Posts

May 2026 Newsletter

Dear Friends,

Thank you for taking the time to look at my monthly newsletter for May 2026.

I hope you enjoy this update on some of the work I have been doing in Erith and Thamesmead and in Parliament over the last month.

As ever, if you want to get in touch, don’t hesitate to contact me using the email address: abena.oppongasare.mp@parliament.uk

Abena

The King’s Speech and a new Parliamentary Session

This month saw the start of a new Parliamentary Session, with the King’s Speech setting out the Government’s upcoming plans.

As a constituency and as a country, we face significant challenges – from an uncertain global outlook to the continued pressures of the cost of living. In my conversations with residents across Erith and Thamesmead, I know many families are still under real pressure.

That is why I welcome the Government’s focus on taking bold action to support households, rebuild our public services, unlock growth and prepare Britain for a more uncertain world.

I therefore welcome the more than 35 bills set out in the King’s Speech, which include:

  • Speeding up improvements to the NHS;
  • Helping get Britain off the fossil fuel rollercoaster so energy bills come down;
  • Ending the struggle many parents’ face for support for SEND children;
  • Scrapping the outdated leasehold system for new homes;
  • And delivering a new generation of decent and safe social and affordable housing.

Beyond these bills, I also support the Chancellor’s efforts to reduce the cost of living through the recently announced ‘Great British Summer Savings’ scheme, including a cut to Fuel Duty, lower VAT on summer attractions, and proposed price reductions on everyday essentials.

I will continue working hard in Parliament and across Erith and Thamesmead to support residents and help deliver these changes in the months ahead.

Coffee Morning at the Plumstead Centre

Delighted to hold my ‘Meet Your MP’ Coffee Morning in Plumstead. There were so many valuable conversations about the key issues facing residents and how we can work together to continue making the community a better place to live. If you want to join next time, you can sign up on my website here.

Visit to Abbey Wood Nursery School

Thank you to the team for your warm welcome at Abbey Wood Nursery School. It was a pleasure to be shown round and learn more about some of the challenges facing early years education in the area.

Joining the Bexley Voluntary Sector Forum

Great to speak with so many leaders from Bexley’s voluntary sector at the Bexley Voluntary Sector Forum, hosted by the Bexley Voluntary Service Council. I will continue to work closely with the BVSC and local organisations to help deliver vital improvements for our community.

Visit to Morrison’s Thamesmead

Lovely to visit Morrisons in Thamesmead to hear about the expansion of its online services, which will bring local jobs and more flexible shopping options to residents. It’s always encouraging to see new investment in Thamesmead.

V.E Day Celebrations

This VE Day, I was proud to join the Thamesmead & Abbey Wood Branch of the Royal British Legion to honour the courage and sacrifice of those who served during the Second World War.

SEND Reforms: ‘Putting Children and young people first’ Consultation

This month, I responded to the Government’s consultation on SEND reforms, ‘Putting children and young people first’.

My response was shaped by many conversations with parents, teachers and residents across our community, as well as the roundtable I was pleased to host with the Minister for School Standards, Georgia Gould MP. I will continue to follow the legislation closely and ensure that the voices of our community remain at the heart of these changes

Online Safety for Young People

I also responded to the Government’s recent consultation on online safety for young people: ‘Growing up in the online world’.

Over recent months, I have been running my own local survey to gather the views of residents, young people and parents across our community. The message I heard was clear: people want to see stronger and more urgent action to better protect young people online. I look forward to seeing the Government take action, and thank everyone who took the time to contribute to my survey.

My Campaign Summer School Returns

Delighted to confirm that my Campaign Summer School is back this year and better than ever.

The programme offers young people a first-hand insight into the exciting world of political campaigning. I would encourage any local young people who are interested to find out more and register their interest using the link below. Please do also share this opportunity with anyone who may want to take part.

The deadline for signing up is now Friday 19 June and you can find out more here.

