Dear Friends,

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

New Government’s Economic Plan

A few weeks ago, the Prime Minister addressed the nation and highlighted the black hole in the public finances left by the previous Government.

He made clear that some tough and unpopular decisions will need to be made at the upcoming October Budget to make sure the Government achieves its goal of fixing the foundations of the economy.

After 14 years of Conservative mismanagement, I support this important agenda to pick up the pieces and finally deliver the change the country desperately needs.

University of Greenwich Visit

It was a pleasure to visit the University of Greenwich’s Avery Hill campus this month and speak to the senior leadership team.

We spoke about their plans to break down barriers for students, establish local community projects and their ambitions to lead the sector in social mobility. 

Erith Town FC

Great to see Erith Town play Croydon Athletic, witness their 3-0 win and support grassroots football in the process. Honoured also to become a patron of the club and present player of the match!

Emmaus Greenwich

It was also inspiring to visit Emmaus Greenwich earlier this month. Their work makes a real difference to people trying to overcome homelessness, giving them support, skills and the confidence to build better lives. I thanked them and their companions for speaking to me about their experiences.

Grenfell Inquiry Report

As the final Grenfell Inquiry report was released this month, I want to share my continued sympathies to all the families and friends of the victims of the Grenfell fire.

This report demonstrated how the victims were badly failed over many decades and how all the deaths were avoidable.

This must be a moment of change on unsafe cladding still in place and I will continue to push for necessary steps to be swiftly taken.

Ministerial work in the Cabinet Office

In recent months, I’m pleased to have hit the ground running as a Minister in the Cabinet Office – leading on national security and resilience.

In my role, I was pleased to recently meet Columbian Foreign Minister Luis Murillo, as well as attending the first meeting of the Flood Resilience Taskforce, which I am Co-Vice Chair. I’ve also been on several insightful visits including to Airbus Helicopters’ HQ in Oxford and the Met Office HQ in Exeter.

Furthermore:

• Passing of Nicky Gavron – I was devastated to hear this news about the former deputy Mayor of London. She was extremely dedicated, principled, and supportive.
• Stephen Lawrence’s Legacy – Stephen would have celebrated his 50^th birthday this September. Like many, his legacy inspires me and motivates us to push for justice.
• The Ballad of Thamesmead – Had a fantastic time at this performance by Dante or Die Theatre. The Thamesmead Community Choir were excellent.
• Plumstead Open Studios – I went to visit some of the brilliant local art exhibitions at Plumstead Open Studios – it is great to see so much talent in our constituency.

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

Dear Friends,

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

General Election 2024 

On Thursday 4 July 2024, I was very thankful to be re-elected as the Member of Parliament for Erith and Thamesmead. It has been a great privilege to represent this constituency since 2019 and I am committed to continuing to work tirelessly on your behalf.

I’m also so proud to have helped elect a Labour Government on a manifesto of change and its plans to rebuild our economy, our public services and trust in politics.  

You can read my full message of thanks to constituents on my website here. You can also watch my victory speech here and watch me being sworn into Parliament here.  

Greenwich and Bexley Hospice Visit

I am honoured to be a patron of the Greenwich and Bexley Community Hospice, so I was delighted that the Hospice was one of my first visits since my re-election.  

This year marks the Hospice’s 30th anniversary and they have been recognising everyone who has helped them get to this point.  

Erith and Woolwich Kabaddi Tournament 2024

Thanks also to the Erith & Woolwich Kabaddi Club for organising this year’s Erith and Woolwich Kabaddi Tournament on Winns Common. I attended last year and so it was great to come again and to be joined by the Mayor of Greenwich, Cllr Jit Ranabhat, and Cllr Baljeet Singh Gillon and see so many fans of the sport there too. 

King’s Speech 2024

This month we also saw the first King’s Speech of the new Government. From public rail ownership, the establishment of Great British Energy, new housebuilding and planning bills, Renters’ Rights Bill, Employment Rights Bill, and the emphasis on economic stability, the speech laid out the Government’s upcoming agenda for Parliament.  

I’m pleased that reform of the Mental Health Act has also been included. Having recently worked on the mental health brief, I know how vital these reforms will be to provide greater support and equality for those it serves to protect.  

Appointed as Parliamentary Secretary in the Cabinet Office

I am also honoured to have been appointed as Parliamentary Secretary in the Cabinet Office and to have the opportunity to deliver real change as a member of the Government.  

In this role, I’ll work in the Cabinet Office on cross-government cooperation and delivery of the Government’s priorities. You can find out more on my website here.  

UNRWA Funding

It was important to see the new Foreign Secretary announce that the UK will restart funding to UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), the key aid delivery body in Gaza.  

