September 2026 Newsletter
Dear Friends,
Thank you for taking the time to look at my monthly newsletter for September 2026.
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
Elected as Chair of the Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee
I’m honoured to have been elected Chair of the Housing, Communities and Local Government (HCLG) Committee in Parliament.
Having served on this Committee previously and in positions in opposition and in government, I have seen scrutiny from both sides of the table. I am delighted to bring that experience to this role.
I am determined to lead a strong, independent and evidence-led Committee and working constructively with colleagues from all parties to deliver real change for communities around the country.
You can find out more about my priorities for the Committee in my candidate video here, my candidate statement here or my social media post here.
Assisted Dying Bill in Parliament
On 11th September, the House of Commons debated and voted on the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill.
The Bill failed to pass. After carefully considering the evidence and listening to constituents, I voted against the Bill. This is consistent with the position I took on a similar bill during the previous Parliamentary session.
Speaking in the debate, I explained that I remained unconvinced that the Bill contained sufficiently robust safeguards to address a number of important concerns. You can view my speech in full here or read it here.
Visit to Community Hospice in Abbey Wood
It was great to have the chance to visit Community Hospice in Abbey Wood in my role as patron to meet Interim CEO Aneta Saunders.
The renewed conversation around Assisted Dying has highlighted that improving social and palliative care must be one of our country’s top priorities. I am extremely proud to support the Community Hospice team to deliver these much-needed services.
Democracy in Action at St Margarets Clitherow Primary School
It was a pleasure to visit St Margaret Clitherow Primary School for its Head Girl election. I heard some excellent speeches from pupils and was delighted to help with the vote using real ballot boxes from the local council.
The Head Boy election followed the next week. Congratulations to everyone who took part.
Thamesmead Festival 2026 and Pride in Place Stall
It was a pleasure to attend the Thamesmead Festival in August and celebrate the wealth of local talent on display.
I also enjoyed speaking with residents about the new Pride in Place programme at Birchmere Park and how they can get involved. Run by an independent board of local residents, the programme puts the community at the heart of local decision-making.
Find out more on my website here and apply to join the board here.
Pancreatic Cancer UK Downing Street Petition
Shockingly, 7 in 10 with pancreatic cancer are told there is no treatment. I joined Yinka Sowemimo-Coker and Pancreatic Cancer UK as they handed in a petition to 10 Downing Street demanding better treatment for the disease.
LSEC Greenwich Council Campus Opening
It was a pleasure to speak at the opening of LSEC’s impressive new campus in Plumstead, a very welcome addition to the constituency. Congratulations to everyone whose hard work helped bring the new campus to life.
London & South East University Group Launch
Delighted to attend the opening of the London and South East University Group (LASE), a partnership between the Universities of Greenwich and Kent. Great to see so many people there, including Chancellor YolanDa Brown, CEO Jane Harrington and Deputy Mayor of London Kaya Comer-Schwartz.
Black Maternal Mental Health Week in Parliament
I was delighted to host campaigners in Parliament to mark the seventh annual Black Maternal Mental Health Week. It was inspiring to meet so many mothers working to improve maternity care and support for Black women. More must be done to tackle inequalities and ensure every mother gets the care she deserves.
Parliamentary Work
This month, I have been raising concerns in Parliament on issues including women sleeping rough being missed from official homelessness figures, and pressed Ministers on preparations to protect vulnerable communities during future emergencies like the summer wildfires. You can watch my interventions here and here. I have also written to Ministers about the Women’s Health Strategy and support for older people facing online fraud.
Furthermore:
- Nepal Floods – My thoughts continue to be with those affected by the floods in Nepal, and with families worried about loved ones caught up in this tragic event.
- Fireworks Consultation – Pleased to join Minister Kate Dearden MP to hear how the Government is responding to concerns raised by residents about the impact of fireworks on our communities.
- Meeting Mo Farah – It was a pleasure to meet Mo Farah over summer and discuss the work he does to encourage the population to stay healthy.
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