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October 2023 Newsletter

Dear Friend,

Many thanks for taking the time to look at my latest newsletter for October 2023.

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

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Conflict in Israel, Gaza and the Middle East

Like you and so many across our community, I have been following the recent events in the Middle East and feeling intense distress and horror at what is unfolding.

It goes without saying that I condemn all acts of terrorism unequivocally. Anyone who commits war crimes such as these must be held to account. The murder of innocent Jews will never serve the just cause of Palestinian freedom and statehood.

However, we must also distinguish between the innocent people of Gaza and the terrorists of Hamas. In Gaza, as well as the thousands of innocent civilian casualties, we now see a community forced to live without power, food and water. Hundreds of thousands are fleeing their homes and countless families are living in terror.

I believe the international community has a responsibility to deliver the humanitarian response needed to safeguard innocent lives and to ensure that the civilians of Gaza have access to the food, water, medicines and power which are so desperately needed.

It is also very worrying to hear about the domestic concerns that have arisen as a result of this conflict. I’m sure you will be aware of the rise of Antisemitic and Islamophobic incidents within our country in recent weeks. I hope you will agree that all forms of discrimination and racism are wrong and have no place in our society.

At this time, we must extend a hand of friendship to neighbours and across our faiths. Small gestures, even chatting to a neighbour from a different faith group, will make a big difference at this time, and is something we can all do.

This is a rapidly changing situation, and I can assure you I will continue to follow developments very closely.

Launch of The Voice Newspaper’s Black British Voices Report

At the end of September, I was so pleased to chair the launch of the landmark survey on Black British Voices by The Voice Newspaper in the Houses of Parliament.

This ground-breaking report and its findings are shocking but to many they will not be surprising. The report details the results of the largest ever survey of Black Britons – surveying over 10,000 people. It reveals the concerns felt by so many about racism across our country and within our core institutions.

Following this report, I’ve been pleased to share the findings with my colleagues in Parliament and with the Government. I hope that everyone can take on board this vital research and raise awareness of racial injustices wherever it is found.

You can read the full report here.

My Black History Month Debate in Parliament

Black History Month is an important moment of reflection each year when we celebrate the great achievements of Black Britons. Therefore, this year I was pleased to host a debate in Parliament – the first Black History Month debate in two years – see links below to see what was said.

As you may know, the theme of Black History Month 2023 has been “Saluting our sisters”. In my speech, I was delighted to highlight several Black Britons, and especially Black British women, who for too long have been under-recognised in our national conversation.

You are welcome to read my full speech on the UK Parliament’s website here.

You can also watch my speech here.

Finally, while this is an essential annual event in the UK and worldwide, I spoke about how we must commit to talking about Black history all year round. I thank everyone who celebrated this year and all those continuing to fight for positive change.

My Work in Parliament

This month, I’ve been working hard to share Labour’s message on the NHS and our Health Care system in Parliament. I’ve also been raising several issues that I know are important to those in our community.

Firstly, in my role as Shadow Minister for Women’s Health and Mental Health, I started the month by challenging the Government over their lack of action to tackle rising Suicide rates across England and also their failure to reform the Mental Health Act (MHA). You can see my response here: https://twitter.com/abenaopp/status/1714308914697683406

Suicide rates have been shockingly high for too long and the Opposition has committed to reversing the rise in suicides in England and Wales within five years. I also have been tremendously saddened by the lack of action from this Government to reform the MHA, which even they have agreed is out of date and must change. If nothing does change, we will continue to let down all those suffering with severe Mental Health conditions.

I’ve also been pleased to speak about the important issues of birth trauma, IVF provision and baby loss. Pregnancy, birth and becoming a parent can be a special and rewarding time for many people. But there can sometimes be severe complications that impact the baby, the mother, and the parents. I sympathise with all those affected and in Parliament I challenged the government to do more where possible to provide support.

Furthermore, I was pleased to respond on behalf of the opposition regarding my colleague Carolyn Harris MP’s debate on the Menopause. Women’s health has for too long been a marginalised issue. And when it comes to women’s health, the issue of the menopause is critical. It affects every woman but there is still a lack of support for women experiencing the menopause. I shared how Labour would make important changes if we were elected, like making the workplace more suitable for women going through the menopause.

It was also lovely to meet a number of constituents and activists in Parliament this month. For example, I was pleased to meet Laura and Luciana from the Maternal Mental Health Alliance and it was fantastic that so many students from Woolwich Polytechnic School were able to visit Parliament too. 

