schools in Erith and Thamesmead with RAAC present.

If anyone has any questions for me or concerns about this important issue, please email at: abena.oppongasare.mp@parliament.uk

My work in Parliament

This month, I have raised a number of issues I know are important to many in Erith and Thamesmead.

Firstly, I want to say how great it was to welcome constituents visiting Parliament for a tour this month. This month these groups included pupils from Bishop John Robinson Church of England Primary. It’s always a great experience for pupils and I’m glad they had an enjoyable visit.

Speaking in Parliament this month and also in my new role as Shadow Minister for Women’s Health and Mental Health, I have been challenging the Government to act on the many pressing issues our health and care system are currently facing.

There are day-long waits in A&E, record numbers off work sick and millions on NHS waiting lists. I know how difficult it has been for those needing help and also for all our hardworking healthcare workers who have been stretched to the limit. In my role, I have said that in Government, Labour would implement our plans to get waiting lists down, get people treated on time and make sure the NHS is there for you when you need it.

In Parliament, I have also been pleased to attend a number of debates and receptions that constituents have written to me about. This includes meeting the Alzheimer’s Research UK team to celebrate World Alzheimer Month; attending Macmillan’s Coffee Morning in Parliament to discuss delays to cancer treatment; and speaking with the Rethink Mental Illness team about how Labour can improve mental health outcomes if they are elected to Government. As ever, if you are interested in a Tour of Parliament then I would be happy to arrange this for you. Please contact me at: abena.oppongasare.mp@parliament.uk.

New Defibrillator at Lesnes Abbey Lodge

I was delighted to be pop in and see the new defibrillator at Lesnes Abbey Lodge this month. It was great to be invited by Lesnes Abbey Friends to meet them and hear how they raised an incredible £2,000, with support from local organisations, to install this life saving device.

You may be aware that increasing access and awareness of defibrillators is an issue I’m incredibly passionate about. In July this year, I organised a Westminster Hall debate on this issue and challenged the Government to do more where possible on public access to defibrillators. In the debate I said:

“Defibrillators represent an incredible technical advance. They are lightweight, easy to use and designed only to help and not harm the patient. The issue is not about their design but their distribution and public awareness of what they are and how to use them.”

It was great therefore to join Lesnes Abbey Friends as they celebrated adding this important device to our community. I also got the opportunity to join Lesnes Abbey’s first ever Woodland Festival. This event involved a jam-packed day of events and activities and was a great celebration of Lesnes Abbey and Woods.

Kabaddi Tournament in Erith

It was also great to attend the Erith & Woolwich Kabaddi Tournament this month on Winns Common. I really enjoyed watching the games and was pleased to meet so many local fans and lots of visitors from across the country.

Really pleased also to be joined on the day by Tan Dhesi MP, Cllr Baljeet Singh Gill, Cllr Anna Day and Cllr Larry Ferguson.

Thanks again to Erith & Woolwich Kabaddi Club for organising the event.  

My visit to Lakeside Open Studio Event

Lovely to pop into Lakeside Studios in Thamesmead to attend their fantastic Open Studio Event. It was very nice to celebrate this amazing space and to hear from some of the artists on their work.

If you don’t know already, this venue is listed as one of the top 10 must see buildings for this year by the Architects’ Journal. I would highly recommend everyone try to visit if you haven’t already.

My Update on Casework for September

Thank you to everyone who contacted me this month and over the Summer to raise the issues you are facing.

The last few months has been a busy period where I have been contacted by many constituents on many important issues. I have also been pleased to hold another surgery, where I spoke to a number of constituents about some of the challenges they are facing.  

As many of you will know, Housing continues to be a huge issue in Erith and Thamesmead and is the concern of many constituents contacting me. I have serious concerns over the unprecedented housing crisis the Conservatives are overseeing. I am worried that if housing targets are not met soon, the housing crisis will continue to grow over the next few years. I will continue to challenge the Government on this issue as well as working with constituents on many of the personal issues they are facing. 

To reflect the changing cost of living crisis that we are currently facing, I have also recently updated my Cost-of-Living booklet for those who need extra support. If you would like a copy of the booklet or would like my office to share copies of my booklet with local businesses or groups, please email me at: abena.oppongasare.mp@parliament.uk.

As always, if you have any concerns or issues that you like to raise with me, please contact my office using the following channels:

Furthermore:

  • World Suicide Prevention Day 2023 – This month, I want to share the important message of this event where we seek to break the silence and fight the stigma of mental health and the causes of suicide. As the new Shadow Minister for Women’s Health and Mental Health, I am more aware than ever about the importance of starting conversations and making sure we do all we can to support those in need and help save lives.
  • Erith Made at the Exchange – I was pleased to visit the Exchange earlier this month to see their series of workshops and live music events being organised along with Running Horses, Erith Playhouse and Erith Shopping Centre.
  • Meeting with Greenwich Dance – It was nice to catch up with Alliey and Melanie from Greenwich Dance, who are doing amazing work in the constituency. They have lots of exciting projects coming up and I look forward to hearing about their continued success in the community. 
  • Valve Week 2023 – Great to join the team from Heart Valve Voice this month to discuss heart valve disease and how we improve awareness, diagnosis and treatment.
  • Yom Kippur – Very pleased to wish a meaningful Yom Kippur to all those observing in Erith and Thamesmead and across the country.
  • Bernie Grant Leadership Programme Induction Day – It was great to speak to this year’s cohort of the Bernie Grant Leadership Programme in Parliament this month. They were all incredibly impressive and thoughtful individuals. It is great to see the work being done to help train the next generation of Black political leaders.

