It was a pleasure to attend the relaunch of education classes at the Vaughan Mills Education Centre on Woodlands Farm, alongside Shooters Hill Councillors, Ivis Williams and Raja Zeeshan and the respective Mayors for Greenwich and Bexley.
I saw the fantastic nature on offer at the Farm on our tour led by Dr Barry Gray, chairman of the Woodlands Farm Trust. It is imperative more young people get outside and enjoy the great green spaces available to them in our constituency.
Photos of Abena Oppong-Asare MP at St Margaret Clitherow Primary School:
Social Media post by Abena Oppong-Asare MP:
Had a fantastic time at the relaunch of the Vaughan Mills Education Centre at Woodlands Farm!
It was important to recently join a walkabout with the Thamesmead Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT). It was insightful to see and hear firsthand how they deal with the challenges of policing in the local area. What stood out as especially valuable was observing how they cooperate with local schools to ensure a safe dispersal at the end of the school day – making sure the area is kept safe for the students and residents.
It is important we continue to restore trust in our police and crack down on all forms of crime.
Social Media post by Abena Oppong-Asare MP:
Important to join a walkabout with the Thamesmead Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT).
It was insightful to see how they keep our community safe and hear about the day-to-day challenges they face.
It was a pleasure to be able to visit St Margaret Citherow Primary school in Thamesmead. Firstly, I thanked the students for their lovely designs for my recent Christmas Card Competition. I then had a mini-Interview with two of the runners up, Michelle and Arielle, who fired questions at me about my role in politics. I also asked what inspired their designs, and they shared that the beautiful scenery in our constituency was their main inspiration.
It was great to also join the Key Stage 2 assembly whereby the students asked about my role as their MP and my political journey. Lastly, I was taken on a lovely tour of the school by the Head Girl, Claire, and the Head Boy, Jimi.
Photos of Abena Oppong-Asare MP at St Margaret Clitherow Primary School:
Social Media post by Abena Oppong-Asare MP:
It was a pleasure to visit St Margaret Clitherow Primary School in Thamesmead.
I thanked the students for their great designs for my Christmas Card Competition and answered some of their thoughtful questions.
https://www.abenaoppongasare.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/IMG_0936-1-scaled.jpeg19202560Abena Oppong-Asare MPhttps://www.abenaoppongasare.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/SM-Logo-3.pngAbena Oppong-Asare MP2025-02-10 13:40:012025-03-03 13:45:05Visit to St Margaret Clitherow Primary School
I was honoured to attend the Royal Borough of Greenwich’s Holocaust Memorial Day commemoration. It was a poignant reminder to remember the past and stand against hatred. Grateful for the chance to reflect and pay tribute.
I was joined by Leader of Greenwich Council, Cllr Anthony Okereke, and Mayor of Greenwich, Cllr Jit Ranabhat, alongside many others.
Photo of Abena Oppong-Asare MP at the Greenwich Holocaust Memorial Day commemoration:
Social Media post by Abena Oppong-Asare MP:
Honoured to attend the Royal Borough of Greenwich’s Holocaust Memorial Day commemoration this morning.
It was a moving reminder to remember the past and stand against hatred.
I hope everyone in Erith and Thamesmead had a nice Christmas period, and I wish you all the very best for the year ahead.
It’s clear that our community and the entire country face significant challenges. However, as we start this year, I firmly believe in the Government’s “Plan for Change,” which is focused on tackling the key issues affecting working people and families.
This plan seeks to build 1.5 million new homes; provide better education for our children; dramatically reduce NHS waiting lists; get immigration under control; place neighbourhood police in every community; and deliver a stronger economy, with higher take-home pay for all.
I’m confident that in 2025 we will make meaningful progress toward delivering on this change agenda that the country voted for in last year’s election, and so urgently needs.
Bexley Tigers Basketball Club Visit
It was lovely to visit the Bexley Tigers Basketball Club at Trinity School, Belvedere and speak to the coaches, parents and players. I was very impressed with their basketball talents – they even trained me well enough to shoot my first ever hoop!
I am committed to ensuring clubs like this can continue to thrive – providing our kids a safe space to remain active and have a sense of community.
