Weekly Update
Happy New Year! I hope all in Enfield North had a peaceful and restful Christmas period.
It has been a great and busy first week of back of 2025 and I am excited to get to work in Parliament and in Enfield North this year to build on the achievements of this Labour Government.
One of the biggest challenges facing the country, as well as Enfield North, has been securing the future of social care provision.
On Monday, the Health Secretary gave a statement to the House of Commons on health and adult social care reform.
It is clear that the social care system in this country is failing, with many people being left without the care they need, and huge pressures placed upon the NHS. I strongly welcome plans for an independent commission on building a national care service, to be led by Baroness Louise Casey.
The commission will be launched in April, and a first report will be published next year setting out recommendations in the medium term. A second report making longer-term recommendations will be published by 2028.
To be clear, we are not waiting until the end of the review to make all the changes required. To stabilise the social care system in the interim, we will be legislating for the first-ever fair pay agreement for the sector, as well as providing the biggest increase in carer’s allowance in decades and an £86 million boost to the Disabled Facilities Grant for this financial year.
I believe these measures will begin to address the crisis within our NHS, ensuring the health service is once again able to be there for people when they need it. Once again, this Labour government is not shying away from the big issues.
DSIT Orals
On Wednesday I had the pleasure of taking part in the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology Oral Questions session as the Minister for AI & Digital Government.
At the Despatch Box, I answered questions on the investment this government is making into research and development across the country, and how our investments are not only creating jobs up and down the country but also transforming our public services, such as the NHS.
This government is committed to strengthening the UK’s position as a global leader. The Department has a clear vision to ensure that the UK remains at the forefront of global innovation—a place where cutting-edge businesses of all sizes can start and grow, and where local people have high-quality jobs, building on local strengths. We are committed to improving digital inclusion and accessibility to ensure high-quality online services that are available to everyone.
Children’s Wellbeing and Skills Bill
On Wednesday 8th January, I voted to improve safeguarding for children and raise educational standards throughout the country. This delivers on the manifesto that I stood on, ensuring that this Government breaks down the barriers to opportunity so all children and young people can achieve.
It is vital that the safety and security of children is treated as a priority, and I am therefore proud that the measures in this Bill highlight the child-centred approach of this Government. This Bill will help keep children safe and families together by providing the opportunity for family-led care, improving information sharing between agencies, and strengthening the role of education in safeguarding arrangements. This Bill will also protect children who are in care, by strengthening the role of kinship carers and requiring local authorities to provide adequate support and assistance for care leavers so they can find a place to live, access the right services, and go on to live happy, healthy lives.
This is an incredibly significant Bill. It will ensure that all children have the equal opportunity to thrive at school, families will have access to good local schools, and children will have access to highly qualified expert teachers. It is truly a Bill that puts our children first.
Cyprus Briefing
I was delighted to attend a briefing with the Minister for Europe, Stephen Doughty MP, this week on Cyprus to discuss UK relations with Cyprus.
I know many in Enfield North have written to me with their concerns. This is in keeping with the recent developments around the future of Cyprus, involving the UN, Greek and Turkish Cypriot leaders, and guarantor powers of Greece, Turkey, and the UK
This follows the UN Secretary-General’s report on the UN’s good offices in Cyprus, which sets a path to renew negotiations on a bizonal, bicommunal federation and the reunification of Cyprus.
I will monitor progress on the report and future meetings, and await further announcements by the Minister for Europe in due course, keeping residents informed.
National Rail Drop in
It was great to see National Rail and all the major rail companies in Parliament this week.
My team were able to talk to Greater Anglia on timetabling and cancellation issues. If you ever have any issues with services in the constituency, please do not hesitate to reach out to my Office who will be able to raise these issues directly with the rail services.
I can assure you that I am committed to improving rail services and transport across Enfield North and will take every opportunity to do so.
Meeting a constituent after PMQs
It is always a pleasure to meet constituents in Parliament. This week was no different. I was able to meet a constituent following them attending Prime Ministers Questions on Wednesday. If you are interested in attending Parliament to watch a debate, please reach out to my Office who will be able to secure a ticket for you.
Meeting with the Department for Education
The education of young people in our constituency is so important. It is essential we get it right.
I was therefore pleased to meet with the Regional Director in the Department for Education to discuss SEND provision, services for Enfield North students and school places. We discussed how we can improve education in Enfield North to ensure all students get the education they need and deserve.