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