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Abena celebrates local victory as double decker buses to be introduced on overcrowded 244

Local Member of Parliament for Erith and Thamesmead, Abena Oppong-Asare, has welcomed Transport for London’s (TfL) announcement that double-decker buses will finally be introduced on the consistently overcrowded 244 route, following years of campaigning by local residents, community groups and representatives.

The change will significantly increase passenger capacity on the busy route, which serves key local areas including Shooters Hill, Woolwich, Thamesmead, and Abbey Wood. TfL confirmed that the new double-decker buses will be phased in over the coming months, alongside updated journey planning information and stop notices.

This marks a major milestone in a long-running local campaign. Back in 2017, TfL proposed wide-ranging route changes, including making the 244 double-decker, but these plans never materialised – leaving residents increasingly frustrated.

The issue has been of particular concern to Shooters Hill residents and members of the Shrewsbury Park Residents’ Association, who have highlighted overcrowding for nearly a decade.

Since taking on Shooters Hill as part of her constituency in 2024, Abena Oppong-Asare MP has repeatedly raised the issue with TfL – experiencing the overcrowding herself and pressing for urgent improvements.

Abena Oppong-Asare, MP for Erith and Thamesmead, said:
“This is fantastic news for local residents who have been raising concerns about overcrowding on the 244 for many years.

“It was vital for me to raise this directly with TfL and I’m delighted that they have listened to our community and agreed to introduce double-decker buses. This will make a real difference for commuters, the elderly, school pupils and families who rely on this service every day.

“I’d like to pay tribute all those who together have worked tirelessly over the years to keep this issue on the agenda. This is a great example of what we can achieve when residents and representatives work together.”

TfL had previously indicated that an update would be provided in early autumn 2024, but no confirmation followed. The latest announcement now confirms concrete plans to increase capacity, with double-decker buses being phased in after changes to stopping arrangements in Thamesmead.

Abena Oppong-Asare MP visiting a 244 bus stop in Shooters Hill to mark the victory:

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October 2025 Newsletter

Dear Friends,

Thank you for taking the time to look at my monthly newsletter for October 2025.

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

Another Month of Local Wins for Erith and Thamesmead

This month has brought some great wins for our constituency of Erith and Thamesmead. Here are a few key updates and what they mean for residents like you:

  • Renters’ Rights Bill Becomes Law – Delighted to celebrate this momentous moment alongside the implementation of the first phase of Awaab’s law, which promises to protect tenants from dangerous social housing conditions. For too long, families have faced insecurity, sudden evictions, and poor housing. Over 115,000 renters across Greenwich and Bexley will now have stronger protections, safer homes and real peace of mind. Find out more here.
  • New £80m Back to Work Funding – Vital Government package will help people overcome barriers to employment and get back into work. Find out more here.
  • Plumstead Police Station Front Counter to Stay Open – After making representations to the Met Police and the Deputy Mayor, I’m pleased the front counter in Plumstead will stay open. Find out more here.
  • New Family Hub for Bexley – Delighted to welcome this new investment in Bexley to support children and families, alongside expanded childcare and new free breakfast clubs right here in our community. Find out more here.
  • Thamesmead shortlisted for ‘New Towns’ Programme – Pleased to see our community being prioritised as an area to deliver new homes, improve transport links – with a possible DLR extension – and create local jobs. Find out more here.
  • Extra Funding to tackle Homelessness – Homelessness has doubled since 2010, ruining too many lives. I’m glad to see an £84 million boost this month, including over £640,000 for Bexley and Greenwich. Find out more here.

I’m proud of the progress we’re making and will keep working hard to deliver for everyone in Erith and Thamesmead.

Morris Mission Event

I was so pleased to be at the launch of Morris Mission CIC on Friday 10th October. From first meeting Shantel Morris at an advice surgery last year, it’s amazing to see the growth of Morris Mission and the progress that her and the team are making to support those affected by homelessness in the area.

Visit to Shooters Hill Tennis Club

Fantastic to receive such a warm welcome from the team at Shooters Hill Lawn Tennis Club (SHLTC). It’s a thriving and well-maintained club with bold ambitions for the future. Looking forward to being back there soon.

Visit to Age UK Bexley at Belvedere Community Centre

The Age UK Bexley team at Belvedere Community Centre are not only committed to championing the wellbeing of Bexley’s elderly residents, but also supporting the broader initiatives of the Community Centre. It was great to visit and witness this commitment first hand.

