It was great to host another of my “Meet your MP” Coffee Mornings this month at the Bookstore Café at the Exchange Erith.
The conversation we had was very valuable to me and I want to thank all of you who came along. It’s so important to spend the time to engage about the many pressing issues we have and also the great opportunities available in Erith and Thamesmead.
A number of issues were raised including how we can provide more opportunities for young people to play football, and what we can do to tackle youth violence. We also discussed the Cost of Living crisis, that is hurting so many, and how we need to work as a community to make sure the most vulnerable are not left behind.
I was very impressed with how passionate everyone was and I’m looking forward to catching up again with everyone who turned up. I hope you can share the following link with friends and family, who may be interested to sign up to a future event.
International Women’s Day is an important moment each year when we celebrate the inspirational Women who have done so much, but when we also recognise how much more there is still to do.
In the House of Commons, I firstly paid tribute to trailblazing Betty Boothroyd, who sadly passed away this month. She was the first and only female Speaker of the House of Commons. She made a huge impact on the UK Parliament and paved a new way for women in politics.
I also highlighted the great impact of a few amazing and successful women from our constituency, Erith and Thamesmead:
“Deborah Frimpong, chair of Moorings Neighbourhood Forum and a formidable community activist; Councillor Averil Lekau, deputy leader of Greenwich Council, is doing great things at a local level to support women and champion their inclusion; Hend Kheiralla is the host of the Ladies of the Lake podcast, which amplifies the voices of women who have grown up, worked, and lived in Thamesmead; Debbie McFaul, is director of Crumbs Bakery, a business that truly brings in and supports the community; Karen Saunders from Greenwich Centre of Mission does a lot to support young people in our community, particularly bringing us together when two young boys, Kearne and Charlie, were murdered in my constituency; Claire Hallinan from Hawksmoor Youth Club has delivered fantastic services to young people and the wider community of Thamesmead, but has also faced considerable challenges with the state of its facilities; Finally, Catherine Molnar, founder of CC Events, hosts a market in Abbey Wood and Thamesmead and has won awards for the role they play in the community.”
Thank you also to all those running events to celebrate IWD and all the great women who I spoke to. Some of events I attended include the Lewisham West and Penge CLP, Women’s Lobby Reception, the Lloyds Bank Reception and the Women in Business reception.
I want to again wish everyone a happy International Women’s Day and I hope we can all agree that together we can make change for the better.
You can read my speech for the International Women’s Day Debate here and watch the speech here.
I was very pleased to join the Ukrainian community and a number of constituents from Erith and Thamesmead at this celebration event this month.
Last month, we all paused to reflect on the one-year anniversary of the illegal and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. While the illegal war started by Russia continues, I want all the Ukrainians who have settled in our area to know that our support for you and all of the Ukrainian people remains.
It was a great event with great music, dancing, performances and beautiful artwork on display from across the community.
First of all, I want to say how devasted I was to hear the news of the shooting that took place in Pembroke road, Erith, on Thursday, 9 February. My thoughts are with the families and friends of the victim.
Although gun violence in our community is extremely rare, I understand the concern this incident has caused locally.
I want to extend my thanks to the police and ambulance staff, especially those who were first on scene and those currently working round the clock to find out what happened.
I know that the people of Erith are shocked by these events however, I also know that we can and will come together as one in support of the families and against all forms of violence.
I would urge anyone with information about the incident to make contact with the Police by calling 101 or by tweet @MetCC and quoting CAD 7135 of 9 Feb.
Cost of Living Crisis
My team of dedicated Caseworkers and I continue to assist constituents regarding a number of important issues – including housing insecurity and disrepair, anti-social behaviour, Home Office delays and challenges caused by the rising cost of living.
As I announced last year, I have recently put together a cost of living booklet that will be able to assist constituents in these difficult times. The booklet is available on my website and I will be providing the information directly to constituents who have recently been contacting me about their need for additional support.
