Posts

July 2026 Newsletter

Dear Friends,

Thank you for taking the time to look at my monthly newsletter for July 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

New Prime Minister

This month, I was delighted to welcome Andy Burnham as our new Prime Minister. In his first days in office, he has demonstrated a clear determination to deliver the practical change for working families.

From cutting VAT on energy bills and reducing business rates for pubs and hospitality venues by 20%, to pledging the biggest programme of council housebuilding since the post-war era and a renewed drive to end rough sleeping, the new Government is focused on easing pressure on household finances and strengthening communities across the country. The Prime Minister has also paused further early prisoner releases and begun seeking cross-party agreement on the lasting reform our social care system so urgently needs.

These are ambitious but necessary priorities. They speak directly to the challenges facing families, businesses and public services in our area and to the government’s mission to rebuild trust by delivering meaningful improvements in people’s everyday lives. I look forward to working closely with the Prime Minister and his Government to ensure our community’s voice is heard and that local people feel the benefits of this change.

As we begin this new chapter, I also want to pay tribute to Keir Starmer for his hard work, leadership and dedication to public service. He served our country with commitment and integrity. I wish him and his family all the very best for the future.

My Campaign Summer School 2026

I was delighted to host my fifth Campaign Summer School this month, welcoming an energetic group of local young people for three days of inspiring and practical sessions on politics, campaigning, media, business and community leadership.

The Summer School is designed to help young people build their confidence, develop new skills and learn more about how they can make their voices heard and create positive change in their communities.

It was fantastic to see the energy, curiosity and ambition of everyone who took part. I am very grateful to all our speakers, partners and supporters, including London South East Colleges, Domino’s in Thamesmead and Ocado for helping to make this year’s programme such a success.

You can read more about the event in my blog here.

Pride in Place Walkabout in Thamesmead

I was pleased to join a roundtable and walkabout with council leaders, representatives from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, and local councillors in Thamesmead to discuss the new £20 million of Pride in Place funding coming to the area.

Work is now under way to appoint a chair and board to help lead the project, with  residents’ views at the heart of how the funding is used. I look forward to working with local people to make sure it delivers the greatest possible benefit for our community.

Hosting Jo Cox Women in Leadership Programme 10th anniversary event

It was a real pleasure to co-host the 10th anniversary event for the Jo Cox Women in Leadership Programme this month.

The event brought together graduates from across different cohorts to celebrate a decade of achievement, reflect on Jo’s life and legacy, and recognise the lasting impact of this remarkable programme.

Meeting with South-East London ICB CEO

It was important to meet with Andrew Bland, Chief Executive of South East London’s Integrated Care Board, alongside the ICB’s Bexley lead, to discuss a wide range of issues affecting residents across Erith and Thamesmead.

We covered local health service provision, NHS structural changes, waiting times, mental health support and other key priorities for our community. I look forward to continuing to work with Andrew and the wider ICB team.

Harris Garrard Academy Awards Evening

I really enjoyed speaking at Harris Garrard’s annual awards evening and celebrating the students’ achievements over the course of this academic year, including most academic, most resilient, and most improved in each subject.

It was a wonderful opportunity to highlight the hard work, and progress students have made throughout the year.

Furthermore:

  • Endometriosis Rapid Tests – I welcome news that rapid endometriosis tests will be available on the NHS. I’ve been calling for more action in Parliament and will keep pushing for better care for the millions living with endometriosis.
  • Improving Maternity and Neonatal Care – Baroness Amos’ final report into maternity revealed deeply worrying findings. The government must deliver on its commitment to bring lasting change in this area, and I will continue to press for action. You can read the full report here.
  • Windrush Day – It was fantastic to see politicians from across parliament come together to celebrate the contributions of the Windrush generation and their legacy at a reception at Number 10 Downing Street.
  • Srebrenica Memorial Day – On 11th July, I remembered the victims of the genocide in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
  • Meeting with Deputy Mayor, Seb Dance – Really valuable to meet with the Deputy Mayor of London alongside fellow MPs and Councillors in the area to discuss improving bus connections in Erith and Thamesmead and the wider area.
  • British Beauty Council Event – I was delighted to support the important work of the British Beauty Council to represent the industry, at an event in Parliament.
  • Mayor of London’s Summer Reception – Important to join this reception to discuss the Mayor’s work to build a fairer, safer, greener and more prosperous London.
  • British Summer Savings Scheme – This Summer you may have heard that families can enjoy discounted attractions and meals with the launch of the government’s Great British Summer Savings scheme. Find out more here.
  • Meeting with Bright Stars Kids Daycare and Thames Tiddlers Nursery – Thank you to these local nurseries for hosting an important discussion about the challenges facing independent nurseries in the constituency.
  • Congratulations to the Three Lions – I really enjoyed following England’s journey at the Football World Cup, and we can be immensely proud of their third-place finish.