Furthermore:

  • Anniversary of the Death of Lee Rigby – On 22nd May, we marked thirteen years since Lee was so tragically and senselessly murdered. His memory remains strong in our community.
  • Endometriosis Meeting – This month, I met with local constituent Nicola to learn more about her experience of living with Endometriosis. Her insights were extremely valuable. I will continue to campaign for better awareness of the condition, to support Nicola and many other women living with Endometriosis.
  • New Towns Draft Consultation – The government have also been consulting on their draft New Towns Programme, with Thamesmead as one of their proposed locations. I responded to the consultation to warmly welcome this ambitious programme to deliver the homes and infrastructure our community needs.
  • Fly-tipping Crack Down – Delighted to join Minister for Waste, Mary Creagh, to highlight the actions this government is taking to address waste criminals. Find out more here.
  • Pride in Place Funding for Thamesmead – Pleased to be holding a survey so local residents in Thamesmead can shape how this £20 million investment transforms our area. Find out more and have your say on my website here.
  • International Nurses’ Day – On 12th May, I marked the incredible skill, dedication and impact of nurses in Erith and Thamesmead and across the UK.
  • Eid Mubarak – To all those celebrating, hoping you enjoyed a blessed Eid al-Adha.

Stay updated on social media

For regular updates on my activities, follow me on X (@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.abenaopponga

/by
,

Abena’s ‘Meet Your MP’ Coffee Morning in Plumstead

Delighted to hold my ‘Meet Your MP’ Coffee Morning at the Plumstead Centre this May.

There were so many valuable conversations about the key issues facing residents and how we can work together to continue making the community a better place to live.

I’m always looking to engage with constituents and that’s why I host my ‘Meet your MP’ coffee mornings in-person and in our constituency.

Constituents are more than welcome to join and have a chat with me and other members of our community about all of the important issues we face today. I’m happy to speak about both local and national topics and answer questions from constituents on any topic. 

If you want to join next time, you can sign up on my website here.

Social Media Post:

/by
, ,

Visit to Abbey Wood Nursery School

Thank you to the team at Abbey Wood Nursery School for such a warm welcome during my recent visit.

It was a pleasure to be shown around the school, join pupils in their lessons and see first-hand the care, creativity and dedication that go into supporting children in their early years. I was also grateful for the opportunity to hear more about some of the challenges facing early years education locally.

We also had an important discussion about the Government’s SEND reforms and the recent consultation, Putting Children and Young People First. I was pleased to continue that conversation with Headteacher Gill Crowley, who also attended my recent roundtable on the reforms with the Minister for School Standards, Georgia Gould. Her contribution helped underline just how important it is that the voices of schools, families and children are heard as these changes are developed.

/by
,

Abena visits Morrisons in Thamesmead

Lovely to visit Morrisons in Thamesmead to hear about the expansion of its online services, which will bring local jobs and more flexible shopping options to residents. It’s always encouraging to see new investment in Thamesmead.

Thanks to all the staff for hosting me and showing me around the store.

Social Media:

/by
, ,

Commemorating VE Day with the Royal British Legion in Abbey Wood

This VE Day, I was proud to join the Thamesmead & Abbey Wood Branch of the Royal British Legion in paying tribute to the courage, service and sacrifice of all those who served during the Second World War.

It was a privilege to stand alongside local veterans, Legion members and residents from across our community as we reflected on the freedoms secured by that wartime generation, and the duty we share to remember them.

Social Media Post:

/by
, ,

Abena welcomes stronger renters’ rights from today for over 12,500 people in Erith and Thamesmead

More than 12,500 private renters in Erith and Thamesmead – and millions more across London and England – are set to benefit from stronger protections from today, as the new Renters’ Rights Act comes into force.

The new law introduces the biggest changes to renters’ rights in over 40 years, giving local tenants greater security and protection against unfair practices.

Around 12,581 renters in the constituency will benefit from measures including a ban on Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions, helping to prevent people being forced out of their homes without reason.

Renters will also benefit from:

  • Limits on rent increases to once per year
  • A ban on bidding wars for properties
  • A cap of one month’s rent for upfront payments
  • Stronger protections against discrimination for those with children or in receipt of benefits
  • New rights to request a pet, which landlords must reasonably consider
  • Greater flexibility, with tenants able to end tenancies with two months’ notice

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

“Too many renters in Erith and Thamesmead have been living with the constant fear of losing their home through no fault of their own.

“These historic reforms will make a real difference to people locally – giving renters the security they deserve, protecting them from unfair practices, and helping families put down roots in their communities.

“I’m proud that this Labour government is delivering the biggest upgrade to renters’ rights in a generation.”

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

“For too long, families have lived with the constant fear of eviction, while young people have been outbid for the homes they need to start their lives.

“Today we are putting that right. We promised to fix a broken rental system and we’re delivering.

“This historic action will make renting fairer, safer and more secure for millions, so people can settle, put down roots and build their lives.”