I also did an advice surgery this month with constituents – as always if you need any assistance, my office can be contacted using the following channels:
It has been another important month in Parliament when I have spoken on a number of topics and challenged the Government on much of their current agenda and legislation.
In my role as Shadow Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, I closed the Opposition Day debate on non-dom tax loopholes; I spoke on the establishment of the UK Infrastructure Bank; I supported the uprating of benefits in line with inflation; I challenged the Government on the forced installation of prepayment meters; and I spoke on the potential role of a Digital Pound.
On non-dom tax loopholes, I made clear that the Government’s inaction on this is costing working people more. I stated that Labour would end this practice now. Our plan would raise much needed resources by abolishing this non-dom tax loophole, ending tax breaks for private equity bosses, and ending tax breaks for private schools. As I stated in my speech, I believe this is about fairness in the tax system. You can read my speech here or watch a clip here.
On Wednesday 1st February, I also spoke on the Opposition’s continued support of the establishment and strengthening of the UK Infrastructure Bank. We agree that the bank is an important tool to invest in net zero projects and contribute to local and regional economic growth. However, in my speech I made clear that the Government needed to go further with their legislation to harness the full potential of the bank, including through more ambitious and stronger objectives. I also highlighted that a Labour Government will use our Green Prosperity Plan to invest in wind, solar and nuclear power, insulate 19 million homes, and get Britain winning the race to net zero. You can read my speech here or watch a clip here.
Furthermore, as we face a worrying period of high inflation and a cost-of-living crisis, in the Delegated Legislation Committee I spoke on the important issue of uprating benefits in line with inflation. You can read my intervention here.
Many in the constituency may have also heard the appalling stories regarding the forced installation of prepayment meters. Last month, I challenged the Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury on this issue, stating that Labour had called for a ban on this shocking practice. The Government eventually intervened and have said suppliers are halting forced installations. You can read my question to the Minister here.
Finally, I spoke in a debate on the possible introduction of a Digital Pound. The Opposition welcomes the potential benefits of a central bank digital currency, while acknowledging that any risks involved need to be seriously addressed. You can read my speech on the Digital Pound here.
Launch of Befriending Café in Thamesmead
I was pleased to join the launch of Age UK’s Befriending Café in Thamesmead and was pleased to see so many having a good time and join for tea, bingo and other games.
It was great to attend the re-opening of Hawksmoor Youth Hub last week. The Hub has long delivered fantastic services to the young people and wider community of Thamesmead but has also faced considerable challenges with the state of its facilities.
Supporting Erith Town Football’s ‘Foodbank Day’ Initiative
Many thanks to Erith Town Football Club for their initiative to support Bexley Foodbank. They do incredible work in the community and I was pleased to join Erith Town FC’s ‘Foodbank Day’, where there was free admission to the match if you donated a bag of food.
As mentioned by Erith Town FC, the items most needed by Bexley Foodbank are Long Life Milk, Fruit Juice, Soup, Custard, Rice Pudding, Noodles, Jam, Sugar, Toothpaste, Deodrant and Shower Gel. Anything that you, your friends and family can do to help will always be appreciated.
I also enjoyed the match and presented a 100 appearance trophy to Dockers Captain Jason Goodchild and a 100 goals framed jersey to Steadman Callender. #UpTheDockers
Visit to the University of Kent
Thank you to the School of Politics at the University of Kent for hosting me for an ‘In Conversation’ event. As my former university, it was a pleasure to return to the school to discuss the current political climate and to engage with the enthusiastic politics students attending.
Many thanks to the Head of Politics and International Relations, Dr Nadine Ansong, for chairing and hosting the event.
Furthermore:
Drop the Knives Community Meeting – I want to thank Nicola and Sian for organising the Drop the Knives, Save Lives event in Thamesmead. It was great to meet everyone and discuss how we rid our community of this epidemic.
Act of Remembrance with Nepalese Community – I want to again send my sympathies to all in the Nepalese community as we remember the tragic recent events.