Visit to Guru Nanak Durbar Erith & Belvedere Sikh Temple

Really enjoyed the opportunity I had to meet with members of the committee at Erith & Belvedere Sikh Temple and see the development of the temple as it nears completion.

Poppy Appeal at Morrisons

Delighted to join Thamesmead and Abbey Wood’s Royal British Legion to launch their Poppy Appeal this year. It was a privilege to contribute to the appeal and have a chance to reflect on remembrance. Thanks also to the team at Morrisons in Thamesmead for hosting the appeal.

Remembering John O’Rourke

This month, I was honoured to attend the funeral of John O’Rourke, a great local champion and Chair of the Royal British Legion Branch in Thamesmead and Abbey Wood. It was a privilege to know John and to open the Children’s Memorial at Abbey Wood Garden earlier this year – a wonderful project he cared deeply about. He will be greatly missed.

Speaking with Oxleas BAMEx Staff Network

Very pleased to join the BAMEx Staff Network at Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust this month to talk about my journey into politics and what Black History Month means to me. Grateful for the chance to meet and hear from many passionate NHS staff from our community.

Celebrating Black History Month

I’m proud to celebrate Black History Month and to honour those who have shaped our nation and continue to drive positive change in their communities. This year, I was delighted to attend a number of significant receptions – at City Hall with the Mayor of London, in Parliament with the Speaker of the Commons, and at the Foreign Office and 10 Downing Street with the Foreign Secretary, Yvette Cooper, and the Deputy Prime Minister, David Lammy. It was inspiring to see so many outstanding voices embodying this year’s theme, “Standing Firm in Power and Pride.”

My work in Parliament as PPS to the Prime Minister

As I mentioned in my previous update, I have recently taken on the role of Parliamentary Private Secretary (PPS) to the Prime Minister. Over the past month, I’ve been focused on helping the Prime Minister prepare for Prime Minister’s Questions each Wednesday and on working closely with my parliamentary colleagues to advance the Government’s Plan for Change. I’m committed to delivering meaningful results for residents in Erith and Thamesmead and across the country.

Furthermore:

  • Manchester Synagogue Attack – My thoughts remain with the victims of this terrible attack in Manchester, their loved ones, and the wider Jewish community. I welcome the Government’s announcement of up to £10 million in emergency funding to help protect synagogues and Jewish schools across the country.
  • Peacehaven Mosque Fire – I have also been deeply concerned by this shocking act of arson and stand with the Home Secretary and Prime Minister in condemning it. I also welcome the Government’s commitment of £10 million to strengthen security and protect Muslim communities across the UK.
  • Nepal Flooding – Important to share my deepest sympathy to all those impacted by the tragic flooding in Nepal this month. My thoughts are especially with our local Nepalese community here, who I know have be worried for loved ones.
  • Welcomed Community Hospice to Parliament – Delighted to welcome Kate Heaps and her team at Community Hospice, where I’m a Patron, to Parliament for Hospice Care Week.
  • New Youth club in Thamesmead East – Residents have been asking for a new youth space for years, and I’ve been proud to raise it alongside them – now it’s finally happening! Massive thanks to local Cllr Zainab Asunramu for leading the charge.
  • Three Rivers Bexley Awarded £1m to Boost Arts & Culture – Great to hear that Three Rivers Bexley are getting £1m from Arts Council England to boost arts & culture in our community.
  • Yom Kippur and Sukkot – Pleased to mark these important moments of reflection and celebration with our Jewish community in Erith and Thamesmead this month.
  • Happy Diwali – Wished everyone celebrating in Erith & Thamesmead and across the country a very Happy Diwali this month.
  • World Mental Health Day – Proud to mark this important annual day and support Young Minds UK by wearing yellow out in the community.

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

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Renters Rights Bill Becomes Law – “A Momentous Victory for Renters in Erith and Thamesmead”

Abena Oppong-Asare, Labour MP for Erith and Thamesmead, has hailed this week as a momentous and landmark moment for renters, as the Renters’ Rights Bill officially receives Royal Assent, delivering the biggest reform of renting in over forty years.

More than eleven million private renters across England, including over 2.7 million in London and over 115,000 in Greenwich and Bexley boroughs, will now benefit from stronger rights, greater security and fairer treatment in their homes. This will mean tens of thousands more families in Erith and Thamesmead constituency living in safer and more secure homes.