Sign up to my Coffee Morning

If you are interested in coming along to a future Coffee Morning, I’ve just launched my webpage where you, your family and friends can sign up to register your interest in attending a meeting.

Sign up:  https://www.abenaoppongasare.com/upcoming-events/coffeemorning/

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

 

July 2023 Newsletter

Dear Friend,

Many thanks for taking the time to look at my latest newsletter for July 2023.

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

Summer School 2023

I’ve been delighted last month to hold my third annual Campaign Summer School.

At my jam-packed 3-day event, we had a fantastic group of enthusiastic and inspiring young people who were incredibly engaged in learning about how to make a successful campaign and gain the skills needed to make a real difference in our community.

On the first day, I was excited to share my journey to Parliament and what I do as the MP for Erith and Thamesmead. We were also privileged to be joined by Laura Coryton and Rima Amin, who shared their 5 steps for turning a petition into a successful campaign. Laura founded a campaign against the tampon tax in 2014 and Rima worked with Laura on the campaign when she worked at Change.org. We were also joined by Paul Richards who shared his expertise on writing press releases and Christine Quigley and Nick Smith who introduced the students to the world of finance and public affairs.

On day two, we were joined by Google, who shared how to navigate and make full use of the new digital age to build on campaign ideas, business ideas, and how to kickstart your career. It was also great to be joined by Kwajo Tweneboa who shared his first-hand experience of going from a concerned citizen to a veteran campaigner on housing issues across the country. We were also pleased to welcome Katie Perrior from iNHouse Communications and media experts from 853 and the Guardian, who shared their important knowledge on how to make a campaign successful.

We started the final day with a presentation about how Parliament works with a special briefing from an expert team at the UK Parliament. It was great to see the students ask so many questions about how our government works and how each of them can personally make a difference. I also want to thank Councillor Anthony Okereke, Leader of Greenwich Council, Martin Angus, from the Local Government Association (LGA), and Councillor Zainab Asumramu for sharing their important personal insights into the role of Local Government and how to get politically active in your local community.

Every year this is such a special week for me. I get to spend lots of time sharing what I know about campaigning and Politics and learning from local young activists across our community who care passionately about a number of critically important issues.

From national issues like Climate Change and the cost-of-living crisis to local issues like vaping in schools and tackling fly-tipping, it was fantastic to discuss their ideas about what they can do to campaign for change.

I want to send a big thank you to all the speakers who joined during the week, to London South East College team in Erith, who hosted us, and to my team who did a wonderful job making the Summer School work so well. Finally, I also want to send a big thank you to all the students who were so engaged and optimistic and I’m sure will go on to do great things in their careers.

You can follow what happened on my social media or by looking up the hashtag #AbenaSummerSchool2023.

This July I was pleased to welcome constituents to my first reception in parliament – something that I have been planning since I was first elected.

It was fantastic to see so many volunteers, stakeholders and Erith and Thamesmead residents in the House of Commons, many of them visiting for the first time. I am passionate about everybody feeling welcome and included in parliament and this was a great chance to show how accessible parliament is.

Everyone had the opportunity to visit both the House of Commons and House of Lords and find out more about the building where I work on your behalf. I would also like to thank the students of Bexley Music Centre for providing beautiful background music.

If you would like to visit for a Tour of Parliament, please get in touch if you live in Erith and Thamesmead via email at abena.oppongasare.mp@parliament.uk.

My Westminster Hall Debate on Public Access to Defibrillators

We all know having access to life-saving defibrillators saves lives. The issue is not their design but their location and public awareness about what they are and how to use them.

In a Westminster Hall debate that I secured, I spoke about the lack of life-saving Defibrillators in Erith and Thamesmead and across the UK. This issue was brought to my attention by my constituent Bonnie McGhee. Bonnie sadly lost her dad to cardiac arrest and has since raised funds for a defibrillator in his memory.

Research from the Resuscitation Council UK shows that access to defibrillators, or AEDs, is not fairly distributed across England. Each year, there are 30,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests in the UK, with less than one in ten surviving. Whilst immediate CPR and defibrillation can more than double the chances of survival, defibrillators are used in less than one in ten cases. If you have a cardiac arrest and have access to a defibrillator within a minute, have a 90% chance of survival.

In my Westminster Hall debate, I said that “knowing where a defibrillator is and how to use one, saves lives. Learning simple resuscitation skills can make all the difference in an emergency. Today, I’m calling on Ministers to listen and help save lives.”