In February, I raised this issue directly with the last Government and urged them to commit to a timeline to bring back funding. I join the new Government in their calls for unfettered access for humanitarian organisations alongside an immediate ceasefire, the protection of civilians, the release of all hostages and a credible and irreversible pathway towards a two-state solution. You can find my question here or watch it here.  

Parkfest at Bostall Gardens

Finally, it was lovely to be at Parkfest at Bostall Gardens with the Mayor of Greenwich, Cllr Jit Ranabhat, and Cllr Ann-Marie Cousins. Great to meet so many families and local businesses there and I want to thank Bostall Gardens Friends Group for organising such a great community event.

Furthermore:

• Lenses Abbey Woods’s Green Flag Award – I am pleased that once again Lenses Abbey Woods retains the Green Flag Award and its worthy recognition as one our country’s best parks.
• Opening Day Fixtures released for Erith Town FC – Looking forward to Erith Town FC’s debut in the Isthmian League’s South East-Division. Find out more on their website here: Erith Town FC – Home of The Dockers!
• England at the Euros 2024 – I am sure we’re all proud of the England Team’s successful and exciting run to another Euros final this summer. Well done!
• D-Day 80th Anniversary – Last month, I was proud to join tributes at the Abbey Wood Memorial Garden to the brave British and Commonwealth soldiers on this historic anniversary. Their courage will never be forgotten.
• Grenfell Tower Anniversary – June also marked seven years since the Grenfell Tower fire, which took 72 lives. My thoughts were with the victims, their families and the survivors as we marked this tragic anniversary.
• Jo Cox Anniversary – It has also been eight years since the tragic murder of Jo Cox. Her words ‘We have more in Common than that which divides us’, stays with us and drives our sense of purpose for change.
• Happy St George’s Day – On Windrush Day, Sunday 22 June, we celebrated the generation that served Britain with greatness, spirit and devotion. We can be inspired by their efforts as we look to change Britain for the Better.

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

 

Dear Friends,

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

Royal Borough of Greenwich Nepalese Society (RGNS) New Year Celebrations

It was lovely to join the RGNS’s celebrations this month as they welcomed a New Year 2081. I want to wish all Nepalis in Erith and Thamesmead and across the whole country a very Happy New Year.

History made for Erith and Belvedere FC

I was inspired to watch history in the making as the first ever girls side from Erith and Belvedere FC under 15’s team played against Sudbury Town at the Acclaim Handling Community Stadium in Welling. Big congratulations to all those involved in making this happen and to the girls on the field from both teams.

NHS Confederation’s Annual Mental Health Conference and visit to Leeds Synergi

Many thanks to NHS Confederation for inviting me to speak to their annual Mental Health Conference in Leeds on the urgent need to invest in our mental health services. It was also important to learn about the innovative approaches taken at Leeds Synergi in tackling ethnic inequalities in mental health.  

My Work in Parliament

This month, we have continued to see chaos in Parliament as the Government struggled to pass their flagship Safety of Rwanda Bill.

In my view, this is a failing scheme, with even the Home Office Permanent Secretary saying there is no evidence it will work as a deterrent. Instead, I believe we must put that money into boosting Britain’s border security with a new cross border police unit to smash the criminal smuggler gangs.

Speaking at Lloyds Banking Group’s ‘Black in Business’ reception

It was also great to speak at the ‘Black in Business’ event in Parliament hosted by Channel 4 and Lloyds Banking Group. And it was great to hear from the amazing Black entrepreneurs and business owners, who spoke about the work that has been championed by this initiative.

Furthermore:

• Happy Easter – Hoping everyone celebrating Easter had a very joyful holiday.
• Eid Mubarak – Warm wishes to the Muslim community celebrating as the holy month of Ramadan came to an end.
• Happy Vaisakhi – I was also pleased to wish Sikhs here and around the world a very happy Vaisakhi!
• Happy Tamil New Year – And a very happy Tamil New Year to the Tamil community.
• Happy Passover – Chag Sameach to all those who observed Passover.
• Stephen Lawrence Day – On the 31^st anniversary of the murder of Stephen Lawrence, it was important to come together to remember him and his family’s struggle for justice.
• Happy St George’s Day – Hope everyone had a happy St George’s Day!
• Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week – Thank you to the Maternal Mental Health Alliance for promoting this important awareness week.
• Congratulations to Erith Town FC – I also want to say a massive congratulations to Erith Town FC who managed to add the Kent Senior Trophy to this Season’s list of accomplishments. Well done!

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

 

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:

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

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

 

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:

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

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