November 2024 Newsletter
Dear Friends,
Thank you for taking the time to look at my monthly newsletter for November 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
Response to the Autumn 2024 Budget
On 30 October, Rachel Reeves MP, the first female Chancellor, presented Labour’s first Budget in over 14 years, outlining her plans to fix the foundations of our economy. I was delighted to see many important announcements in the Budget that I believe are going to positively impact so many working families in Erith and Thamesmead.
These included an increase in the National Living Wage; more support for the NHS; more investment in SEND services; a real boost for millions of carers; £1bn investment in removing unsafe cladding; a freeze in fuel duty; and a firm commitment to the ‘triple lock’, giving over 12 million pensioners £500 more from next April.
Earlier this month, I wrote an article sharing my reaction to the Budget, which you can read here, and I also spoke about how the Budget will impact you here.
While I know there were tough decisions made at the Budget, I fully support the Government’s commitment to delivering this needed investment in Britain’s future – fixing the NHS, protecting working families and rebuilding our country.
Remembrance Day Events 2024
It was an honour to represent Erith and Thamesmead this month during several important Remembrance Day events in our community and in Parliament.
I laid a wreath at Thamesmead War Memorial, Plumstead Cemetery, Woolwich Cemetery and Abbey Wood Memorial Gardens. I also attended a Remembrance Sunday Service at St. Michael and All Angels Church in Abbey Wood. We will remember them.
I also pay tribute to the volunteers who supported the Royal British Legion to raise funds for such a great cause and I was pleased to meet some of them at their stand in Morrisons, Thamesmead.
Thanks as well to local constituent, Dawn, who made poppies herself to raise funds – I was pleased to wear one of her poppies in Parliament this year.
Visit to local Post Office in Plumstead
I really enjoyed visiting our local Post Office on Plumstead High Street recently. It was good to speak to the Postmaster and Branch staff about how they keep the vital service running for local constituents.
Tihar, Deepawali & Diwali Celebrations in Parliament
It was such a pleasure to host this lovely celebration in Parliament alongside the Mayor of Greenwich, Cllr Jit Ranabhat. As the first one under the new Government, the evening was filled with joy and dancing, making it a truly memorable occasion. I was delighted to be joined by many members of the Nepalese community and also Baroness Armstrong and Sarah Owen MP, who both spoke.
Plumstead Station Access for All
It was fantastic to officially mark the opening of two new lifts at Plumstead Station this month. I know many constituents have campaigned for this and I’m pleased that this will bring a lot a relief to many local residents.
It was lovely to visit Willow Dene School this month and speak to parents, students and staff about special education services in our community of Erith and Thamesmead. Also great to hear more about the work being done to improve access to eye care for people with learning disabilities.
Black History Month Debate and appointment of new Windrush Commissioner
At the end of last month, I was very pleased to open the important ‘Black History Month’ debate in the House of Commons. It was great to hear so many powerful contributions from MPs from across the country. We’ve come a long way, but there’s still so much more to do to break down barriers for all.
I was also pleased to share an important Government announcement of new support for Windrush victims, including the appointment of an important new Windrush Commissioner. These are first steps to ensure justice is finally delivered. You can find out more by reading this article here. You can also watch part of my speech here.
Ministerial work in the Cabinet Office
It’s been another eventful month in the Cabinet Office as I continue my work as Parliamentary Secretary with a focus on national security, resilience and civil contingencies.
I was pleased to visit Burnley College for the grand opening of its new Security Operations Centre. You can find out more about this state-of-the-art facility and how they will help train the next generation of cyber experts here.
It was also great to catch up with the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, ahead of my Cabinet Office meeting with the London Resilience Forum. And I enjoyed my visit to the Thames Barrier, alongside Minister Emma Hardy, to discuss how they protect over a million Londoners from the threat of tidal flooding.
Alongside ministerial colleagues, it was also a pleasure to meet Malala Yousafzai and discuss the distressing situation in Afghanistan, especially for women and girls. You can find out more here.
Furthermore:
- The Javan Coker Foundation receives the King’s Award for Voluntary Service – Many congratulations to the whole team for this brilliant achievement.
- Greenwich Diwali Celebration – It was lovely to join the Mayor of Greenwich and many local residents at this Civic reception at the Town Hall in Woolwich.
- My article in the Guardian celebrating Lord Paul Boateng – Lord Boateng proves that passion plus determination moves mountains. I was pleased to pay tribute to Paul in the Guardian during Black History Month. You can read my article here.
- Family Rights Group 50th Anniversary reception – Was pleased to attend this important reception in Parliament alongside Baroness Armstrong of Hill Top.
- Happy Guru Nanak Gurpurab – Sending my best wishes to the local Sikh community and all those who mark this important anniversary.
- Lords Spiritual (Women) Act (Extension) Bill – Pleased to speak for the Government on this important bill to increase female representation on the bishops’ benches in the Lords. You can read my speech here or watch it here.
- Passing of John Prescott – Very sad to hear of the passing of John Prescott, a towering figure in our movement and so central to previous Labour Governments.
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