I was pleased to hear some encouraging signs from the Minister for Health and Secondary Care, Will Quince MP, who responded to my speech. However, we all know that so much more needs to be done. I will be continuing to work hard on this vital issue.

After the debate, I wrote an article on my website. You can find the article here: https://www.abenaoppongasare.com/equal-access-to-defibrillators-can-save-lives-says-abena-oppong-asare-mp/.

My work in Parliament

This July in Parliament I have raised a number of issues I know are important to people in Erith and Thamesmead.

Firstly, in my role as Shadow Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, I spoke at the start of July on the e-petition debate on Mileage Rates. The Mileage rate is an essential resource for millions across the country, working hard for their families, businesses and communities, to make sure they are not out of pocket for the extra miles they do in their private vehicles. In my response to the Government, I challenged the Treasury to listen to the concerns of millions who are facing a cost-of-living crisis and a Government showing a lack of much needed leadership.

Furthermore, on behalf of the Opposition, I scrutinised the Government’s legislation amending the Consumer Rights Act and the Postal Packets Regulations.

On Thursday, 6th July, I also spoke in Parliament during the Grenfell General Debate. We all know the tragic circumstances of that night and the appalling response in the aftermath to all affected. I spoke to mark six years since the tragedy and to remember all the lives lost that terrible night.

Finally, I also spoke during the Westminster Hall debate on the Metropolitan Police investigation in the murder of Stephen Lawrence, sponsored by Clive Efford MP. Those of us who were growing up in South East London at the time of Stephen’s murder know we have come a long way. However, we all know that we have so much further still to go. It is so important that the Metropolitan Police and the Government are held to account for what they are doing to introduce meaningful and lasting change. It was also great to speak to a number of important stakeholders in Parliament last month like the CEO of the UK Infrastructure Bank, John Flint.

Ticket Office Closures

As I’m sure many across the community are aware, it has recently been announced that there are plans to close rail ticket offices across the country including in our area of Erith and Thamesmead.

Last month, I wrote to both the Government and the CEO of Southeastern to express my concerns about the consequences of these closures, especially for the many elderly and disabled passengers who rely on these offices for travel. Currently, the plans would affect both Erith and Belvedere stations in our community.

I also raised this with the Minister for Transport in the House of Commons. The Minister must assure the public over these plans. I will continue to monitor these issues and the concerns that constituents have raised with me on this issue.

The consultation for these proposals closes on 1st September 2023 and I urge all constituents to continue to express their views by contacting Southeastern on their website and by emailing London Travelwatch here: Southeastern.Consultation@Londontravelwatch.org.uk. Please also email me if you would like to share your thoughts on this important issue. Email me at abena.oppongasare.mp@parliament.uk.

Pride on the Pier Erith

I was delighted to be a guest at the very first Bexley Pride event in July held on Erith Pier.

This event has been a long time coming and I would like to thank all the stakeholders who worked so hard to make this happen. It was lovely to meet so many locals, partners, and small businesses.

Thank you to Councillor Nicola Taylor and the volunteers that made this event happen.

Meeting with the Fire Borough Commander and Tour of Erith Fire Station

This July, I was also pleased to visit Erith Fire Station and meet with the Fire Borough Commander for Bexley, Jim Morford, to discuss all the great work the local team are doing to raise awareness of fire safety. It was also great to learn about their successful Fire Cadets scheme for young people.

We had interesting conversations about increasingly common causes for fire, one of which being the usage of unofficial e-bike and e-scooter chargers. It’s important we work together as a community to increase awareness and tackle the cost of living.

TFL Loop Consultation

Transport for London (TfL) is inviting people to have their say on proposals for the latest bus routes that would form part of the proposed Superloop bus network.

The new SL3 (Thamesmead to Bromley) should provide additional bus capacity in busy locations and encourage more sustainable journeys. Proposals for route SL3 mean that the service would increase frequency of buses between Thamesmead and Bexleyheath and Bexleyheath and Bromley.

The consultation is now open at https://haveyoursay.tfl.gov.uk/sl3-superloop until 4 September and I encourage everyone to share their views on these proposals.

My Update on Casework for July

Thank you to everyone who contacted me to raise the problems you are facing.

Housing continues to be a huge issue in Erith and Thamesmead, and I have serious concerns over the unprecedented housing crisis this Government is overseeing. The building of new social homes is at record lows, and more and more people are stuck in the private rented sector when they should either own their own home or have a council house to rent.

The Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee’s 2020 report, ‘Building more social housing’, called for around 90,000 additional social homes to be built a year. Last month, when I asked the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, whether his department has a target for building new social homes, I was told that since 2010 they have delivered over 162,800 homes for social rent.

I am worried that if housing targets are not met soon, the housing crisis will continue to grow over the next few years. In the coming months, I will be continuing to raise awareness about the terrible housing issues of so many and calling on the Government to take action. I will post any updates in future newsletters and on my website.

You can also access my Cost-of-Living booklet if you need extra support. The link to the booklet is here: https://www.abenaoppongasare.com/cost-of-living/.

I held another surgery last month to discuss issues with constituents face to face. If you would like to attend my next surgery, please contact my office to be added to the waiting list.