Housing Secretary Steve Reed said:

“Renters have been living at the mercy of rogue landlords and in fear of losing their home for too long.

“We are putting a stop to this with historic changes that give renters the security they deserve – marking the beginning of a new era for private renters.”

The new law also introduces tougher enforcement powers for councils, with fines of up to £40,000 for landlords who break the rules, ensuring that rogue operators can no longer evade accountability.

Nationally, the reforms are expected to benefit around 11 million renters, while also improving the system for the 2.3 million landlords in England.

Across the wider area, the reforms will deliver stronger rights to for 76,127 private renters across the Royal Borough of Greenwich and 40,009 in the London Borough of Bexley, highlighting the scale of change locally.

Alongside these reforms, the government is investing in stronger enforcement and modernising the courts system to make it easier for both tenants and landlords to access justice.

Social Media Post:

/by
, , , ,

April 2026 Newsletter

Dear Friends,

Thank you for taking the time to look at my monthly newsletter for April 2026.

I hope you enjoy this update on some of the work I have been doing in Erith and Thamesmead and in Parliament over the last month.

As ever, if you want to get in touch, don’t hesitate to contact me using the email address: abena.oppongasare.mp@parliament.uk

Abena

End of a Transformative Parliamentary Session

This month marks the end of a transformative parliamentary session following the 2024 General Election.

I was elected as your Member of Parliament on a promise to deliver real change for our community and the country. I’m proud to have supported a series of game-changing Acts of Parliament that are already improving the lives of working people.

Here are some key measures, many of which local residents have long called for:

  • The Employment Rights Act, the biggest upgrade in workers’ rights in a generation.
  • The Passenger Public Services (Public Ownership) Act, creating Great British Rail to improve services and keep fares low.
  • The Great British Energy Act, establishing a publicly owned body to deliver clean energy and lower bills.
  • The Renters Rights Act, strengthening security for renters, including banning no-fault evictions.
  • The Removal of Two Child Limit Act, lifting 5,230 children in Erith and Thamesmead, and 450,000 nationwide, out of poverty.
  • The Water (Special Measures) Act, improving environmental standards and holding water companies accountable.
  • The Crime and Policing Bill, tackling violence against women and girls, anti-social behaviour and retail crime, while rebuilding trust in policing.

There is still more to do. I look forward to the new parliamentary session beginning on Wednesday 13 May, where I will continue working to deliver the change that Erith and Thamesmead – and our country – deserve.

Announcement of Women’s Health Strategy

For too long, women have faced delays, poor support, and not being heard, whilst seeking healthcare.

This is an issue I have campaigned on personally for many years and in recent months have led debates and put forward a bill on improving support for women facing Endometriosis, fibroids and other gynaecological conditions

This month the Government announced a groundbreaking Women’s Health Strategy to address this. The strategy will tackle medical misogyny, supporting all women to lead healthy, happy and prosperous lives.

I’m especially pleased to see the Government take action to streamline diagnosis and care services for chronic conditions, such as endometriosis. This must be a turning point for better care, and I’ll keep working with women locally and nationally to make it happen.

School Visits

It was a pleasure to visit St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School and Greenslade Primary School this month. It was great to meet the School Council at each of the schools to answer their thoughtful questions about how we can keep improving our community.


Lesnes Abbey Easter Festival and Plumstead Market Visit

Brilliant to celebrate the Easter Weekend at the Lesnes Abbey Festival with so many people from the area. It was also lovely to pop in to Plumstead Market – a really enjoyable way to mark Easter!

Visit to Men in Sheds in Erith

Great to visit Men in Sheds in Erith. It was fantastic to hear how the project has grown over the past 10 years and the positive impact it’s had on both members and the wider community. Thanks to their team and Age UK Bexley for such a warm welcome!

Maximus Greenwich Community Celebration Event

Delighted to attend Maximus community celebration event. Maximus support the community by getting people into work. I was joined by local businesses at their event to celebrate these achievements.


My work in Parliament

I’ve been engaging with Ministerial Colleagues to support the Government’s agenda for change.

I’ve campaigned to crack down on fly-tipping in Erith & Thamesmead since the day I was first elected. I met with the Minister for Nature, Mary Creagh, to share the action we’re taking. The Government is making sure fly-tipping isn’t just a crime – it’s a crime with real consequences.