Diversity in Business event with Zurich – It was a pleasure to join Zurich Insurance and other activists to discuss the importance of Diversity and Inclusion in business to ensure that everyone has a fair opportunity to get ahead in the workplace.
Labour’s International Trade Reception – Spoke with businesses across the country to celebrate the contribution businesses and international trade play in generating jobs and economic growth both here and abroad. It is so important to discuss the future challenges and opportunities for the sector to make sure we have good jobs and strong economy in the future.
Time to Talk Day – It was important to recognise Time to Talk Day as we discuss the issues surrounding mental health more deeply and encourage everyone to speak up to reduce the stigma of the topic.
Meeting with the Ukrainian Ambassador to the UK – It was a pleasure to meet with the Ukrainian Ambassador especially as we reflect on the one-year anniversary of the illegal and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. While the illegal war started by Russia continues, it is important that our support for the Ukrainian people remains.
LGBTQ+ Veterans Reception with Stonewall and Fighting with Pride – Great to join this event as we reflected on the Government’s Independent Review into the impacts of the historic ban on LGBTQ+ veterans serving before 2000, which is still ongoing and has impacted many veterans and their families.
Sign up to my Coffee Morning
If you are interested in coming along to a future Coffee Morning, I’ve just launched my webpage where you, your family and friends can sign up to register your interest in attending a meeting.
For regular updates on my activities, follow me on Twitter (@abenaopp), Facebook (Abena Oppong-Asare MP, Erith and Thamesmead), and Instagram (abena.oppongasare.mp).
It was great to attend the re-opening of the Hawksmoor Youth Hub last week. The Hub has long delivered fantastic services to the young people and wider community of Thamesmead but has also faced considerable challenges with the state of its facilities.
On the 23rd of February, I met with their great team to hear about the fantastic plans they have for the future. I want to say a special thanks to Claire Hallinan who has been working hard to make this happen.
It was great to attend @HawksmoorYouth re-opening event last week. The Hub has long delivered fantastic services to the young people and wider community of Thamesmead but has also faced considerable challenges with the state of its facilities. pic.twitter.com/U0wOuHT7tw
On 26th January, I was pleased to join the launch of Age UK’s Befriending Café in Thamesmead. It was great to see so many having a good time and join for tea, bingo and other games at Lakeview Court, Thamesmad.
It was great to join today's launch of Age UK’s Befriending Café in Thamesmead and was pleased to see so many turn up for a chat, coffee and some games.
I want to wish everyone in Erith and Thamesmead a Happy New Year – I hope everyone enjoyed the Christmas break and has had a good start to 2023.
This January has been a busy month in the constituency and in Parliament.
I continue to hear from constituents about the important and difficult issues they are facing. These include housing insecurity and disrepair, anti-social behaviour, Home Office delays and challenges caused by the rising cost of living. My team of dedicated Caseworkers and I continue to assist constituents on these issues and my office can be contacted using the following channels:
Unfortunately, we are still facing a devastating cost of living crisis for families across the country. This winter, it has been especially difficult, and it is important that we all do as much as we can to help those who are most vulnerable.
As I announced last year, I have recently put together a cost of living booklet that will be able to assist constituents in these difficult times. I have gathered information about many of the agencies, organisations and charities that are out there and can provide help, information and support for managing your bills.
The booklet is available on my website and I will be providing the information directly to constituents who have recently been contacting me about their need for additional support.
I’ve also been looking closely at the impact of the Southeastern timetable changes – a change which I campaigned against last year. It is clear that these changes are causing significant problems, including overcrowding and the trains running late. I have heard from many in Erith and Thamesmead who are affected by the new timetable and it is important that we continue to press Southeastern and the Government on this issue.
It has been a busy start to the New Year in Parliament, with lots to hold the Government to account for. Over the last month, as Shadow Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, I led Labour’s scrutiny of the Government’s announcement to strip back energy support for businesses facing crippling energy bills and their announcement of a stamp duty freeze. I also spoke in the debate on the Retained EU Law Bill, arguing that we need to protect and promote worker, consumer, and environmental protections.