Christmas Card Competition 2024
It was nice to end 2024 with my annual Christmas Card Competition. This year’s theme was “What Makes Erith and Thamesmead a fun place”. I would like to thank all the artful local students, their teachers and parents for making this year’s competition happen.
The winner this year was Vera, aged 10, from St Thomas a Becket Primary School. You can see her brilliant design attached – showcasing the fish roundabout in Erith. You can also find out more on my website.
Open Doors World Watch List Reception
Great to attend this important Parliamentary reception with Open Doors and listen to several insightful speakers on this crucial issue. It is vital that we shine a light on global religious persecution. Thanks to all the constituents who reached out to me on this topic – I will continue to follow developments closely.
Israel-Hamas ceasefire
After over a year of devastating conflict, I’m thankful to see a ceasefire deal announced this month that will both end the fighting and bring overdue relief to the hostages, their families and the millions suffering in Gaza.
This is a huge step forward towards securing a permanent ceasefire that will provide a safe and stable future for both the Israeli and Palestinian people. I’m glad the Government has worked hard to make this progress possible, and I look forward to their continued pressure on all sides to bring long-term peace to the region.
Ministerial work in the Cabinet Office
It’s been a busy new year as a Minister in the Cabinet Office as we work hard to deliver on the Prime Minister’s “Plan for Change” agenda.
I started the month responding to a Westminster Hall debate on National resilience and preparedness. I reiterated that this Government’s main priority is keeping the country safe. Whether it’s cyber security, flooding, biosecurity or any other threat we face, I was clear that national resilience has been at the top of our agenda. You can watch my speech here or read it here.
This month, the Cabinet Office also released the Government’s first response to the Covid-19 Inquiry Module 1 Report. This was an important step toward making sure lessons are learnt from Covid and we are better prepared for the next pandemic. You can read the response here.
It was also important to participate in the first Lead Ministers for Disability meeting. We discussed the Disability Unit’s work in breaking down barriers faced by disabled people in the UK, as well as putting disabled people’s views and voices at the heart of our decisions. You can see more about this meeting here.
Furthermore:
Woolwich Polytechnic School Visit to Parliament – Great to welcome these energetic students to Parliament to better learn about how their democracy works.
Celebration of the life and work of Nicky Gavron – Honoured to attend this memorial reflecting on Nicky’s remarkable contributions to politics, the environment, and the people of London.
Congratulations London South East Colleges (LSEC) – Congratulations to LSEC on being accepted to the UK Parliament Teacher Ambassador Programme.
Renters’ Rights Bill – Great to see the Renters’ Rights Bill complete its third reading in the House of Commons. We are a step closer to fixing our broken rental system.
Early Years Support for Greenwich – Delighted that local families will benefit from a £126m Government funding boost, with over £1m going to families in Greenwich!
Emergency Homelessness funding – I’m pleased the Government has taken urgent action to increase support for those in need, including safe and secure warm beds.
Bringing back the family doctor – This month, I’m thrilled to welcome Government plans to bring back the family doctor and end the 8am scramble for appointments.
Holocaust Memorial Day – Pleased to commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day this year by signing the Holocaust Education Trust Book of Commitment in Parliament and attending the Holocaust Memorial Commemoration event in Downing Street.
Cervical Cancer Prevention Week – Important to mark this awareness week.Cervical screening can help stop cancer before it starts, so don’t ignore your invite.
Happy Thai Pongal to the Tamil Community – Best wishes to all those in Erith and Thamesmead celebrating Thai Pongal. Thanks also for all you do in the community.
Happy Orthodox Christmas and New Year – Happy festivities to all those celebrating Orthodox Christmas and New Year in Erith and Thamesmead 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).
Today marks the anniversary of National Holocaust Memorial Day. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Nazi Concentration Camps in Europe. It is pertinent that we reflect today on the tragedy that was the Holocaust and continue to remember the innocent lives that were taken.
This month, I signed the Holocaust Educational Trust’s Book of Commitment and pledge to remember the six million Jewish men, women and children who were murdered in the Holocaust and speak out against all forms of antisemitism.
Photo of Abena Oppong-Asare MP signing the Book of Commitment:
Social Media post by Abena Oppong-Asare MP commemorating Holocaust Memorial Day 2025:
Today marks Holocaust Memorial Day.