The new law abolishes Section 21 no-fault evictions, ending the practice that allowed landlords to remove tenants without reason. It introduces periodic tenancies so renters can stay as long as they need and gives councils new powers to crack down on rogue landlords.

The Act also ends rental bidding wars that push up costs, extends Awaab’s Law to private tenants to force landlords to fix dangerous damp and mould quickly, and applies the Decent Homes Standard to private rented homes for the first time. It makes discrimination against tenants with children or those receiving benefits illegal, creates a new Private Rented Sector Database and Ombudsman to improve transparency and ensure swift and fair dispute resolution, and strengthens renters’ rights to request pets so landlords can no longer refuse without good reason.

Abena Oppong-Asare, MP for Erith and Thamesmead, said:

“This is a historic moment for renters in Erith and Thamesmead and across the country. For too long, families have faced insecurity, sudden evictions, and poor housing. That ends now.

“In the boroughs of Greenwich and Bexley, over 115,000 private renters will now have stronger rights, safer homes and real peace of mind.

“Labour has done in fifteen months what the Conservatives failed to deliver in fourteen years. We are giving renters the security and fairness they deserve – safe, stable homes where people can build their lives.

“But our work continues. In May’s local elections, we need strong Labour councils working with this Government to raise standards, enforce the rules, and build a fairer housing system for all.”

Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Steve Reed, said:

“Our historic Act marks the biggest leap forward in renters’ rights in a generation. We are finally ending the injustice overseen by previous governments that has left millions living in fear of losing their homes.

“For decades, the scales have been tipped against tenants. Now, we’re levelling the playing field between renters and landlords.

“We are tearing down the walls of injustice in the private rented sector and building a future where tenants are protected, respected and empowered.

“This is a historic moment for renters across the country and we’re proud to deliver it.”

This is the change millions were promised and never received under the Conservatives. Labour is delivering it – a fair deal for renters and a foundation for a better Britain.

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£80 Million Funding Boost to Help People in Erith and Thamesmead Get Back into Work

Erith and Thamesmead residents are set to benefit from a major new £80 million funding package aimed at helping people overcome barriers to employment and get back into work, local MP Abena Oppong-Asare has announced.

The funding forms part of the Government’s Inactivity Trailblazer programme, which is designed to support people facing complex challenges such as poor mental health, low skills, or barriers like social isolation. The Greater London Authority will receive £20 million to deliver three London-based Trailblazers, including in areas that cover Erith and Thamesmead through the Local London partnership.

Local communities will be empowered to deliver tailored, joined-up employment and wellbeing support – including confidence-building groups, mental health services, and skills training – to help residents move closer to work and achieve financial independence.

Abena Oppong-Asare, MP for Erith and Thamesmead, said:

“This funding is welcome news for people in Erith and Thamesmead who want to get back into work but face real challenges doing so.

“By investing in community-led support – from mental health and wellbeing services to skills development and job readiness – we can make a real difference to local people’s lives.

“I’ll continue working to ensure this funding – part of the Government’s Plan for Change – reaches those who need it most and delivers lasting opportunities for our community.”

This builds on the early successes of the Trailblazers in Denbighshire and Blaenau Gwent which have seen the creation of wellbeing and resilience support alongside the provision of essential skills including self-confidence building, motivation, problem solving and teamwork.

This investment is central to the Government’s Plan for Change mission to break down barriers to opportunity and kickstart economic growth by getting Britain working again.

This investment in the Local London area – which includes Bexley, Greenwich, and surrounding boroughs – will allow more residents across Erith and Thamesmead constituency to access personalised support and training, helping to boost local growth and improve living standards.

Find out more information on the Government’s webpage here.

Abena in Erith
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Abena Oppong-Asare MP Welcomes Commitment to Keep Plumstead Police Station Front Counter Open

Local MP for Erith and Thamesmead, Abena Oppong-Asare, has welcomed the news that Plumstead Police Station’s front counter will remain open, following strong community opposition to its proposed closure.

Since the proposals were announced over the summer, Abena has been engaging directly with local residents who expressed deep concerns about the plans.

The local MP made strong representations to the Metropolitan Police and the Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, conveying residents’ concerns and stressing the importance of retaining a visible, accessible point of contact for policing in Plumstead.

Yesterday [15 October], the Metropolitan Police confirmed that 27 front counters across London will now remain open following public consultation, including right here in Plumstead.