Furthermore, late payments cost our economy £11bn and force 38 businesses to close every day. So, it was great to meet with Blair McDougall MP, Minister for Small Business and Economic Transformation, to discuss support for small businesses. I am pushing hard for change so businesses in Erith and Thamesmead can thrive.

Furthermore:

  • St George’s Day – I celebrated England and the legacy of St. George on April 23rd.
  • Stephen Lawrence Day – Stephen’s life and honour his family’s extraordinary fight for justice was marked on April 22nd.
  • Happy Vaisakhi – Joyful Vaisakhi to all who celebrate in Erith and Thamesmead and beyond. I marked the occasion with a celebration at the Speaker’s House.
  • Tamil, Sinhala, Bengali, and Nepali New Year – Happy New Year to all that celebrate in these communities in Erith and Thamesmead and beyond.
  • Yom HaShoah – We must remember the six million Jews who were killed during the Holocaust and continue to take a stand against antisemitism.
  • Community Hospice – Kate Heaps has stepped down as CEO of Community Hospice. I thank her for her hard work over the last 16 years supporting the people of Greenwich and Bexley.

Stay updated on social media

For regular updates on my activities, follow me on X (@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

/by
,

Share Your Views: Help Shape Thamesmead Birchmere Park’s Pride in Place Funding

I’m delighted to announce the launch of a new community survey following a £20 million investment into Thamesmead Birchmere Park through the Government’s Pride in Place programme.

This funding – £2 million per year over the next decade – represents a major opportunity to deliver lasting improvements and ensure our community gets the attention and investment it deserves after years of being overlooked.

But this investment isn’t just about funding – it’s about you. Local residents know the area best, and your ideas should shape how this money is spent. I want to hear directly from you about what matters most and how we can work together to unlock the full potential of Thamesmead Birchmere Park.

Take the survey here:

Your input will help guide decisions and ensure this funding is used wisely, transparently, and in line with community priorities.

If you have any questions, feel free to get in touch at abena.oppongasare.mp@parliament.uk.

Let’s work together to build a better future for our community.

Find out more about this announcement on my dedicated webpage here.

/by
, ,

500 New Free Breakfast Clubs rolled out including in Erith and Thamesmead

The government has proudly launched another round of 500 free breakfast clubs for schools across the country this week.

Today, I am delighted to confirm that Linton Mead Primary School in our constituency of Erith and Thamesmead has joined Jubilee Primary and Willow Bank Primary as flagship free breakfast clubs.

These clubs aim to ease the cost-of-living on families and ensure that our community’s children get the best possible start to their day, and ultimately, their education.  

Now, more families and children will benefit from lower living costs and stronger guarantees that their children are getting a healthy and balanced diet as a part of their education. Setting our nation’s children up for the best chance in life, while easing the financial stress on their families. Allowing parents easier mornings and more time for what matters to them, family.  

This expands the scheme to almost 700 children in Erith and Thamesmead and is implemented alongside other government measures to ease the cost of living and stress on working families. Like 30 hours of government-funded childcare, free school meals, and lowering uniform costs for kids in disadvantaged backgrounds. Helping our children get the best start in life and allowing their parents to work and live more comfortably knowing their family is properly supported.  

Research shows us that a healthy and balanced breakfast plays a key role in a child’s behaviour, attendance, and academic ability. So, these provisions mean even more children in Erith and Thamesmead will be ready to learn and grow. 

Last year, I celebrated the initial rollout of free breakfast clubs in Jubilee and Willow Bank with the students enrolled in the scheme. I got to hear from them how it would help them and their families. And I am so pleased to see the scheme expanded and cannot wait to visit Linton Mead to experience first-hand the positive impact that this action brings.  

/by
, , , ,

March 2026 Newsletter

Dear Friends,

Thank you for taking the time to look at my monthly newsletter for March 2026.

I hope you enjoy this update on some of the work I have been doing in Erith and Thamesmead and in Parliament over the last month.

As ever, if you want to get in touch, don’t hesitate to contact me using the email address: abena.oppongasare.mp@parliament.uk

Abena

£20 million in Pride in Place funding for Erith and Thamesmead announced

I’m delighted to confirm that up to £20 million of Government funding is to be invested in Thamesmead Birchmere Park over the next ten years, putting local people in the driving seat to shape the future of the community.

The Pride in Place programme, launched by the Labour Government last year, has been rolled out to more most in need neighbourhoods across the UK, giving local people a say in projects that will make a real difference to their community. I attended a Pride in Place reception with Greenwich Council Leader, Anthony Okereke to announce the funding.