We must remember the six million Jewish people who were murdered in the Holocaust and speak out against all forms of antisemitism.
https://www.abenaoppongasare.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/25.01.21-Abena-Oppong-Asare-Book-of-Commitment-Holocaust-Memorial-Day-2025-square.jpg13791379Abena Oppong-Asare MPhttps://www.abenaoppongasare.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/SM-Logo-3.pngAbena Oppong-Asare MP2025-01-27 08:25:002025-01-27 09:31:34Holocaust Memorial Day 2025
Patients in Erith and Thamesmead will be able to access more appointments closer to home and get the treatment they need faster under a new plan to tackle hospital backlogs set out by the Prime Minister earlier this month.
In London, nearly half a million people – 476,131 in total – have been on waiting lists for more than 18 weeks, including an alarming 103,210 people within the NHS South East London ICB, causing a significant impact on their health.
Addressing the 7.5 million-strong waiting list inherited by the government, and ensuring the NHS once again meets the 18-week standard for planned treatment, is a crucial milestone in the government’s Plan for Change.
Restoring this 18-week standard will mean patients in Erith and Thamesmead no longer have their lives put at risk or on hold – instead getting the treatment they need when they need it.
At the moment, too many patients face long waits for appointments or surgeries and may be referred to hospitals they don’t choose at inconvenient times, while appointments and staff time are being lost to inefficiencies or inconsistencies in care.
The Labour Government’s Elective Reform Plan, published this month by NHS England, sets out a whole system approach to hitting the 18-week referral to treatment target by the end of this Parliament.
This includes opening Community Diagnostic Centres on evenings and weekends so that many more people will be able to access tests and checks while going about their daily lives.
The NHS will also increase the number of surgical hubs, which will help protect planned care from the impact of winter pressures and will cut waiting lists for standard surgeries, in turn freeing up beds in acute wards.
The plan will drive forward progress on the government’s first steps commitment to deliver 2 million extra appointments in its first year, equivalent to 40,000 every week. The reforms will put patients first, harness technology to support staff and help the NHS to do things more efficiently.
Under the plan, 65% of patients will be treated within 18 weeks by the end of next year. Based on the size of the current waiting list, that would mean a fall of more than 450,000 people waiting more than 18 weeks for treatment.
After 14 years of decline, these plans will ensure that NHS patients and the people of South East London – and across the country – will at last have access to the timely treatment they need and deserve, while NHS staff will once again be able to deliver the high standard of care they are so deeply committed to providing.
Abena Oppong-Asare, Member of Parliament for Erith and Thamesmead said:
“Too many residents in our community of Erith and Thamesmead and South East London are stuck on the record long waiting lists inherited by this Labour Government at huge cost to their health.
“That’s why the reforms announced this month to cut NHS waiting times from 18 months to 18 weeks will make such a huge difference. With so many people waiting for treatment, it is more urgent than ever that we reform our NHS so it will always be there for you when you need it.”
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:
“This Government promised change and that is what I am fighting every day to deliver.
“NHS backlogs have ballooned in recent years, leaving millions of patients languishing on waiting lists, often in pain or fear. Lives on hold. Potential unfulfilled.
“This elective reform plan will deliver on our promise to end the backlogs. Millions more appointments. Greater choice and convenience for patients. Staff once again able to give the standard of care they desperately want to.
“This is a key plank of our Plan for Change, which will drive growth that puts more money in people’s pockets, secures our borders and makes the NHS fit for the future so what working people live longer, healthier, more prosperous lives.”
https://www.abenaoppongasare.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Official-Portrait-of-Abena-Oppong-Asare-MP--scaled.jpeg17072560Abena Oppong-Asare MPhttps://www.abenaoppongasare.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/SM-Logo-3.pngAbena Oppong-Asare MP2025-01-23 14:00:232025-01-23 14:01:06Abena welcomes the Government's plan to cut backlog of over 100,000 patients in South East London waiting over 18-weeks for NHS treatment
Families and children in Erith and Thamesmead will be able to access early years support such as pregnancy support, infant feeding advice, parenting classes and other support to give their child the best start in life, following a £126 million Government funding boost – delivering on the Labour’s Plan for Change.
Greenwich is expected to receive at least £1,472,500 as part of the wider investment increase.