STAY UPDATED ON SOCIAL MEDIA:

Follow me on: X (@abenaopp), Facebook (Abena Oppong-Asare MP, Erith and Thamesmead), and Instagram (abena.oppongasare.mp). You can sign up to my digital newsletter at www.abenaoppongasare.com/get_in_touch

/by
,

Celebrating my fifth successful Campaign Summer School

I was delighted to welcome local young people to the fifth edition of my Campaign Summer School this July.

Held over three days at London South East Colleges’ Greenwich Campus in Plumstead, the programme was designed to help young people learn more about politics, develop practical campaigning skills and build the confidence to make their voices heard.

I first launched the Campaign Summer School in 2021, during the height of the pandemic, because I wanted to give local students hands-on insight into how positive change happens. The programme has now taken place five times, pausing only in 2024 because of the General Election.

This year, we brought together an inspiring range of speakers from Parliament, politics, local government, the media, business and campaigning.

Damien Arness-Dalton from the UK Parliament’s Education and Engagement Outreach Team led a session on how Parliament and democracy work, while Chisola Chitambala, who appeared on the BBC’s The Apprentice, spoke about her experiences as a trailblazer in the corporate world.

Students also heard from tampon tax campaigners Laura Coryton MBE and Rima Amin about how a petition can grow into a successful national campaign.

Councillor Anthony Okereke, Leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, and Martin Angus, Political Adviser at the Local Government Association, discussed local government and community leadership.

Paul Richards, a writer, broadcaster and former government special adviser, led a practical session on how to write a press release. Aletha Adu, political correspondent at The Guardian, spoke about the role of the media and how young people can get started in journalism.

We were also joined by strategy consultant John Lehal, who shared his experience of careers in public affairs and politics, and Bashir Ibrahim, who spoke about his role as a senior adviser to the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan.

It was fantastic to see the energy, curiosity and thoughtful ideas that the students brought to every session. They engaged fully with the speakers, asked important questions and showed a real determination to make a difference in their communities.

I hope everyone who took part left feeling more confident about using their voice, taking action and pursuing their ambitions.

I am extremely grateful to all the speakers who gave their time and shared their knowledge and experience. I would also like to thank London South East Colleges for their generous hospitality and Domino’s in Thamesmead for kindly providing pizzas for the students between sessions.

Following this year’s programme, I am expanding my LinkedIn network to bring together students, speakers and members of my wider professional network. I hope this shared space will allow participants to exchange ideas, discover opportunities and support campaigns that create positive change in our community.

I am incredibly proud of what the Campaign Summer School has achieved across its five editions, and I am already looking forward to welcoming the next generation of young changemakers.

/by

June 2026 Newsletter

Dear Friends,

Thank you for taking the time to look at my monthly newsletter for June 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 Prime Minister’s Resignation and Looking to the Future

This month marks an important moment in national politics, as Keir Starmer’s time as Prime Minister comes to an end and the country prepares for a new Prime Minister to take office shortly.

I am grateful for the opportunity I had to serve in his Government, first as a minister and then as his Parliamentary Private Secretary, and for the seriousness and commitment to public service he brought to the role.

Whatever changes take place in Westminster, my focus remains the same – standing up for our community, working hard for local residents, and helping to deliver the stability, opportunity and better public services people rightly expect.

Thamesmead’s Pride in Place Chair Applications Now Open

Earlier this year, Thamesmead Birchmere Park was selected for the Government’s Pride in Place Programme, bringing £20 million of investment to our community.

Residents will have a key say in how this funding is spent, and applications are now open for the Chair position to help lead this important work.

Find out more about how to apply here, complete my Pride in Place survey here, or watch my announcement video here.

Plumstead Make Merry Festival

As ever, it was great to join Plumstead Make Merry Festival. It is a brilliant celebration of local music, arts, food and community spirit. Huge thanks to the volunteers who make this much-loved festival possible, and to everyone who came together to celebrate.

South Rise Primary School Visit

I was delighted to visit the Eco-Committee at South Rise Primary and hear about the fantastic work pupils are doing to support their school environment and wider community.

I also joined them for a litter pick around the school grounds and was impressed by their enthusiasm, teamwork and commitment to making a positive difference.

Coffee Morning at All Saints Parish Church

I was pleased to attend a coffee morning at All Saints Parish Church in Belvedere, where I had the opportunity to meet with parishioners.

It was a pleasure to speak about my role as the Member of Parliament for Erith and Thamesmead, answer questions from attendees, and hear directly about the issues that matter to local residents.

Joining Bexley Voluntary Sector Council Awards

Honoured to attend the Bexley Volunteer Excellence Awards and present the Trustee of the Year Award. Lovely to celebrate the incredible individuals and teams who make a real difference across Bexley. Congratulations to the winners, all nominees, and thanks to BVSC for hosting.

