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

At the beginning of the month, the Government announced the Spring Budget amidst the ongoing Cost of Living Crisis. At a time when so many people require urgent assistance with day-to-day living costs, it was disappointing to receive the Chancellor’s proposals which do very little for working people. Speaking to the media, I expressed my concerns and the need for a general election now.  

As well as this, during Health and Social Care Questions, I raised the pressing issue of record waiting lists for gynaecological treatment, with waiting numbers tripling since 2012. I asked the Minister what their long-term strategy is for dealing with this critical issue. You can watch my question here or read it here.  

It was also important to contribute to the Parliamentary debate on Health and Wellbeing services in Essex. Like many areas of Britain, Essex is experiencing extreme challenges in delivering adequate Healthcare provision. I outlined Labour’s plan to deliver more mental health support and cut waiting lists. 

I was also pleased to contribute to a vital debate during Eating Disorders Awareness Week. With over a million people in the UK are living with an eating disorder, sadly it is the cause of more loss of life than any other mental health condition. In the debate, I shared Labour’s bold Child Health Action Plan with the ambition for this to be the healthiest generation of children ever. 

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.   

I have raised constituent’s concerns in Parliament this month, including by asking a number of business questions to the Leader of the House, Penny Mordaunt MP. I raised the issue of alarmingly high energy bills that were accidentally charged to some housing association residents in Erith and Thamesmead, and the Leader of the House committed to writing to the Housing Secretary on my behalf. 

At a Westminster Hall debate, I raised the challenges care workers in Erith and Thamesmead are faced with rising car parking charges and pressed the need for a care workers parking badge.  

I was pleased to be present for the passing of the Trophy Hunting Bill, which bans the import of hunting trophies to the UK, and which many constituents had contacted me about. 

Within my role as Shadow Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, I asked the Chancellor what the Conservatives are doing to decarbonise our economy and win the global race for good green jobs. I also represented Labour at the second reading of the Finance Bill – the mechanism through which announcements in the Budget are put into law. I questioned the Government on its awful economic record and presented Labour’s plans for economic growth and prosperity.