You can view a clip of me speaking on this news on my social media here and find out more about the announcement on my website here.

Vital funding announced for Erith Health Centre

Erith Health Centre is receiving crucial investment to transform its services as part of the Government’s plans for the Neighbourhood Health Service. This investment will help Erith Health Centre to provide end-to-end care, improving access to GPs, simplifying the provision of healthcare and enabling patients to be treated closer to their home. You can find out more on this exciting news for Erith residents on my website here.

Thamesmead Selected for a New Town by the Government

Following last year’s consultation, it was confirmed that Thamesmead will be one of seven proposed new towns as part of the government’s most ambitious housebuilding programme in over fifty years.

The plans could see up to 15,000 new homes delivered in Thamesmead, helping to boost economic growth and transport links locally as well as address London’s housing shortage.  I welcomed the news on my social media here.

SEND Roundtable with schools and Minister for School Standards

It was fantastic to host a discussion with school leaders from Erith and Thamesmead and the Minister for School Standards, Georgia Gould MP. The roundtable focused on how the government’s proposed reforms can improve outcomes for children with SEND, drawing on the crucial frontline experience of education leaders in the constituency. You can find out more about these SEND reforms, the consultation and this local roundtable on my website here.

Meeting with Get Together Monday Community Group

It was great to have the chance to meet with the Get Together Monday group in Shooters Hill to discuss local and national issues, whilst learning more about the group’s work to support the community.

International Women’s Day Event at Woolwich Polytechnic Girl’s School

Pleasure to attend the Careers Day Carousel at Woolwich to celebrate International Women’s Day. The students were eager to know more about their future career choices, and I look forward to seeing them as the leaders of tomorrow!

Summer School Launch

This month, I announced the return of my Campaign Summer School for its fifth iteration. The campaign offers first-hand insight into the exciting world of political campaigning. If you are aged between 16-18 in my constituency (or know someone that is), you can register your interest by following this link.   

‘This is Endometriosis’ Screening in Parliament

Delighted to screen the BAFTA-winning short film ‘This is Endometriosis’ in Parliament on 24th March. The evening marked an important moment during Endometriosis Action Month where we were joined by Georgie Wileman, the filmmaker. It was a powerful testimony that shone a light on this vital issue, which I am fighting hard to see addressed in Parliament. It follows on from the adjournment debate that I held in Parliament, which you can watch here.

Greenwich Wildlife Network Meeting in Parliament

Pleasure to meet with constituents from the Greenwich Wildlife Network (GWN) & members of Naturewatch in Parliament. We spoke about GWN’s great work protecting local wildlife & green spaces, and the need to do more to tackle horrific incidents of ASB against animals.

Ghana Independence Day Celebrations

Honoured to mark the 69th anniversary of Ghanian Independence by speaking at an event in Parliament alongside the vibrant British Ghanaian community. I was equally honoured to be recognised of one of the 100 most influential Ghanaians in the UK, as well as attending an event at the Ghanaian High Commission to celebrate the day.


My work in Parliament

It has been a busy month for me in Parliament. As well as the adjournment debate for Endometriosis, I put forward a Ten-Minute Rule Bill for Menstrual and Gynaecological Health to increase public awareness of menstrual health issues including racial discrimination in the field.

Furthermore, on International Women’s Day, I highlighted the work of a number of inspiring women from Erith and Thamesmead during the IWD debate in the chamber.  Lastly, I spoke on Radio 5 Live about Baroness Amos’ crucial investigation into maternal health. You can listen to my interview here.

Furthermore:

  • COVID Day of Reflection – Important to remember those we lost, and the sacrifices made by so many on March 8th.
  • Young Carer’s Action Day – I recognised the amazing work in Erith & Thamesmead and beyond make to care for loved ones on 11th March.
  • World Book Day – enjoyed celebrating World Book Day on 5th March.
  • Meeting with Leader of Bexley Labour Group – great to catch up with Leader of Bexley Labour Stefano Borello to discuss the upcoming local elections.
  • Women’s Lobby Reception in Parliament – wonderful to attend this reception in Parliament to mark International Women’s Day.
  • Holi – lovely to celebrate the Hindu festival of colours on 4th March.
  • Jack Petchey Speak Out Challenge – I welcomed an inspiring group of talented young communicators to Parliament on March 2nd.

Stay updated on social media

For regular updates on my activities, follow me on X (@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.abenaopponga

/by