Furthermore:

  • Age UK Summer Reception – Thank you to everyone from Erith and Thamesmead who contacted me about attending Age UK’s Summer Reception and the important issue of the state of healthcare for older people. I’m pleased to say that I attended their July event and I was able to speak to many members of the Age UK team, their policy experts and elderly people struggling with long waiting lists and a lack of support. You can see my post from the event here: https://twitter.com/abenaopp/status/1679159735918944256 
  • Meeting with John Lewis, Executive Director at Peabody – It was good to catch up with John Lewis from Peabody to discuss issues regarding housing and infrastructure in Thamesmead and across the constituency.
  • Mansion House Dinner – On Monday 10th July, I attended the City of London Financial & Professional Services Dinner to listen to the Chancellor and the Bank of England on how they plan to manage the economic challenges we are currently facing. It was good to share our plans as the Opposition with stakeholders and businesses.
  • Seniors in Touch Group visit to Parliament – I was pleased to work with the Seniors in Touch (SIT) Group to organise their Tour of Parliament in late July. I’m glad to hear that their tour was a success.
  • Unison Windrush Reception – It was nice to attend Unison’s reception and to hear from those passionately against the discrimination that the Windrush generation faced, and that Black Workers continue to face today.
  • 75th Anniversary of the NHS – On the 75th anniversary of our NHS, I am immensely humbled by the unwavering dedication of all NHS staff across Britain. In the aftermath of the pandemic, the entire nation joins in expressing its pride and gratitude for our great NHS. Thank you and happy anniversary.
  • Remembering Baroness Margaret McDonagh – I also wanted to remember my friend Margaret. Not only was she a lovely person but she was a brilliant activist and campaigner.
  • Remembering Lord Bob Kerslake – Finally, I wanted to remember Lord Bob Kerslake, an activist who many in our community will have known. Bob was an instrumental figure in Local Government and in the Lords and it was a privilege to have known him.

Sign up to my Coffee Morning

If you are interested in coming along to a future Coffee Morning, I’ve just launched my webpage where you, your family and friends can sign up to register your interest in attending a meeting.

Sign up:  https://www.abenaoppongasare.com/upcoming-events/coffeemorning/

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

 

June 2023 Newsletter

Dear Friend,

Many thanks for taking the time to look at my latest newsletter for June 2023.

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

State of the Economy

I know many families across Erith and Thamesmead will be worried this month after the rate of inflation continues to remain at a high 8.7%. We all know what high inflation means to our monthly bills and our everyday food shops – squeezing family finances and leaving more and more concerned about the future. Food inflation alone is costing the average family more than £1,000 on their shopping bill.

It so important that our Government takes this seriously and gets a grip on this problem to ease the burden on working people in our community. There needs to be a relentless focus on the cost of living and how we turn around our economy to create growth and hope for all across the country.

Following the new inflation data, on Thursday 22nd June, the Bank of England announced its decision to raise interest rates by 50 basis points.

With this rise, I know that many homeowners will have real concerns about the effect on their mortgage payments. I believe that it is so important the Government does not stand on the side lines as Britain faces a mortgage crisis.

On Wednesday 21st June, I did a media round in my role as Shadow Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury to set out the Opposition’s plans to ease this mortgage crisis. On Newsnight, I outlined some of the actions that the Government should take, including requiring borrowers to allow lenders to wait a minimum of six months before initiating repossessions and instructing the FCA to urgently issue consumer guidance that those requesting support should not see their credit score affected. These measures are part of a five-point plan that we hope the Government takes on board now. It is also vital that the Government supports savers and makes sure interest rate rises are being passed on by the banks to those saving. They should not stand by as millions face the consequence of inaction.

As a result of the continued pressure that so many face during this cost-of-living crisis I have created a Cost-of-Living booklet for our community in Erith and Thamesmead. My Cost-of-Living booklet provides information that helps constituents find out where to access support when needed. The link to the booklet is here: https://www.abenaoppongasare.com/cost-of-living/

This month Members of Parliament had the opportunity to vote on the Commons privileges committee’s report into Boris Johnson and his statements to the house on Partygate.

Over the last few years, people across Erith and Thamesmead and the country followed the rules in order to stop the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic. Many missed out on important moments together including birthdays, weddings, and tragically funerals. I too lost loved ones during the pandemic.

From speaking to many across our community, I know first-hand how angry people were after the details of these parties were revealed. I continue to be devasted when I hear about the personal sacrifices made by so many and I continue to be so upset about the reckless behaviour carried out by those at the top of our Government.

This cross-party report found that Johnson repeatedly misled Parliament about lockdown parties at Downing Street. As a result, I voted to approve the report.

My work in Parliament

This month in Parliament I have raised a number of issues I know are important to people in Erith and Thamesmead.

In my role as Shadow Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, I challenged the Chancellor at Treasury Questions on their broken promise to fundamentally reform business rates. There is so much that needs to be done to fix our economy and end the chaos, including by scrapping business rates and replacing them with a fairer system so that our amazing hospitality sector can thrive and grow faster.