Visit to Thamesmead PDSA Pet Hospital

Great to visit Thamesmead PDSA Pet Hospital following its relocation from Eynsham Drive. It was lovely to tour the new facility, meet the dedicated team, and hear more about the important support they provide to pets and families across our community.

Ghana-UK Investment Summit Speaking and President Meeting

Delighted to speak at the Ghana-UK Investment Summit. I welcomed a renewed commitment to the Ghana-UK partnership and the practical opportunities it can create for people and businesses in both countries.

I also met with the President of Ghana and the Prime Minister at 10 Downing Street to discuss further collaboration between our nations.

Hosting Cancer and Health Inequalities Roundtable

It was a pleasure to host DChanger UK in Parliament to discuss cancer inequalities in Black communities. Proud to support their vital work supporting underserved communities facing cancer.

Speaking in Parliament on Online Safety for Young People

Protecting children online means going further than access restrictions. Reading constituents’ views on my survey showed strong support for action, and I’m pleased the Government is listening. Now we need stronger transparency over the algorithms shaping what children see. I raised this issue in Parliament, which you can watch here.

Furthermore:

  • Attended the UK Parliament Teacher Ambassador Programme Reception – It was a pleasure to join this welcome reception and to congratulate Sara, a local teacher, on her successful application to the programme.
  • D-Day Anniversary – 6th June marked 82 years since D-Day, and it was important to mark the extraordinary courage of the British and Allied forces who landed in Normandy that day.
  • Jo Cox anniversary and Great Get Together – 10 years since her death, Jo’s legacy lives on in every barrier broken, and in every act of courage and sisterhood she inspired. I was honoured to attend the Great Parliamentary Get Together this month in her memory.
  • Grenfell Tower Anniversary – Nine years on from Grenfell, we remember those who tragically lost their lives.
  • Great British Summer Savings Reception – Pleased to hear from the Chancellor at No. 11 Downing Street to hear how constituents will benefit from this scheme.
  • DLR Consultation – Transport for London is currently consulting on plans to extend the DLR to Thamesmead. You can have your say here ahead of the 16 July deadline.
  • Parliamentary Defence Showcase – Proud to support and meet members of our Armed Forces at a Defence Showcase in Parliament during Armed Forces Week.
  • Wishing best of luck to England in the World Cup – Let’s hope we can bring it home this time!
  • Monthly Advice Surgery – Important to host my monthly advice surgery this month to discuss issues impacting local residents.

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
,

Erith and Thamesmead to benefit from new Youth Hubs to tackle unemployment

Young people in Erith and Thamesmead are set to benefit from new Youth Hubs announced by the Government as part of a national drive to tackle youth unemployment.

This week, the Government confirmed that almost 180 new Youth Hubs will be created across the country, with Greenwich and Bexley boroughs scheduled to benefit in Year Two of the scheme.

The hubs will support 16 to 24-year-olds by bringing together employment advice, skills training, careers guidance, mental health support, housing advice and links to employers offering jobs and apprenticeships.

The announcement follows the Milburn Report on Young People and Work, which warned that too many young people face barriers to opportunity. Nationally, around one million young people are currently not in education, employment or training.

Youth Hubs form part of the Government’s £2.5 billion Youth Guarantee programme, which aims to help young people move into work, education or training and ensure that no young person is more than one hour away from support by public transport.

While specific venues have not yet been confirmed, locations will be developed locally with partners, based on need, readiness and existing community links.

Abena Oppong-Asare, MP for Erith and Thamesmead, welcomed the announcement after campaigning for better youth services in her constituency. She said:

“Too many young people in Erith and Thamesmead are finding it harder to get their first job and feel that the system is not working for them.

“I am proud that both Greenwich and Bexley are set to benefit from the Government’s new Youth Hubs scheme, bringing practical support, training, advice and employer links closer to home.

“This is a real boost for local opportunity and will help more young people move into work, education or training.

“I will be working to ensure these hubs serve our community well. If you run a local organisation or business and are interested in supporting or hosting a Youth Hub, please get in touch.”

Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden said:

“We want to make sure young people are getting real, personalised support, that’s not one size fits all. I’ve seen how it can change lives.

“Our Youth Hubs have over the past two years pioneered this approach – bringing job centre services together with mental health support, housing advice and more.

“I want to turbocharge this rollout so that every young person has this support within reach that can help them move into learning or earning.”

The Government has said the hubs are based on the Dutch “Jongerenpunt” model, which brings multiple services together in one place.

The Youth Guarantee also includes support for businesses to hire young workers, including a Youth Jobs Grant worth £3,000 for every 18 to 24-year-old hired who has been on Universal Credit for six months, and a £2,000 apprenticeship incentive for small businesses taking on a new employee aged 16 to 24.

For more information about this announcement, see the government’s webpage here.

/by

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