Abena Oppong-Asare MP said:

“Residents made clear how important it is to keep Plumstead Police Station open and accessible.

“It was important for me to make representations to the Met Police and the Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime and I’m delighted that they have listened and confirmed the front counter in Plumstead will stay open.

“This is a positive outcome for local residents and a real example of the community’s voice being heard.”

The updated plan means seven more front counters will stay open than originally proposed, as part of the Met’s efforts to make tough choices to close a £260 million funding gap while maintaining public access to policing services.

More information is available via the Metropolitan Police Newsroom: https://news.met.police.uk/news/met-police-progress-in-closing-ps260m-funding-gap-502211

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Bexley Families to Benefit from £150,259 Labour Government Investment

MP for Erith and Thamesmead, has today celebrated the great win announced to bring family and community services back to Bexley.

Having been elected on a manifesto to transform life chances by improving children’s start in life, Abena Oppong-Asare MP has pressed the Labour government to ‘rebuild’ Sure Start style services in Bexley – an area lacking in any provision of this type following cuts to services following the election of the Conservatives in 2010. That left thousands of parents cut off from vital community support networks and specialist services – left to navigate the challenges of parenthood alone – as well as a devastating impact on children’s life chances, with early development, wellbeing and future attainment all in jeopardy.

Yesterday (14 October), the Labour government announced grants provided to local authorities to ensure every community has a Best Start Family Hub. 1,000 Best Start Family Hubs are to be rolled out across the country by April 2026 to provide wide-ranging help for families, such as parenting and early development – including £150,259 in Bexley.

Labour’s Best Start Family Hubs will act as a one stop shop for parents seeking a range of support, including on difficulty breastfeeding, housing issues or children’s early development and language, reassuring families that they have convenient access to support in their local area or can be efficiently connected to specialist local services.

Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson said:

“It’s the driving mission of this government to break the link between a child’s background and what they go on to achieve – our new Best Start Family Hubs will put the first building blocks of better life chances in place for more children.

“I saw firsthand how initiatives like Sure Start helped level the playing field, transforming the lives of children by putting in place family support in the earliest years of life, and as part of our Plan for Change, we’re building on its legacy for the next generation of children.  

“Making sure hard-working parents are able to benefit from more early help is a promise made, and promise kept – delivering a lifeline of consistent support across the nation, ensuring health, social care and education work in unison to ensure all children get the best start in life.”

Abena Oppong-Asare, MP for Erith and Thamesmead, said:

“I’m so pleased that my commitment at the General Election to bring back family services to Bexley has been a success, helping to give local children the best start in life.

“This is the difference a Labour MP working with a Labour government can do for children and families in our area.

“This £150,259 investment to open a local Best Start family hub will be transformative – alongside government-funded childcare and new free breakfast clubs right here in our community, we are delivering on our Plan for Change.”

Bexley’s new Best Start Family Hub will complement the Labour Government’s wider efforts to make family life easier and ease pressure on parents — including expanding free childcare to 30 hours, extending school-based nursery places, and introducing free breakfast clubs in every primary school.

Earlier this year, the first phase of the breakfast club rollout included two local schools in Erith and Thamesmead — Jubilee Primary and Willow Bank Primary. Abena Oppong-Asare MP recently visited pupils taking part in these clubs and heard first-hand how valuable a good start to the day can be.

September also saw the launch of the Labour government’s digital service, www.beststartinlife.gov.uk, a new national digital hub linked NHS services to offer trusted advice and connect to support.

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Abena Oppong-Asare MP Secures £640,000 Funding Boost to Tackle Homelessness in Erith and Thamesmead

Thousands of people facing homelessness will be supported by a new £84 million cash injection to councils up and down the country ahead of winter, with Erith and Thamesmead set to benefit.

Children and families in temporary accommodation in Greenwich and Bexley will be prioritised – with the funding to go towards helping families to cover the essentials like food, school travel and laundry. The new funding unlocked by the Labour government, which will support children to remain in education, has been announced on World Homeless Day (10 October).

Abena Oppong-Asare, MP for Erith and Thamesmead, has welcomed this announcement, highlighting that included in this injection will be £526,868 for Greenwich Council and £114,724 for Bexley Council.

It comes as record levels of households are in temporary accommodation across the country, including nearly 170,000 children. After 14 years of Conservative government, levels of rough sleeping have more than doubled since 2010.