As the cost of living crisis continues to bite, I know businesses across Erith and Thamesmead will be concerned that the Government are winding down the business energy support scheme. For first-time buyers, renters, and those facing soaring mortgage costs, the stamp duty freeze announcement will do nothing to help their living costs. Labour pushed to amend this announcement so that the freeze does not benefit second home owners or landlords – the Government shut this down.
Lots of constituents wrote to me concerned about the watering down of worker, consumer, and environmental protections via the Retained EU Law Bill. I spoke in the debate to echo these concerns and remain disappointed that the Government hasn’t got a grip on properly scrutinising EU-era laws.
Moorings Neighbourhood Forum Visit to Parliament
I was pleased to be able to arrange a Tour of Parliament for the Moorings Neighbourhood Forum, who visited on Tuesday 10th January.
It was great to meet them in Westminster Hall after their tour and discuss issues like the Southeastern cuts and the cost of living crisis.
Holocaust Memorial Day is an important moment each year when we remind ourselves of the horrors that occurred last century and honour the six million Jewish men, women, and children who were murdered during the Holocaust.
Racism shouldn’t be tolerated and we all have the responsibility to make sure rising hate is eradicated.
I was pleased to sign the Holocaust Education Trust Book of Commitment.
Furthermore:
Launch of the Befriending Café in Thamesmead – Joined for the launch of Age UK’s Befriending Café in Thamesmead and was pleased to see so many having a good time and join for tea, bingo and other games.
Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) – I met with the FSB this month and discussed the impact of the Government rolling back their business energy support scheme. We discussed our concerns about these changes and how this will negatively effect small businesses in Erith and Thamesmead and across the country.
Scotch Whisky Association – I met with the Scotch Whisky Association to discuss the new alcohol tax system and how we can support British Whisky drinkers.
Women’s Lobby Reception – It was great to join the Women’s Lobby Reception this month where we discussed the important role of women in journalism, and making progress in a traditionally male dominated industry.
Mastercard Meeting – Was pleased to meet with Mastercard to discuss their Strive project and how to support ethnic minority business leaders.
Thai Pongal and Tamil Heritage Month – I would like to send best wishes to all those in Erith and Thamesmead celebrating Thai Pongal, and many thanks to all the Tamil people, who do so much across our community.
Lunar New Year – Wishing everyone celebrating in Erith and Thamesmead and around the world a happy and prosperous Lunar New Year!
Sign up to my Coffee Morning
If you are interested in coming along to a future Coffee Morning, I’ve just launched my webpage where you, your family and friends can sign up to register your interest in attending a meeting.
For regular updates on my activities, follow me on Twitter (@abenaopp), Facebook (Abena Oppong-Asare MP, Erith and Thamesmead), and Instagram (abena.oppongasare.mp).
On 9th January, as Shadow Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, I spoke in the House of Commons in response to the Government’s latest statement on Non-domestic Energy Support for businesses.
I challenged the Government on this announcement, which proves their policy is just another example of sticking-plaster politics. Last year, businesses were promised clarity by this government, however, constant chaos in the Conservative party has meant firms, workers, and families had to go another Christmas worrying about their energy bills.
We all know that businesses need to plan ahead but these policies are forcing them to live day to day and not knowing what the next month will bring, let alone the next quarter. Unfortunately, as I stated to the Minister, this week’s announcement did not have to be this way and is just a sticking plaster for the wider energy challenges. There needs to be a long-term plan or this merry-go-round will only continue.
Speaking in the house, I set out Labour’s plans to “back British businesses and give them the certainty they need to plan and invest”. This includes scrapping business rates with a fair tax on the online giants, having a long-term industrial strategy alongside which our industries can invest, and, dealing with the energy crisis at its source.