As ever, if you are interested in a Tour of Parliament then I would be happy to arrange this for you. Please contact me at: abena.oppongasare.mp@parliament.uk.

Superloop SL3 Consultation Update

You may remember, in the July newsletter, I urged you to take part in the consultation about this new express stop bus service between Thamesmead and Bromley. The results of this consultation were published this month: showing a positive response and TFL have announced that they have decided to proceed with the proposals which will have a positive impact on transport links within the area.

Southeastern Ticket Office Consultation Update

I also wanted to share that the Government has now u-turned on their plans to close Southeastern ticket offices. Thanks to residents and councillors who responded to the campaign to submit consultation comments.

Further information can be found via this web link.

Defibrillator and CPR Training in Parliament

After my Parliamentary debate on increasing public access to Defibrillators in July, awareness is increasing, and more training is now becoming available.

It was great to have so many members of Parliament and staff learning about this lifesaving training and these devices. I hope that we can continue to spread the message of awareness around the whole country and save lives as a result.

This event comes after the good news in September about the new defibrillator at Lesnes Abbey Lodge. A big thank you to Lesnes Abbey Friends who worked so hard to make that happen and for inviting me to see the new device.

Thanks especially to the Speaker, Lindsay Hoyle for hosting the event in Parliament and also to the London Ambulance Service for providing the training.

Let’s continue to push for progress.

Windrush School Visit

It was also great to join pupils from Year 6 at Windrush Primary School in Thamesmead last month. It was really nice to be grilled by them on what I’ve been doing as an MP and hear about why they love living in our local community.

A big thanks to the school for inviting me and I look forward to coming back again soon.  

Cambridge University’s Black History Month Dinner

I was delighted to attend the recent Black History Month Dinner at Cambridge University alongside Naomi Campbell and friends, old and new. 

The dinner was a great celebration of Black Britons and Black British History, and I was so pleased to meet so many inspiring people there.

I want to thank the hosts of this event – Simon Wooley, the Principal of Homerton College and also the President of the Cambridge University African Caribbean Society, Michael Lawson-Falomo for hosting such a fantastic evening.

World Mental Health Day 2023

On Tuesday 10 October we marked World Mental Health Day. On this important day, I shared my thoughts about how we need to do so much more to support those suffering with their mental health.

These are challenging times, after a once in a generation pandemic and a devastating cost of living crisis, and it is important to emphasise that everyone’s mental health matters. Reaching out and sharing experiences must not be a sign of weakness but a testament to our resilience. Together, we can break the stigma and ensure access to quality mental health care for everyone.

In my new role as the Shadow Minister for Women’s Health and Mental Health, I also restated Labour’s commitment to transformational policies that will expand our mental health services and bring support directly into our schools and communities.

I hope that this World Mental Health Day, we were able to take another important step forward and encourage more to join the conversation to make sure no one suffers in silence.

My Update on Casework for October

Thank you to everyone who contacted me in the last month to raise the issues you are facing.

The last few months have been a busy period where I have been contacted by many constituents on many important issues.

As many of you will know, housing continues to be a huge issue in Erith and Thamesmead and is the main concern of many constituents contacting me. I will continue to challenge the Government on this issue as well as working with constituents on many of the personal issues they are facing.

I am also very concerned about the delays in the Home Office’s processing of immigration applications. Some people are waiting for 12 months or even longer for a decision to be made on their applications, during which time they are unable to travel, change jobs, and often struggle to provide for their families.

To reflect the changing cost of living crisis that we are currently facing, I have also recently updated my Cost-of-Living booklet for those who need extra support. If you would like a copy of the booklet or would like my office to share copies of my booklet with local businesses or groups, please email me at: abena.oppongasare.mp@parliament.uk.

As always, if you have any concerns or issues that you like to raise with me, please contact my office using the following channels:

Furthermore:

  • Women in Westminster Article – I was pleased to join the House Magazine team and share my story of how I ended up in politics and Parliament. We discussed what’s good and not so good about being an MP and how there is so much more to do on issues like equality and in my new role in the Shadow Health Team. You can read the article on the Politics Home website here.
  • Rethink Mental Illness Meeting – Nice to meet the Rethink Mental Illness team in Parliament and meet some of those who have suffered as a result of the out-of-date Mental Health Act.
  • Show Racism the Red Card Day – It was important to commemorate ‘Show Racism the Red Card Day’ to make sure we challenge racism, misconceptions, stereotypes and negative attitudes in football and across society.
  • Breast Cancer Awareness Month – October was Breast Cancer Awareness Month and I urge all women to check themselves, support those in need and raise awareness about the important issue.
  • New Statesman Article on ‘How would a Labour government fix the NHS? – I’m pleased to share the following article that was in the New Statesman last month. It shared the vision of each of the Opposition’s Health Ministers, including myself, about how we would make the NHS fit for the future. Read the article here.