You can find the video of my question here: https://twitter.com/abenaopp/status/1671151594690457601.

On Wednesday 22nd June, I also spoke in Parliament on Animal Welfare and the need to protect animals from harm. We all know that Britain is a nation of Animal lovers, and we also know that there is so much more we need to do to provide a proper safety net for every animal.

I challenged the Government on their lack of leadership on this issue, which is of such importance to me and so many people in Erith and Thamesmead.

St Fidelis Primary School Visit to Parliament

Last week it was such a pleasure to meet all the pupils from Year 6 at St Fidelis Primary School, who were able to come to Parliament for a Tour and find out a bit more about how our democracy works.

I really enjoyed getting grilled by them with some tough questions on some of the important issues we face today. Thanks to St Fidelis School and all the pupils. Looking forward to seeing you all again.

Age UK Group Visit to Parliament

It was great to see the team from Age UK Bexley this month after they completed a Tour of Parliament. It was nice to see such a good turnout and to talk about their work and what the support they offer to older people in Erith and Thamesmead.

As always, please get in touch if you live in Erith & Thamesmead and would like me to arrange a tour. You can contact me via email on abena.oppongasare.mp@parliament.uk

Bexley Volunteer Excellence Awards

It was also nice to meet the amazing community volunteers at the Bexley Volunteer Excellence Awards. It was a great evening to join everyone at the Exchange Erith and hear some great stories of volunteer work across Bexley.

I was also honoured to hand out the ‘Youth Volunteer Awards’ and to celebrate everyone’s great achievements in the last year. It was fitting way to end Volunteers Week 2023. Congratulations to all the winners.

Visit to Solus Repair Centre in Erith

I was very pleased to be able to visit Solus Repair Centre in Erith earlier this month.

I particularly enjoyed meeting young people from the apprenticeship programme and discovering all the opportunities available to develop technical skills and expertise in the sector.

My Visit to Nepal with WaterAid UK and the Coalition for Global Prosperity

At the end of May, I visited Nepal with WaterAid UK and the Coalition for Global Prosperity to see the impact of development projects supporting access to clean water.

It was wonderful to be able to visit the beautiful country of Nepal and meet so many people doing life-saving and transformational work.

Windrush Day 2023

This month we marked 75 years since the first of the Windrush Generation arrived in the UK.

As I said on the day and I have said many times in Parliament it continues to be so painful to hear the stories of this great generation, who contributed so much to Britain.

In June, I have been submitting Written Questions to the Government Minister to challenge them on their inaction and the consequences for the Windrush Generation. One of my questions revealed that there are over 6,000 claims to the government for compensation. It also revealed that sadly 41 people had passed away before their claim could be certified. You can read my questions here: https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/

“London Is The Place For Me” by Eliza Southwood

Grenfell Anniversary

On 14th June, we also marked six years since the Grenfell tower fire. A fire that took 72 lives. My thoughts continue to remain with the victims, their families and the survivors as we mark the anniversary of this tragic night.

I was pleased to join BBC Politics London this month to discuss the impact of Grenfell on Londoners and how we make sure this never happens again. We stand with the Grenfell community in their continued fight for justice.

Reminder to sign up to my 2023 Campaign Summer School

I am delighted to announce that applications for my Campaign Summer School for 2023 are now open!

At my jam-packed 3-day summer school, young people aged between 16 and 18 will have the opportunity to gain the skills needed to make a real difference in our community.

The school itself will be held in person in Erith and Thamesmead from Monday 24th July to Wednesday 26th July.

If you know anyone who might be interested, then please don’t hesitate to send them the application.
To apply just fill in the sign-up form on my website.

My Update on Casework for June

Thank you to everyone who contacted me this month to raise the problems you are facing.

This month, 34% of all cases were related to housing and I continue to have serious concerns over the unprecedented housing crisis the Conservatives are overseeing. The building of new social homes is at record lows, and more and more people are stuck in the private rented sector when they should either own their own home or have a council house to rent.

The Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee’s 2020 report, ‘Building more social housing’, called for around 90,000 additional social homes to be built a year. Last month, when I asked the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, whether his department has a target for building new social homes, I was told that since 2010 they have delivered over 162,800 homes for social rent.

I am worried that if housing targets are not met in the near future, the housing crisis will continue to grow over the next few years.

I look forward to meeting more constituents in person to discuss the difficulties they are facing. If you would like to attend my next surgery, please contact my office to be added to the waiting list.