You can read my speech here or watch the full speech here.
https://www.abenaoppongasare.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Abena-Oppong-Asare-MP-speaking-on-Non-domestic-Energy-support-9th-January-2023.png6331130Abena Oppong-Asare MPhttps://www.abenaoppongasare.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/SM-Logo-3.pngAbena Oppong-Asare MP2023-01-13 10:37:592023-03-01 20:57:22Abena challenges the Government's lack of long-term support for Businesses
I want to wish everyone in Erith & Thamesmead a very Merry Christmas and a happy New Year. As the Member of Parliament, I have been grateful to join a number of events across the community to celebrate this festive season with constituents.
I recently had a fab time catching up with Vicar Simon Archer and friends as we switched on the Christmas Tree lights at All Saints Church in Belvedere. I recommend everyone to pop along if you haven’t been there already!
Abena at All Saints, Belvedere
It was also great to be involved once again in the Erith Christmas Tree Festival at Christ Church, Erith. Along with many local families, charities and businesses, I was glad to decorate my tree to contribute to another successful festival. The Trees are available to view until early January and I’d recommend everyone who hasn’t goes along for a visit.
Abena at Christ Church, Erith
I also did a reading at Christ Church’s Christmas Carol Concert. It was lovely to catch up with friends and meet the new Reverend, Anthea.
Sorry I couldn’t join all the events in Erith and Thamesmead, but I’m sure they were all a great success.
Merry Christmas everyone!
My Christmas Card Competition Winner
I also want to send a big thank you to all the students who got involved in my Christmas Card Competition this year.
The theme for this year was: ‘Love Erith and Thamesmead’. I asked pupils to draw or paint a design that shows what they love about places in our constituency. This might have included the parks or open spaces, local communities, shops, landmarks or even family and friends, all of which makes up our community of Erith and Thamesmead.
Congratulations to this year’s winner, Kosi, aged 11, from St John Fisher Catholic Primary School. Visit my website to find more about the winner.
Thanks also to the local sponsors who kindly supported this year’s competition – Co-op Belvedere, Red Lion Noodle Bar, Rima & McRae, A-Star Financial Solutions, Edible Oils and Gordon and Thompson Solicitors.
I would also like to thank the teachers and parents who helped with the many submissions from across schools in our community.
As you may know, Southeastern have now introduced their new rail timetable with reduced services across South East London.
I’ve been campaigning to stop these cuts.
I have repeatedly challenged the Government and Department for Transport, to get to the bottom of how Southeastern were allowed to proceed with service cuts without public consultation.
Responding to written questions I submitted, the Transport Minister finally admitted that the Government gave Southeastern permission, via a written derogation in August this year, to proceed without consultation.
Rail operators are usually required to consult the public before changing their timetables, but we now know that the Conservative government explicitly gave Southeastern permission to ignore these rules.
I wrote a follow-up urgent question to the Department for Transport to find out how many rail operators have requested derogations from the rules this year. Their answer, which missed the deadlines for urgent questions, was just one. Of all the rail operators in the country, Southeastern is the only operator who have sought permission to ignore the rules.
This month, I met with the Rail Minister and Southeastern CEO and spoke in a debate on Southeastern cuts in Parliament.
On 1st December, I met with Huw Merriman MP, Transport Minister and Steve White, Southeastern CEO. I told them that I was unhappy with the new proposed timetable, frustrated by the lack of consultation and the poor communication of the changes, and wanted assurances for the future.
Abena meets with the Transport Minister
I am happy to see Southeastern has now published an Equalities Impact Assessment for the changes, but this came far too late. I want to see passengers consulted on any future changes and a strong commitment from Southeastern and the Department for Transport that we will not see changes without consultation again.
I was grateful to neighbouring MP for Eltham, Clive Efford, for securing a debate in Parliament on the cuts. I spoke in this debate alongside my Labour colleagues and was glad to see the level of cross-party consensus.
