Dear Friend,

Many thanks for taking the time to look at my latest newsletter for November 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

—

Remembrance Sunday

This November, I was honoured to lay wreaths at Thamesmead War memorial followed by the War memorial at Plumstead Cemetery in remembrance of all those from Erith & Thamesmead who gave their lives to protect our freedom. On Remembrance Sunday, I also went to the Wreath laying at Callender’s Cables Memorial.

Thank you to Thamesmead and Abbey Wood Royal British Legions for arranging the services and for all the work they do throughout the year.

Earlier in the month, I was also honoured to place a poppy in Parliament’s Garden of Remembrance on behalf of the residents of Erith and Thamesmead.

We shall never forget those who bravely served and paid the ultimate sacrifice.

Cost of Living Crisis and the state of public services

I know how worried so many have been in our community as a result of the ongoing cost of living crisis. I don’t need to tell you how extraordinary and challenging the last few years have been and how challenging the situation remains for families across the constituency and the country. 

Here in Erith and Thamesmead, my team and I have been doing all we can to support constituents as they face serious challenges. This year, I also updated my cost of living to share information and support options, which you can find online on my website, or reach out to my office to receive a physical copy.

Beyond the cost of living crisis, I am also absolutely devastated by the crumbling state of our public services. The state of our NHS and all our public services is critical to building a strong Britain. However, we now have NHS waiting lists reaching 7.8 million, with 2.5 million people out of work due to long term sickness. I hear this all the time on the doorstep – families who aren’t able to see the GP or are stuck on waiting lists for urgent treatment or appointments. These delays and waiting lists are completely unacceptable and put lives at risk, day in and day out.

I am pleased to say that the Opposition is committed to getting waiting lists down and getting people treated on time, as well as tackling the current cost of living crisis. I’m so passionate about breaking down the barriers to opportunity for all in our community and across the country and I will continue to advocate for these proposals and for change that could make such a big difference.

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, I wanted to share my disappointment and the disappointment of the Opposition regarding the lack of a bill to reform the Mental Health Act in the King’s Speech. This was an opportunity to commit to ending the significant inequalities that leave Black people and ethnic minority groups more at risk of detention. Since this omission, the Opposition announced their commitment to bring forward this important, cross party and widely supported legislation to make sure the Mental Health Act treats everyone fairly and responsibly.

I was also pleased to respond to the Autumn Statement this November, when I challenged the Chancellor over their failure to provide stability for working families and our economy. After 25 tax rises in the last four years, this new economic statement doesn’t change the fact that households will still pay £4,300 more in tax under this Government. You can watch my intervention here.

I was also very pleased to hold a number of important roundtables this month in Parliament. These include a roundtable on Maternal Mental Health and how mothers face so many challenges during and after birth, and also a roundtable with businesses on improving mental health in the workplace. 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.

Meeting with the University of Greenwich and Woodland Academy Trust

I also recently met with teams from the University of Greenwich and Woodland Academy Trust to discuss the Government’s new Initial Teacher Training (ITT) accreditation scheme.

The University of Greenwich provides 300+ locally trained teachers each year who go on to work in our fantastic schools. I have been concerned that world-leading institutions like Greenwich, who are rated as outstanding or good by Ofsted, were withdrawn from the scheme, and how this affects schools and trusts like Woodland Academy Trust.

I have written to and will continue to speak to the Education Department to raise my concerns. On that same day, it was also nice to join for the opening day event at the new Lime Wood Primary School in Erith.

Small Business Saturday

It was fantastic as always to get out and about on Small Business Saturday and support our local businesses!

All our local small businesses are such an integral part of our community and I want to thank everyone supporting them by shopping local or by recommending and giving them a shout out when possible.

Please pop to the local shops to get those Christmas presents and stocking fillers.

Suicide Prevention Event in Parliament

Really pleased to join an important Parliamentary panel and reception event on Suicide Prevention led by the Samaritans.

We can and must do so much more for all those struggling or in crisis. In my role as Shadow Minister for Women’s Health and Mental Health, I am committed to tackling rising Suicide rates that continues to have a devastating impact on so many lives.

Thanks to the Samaritans and their Chief Executive Officer, Julie Bentley for running the event. And also thanks to Sajid Javid MP and the Speaker of the House of Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle for hosting the event.

Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists’ Annual Dinner

Great to join the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists’ Annual Dinner last month.

I was pleased to speak to their team and hear more about their mission to improve the health of women and girls here in the UK and across the world. Thanks to Dr Ranee Thakar, President of the RCOG, for the invitation.

Crossness Nature Reserve Visit

In November, I also visited Crossness Nature Reserve to discuss the work they do to ensure that wildlife continues to thrive.

We also discussed the Cory decarbonisation project, which proposes putting a new facility on part of the reserve & the potential impact on rare wildlife in the area.

Google Digital Event in Thamesmead

I was also very pleased to host a great Digital Garage event in Thamesmead to help you develop new digital skills. With the help of Google UK, we were able to offer a fantastic range of courses and workshops that helped a number of local businesses.

Thanks to all who were able to come and I’m looking forward to hearing how these courses translate into your future work.

My Update on Casework for November

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

Here in Erith and Thamesmead, my team and I have been doing all we can to support constituents as they face serious challenges. Far too many face housing insecurity, financial difficulties, immigration issues and much more.

As we come to the end of the year, I thought I’d share that up until now I have assisted with almost 12,000 issues and while I know too many still struggle, I’m pleased to have had many successful outcomes and to have made a lot of positive change for many in our community. I will continue to challenge the Government on all these issues as well as working with constituents on many of the personal issues they are facing.

I was also pleased to do another advice surgery this month and speak to several constituents facing particularly challenging situations. Thanks for all who were able to attend. As always, if you have any concerns or issues that you like to raise with me, please contact my office using the following channels:

• Email: abena.oppongasare.mp@parliament.uk
• Telephone: 01322 342991 (Mon-Fri, 10am-12pm, 2pm-4pm)

Furthermore:

• Parkway Primary School – It was also great to visit Parkway Primary School to announce the winner of my Christmas Card Competition. You can find out more about the winner on my website.
• St Fidelis Catholic Primary School – Very good to hear that nearly 40 pupils from St Fidelis Catholic Primary School were able to visit Parliament in November.
• Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas – Wishing Hindus, Jains and Sikhs across Erith and Thamesmead and beyond a joyful and peaceful Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas.
• Change and Check Event with ITV’s Lorraine Kelly – Pleased to join ITV’s Lorraine Kelly, Dr Hilary Jones and Helen Addis at the Change + Check campaign event in Parliament to discuss the importance of Breast Cancer awareness.
• Lush Cosmetics Parliamentary Reception – Was great to meet with the Lush team, leading scientists and animal welfare organisations in Parliament to discuss the importance of responsible and ethical product testing. 

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

 

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

—

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:

• Email: abena.oppongasare.mp@parliament.uk
• Telephone: 01322 342991 (Mon-Fri, 10am-12pm, 2pm-4pm)

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