For all those who are struggling, I continue to share my Cost-of-Living booklet to help them know where to access support when needed. The link to the booklet is here: https://www.abenaoppongasare.com/cost-of-living/ 

  • Email: abena.oppongasare.mp@parliament.uk
  • Telephone: 01322 342991 (Mon-Fri, 10am-12pm, 2pm-4pm)

Furthermore:

  • Progress on the DLR to Thamesmead – This month I’m pleased to share that TFL have submitted their proposals for an extension of the DLR to Thamesmead. I have been campaigning for #NextStopThamemsead since I was elected and so I welcome these proposals and hope to see continued progress to finally provide a much needed station to the people of Thamesmead.
  • Sistah Space meeting on Valerie’s Law – It was great to catch up with the Sistah Space team as we discuss the important topic of Valerie’s Law and how we continue to make strides on the issue of domestic abuse.
  • Resuscitation Council UK Meeting – I’m sure everyone knows how vital it is to act fast and effectively whenever you are dealing with a cardiac arrest. This month I met with the Resuscitation Council UK and discussed how we improve CPR awareness and look into increasing the number of Defibrillators in our local communities. I’m also pleased to announce I have secured a debate in Parliament to discuss public access to Defibrillators. I will share the results of the debate on social media and in my next newsletter.
  • Armed Forces Day 2023 – I join everyone across Erith and Thamesmead in celebrating Armed Forces Day and I express how deeply proud we are of our personnel, veterans, and their families for the great contribution they make to our country.

Sign up to my Coffee Morning

If you are interested in coming along to a future Coffee Morning, I’ve just launched my webpage where you, your family and friends can sign up to register your interest in attending a meeting.

Sign up:  https://www.abenaoppongasare.com/upcoming-events/coffeemorning/

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

 

May 2023 Newsletter

Dear Friend,

Many thanks for taking the time to look at my latest newsletter for May 2023.

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

2023 Campaign Summer School

I am delighted to announce that applications for my Campaign Summer School for 2023 are now open!

At my jam-packed 3-day summer school, young people aged between 16 and 18 will have the opportunity to gain the skills needed to make a real difference in our community.

I know from my own experience that whether you’re dealing with environmental issues, crime, education and housing, effective campaigning is the key to influencing and challenging those in power. So, I am determined to do all I can to empower our young people to be the change they want to see in the world.

The school itself will be held in person in Erith and Thamesmead from Monday 24th July to Wednesday 26th July.

If you know anyone who might be interested, then please don’t hesitate to send them the application. To apply just fill in the sign-up form on my website. Applications are welcomed from anyone aged between 16 and 18, though priority will be given to those who live or go to school in the constituency of Erith and Thamesmead.

This month in Parliament I have raised a number of issues I know are important to people in Erith and Thamesmead.

In my role as Shadow Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, I spoke for Labour in the Finance Bill committee, where I raised Labour’s concerns with the new alcohol taxation scheme that is being introduced, and the importance of supporting our hospitality industry.

I also spoke about the role of further education (FE) colleges in training the workforce of the future and upskilling the existing workforce. FE colleges support our communities but are being let down by the Government.

I spoke in a Westminster Hall debate about regulation of the private rented sector, calling for a proper Ombudsman to deal with issues raised by tenants in the private rented sector. Lots of constituents have contacted me about soaring rents and poor-quality accommodation. I am very happy to support Labour’s pledge to introduce a Private Renters Charter to make renting fairer, more secure, and more affordable.

My Update on Casework for May

This month I have received hundreds of emails from constituents on a wide variety of issues.

At the moment, my office is receiving an extremely high number of enquiries on housing, and I am increasingly worried about the impact the housing crisis is having on residents in Erith and Thamesmead.

This month, I asked the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, whether his department has a target for building new social housing and if he would make an estimate of the number of people who became homeless following a Section 21 notice.

Whilst I am pleased to see the Renter Reform Bill being introduced, I will continue to ask the government important questions on housing issues that are prominent in the constituency.

I will be holding another surgery soon and I look forward to meeting more constituents in person to discuss the difficulties they are facing. If you would like to be added to my surgery waiting list, please contact my office who will be able to assist.

For all those who are struggling, I continue to share my Cost-of-Living booklet to help them know where to access support when needed. The link to the booklet is here: https://www.abenaoppongasare.com/cost-of-living/ 

Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla

As the Member of Parliament for Erith and Thamesmead, I send my congratulations to King Charles III and Queen Camilla for their successful Coronation this month.

It was great to see so many people get involved from across the community, including with street parties and events to celebrate this historic occasion. I was grateful to join a reception for the King and Queen before their Coronation and meet with so many people doing important work across the United Kingdom.

I hope everyone in Erith and Thamesmead and across the country had a great Coronation weekend with family and friends.

Update on the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) Expansion

Thank you to all constituents who have taken the time to write to me about the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) London-wide expansion earlier this year.

I recently contacted the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, to raise concerns about how the current proposals to extend the ULEZ will affect constituents of Erith and Thamesmead, many of whom do not have good links to public transport.

In particular, I raised concern that lower-income families and small businesses may not be able to upgrade to ULEZ-compliant vehicles. As you may know, Erith and Thamesmead has no underground station, no access to the DLR, no trams and no rapid bus services. Many of my constituents therefore have no option but to travel to work or essential appointments by car.

I welcomed the £110m for the new scrappage scheme to support Londoners on lower incomes, disabled Londoners, charities and micro-businesses as a welcome starting point. However, many of my constituents, including struggling families and businesses, are not covered by the scrappage scheme. I therefore strongly encouraged the Mayor to review the scrappage scheme to support small businesses and to undertake an assessment of what additional support can be provided to families.