Children’s early years are crucial to their development, health and life chances. Antenatal classes, health visitors, parenting support, baby and toddler groups and access to affordable, high-quality early education and childcare – all are vital to guiding parents and supporting child development. Yet over 80% of parents have said they struggled to access services.
As part of our Plan for Change we’re committed to strengthening and joining up family services to improve support through pregnancy and early childhood and improve long term outcomes for children – including through today’s investment in Family Hubs and the Start for Life programme.
Abena Oppong-Asare, Member of Parliament for Erith and Thamesmead said:
“I am absolutely delighted that families and children in Erith and Thamesmead will be able to access early years support through this funding boost from the Government.
“Families in Erith and Thamesmead elected a Labour government to give every child the best possible start in life, and that is what we’re delivering.
“This will make such a huge difference for so many families in our community and I know that the impact will be felt for years to come.”
Andrew Gwynne, Minister for Public Health and Prevention, said:
“This crucial investment provides a strong foundation to deliver our commitment to raise the healthiest generation of children ever, by giving parents the support they need to ensure their baby has the best start in life.
“The first two years of a child’s life lay the building blocks for their physical and emotional wellbeing into adulthood. That’s why we are investing in early years, as part of our Plan for Change, to improve access to services in deprived areas to ensure no-one is left behind.”
https://www.abenaoppongasare.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Official-Portrait-of-Abena-Oppong-Asare-MP--scaled.jpeg17072560Abena Oppong-Asare MPhttps://www.abenaoppongasare.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/SM-Logo-3.pngAbena Oppong-Asare MP2025-01-15 18:31:312025-01-15 18:31:33Families and new parents in Greenwich to receive early years support says Abena Oppong-Asare MP
I am delighted to announce the successful conclusion of my Christmas Card Competition 2024 for Erith and Thamesmead.
This annual competition invites schools from across our constituency to take part. The theme for this year was “What makes Erith and Thamesmead a fun place?” As always, I would like to thank our fantastic students across the constituency who illustrated designs that show what they feel makes our constituency the fun place it is. This included parks, open spaces, shops, and local landmarks.
The artwork was assessed by a panel of judges, and I used the winning design as my Christmas Card this year, which was sent to over 1000 local people, businesses, and community groups. I also sent my card to the Prime Minister as well as many of my colleagues in the Houses of Parliament.
As has been the case in previous years we had a fantastic turnout from our enthusiastic students with many great designs being sent in. I would like to thank the schools, teachers, and parents who dedicated time to help organise the competition.
Congratulations to this year’s winner, Vera, aged 10, from St Thomas a Becket Primary School. You can see me photographed with Vera, her winning published card and her Head Teacher Mrs Cooper.
Abena visiting this year’s winner, Vera, at St Thomas a Becket Primary School
In Vera’s description of her design, she wrote.
“I chose to draw this picture because whenever I go to Erith, I love to see the bright patterns on all the fish. I decided to start improving my art and create something special; I made a drawing based on Christmas. I am very proud of the art I have created from my artistic imagination, and I hope you will like it too.”
It is safe to say not only did we like it but I and the rest of the constituency absolutely loved it!
It was a pleasure visiting St Thomas a Becket Primary School, too. Many students asked me brilliant questions about my political career and journey. It is reassuring to know we have students in our constituency who, despite their youth, have a great interest in Politics.
Attached here is me meeting the Speaker of the House of Commons. He was impressed by the high quality of the design and put it on display in his office!
Abena presenting the winning design to the Speaker of the House of Commons
With special thanks to the sponsors of my card who backed this year’s competition – including Edible Oils Limited, Manak Solicitors, Lumbini Grocery, Aum Trading Wholesale, Red Lion Noodle Bar and Greenwich Mummies Forum.
On 30 October, Rachel Reeves MP, the first female Chancellor, presented Labour’s first Budget in over 14 years, outlining her plans to fix the foundations of our economy. I was delighted to see many important announcements in the Budget that I believe are going to positively impact so many working families in Erith and Thamesmead.
These included an increase in the National Living Wage; more support for the NHS; more investment in SEND services; a real boost for millions of carers; £1bn investment in removing unsafe cladding; a freeze in fuel duty; and a firm commitment to the ‘triple lock’, giving over 12 million pensioners £500 more from next April.