This announcement comes on top of the Labour government’s almost £1 billion investment to tackle homelessness this year and includes the largest ever investment in prevention services, helping councils intervene early and stop homelessness before it happens.

The investment provides tailored services for those experiencing long-term rough sleeping – including mental health support, drug and alcohol treatment and sustainable accommodation – ensuring people get the help they need to rebuild their lives.

Labour’s Housing Secretary, Steve Reed MP, said:

“Homelessness is a moral stain on our society. Growing numbers of people have been abandoned to sleep rough on the streets and children left in squalid, overcrowded conditions.

“This government will not stand idly by and allow that to continue. We will make different choices.

That’s why we are investing £1 billion to give homeless people the security of a roof over their heads and get back on track to end homelessness for good.”

Today’s investment supports delivery of the Labour government’s Plan for Change, in addition to:

  • £950 million to increase the supply of good temporary accommodation
  • Abolishing ‘no fault’ evictions through the landmark Renters’ Rights Bill
  • £39 billion investment to deliver the biggest increase in social and affordable housing in a generation.

Labour’s Homelessness Minister, Alison McGovern MP, said:

“You can’t have a decent life without a decent home. Whether it’s rough sleeping or sofa surfing or, at its worst, children stuck in B&Bs, homelessness in the UK has been too high for too long.

“This has to stop. Through our Plan for Change, the UK will build homes and get help to those who need it to put a roof over their head.

“We’re providing extra cash now to address a crisis made over the past decade. Both the government’s £39bn to build social and affordable homes and the Child Poverty Strategy to come will tackle the root causes of this problem, but we need action now to stop homelessness getting any worse.”

Abena Oppong-Asare, Labour Member of Parliament for Erith and Thamesmead said:

“Labour will never turn a blind eye to homelessness.

“It ruins lives, but has tragically more than doubled since 2010, under the last Conservative Government. I know from speaking with people in our community that tackling this problem is a priority.

“I welcome this Government’s £84m boost to help prevent it and support families this winter – including vital funding for our communities in Bexley and Greenwich”

Matt Downie, Chief Executive of Crisis, said:

“This funding is very welcome, especially as winter approaches and with homelessness rising. More people are likely to face the prospect of sleeping on cold streets and need support urgently. More parents will be working out how to help their children do homework from cramped and draughty temporary accommodation.

“We know that targeted support can make a big difference and help people take their first steps out of homelessness.”

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September 2025 Newsletter

Dear Friends,

Thank you for taking the time to look at my monthly newsletter for September 2025.

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

Government’s Plan for Change delivering for Erith & Thamesmead

This autumn, I continue to be focused on delivering for Erith and Thamesmead and making sure the Government’s Plan for Change improves the lives of residents here in our community. Here are some of the key achievements already making a difference:

  • Health: Millions more NHS appointments – including thousands at local Trusts – to cut waiting times, keep residents healthy and build an NHS fit for the future.
  • Families: Parents now get 30 hours of funded childcare, worth up to £7,500 a year, with new nurseries and breakfast clubs also up and running. Also, from next year, half a million more pupils will receive free school meals, helping families with the cost of living and raising 100,000 children out of poverty.
  • Cost of living: We’ve raised the minimum wage for 3 million workers, reduced mortgage costs through interest rate cuts, extended the Warm Homes Discount, and ensured millions more pensioners qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment.
  • Homes: A £39 billion Affordable Homes Programme will deliver more safe, secure housing locally as part of Labour’s plan for 1.5 million new homes.
  • Other local priorities: We’re holding Thames Water to account, tackling fly-tipping, investing millions to fix potholes, and boosting local policing to crack down on anti-social behaviour.

As your MP, I assure you I will keep listening and working hard to deliver for residents.

Visit to Oscar Mayer Factory in Erith

Delighted to return to the Oscar Mayer site in Erith this month. We discussed the latest developments at the factory, including new equipment, upgraded flooring, and their ESG commitments. I toured the site and had the pleasure to speak with their welcoming staff, whose service ranged from just one month to 35 years.

Also pleased to welcome members of the Oscar Mayer team to Parliament to watch the passage of the Employment Rights Bill in the House of Commons.

Erith Made Festival

Lovely to be at the Erith Made Festival and to see fantastic energy from local people and organisations that make Erith such a special place. Thanks to the Erith Town Partnership for all their hard work bringing the community together.

Plumstead Gardens Parkfest

Great to pop into Plumstead Gardens Parkfest with Cllr Jit Ranabhat last month. The volunteers and organisers did a great job to make it such a success.  