I will continue to monitor the impact of ULEZ expansion in Erith and Thamesmead, and pass on my constituent’s views to the Mayor directly. Please find below my letter to the Mayor of London.

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Join my DLR to Thamesmead Campaign

This month, I want to promote my webpage for my Next Stop Thamesmead Campaign. For too long people in Thamesmead have suffered from poor transport links – making it harder to access jobs and opportunities across London.

This is why I started the #NextStopThamesmead Campaign. I believe the residents of Erith and Thamesmead deserve the benefits of transport connectivity that many others across London already enjoy. Extending the DLR to Thamesmead would unlock significant new housing on both sides of the river and would open up access to work and educational opportunities for our constituency.

Furthermore, this month I wrote to the Secretary of State for Transport to speed up plans to extend the DLR to Thamesmead. I told the Secretary of State of my campaign over recent years to make this happen and how I have only ever heard warm words from an ever-growing cast list of transport ministers. I made clear that while we are told the DLR is always on the way, it somehow never arrives.

We have ambitious plans to put Thamesmead on the transport map, which are supported by local authorities, Transport for London (TfL), local businesses and community organisations, and local people. The opportunities for local economic growth are plain to see and the chance to ‘level up’ this part of London is real.

I urged the Secretary of State to expedite the process to deliver the DLR to Thamesmead. We have waited long enough. Now is the time for action.

Alongside the Leader and Deputy Leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, I was also briefed by TfL on their progress for Housing and Transport developments in Thamesmead.

I hope all can visit my webpage here to read further about my campaign and share your thoughts on the DLR extension with me and the community: https://www.abenaoppongasare.com/dlr-to-thamesmead/.

London Walkers Group Visit to Parliament

It was great to see the London Walkers Group this month after they completed a Tour of Parliament. It was nice to see such a good turnout and to talk about some important local issues.

As always, please get in touch if you live in Erith & Thamesmead and would like me to arrange a tour. You can contact me via email on abena.oppongasare.mp@parliament.uk

Visit to Maximus Employability Centre

I was very pleased to be able to visit Maximus Employability Centre Advisor this month, who help constituents develop new skills, overcome barriers and find sustainable work. It was great to learn about the Restart scheme that provides people who have been out of work for 12 to 18 months with the tailored support they need to overcome their barriers and find work.

I had the opportunity to speak to some constituents who use the service about the barriers they are facing and was very interested to discover that there are particular challenges for single parents and those over 50 have in finding work.

Meeting with the Superintendent for Bexley

This month I was also able to have a meeting with the new Borough Superintendent for Bexley, Simon Corbin at Bexleyheath Police Station.

It was good to introductory meeting with him in his new role and to have the opportunity to raise the important concerns that many in our constituency have raised including knife crime, anti-social behaviour, fly-tipping and response times for crime reports. It was also interesting to have a tour of Bexleyheath Police Station and find out more about their police work in Bexley.

Having spoken to constituents, I understand the frustration that many feel about the policing in London. I’m looking forward to building on this visit to address many of the pressing issues and concerns of local residents.

Furthermore:

  • Neighbourhood Watch Parliamentary Event – It was very nice to meet the central Neighbourhood Watch team this month and to hear about the great work they’ve been doing including on their new Community Safety Charter. Delighted to hear Greenwich Council was the first to sign up to the charter.
  • Happy Easter – Very pleased to hear from those celebrating Easter in Erith and Thamesmead. I hope everyone had good festivities with family and friends.
  • Eid Mubarak – This month was Eid Mubarak and so I want to wish a happy Eid al-Fitr to all Muslims celebrating in Erith and Thamesmead. As we end the holy month of Ramadam, I hope those celebrating had an enjoyable and inspiring time with family and friends.
  • Happy Tamil and Bengali New Years – Wishing all those from the Tamil and Sinhala community and Bengali community in Erith and Thamesmead, the UK and around the world a very happy New year.
  • Happy Vaisakhi – This month, I’m pleased to wish Sikhs here and around the world a very happy Vaisakhi. Vaisakhi di lakh lakh vidai.
  • Happy Passover – Chag Samech to all those who were observing Passover this month. I hope you had a happy and healthy holiday.
  • St George’s Day – Last Sunday 23rd April was St George’s Day and I want to send a Happy St George’s Day message to everyone across Erith and Thamesmead and England.  

Sign up to my Coffee Morning

If you are interested in coming along to a future Coffee Morning, I’ve just launched my webpage where you, your family and friends can sign up to register your interest in attending a meeting.

Sign up:  https://www.abenaoppongasare.com/upcoming-events/coffeemorning/

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

 

April 2023 Newsletter

Dear Friend,

Many thanks for taking the time to look at my latest newsletter for April 2023.

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

Stephen Lawrence Day

It was a privilege this month to be invited by the Stephen Lawrence Foundation to attend the Stephen Lawrence 30th Anniversary Memorial Service. This was a significant and inspirational occasion as we cherished Stephen’s memory and came together to spread a message of hope and change.