Earlier this month, I wrote an article sharing my reaction to the Budget, which you can read here, and I also spoke about how the Budget will impact you here.
While I know there were tough decisions made at the Budget, I fully support the Government’s commitment to delivering this needed investment in Britain’s future – fixing the NHS, protecting working families and rebuilding our country.
Remembrance Day Events 2024
It was an honour to represent Erith and Thamesmead this month during several important Remembrance Day events in our community and in Parliament.
I laid a wreath at Thamesmead War Memorial, Plumstead Cemetery, Woolwich Cemetery and Abbey Wood Memorial Gardens. I also attended a Remembrance Sunday Service at St. Michael and All Angels Church in Abbey Wood. We will remember them.
I also pay tribute to the volunteers who supported the Royal British Legion to raise funds for such a great cause and I was pleased to meet some of them at their stand in Morrisons, Thamesmead.
Thanks as well to local constituent, Dawn, who made poppies herself to raise funds – I was pleased to wear one of her poppies in Parliament this year.
Visit to local Post Office in Plumstead
I really enjoyed visiting our local Post Office on Plumstead High Street recently. It was good to speak to the Postmaster and Branch staff about how they keep the vital service running for local constituents.
Tihar, Deepawali & Diwali Celebrations in Parliament
It was such a pleasure to host this lovely celebration in Parliament alongside the Mayor of Greenwich, Cllr Jit Ranabhat. As the first one under the new Government, the evening was filled with joy and dancing, making it a truly memorable occasion. I was delighted to be joined by many members of the Nepalese community and also Baroness Armstrong and Sarah Owen MP, who both spoke.
Plumstead Station Access for All
It was fantastic to officially mark the opening of two new lifts at Plumstead Station this month. I know many constituents have campaigned for this and I’m pleased that this will bring a lot a relief to many local residents.
It was lovely to visit Willow Dene School this month and speak to parents, students and staff about special education services in our community of Erith and Thamesmead. Also great to hear more about the work being done to improve access to eye care for people with learning disabilities.
At the end of last month, I was very pleased to open the important ‘Black History Month’ debate in the House of Commons. It was great to hear so many powerful contributions from MPs from across the country. We’ve come a long way, but there’s still so much more to do to break down barriers for all.
I was also pleased to share an important Government announcement of new support for Windrush victims, including the appointment of an important new Windrush Commissioner. These are first steps to ensure justice is finally delivered. You can find out more by reading this article here. You can also watch part of my speech here.
Ministerial work in the Cabinet Office
It’s been another eventful month in the Cabinet Office as I continue my work as Parliamentary Secretary with a focus on national security, resilience and civil contingencies.
I was pleased to visit Burnley College for the grand opening of its new Security Operations Centre. You can find out more about this state-of-the-art facility and how they will help train the next generation of cyber experts here.
It was also great to catch up with the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, ahead of my Cabinet Office meeting with the London Resilience Forum. And I enjoyed my visit to the Thames Barrier, alongside Minister Emma Hardy, to discuss how they protect over a million Londoners from the threat of tidal flooding.
Alongside ministerial colleagues, it was also a pleasure to meet Malala Yousafzai and discuss the distressing situation in Afghanistan, especially for women and girls. You can find out more here.
Furthermore:
The Javan Coker Foundation receives the King’s Award for Voluntary Service – Many congratulations to the whole team for this brilliant achievement.
Greenwich Diwali Celebration – It was lovely to join the Mayor of Greenwich and many local residents at this Civic reception at the Town Hall in Woolwich.
My article in the Guardian celebrating Lord Paul Boateng– Lord Boateng proves that passion plus determination moves mountains. I was pleased to pay tribute to Paul in the Guardian during Black History Month. You can read my article here.
Family Rights Group 50th Anniversary reception – Was pleased to attend this important reception in Parliament alongside Baroness Armstrong of Hill Top.
Happy Guru Nanak Gurpurab – Sending my best wishes to the local Sikh community and all those who mark this important anniversary.
Lords Spiritual (Women) Act (Extension) Bill – Pleased to speak for the Government on this important bill to increase female representation on the bishops’ benches in the Lords. You can read my speech here or watch it here.
Passing of John Prescott – Very sad to hear of the passing of John Prescott, a towering figure in our movement and so central to previous Labour Governments.
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).