On December 6th, I shared stories from Erith and Thamesmead constituents about how the cuts will impact them, whether it is the loss of direct services harming older people, parents of young children, and disabled people who will have to navigate the change at London Bridge, or key workers relying on the loop line to get to work.
Abena speaking in Westminster Hall on the cuts to the Southeastern Timetable
I welcomed the Transport Minister’s commitment to a full evaluation of the timetable changes and will press for this to be completed in a timely manner and shared publicly with MPs and service users.
You can find more information about the cuts, see my updates, and share your thoughts here.
Small Business Saturday
Small Businesses are the lifeblood of Erith and Thamesmead, providing jobs and supporting families. I am delighted to have supported Small Business Saturday on 3rd December and encourage people to shop local and support local businesses and families.
I was so pleased to be invited to see a number of thriving businesses and to discuss their important needs as our economy recovers from the Covid-19 pandemic.
On the day, I was able to visit Buds of May, Morgan’s Greengrocers, and Crumbs Bakery in Northumberland Health. I was also able to visit the Birchwood pub, Afunkie Beauty and Erith Flooring Ltd in Erith.
Many thanks to all those working so hard for our local businesses.
Cost of Living Help this Christmas
While Christmas is a fun and enjoyable holiday for many across the country, we must not forget the extremely tough time that thousands in our community are facing this winter.
I know people are scared about getting through the winter. While there’s lots of advice out there, it’s not always in one place.
I’ve decided to put together a cost of living booklet that will be able to assist constituents in these difficult times.
The booklet is available on my website here and I will be providing the information directly to constituents who have recently been contacting me about their need for additional support.
Here is also a list for anyone seeking support or help during this Christmas period:
If you (or someone you know) are in immediate danger, please call 999.
If you need help, but it is not an emergency, please call the NHS on 111 or the police on 101.
If you are struggling with your mental health and would like to talk to someone, you can call the Samaritans (116 123) or text Shout (85258) 24 hours a day. You can also contact Oxleas’ Mental Health Crisis Line (0800 330 8590) 24 hours a day for support.
If you are a woman experiencing domestic abuse, you can call the National Domestic Abuse Helpline (080 8200 0247) 24 hours a day. Men experiencing domestic abuse can call the Men’s Advice Line (080 8801 0327).
If you are worried about your or someone else’s drinking, you can call Drinkline on 0300 123 1110.
If you are currently homeless or at risk of homelessness, please contact your Local Authority as soon as possible:
Bexley Council’s Prevention and Assessment team: 020 8303 7777
You can also seek support by emailing your phone number to Crisis at 0300 636 1967. If you are 16-25 years old, you can also call Centrepoint on 080 8800 0661 for support.
If you are dealing with an immigration issue, you can contact the UK Visas and Immigration Contact Centre on 0843 816 6363. For issues with your passport, you can contact HM Passport Office on 0300 222 0000. You can also call the following services for expert immigration advice:
Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants: 020 7251 8708
If you are abroad and need consular support, you can find information on the nearest embassy or consulate online: https://www.gov.uk/world/embassies
If you would like advice on any issue, you can contact Citizens Advice on 080 8278 7965 in Greenwich and 080 8250 5709 in Bexley. For debt advice specifically, you can contact the National Debtline on 0808 808 4000 or StepChange on 0800 138 1111.
Please note that not all of these services will be available 24 hours a day or throughout the whole Christmas period.
Furthermore:
Happy Chanukah to everyone celebrating in Erith and Thamesmead and beyond. Chag Sameach! 🕎
Congratulations to the England team for their impressive performances at the World Cup. The whole country can be proud of them and look ahead to a team that will only get better in the future.
Sign up to my Coffee Morning
If you are interested in coming along to a future Coffee Morning, I’ve just launched my webpage where you, your family and friends can sign up to register your interest in attending a meeting.
For regular updates on my activities, follow me on Twitter (@abenaopp), Facebook (Abena Oppong-Asare MP, Erith and Thamesmead), and Instagram (abena.oppongasare.mp).
