May 2022 Newsletter

 

 

Below you will find a summary of some of the work I have been doing in Parliament and in the constituency over the last month.  

As ever, if you want to get in touch please email me at abena.oppongasare.mp@parliament.uk 

Abena 

Cost of living crisis

The biggest issue facing the country at the moment is the cost-of-living crisis.  

Too many people are struggling to afford the basics such as food, energy or petrol. I see this reflected through the conversations I’ve had with constituents in Erith and Thamesmead and the casework that comes into my office.  

It is shameful that since January, two million people have a gone a whole day without eating because they cannot afford to do so. 

I have been raising publicly Labour’s cost-of-living plan. During interviews on Sky News, ITV, Times Radio, LBC and others, I called on the Government to implement a windfall tax on oil and gas producers to bring down people’s rocketing energy bills.  

This week I also responded to a debate in Parliament on fiscal steps to tackle the cost-of-living crisis where I set out Labour’s call for an emergency budget to help people now.  

At Treasury Question on the 17th May, I asked the Chancellor why Conservative Ministers were telling people to get another job if they are struggling. Shamefully he doubled down on these comments. 

It looks like the Government has belatedly agreed with Labour on the need for a windfall tax, but I will not stop advocating for solutions which help people in Erith and Thamesmead and across the country.  

Elizabeth Line opens at Abbey Wood  

It was very exciting to finally ride the Elizabeth Line from Abbey Wood on its opening day on Tuesday 24 May. It has been a long time coming.  

However, I am keen to ensure that as many constituents as possible benefit from the Elizabeth Line and so I have raised the issue of local bus routes with TfL. If you have any further suggestions about bus routes, please get in touch.  

Next Stop Thamesmead  

I am continuing to campaign, alongside local councillors and activists, for the DLR to be extended to Thamesmead.  

This would be transformational for Thamesmead – ensuring that people had more connections to work and opportunities.  

I have already raised this with Government, but I used a recent Transport debate to make the case directly to the Minister. I will be continuing to lobby for this investment into our constituency over the coming months.  

  

Meeting with local nurses  

I was delighted to meet nurses from across South-East London at a recent meeting organised by the Royal College of Nursing.  

I thanked them for all their hard work over the last few years, and heard about concerns relating to pay, workload and understaffing.  

 

Human rights in Palestine  

I am deeply concerned about the killing of the Palestinian-American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh during a raid by the Israeli forces. I was also horrified to see the attacks on mourners at her funeral. I condemn the violence by the Israeli forces.  

I have asked a question to the Foreign Secretary about a holding an independent investigation into her killing.  

I will continue to support justice and human rights for the Palestinian people, alongside a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine.  

 

Supporting Ukrainian Refugees  

I have been horrified to watch the war in Ukraine unfold, but I have been inspired by the people in our constituency who have stepped up to support Ukrainian’s fleeing the violence.  

My office has been supporting a number of families with visa and other issues, and I raised a particularly concerning case of a Ukrainian woman who had made it to the UK but was unable to open a bank account due to a lack of ID. I will continue to support people with these ongoing issues.  

 

Passport office backlog  

Many constituents have contacted me about severe delays in renewing their passport. I know many people have spent years unable to see loved ones abroad or go on holiday.  

In the Commons, I called on the Minister to get a grip on this situation and ensure that people were kept updated about the status of their applications. If you have any issues with renewing your passport, you can get in touch with my office.  

 

SEND funding in Bexley  

At a recent meeting at Bedonwell School, I heard concerns about the levels of SEND funding in Bexley. I will be pushing the Government to increase SEND spending to ensure that every child gets the help and support they need.  

 

Electric vehicle charging points  

 

Many constituents have contacted me because they want to switch to electric cars but cannot do so due to a lack of charging points near their homes and work. In a parliamentary debate, I called on the Government to take a more proactive approach to ensuring that everyone has access to charging points.  

 

Local election results  

I want to say a huge congratulations to all the new and returning councillors elected across Greenwich and Bexley.  

I’m delighted that in Erith and Thamesmead we gained a councillor in Northumberland Heath and retained all our seats.  

I really do appreciate all the hard work that councillors, members and activists put in year-round to ensure that Labour wins in Erith and Thamesmead.  

 

My Summer School is back for 2022  

I’m delighted to announce that following last year’s success, my Campaigning Summer School is back for 2022!  

It is open to 16-18 year olds, with preference given to those who live or go to school or college in Erith and Thamesmead.  

It will be held between the 25-27 July and will give young people the skills to campaign for change in our community and beyond.  

If you are interested, or you know someone who might be, please visit www.abenaoppongasare.com/summer-school-2022/ for more information and to sign up now.  

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