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.

Sign up:  https://www.abenaoppongasare.com/upcoming-events/coffeemorning/

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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Cambridge University’s Black History Month Dinner

I was delighted to attend the recent Black History Month Dinner at Cambridge University alongside Naomi Campbell and friends, old and new. 

The dinner was a great celebration of Black Britons and Black British History, and I was so pleased to meet so many inspiring people there.

I want to thank the hosts of this event – Simon Wooley, the Principal of Homerton College and also the President of the Cambridge University African Caribbean Society, Michael Lawson-Falomo for hosting such a fantastic evening.

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Defibrillator and CPR Training in Parliament

After my Parliamentary debate on increasing public access to Defibrillators in July, awareness is increasing, and more training is now becoming available.

It was great to have so many members of Parliament and staff learning about this lifesaving training and these devices. I hope that we can continue to spread the message of awareness around the whole country and save lives as a result.

This event comes after the good news in September about the new defibrillator at Lesnes Abbey Lodge. A big thank you to Lesnes Abbey Friends who worked so hard to make that happen and for inviting me to see the new device.

Thanks especially to the Speaker, Lindsay Hoyle for hosting the event in Parliament and also to the London Ambulance Service for providing the training.

Let’s continue to push for progress.

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Visit to Windrush School

It was great to join pupils from Year 6 at Windrush Primary School in Thamesmead this month. It was really nice to be grilled by them on what I’ve been doing as an MP and hear about why they love living in our local community.

A big thanks to the school for inviting me and I look forward to coming back again soon.

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Launch of The Voice Newspaper’s Black British Voices Report

At the end of September, I was so pleased to chair the launch of the landmark survey on Black British Voices by The Voice Newspaper in the Houses of Parliament.

This ground-breaking report and its findings are shocking but to many they will not be surprising. The report details the results of the largest ever survey of Black Britons – surveying over 10,000 people. It reveals the concerns felt by so many about racism across our country and within our core institutions.

Following this report, I’ve been pleased to share the findings with my colleagues in Parliament and with the Government. I hope that everyone can take on board this vital research and raise awareness of racial injustices wherever it is found.

You can read the full report here.

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September 2023 Newsletter

Dear Friend,

Many thanks for taking the time to look at my latest newsletter for September 2023.

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

—

Appointment as Shadow Minister for Women’s Health and Mental Health

I hope you will be pleased to know that I have recently accepted the position of Shadow Minister for Women’s Health and Mental Health. This is such an important role and these are issues that I’m really passionate about.

As I start this new position, I thought I would share some of Labour ‘s plans to get NHS waiting lists down and getting people treated on time. We have a 10-year plan for change and modernisation and this will include one of the biggest expansions of the NHS workforce in history. But more than that, we plan to put individual care and mental health treatment at the heart of our mission. An issue that has for too long been in the shadows.

These are plans that will make a real difference in Erith and Thamesmead and across the country. With Labour, more care will be delivered on your doorstep, out of the hospital and in our communities. We will focus on prevention and a move towards transformational new technologies.

In my new role, I will be working with various charities and stakeholders, listening to experts in Women’s Health and Mental Health, and considering how Labour will do things differently. I will also be speaking to those working in our health and care sectors and the patients receiving care. Thank you to all those who have sent kind messages to me following this appointment.

This September began with an unprecedented emergency regarding the possibility of unsafe concrete or RAAC (Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete) in many of the nation’s schools and colleges.

These first few weeks in September are some of the most important of any academic year – when students are returning to their school to start the new year. As you can imagine, like many across the country, parents, teachers and students in our community expressed their worry, concern and anger about this crisis.

As a result of these events, I have been in regular contact with the Secretary of State for Education and her Department to make sure that they are doing all they can to investigate and resolve this issue as soon as possible.

On Monday 4 September, I also asked the Education Secretary a question in the House of Commons to make sure that every school and local authority who had RAAC in part or all of their buildings had been contacted and there was an action plan in place.

I can confirm that in the most recent announcement regarding schools in England, the Government have listed no schools in Erith and Thamesmead with RAAC present.

If anyone has any questions for me or concerns about this important issue, please email at: abena.oppongasare.mp@parliament.uk. 