Thamesmead Festival

Also had a lovely time at Thamesmead’s Annual Summer Festival. It was great to see so many people enjoying themselves. Big thank you to all the event organisers, local businesses and charities involved in the festival.

Nigerian Cultural Festival at Eaglesfield Park

Over the summer, I was also delighted to join the Nigerian Cultural Festival at Eaglesfield Park, part of the Royal Greenwich Festivals.

It was a vibrant and inspiring celebration of our community’s diversity and spirit, and a wonderful opportunity to meet so many residents. My thanks go to the ARC and YOU team for organising such a fantastic event.

Tackling Wildlife Crime Meeting with Greenwich Wildlife Network

Thank you to everyone who has contacted me or raised concerns online about wildlife crime in our constituency and the wider area. Sadly, incidents appear to be on the rise and it’s vital we tackle this together.

On 17th September, my team attended a meeting at Greenwich Town Hall with Council officers, the police, the Greenwich Wildlife Network, and Cabinet Members Cllr Rachel Taggart-Ryan and Cllr Sandra Bauer. Birchmere and Southmere Lakes in Thamesmead were highlighted as hotspots, and also discussed was closer engagement with Peabody’s team to strengthen surveillance and awareness.

I want to assure residents that I’m committed to working with local residents and authorities to tackle this issue. If you witness any incidents, please report it to the police as well as groups like the Greenwich Wildlife Network, with evidence if possible.

Recognition of the State of Palestine

This month, I also welcome the Prime Minister’s announcement recognising the State of Palestine. This is an important step towards a credible two-state solution – the only lasting path to peace.

I know how deeply many residents care about this issue and the devastating situation in Gaza. I’m pleased to see progress after years of calls for recognition as well as the UK being joined in this recognition by other countries such as Canada, Australia and France.

I remain committed to a future where a safe and secure Israel exists alongside a viable and sovereign Palestinian state, and I continue to join the Prime Minister in pressing for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and a renewed path to peace.

Christmas Card Competition 2025 Launch

Excited to launch my Christmas Card Competition 2025 this September! The competition is a great chance for local young people to showcase their creativity.

The winning design will be sent to 1,000+ local people, as well as to the Prime Minister, Speaker and the King. You can find out more details on my website if you are interested.

Girls Who Talk Politics Event

Lovely to speak at a Girls Who Talk Politics event in Parliament this September. I met so many enthusiastic young women and shared my journey into politics and as an MP.

Constituency Surgeries

This month I also held advice surgeries, meeting constituents who needed support and guidance during challenging times.

If you live in Erith and Thamesmead and think I can help, please contact me at: abena.oppongasare.mp@parliament.uk

Appointment at PPS to the Prime Minister and Emergency Alert Test

At the start of this month, I was delighted to be appointed Parliamentary Private Secretary (PPS) to the Prime Minister – supporting him and the Government in delivering their priorities backed by MPs. I’ll work hard to help deliver the Plan for Change, to help those most in need and drive the change our community and country voted for last year.

It has also been a privilege to serve as a minister in the Cabinet Office since last July. Over the past year, I’ve been proud to help strengthen our resilience and security through the UK Government Resilience Plan, the National Security Strategy 2025, alongside other important work.

I’m particularly proud of the successful second emergency alert test, which went out on Sunday 7 September at 3pm. I worked closely with the then Cabinet Secretary, Pat McFadden MP, to ensure everything ran smoothly and that the government is ready to act in a real emergency. I was also pleased to visit the charity Refuge to discuss how victims of domestic abuse with concealed phones were made aware of the alert and given the guidance they needed to disable it.

Furthermore:

