October 2024 Newsletter

Dear Friends,

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

The Budget 2024

This month, it was crucial to hear the Chancellor outline the new Government’s vision to fix the foundations of our economy and deliver on the promise of change. After years of economic mismanagement, low wages, and low growth, I fully support this plan to repair the damage left behind by the last Government.

This Budget is focused on investing in our public services and supporting working people and families across the country, including those in our community of Erith and Thamesmead. If you have any questions about how the budget may affect you and your finances, please get in touch.

Christmas Card Competition Launch

Delighted to announce my Christmas Card Competition for 2024 has now been launched! Each year, I receive brilliant designs from primary schools across Erith and Thamesmead, with the winner being used as my official card design! You can find out more about the competition and how to get involved here.

Launch of Black Culture Collective CIC and Black History Celebration

It was a pleasure to speak at this important launch and celebration event at the Nest in Thamesmead. The Black Culture Collective (BCC) provides a Connected Communities Fund for local projects that make a real difference in the lives of people in our constituency. I expressed my appreciation for their great work.

Visit to Alex McLeod Primary School

Lovely to visit Alex McLeod Primary School this month on Show Racism the Red Card Day. I spoke with pupils about my journey to become an MP, the importance of Black History Month and I also joined in for some football practice! Thanks to the school for having me and the pupils for their great questions.

Asda Belvedere work on Breast Cancer Awareness

It was inspiring to visit the Asda Belvedere store earlier this month to find out more about their Breast Cancer Awareness Month campaign. Speaking to the store manager and those volunteering, I heard about their community engagement work and their great fundraising activities on this vitally important issue.

Ministerial work in the Cabinet Office

It has been another important month working in the Cabinet Office as minister responsible for national security, resilience and civil contingencies.

To build on this work, I was pleased to recently travel to Yorkshire to meet with local leaders and experts from across the country working to keep their communities safe from future threats.

As part of our ongoing review of the UK’s resilience, I met with Local Resilience Foru chairs from 11 regions across Northern England at the Emergency Planning College just outside York. You can find out more about my visit here.

Furthermore:

  • Apple Day at Woodland Farm Trust – Delighted to join Woodlands Farm Trust in Shooters Hill for their Apple Day on 13th October to celebrate Britain’s favourite fruit!
  • Kinship Carers Parliamentary Reception – Very nice to join a local Kinship carer from the constituency at this valuable parliamentary reception.
  • Prostate Cancer Parliamentary Reception – Important to attend Prostate Cancer UK’s reception. Thanks to all the constituents who have raised this issue with me.
  • Breast Cancer Now Reception in Parliament – Really grateful that Breast Cancer Now came to meet MPs, like me, in Parliament this month to raise awareness.
  • Passing of Lord Herman Ouseley – Very sad to hear that Lord Ouseley has passed away. He was a strong advocate and trailblazer, and my thoughts are with his family.
  • Welcome Reception with US Ambassador – It was great to attend a Welcome Reception for Labour MPs at Winfield House, home of the US Ambassador.
  • Black History Month Receptions in Westminster – I was delighted to join so many wonderful colleagues and friends this month to celebrate the contributions of Black Britons, including events at 10 Downing Street and at the Speaker’s House.
  • Women’s Lobby Reception – Good to attend the annual Women’s Lobby Reception in Parliament to connect with women building their careers in journalism.
  • Anti-Slavery Day Awards – Important to join the Human Trafficking Foundation and campaigners at this event and speak about concerning human trafficking issues.
  • Health Strategy Public Engagement Plan – Pleased that the Health and Social Care Secretary has launched a public engagement plan that will feed into the Government’s upcoming 10 Year Health Plan for England. You can contribute here.
  • Constituents attended PMQs – It was great to sponsor two constituents to visit PMQs this month. I’m glad they enjoyed their visit, and it was nice to catch up after.
  • Meeting with Clinton Walsh, Borough Commander for Bexley – Very important to discuss local issues with the Bexley Borough Commander at the London Fire Brigade.

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