My work in Parliament

This month, I have raised a number of issues I know are important to many in Erith and Thamesmead.

Firstly, I want to say how great it was to welcome constituents visiting Parliament for a tour this month. This month these groups included pupils from Bishop John Robinson Church of England Primary. It’s always a great experience for pupils and I’m glad they had an enjoyable visit.

Speaking in Parliament this month and also in my new role as Shadow Minister for Women’s Health and Mental Health, I have been challenging the Government to act on the many pressing issues our health and care system are currently facing.

There are day-long waits in A&E, record numbers off work sick and millions on NHS waiting lists. I know how difficult it has been for those needing help and also for all our hardworking healthcare workers who have been stretched to the limit. In my role, I have said that in Government, Labour would implement our plans to get waiting lists down, get people treated on time and make sure the NHS is there for you when you need it.

In Parliament, I have also been pleased to attend a number of debates and receptions that constituents have written to me about. This includes meeting the Alzheimer’s Research UK team to celebrate World Alzheimer Month; attending Macmillan’s Coffee Morning in Parliament to discuss delays to cancer treatment; and speaking with the Rethink Mental Illness team about how Labour can improve mental health outcomes if they are elected to Government. As ever, if you are interested in a Tour of Parliament then I would be happy to arrange this for you. Please contact me at: abena.oppongasare.mp@parliament.uk.

New Defibrillator at Lesnes Abbey Lodge

I was delighted to pop in and see the new defibrillator at Lesnes Abbey Lodge this month. It was great to be invited by Lesnes Abbey Friends to meet them and hear how they raised an incredible £2,000, with support from local organisations, to install this life saving device.

You may be aware that increasing access and awareness of defibrillators is an issue I’m incredibly passionate about. In July this year, I organised a Westminster Hall debate on this issue and challenged the Government to do more where possible on public access to defibrillators. In the debate I said:

“Defibrillators represent an incredible technical advance. They are lightweight, easy to use and designed only to help and not harm the patient. The issue is not about their design but their distribution and public awareness of what they are and how to use them.”

It was great therefore to join Lesnes Abbey Friends as they celebrated adding this important device to our community. I also got the opportunity to join Lesnes Abbey’s first ever Woodland Festival. This event involved a jam-packed day of events and activities and was a great celebration of Lesnes Abbey and Woods.

Kabaddi Tournament in Erith

It was also great to attend the Erith & Woolwich Kabaddi Tournament this month on Winns Common. I really enjoyed watching the games and was pleased to meet so many local fans and lots of visitors from across the country.

Really pleased also to be joined on the day by Tan Dhesi MP, Cllr Baljeet Singh Gill, Cllr Anna Day and Cllr Larry Ferguson.

Thanks again to Erith & Woolwich Kabaddi Club for organising the event.  

My visit to Lakeside Open Studio Event

Lovely to pop into Lakeside Studios in Thamesmead to attend their fantastic Open Studio Event. It was very nice to celebrate this amazing space and to hear from some of the artists on their work.

If you don’t know already, this venue is listed as one of the top 10 must see buildings for this year by the Architects’ Journal. I would highly recommend everyone try to visit if you haven’t already.

My Update on Casework for September

Thank you to everyone who contacted me this month and over the Summer to raise the issues you are facing.

The last few months has been a busy period where I have been contacted by many constituents on many important issues. I have also been pleased to hold another surgery, where I spoke to a number of constituents about some of the challenges they are facing.  

As many of you will know, Housing continues to be a huge issue in Erith and Thamesmead and is the concern of many constituents contacting me. I have serious concerns over the unprecedented housing crisis the Conservatives are overseeing. I am worried that if housing targets are not met soon, the housing crisis will continue to grow over the next few years. I will continue to challenge the Government on this issue as well as working with constituents on many of the personal issues they are facing. 

To reflect the changing cost of living crisis that we are currently facing, I have also recently updated my Cost-of-Living booklet for those who need extra support. If you would like a copy of the booklet or would like my office to share copies of my booklet with local businesses or groups, please email me at: abena.oppongasare.mp@parliament.uk.