  • St Margaret Clitherow Primary School visit to Parliament – So pleased that the pupils enjoyed their visit and that my team were able to join them on the day to share more about my work as their local MP.
  • Woodland Festival at Lesnes Abbey – Well done to all those who organised and joined the Woodland Festival at Lesnes Abbey, celebrating 500 years of heritage!
  • Women’s Lobby Reception – Great to join this important reception in the Speaker’s State Rooms in Parliament to recognise the vital work of women political journalists.
  • Happy Rosh Hashanah – Wishing a joyful new year to everyone in our community celebrating Rosh Hashanah.
  • National Fitness Day – Great to catch up with ukactive in Parliament and promote the vital role physical activity plays in our communities on National Fitness Day 2025.
  • Government’s Leaseholders Consultation – Have been pleased to highlight the Leaseholders Reform Consultation on my website and social media in the last couple of months to make sure residents’ views are heard on delivering these vital reforms. You can find out more on my website.
  • Connect to Work Funding boost – Pleased to welcome a £47.1m funding boost to help residents in Erith and Thamesmead into work. Everyone deserves the chance to fulfil their potential, and this will provide support for those facing long-term barriers.
  • Hillsborough Law – Proud to support the Prime Minister as he delivers on his election promise to bring the Hillsborough Law to Parliament.
  • Employment Rights Bill – Pleased to continue to support the passage of this Government’s groundbreaking Employment Rights Bill in Parliament this month.

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

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“A huge opportunity for Thamesmead” – Abena Oppong-Asare MP welcomes government’s new housing and DLR plans for the area

Abena Oppong-Asare MP has today welcomed the government’s announcement that Thamesmead has been identified by the New Towns Taskforce as one of 12 recommended locations for the next generation of new towns.

The plans, published by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, set out ambitions to create thousands of new homes in Thamesmead. Crucially, the proposals highlight the opportunity to extend the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) into Thamesmead – a long-awaited step that would transform local transport links, boost the local economy, and improve access to jobs and services.

The Taskforce, set up to help deliver the government’s target of 1.5 million new homes this Parliament, recommends each new town should provide at least 10,000 homes, with 40% affordable and half of those for social rent. It also calls for accountable delivery bodies to give local communities long-term certainty.

Abena Oppong-Asare, MP for Erith and Thamesmead said:

“This is a huge opportunity for Thamesmead. The government’s plans for new homes and the DLR extension could be truly transformational – tackling London’s housing crisis, boosting local transport, and unlocking Thamesmead’s potential.

“Through my #NextStopThamesmead campaign I’ve long argued for better local transport connections, so I strongly welcome this positive step forward.

“I will work hard to ensure these plans are delivered in partnership with local residents and reflect our community’s needs.”

The Erith and Thamesmead MP recently visited Thamesmead Waterfront with Deputy Mayor Seb Dance, Greenwich Council Leader Cllr Anthony Okereke, and James Asser MP to hear about plans for new homes, local jobs, and the DLR extension. This visit came alongside the Chancellor’s Spending Review over the summer, where she committed to working with TfL on this project.

The government will now undertake a Strategic Environmental Assessment before confirming final sites next year. Abena Oppong-Asare MP has pledged to work with ministers and residents to put local people at the heart of these plans, so Thamesmead gets the homes, transport, and investment it deserves.

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Abena’s Christmas Card Competition 2025 Launch

I am delighted to announce that my annual Christmas Card Competition has officially launched.  Each year, I run this competition for primary school students across our constituency to produce amazing artwork that is sent to local stakeholders in Erith and Thamesmead.

The theme for this year is: ‘Love Erith and Thamesmead: portraits of local landmarks’.

Pupils can draw or paint a design that shows a local landmark in our constituency ensuring it has a Christmas theme. This might include sporting venues that make them happy, the parks or open spaces, local communities, shops, or even family and friends on a visit to a chosen landmark.  

Entries must be accompanied by a few sentences explaining what the chosen design means to the young artist and why it makes them happy. The artwork will be assessed by a panel of judges, and the winning design will be used as my Christmas card and sent to more than 1,000 local people and groups as well as my fellow MPs, the Prime Minister, the Speaker of the House of Commons and His Majesty the King! 

The winner will receive a gift, and every child who enters a design, will receive a certificate thanking them for their participation. 

The submission process is as follows:    

  1. The artwork must be A4 in size (including the pupil’s name, age, class and school)   
  2. It must be accompanied by a few sentences explaining why the pupil chose to draw it   
  3. Pupils or teachers must scan or take a photo of the artwork and send via email to abena.oppongasare.mp@parliament.uk with the message “Christmas card competition 2025” in the subject line. 
  4. The entry must be accompanied by the consent form supplied to the school to be completed by the child’s parent or carer. 
  5. Submissions must be received by close of play on Friday 7th November 2025.   

The winners will be announced in an email to all participating schools shortly after the deadline. I hope to attend the winning school to present the prizes in person and will be in touch with the relevant school to arrange a suitable date.    

Below are some previous winners to provide some inspiration.

Wishing all the participants the best of luck!

Previous Winners:

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