Those of us who were growing up in South East London at the time of Stephen’s murder know we have come a long way. However, we all know that we have so much further still to go. It is important that we all come together to honour Stephen’s life and commit to making sure the next 30 years are meaningfully different from the last.

I was also pleased to join Baroness Doreen Lawrence OBE and Keir Starmer at their in-conversation event to discuss Stephen’s legacy and the great work of the Stephen Lawrence Foundation. It was especially great to hear about what they have been doing to help young people and what they plan to do in the future to inspire a more equitable, inclusive society.

April has been another important month in Parliament as I have been able to raise a number of issues that I know constituents in Erith and Thamesmead and so many across the country are really concerned about.

In my role as Shadow Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, I spoke for Labour in the Finance Bill Committee of the House and I closed the Opposition Day debate on the cost of living crisis. In the Finance Bill speeches, I challenged the Government with my concerns about their policies on energy and alcohol duty and I made clear Labour’s critiques and position on these important issues.

Then for the cost-of-living debate I outlined the devastating impact that the current squeeze is taking on ordinary families. I mentioned that despite high inflation and stagnating wages, the Government has raised the tax burden to its highest point in 70 years, including 24 tax rises since 2019. I criticised the government for the lack of any clear plan to sort out the economy and turn around this cost-of-living crisis. You can read my speech online here or watch a clip on Twitter here.

However, an issue of such important in our community is housing. At Prime Minister’s Questions this month I questioned the Prime Minister about our current housing crisis. I reminded him that mortgages are soaring, rents are rising and housebuilding is set to fall to a post-war low. I fear that the Prime Minister’s lack of action is putting at risk the needs and dreams of millions of young people and families across the country. You can see a clip of my question to the Prime Minister on Twitter here or on the BBC website here.

My April Surgery and an Update on Casework

My office continues to receive hundreds of emails a month on many important issues effecting constituents in Erith and Thamesmead.  

This month I held another surgery, and I was deeply saddened to hear of the experiences my constituents are facing on a wide range of issues.

Currently, food prices are soaring, and people’s rent and mortgages continue to increase. I receive a large amount of casework which makes clear what impact the cost-of-living crisis and 13 years of a Conservative government is having on people’s lives.   

For all those who are struggling, I continue to share my Cost-of-Living booklet to help them know where to access support when needed. The link to the booklet is here: https://www.abenaoppongasare.com/cost-of-living/ 

For those who would like a surgery appointment with me, they are always welcome to contact my office who will be able to add you to the next available surgery.

Visit to Discovery Primary School

I was delighted to visit Discovery Primary School and meet the newly formed Junior Leadership Team. The students took me on a tour before asking me lots of insightful questions about my life as an MP.

I was very impressed by the enthusiasm and ambition of the students in the Junior Leadership Team and I am sure they all have a bright future ahead.

Meeting with Youth Unity

I also had a very positive catch-up with Youth Unity, a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to providing effective help and support to vulnerable young people and adults who are affected by group violence (gangs), drugs, and other forms of exploitation such as human trafficking, CSE (Child Sexual Exploitation), and extremism.

We discussed the organisation’s intensive mentoring scheme, Josh’s story project, film making and community arts along with areas we can work together in future.

Nepalese New Year

Really enjoyed seeing in the Nepalese New Year 2080 with the Royal Borough of Greenwich Nepalese Society and Greenwich Mummies. I want to thank Cllr Jit Ranabhat for the kind invitation.

I hope that everyone celebrating across Erith and Thamesmead had a great celebration with family and friends.

Furthermore:

  • Neighbourhood Watch Parliamentary Event – It was very nice to meet the central Neighbourhood Watch team this month and to hear about the great work they’ve been doing including on their new Community Safety Charter. Delighted to hear Greenwich Council was the first to sign up to the charter.
  • Happy Easter – Very pleased to hear from those celebrating Easter in Erith and Thamesmead. I hope everyone had good festivities with family and friends.
  • Eid Mubarak – This month was Eid Mubarak and so I want to wish a happy Eid al-Fitr to all Muslims celebrating in Erith and Thamesmead. As we end the holy month of Ramadam, I hope those celebrating had an enjoyable and inspiring time with family and friends.
  • Happy Tamil and Bengali New Years – Wishing all those from the Tamil and Sinhala community and Bengali community in Erith and Thamesmead, the UK and around the world a very happy New year.
  • Happy Vaisakhi – This month, I’m pleased to wish Sikhs here and around the world a very happy Vaisakhi. Vaisakhi di lakh lakh vidai.
  • Happy Passover – Chag Samech to all those who were observing Passover this month. I hope you had a happy and healthy holiday.
  • St George’s Day – Last Sunday 23rd April was St George’s Day and I want to send a Happy St George’s Day message to everyone across Erith and Thamesmead and England.  

Sign up to my Coffee Morning

If you are interested in coming along to a future Coffee Morning, I’ve just launched my webpage where you, your family and friends can sign up to register your interest in attending a meeting.

Sign up:  https://www.abenaoppongasare.com/upcoming-events/coffeemorning/

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