As always, if you have any concerns or issues that you like to raise with me, please contact my office using the following channels:

Furthermore:

  • World Suicide Prevention Day 2023 – This month, I want to share the important message of this event where we seek to break the silence and fight the stigma of mental health and the causes of suicide. As the new Shadow Minister for Women’s Health and Mental Health, I am more aware than ever about the importance of starting conversations and making sure we do all we can to support those in need and help save lives.
  • Erith Made at the Exchange – I was pleased to visit the Exchange earlier this month to see their series of workshops and live music events being organised along with Running Horses, Erith Playhouse and Erith Shopping Centre.
  • Meeting with Greenwich Dance – It was nice to catch up with Alliey and Melanie from Greenwich Dance, who are doing amazing work in the constituency. They have lots of exciting projects coming up and I look forward to hearing about their continued success in the community. 
  • Valve Week 2023 – Great to join the team from Heart Valve Voice this month to discuss heart valve disease and how we improve awareness, diagnosis and treatment.
  • Yom Kippur – Very pleased to wish a meaningful Yom Kippur to all those observing in Erith and Thamesmead and across the country.
  • Bernie Grant Leadership Programme Induction Day – It was great to speak to this year’s cohort of the Bernie Grant Leadership Programme in Parliament this month. They were all incredibly impressive and thoughtful individuals. It is great to see the work being done to help train the next generation of Black political leaders.

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.

Sign up:  https://www.abenaoppongasare.com/upcoming-events/coffeemorning/

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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Attended Kabaddi Tournament on Winns Common

It was great to attend the Erith & Woolwich Kabaddi Tournament this month on Winns Common. I really enjoyed watching the games and was pleased to meet so many local fans and lots of visitors from across the country.

Really pleased also to be joined on the day by Tan Dhesi MP, Cllr Baljeet Singh Gill, Cllr Anna Day and Cllr Larry Ferguson.

Thanks again to Erith & Woolwich Kabaddi Club for organising the event.  

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New Defibrillator at Lesnes Abbey Lodge

I was delighted to pop in and see the new defibrillator at Lesnes Abbey Lodge this month. It was great to be invited by Lesnes Abbey Friends to meet them and hear how they raised an incredible £2,000, with support from local organisations, to install this life saving device.

You may be aware that increasing access to and awareness of defibrillators is an issue I’m incredibly passionate about. In July this year, I organised a Westminster Hall debate on this issue and challenged the Government to do more where possible on public access to defibrillators. In the debate, I said:

“Defibrillators represent an incredible technical advance. They are lightweight, easy to use and designed only to help and not harm the patient. The issue is not about their design but their distribution and public awareness of what they are and how to use them.”

It was great therefore to join Lesnes Abbey Friends as they celebrated adding this important device to our community.

I also got the opportunity to join Lesnes Abbey’s first ever Woodland Festival. This event involved a jam-packed day of events and activities and was a great celebration of Lesnes Abbey and Woods.

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Abena appointed Shadow Minister for Women’s Health and Mental Health

I hope you will be pleased to know that I have recently accepted the position of Shadow Minister for Women’s Health and Mental Health. This is such an important role and these are issues that I’m really passionate about.

My main role as a Shadow Minister is scrutiny. I am committed to ensuring that the government is held accountable in legislative procedures and in ministerial conduct. This might include exploring government policy, finding its faults, and critiquing it. That being said, as an opposition minister I am part of a government in waiting. This means that I must ensure that Labour is ready for government in case of electoral victory, and ready to deliver our mission to build an NHS Fit for the Future.

I am pleased to say that Labour is committed to getting waiting lists down and getting people treated on time. We have a 10-year plan for change and modernisation and this will include one of the biggest expansions of the NHS workforce in history. But more than that, we plan to put individual care and mental health treatment at the heart of our mission. An issue that has for too long been in the shadows.

With Labour, more care will be delivered on your doorstep, out of the hospital and in the community. We will focus on prevention and a move towards transformational new technologies.

In my new role, I will be working with various charities and stakeholders, listening to experts in Women’s Health and Mental Health, and considering how Labour will do things differently. However, I will also be speaking to those working in our health and care sectors and the patients receiving care.

I’d love to see Women’s Health and Mental Health services transformed into something that the British people can be truly proud of. I want everybody to receive the support that they deserve, delivered as quickly and efficiently as possible.

It is Labour who has the plan and the mission to build a NHS Fit for the Future and there for you when you need it. I encourage you to take a quick look at Labour’s plans for health services, which you can read here: Building an NHS fit for the future.

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Visit to Lakeside Open Studio

Lovely to pop into Lakeside Studios in Thamesmead to attend their fantastic Open Studio Event. It was very nice to celebrate this amazing space and to hear from some of the artists about their work.

If you don’t know already, this venue is listed as one of the top 10 must-see buildings this year by Architects’ Journal.

I would highly recommend everyone tries to visit if you haven’t already.

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