Weekly Update
It’s been another busy week in Parliament working to deliver on the Prime Minister’s plan for change. On Tuesday, we launched the Pathways to Work Green Paper, a vital step in addressing the deep flaws in our welfare system.
Far too many young people and disabled people have been written off by this broken system. I’ve seen firsthand the devastating impact of a welfare system that fails to provide the right support. It traps people in a life of inactivity and then scapegoats them for a rising benefits bill, grabbing headlines instead of addressing the root causes.
This government is committed to fixing that. Our reforms aim to build a system that supports those who can work to access good jobs and ensures that those who cannot are protected with dignity and independence. This is about creating a fairer, more sustainable social security system that works for today and for future generations.
Under the Conservatives, millions have been denied the opportunity to experience the benefits of meaningful work. Businesses are missing out on incredible talent, and our economy is suffering for it. Labour will change this by ensuring disabled people and those with health conditions receive proper support, whether that’s preventing illness in the workplace, improving how we assess benefit eligibility, or providing the employment support they need to have the same chances and choices as everyone else.
We’re committed to building a system that protects those who need it most while enabling everyone to fulfil their potential. This will help unlock growth for the country and ensure no one is left behind.
I know some of you may have concerns about these changes. If there’s anything my team can do to support you, please don’t hesitate to get in touch
NHS Waiting Lists
NHS Waiting lists are down by nearly 200,000 since we were elected. NHS waiting lists have now fallen five months in a row. This is the difference Labour in power makes to constituents in Enfield North.
Children and Wellbeing Bill
Children growing up in our country deserve the best start in life, nothing less.
The landmark Children’s Wellbeing & Schools Bill was back in Parliament this week. It will deliver our Plan for Change.
Labour will drive high and rising standards in schools through common-sense reform to put more qualified, expert teachers in classrooms, teaching a cutting-edge curriculum.
Labour will cut the cost of sending children to school to make life easier for families, with free breakfast clubs and a cap on the number of branded school uniform items.
Labour will stop children falling through the cracks through landmark reforms to safeguarding and children’s social care – no more empty words or ‘lessons learned’, but real action to keep children safe.
The Children’s Wellbeing & Schools Bill is the single biggest piece of child protection legislation in a generation so to be clear: a vote against this bill is a vote against the safety of our children, their childhoods, their futures.
We’re taking these steps so we can deliver on Labour’s mission to break down the barriers to opportunity – severing the link between background and success.
That means where you come from doesn’t determine where you end up and if you work hard, you should be able to get on in life.
Manchester Visit
This Labour government is determined to support growth in every part of the country, and that’s why I was delighted to visit Manchester this week. It was an honour to announce the first-ever winners of the Manchester Prize in partnership with Challenge Works – a celebration of innovation and ambition that will drive the UK forward.
While in Manchester, I had the chance to see a brilliant example of a university spin-out using AI to innovate and develop the materials needed to power the UK sustainably. It’s a clear demonstration of how research and entrepreneurship can work hand in hand to tackle the challenges of the future.
I also had the privilege of visiting Manchester Digital, where I met some of the region’s most forward-thinking AI startups. Hearing about the incredible progress being made in AI adoption across Greater Manchester and the region’s ambitious plans for the future was truly inspiring.
This government is committed to unlocking the potential of every region, supporting innovation, and ensuring that no part of the country is left behind as we build a stronger, more sustainable economy. Manchester is leading the way, and I’m proud to support its vision for growth.
Ponders End Park Walkabout
Today, I hosted a walkabout in Ponders End Park alongside our Council Leader, Cllr Ergin Erbil, council officials, police officers, local residents, and user groups to address the ongoing concerns about antisocial behaviour in the park. This was organized in direct response to the many complaints my office has received over recent months.
The walkabout was highly productive, and we reached several important agreements to tackle the issues:
· Increased police patrols and visibility in the park, particularly by the summer.
· The Council committed to addressing crime hotspots by cutting back trees, removing the canopy, and designing out features that contribute to crime.
· Support for the user group to carry out planting and improve the park's environment.
· A deep clean of the park, to be conducted by the Council.
· Exploring the use of a park building as a community hub, a commitment made by the Leader of the Council.
I am pleased with the progress we made and want to assure you that I take these concerns very seriously. We are working closely with the Council and Police to deliver real solutions that improve safety and restore pride in our community spaces.
If you have any further concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact my office. I’m here to help.
Knife Crime Debate
This week we saw a debate on knife crime in the House of Commons.
This Labour government has set out an unprecedented ambition to halve knife crime over the next decade. Through our Safer Streets Mission, we are determined to do everything possible to tackle the scourge of serious violence on our streets and to save young lives.
After the general election, Labour took immediate action by implementing a ban on zombie-style knives and machetes, launching a consultation to ban ninja swords, and setting up the Coalition to Tackle Knife Crime.
Our flagship Crime and Policing Bill contains new powers to seize and destroy dangerous knives, creates a new criminal offence of possessing a knife with the intent to cause harm, and a new offence of criminal exploitation of children.
We are also introducing a major crackdown on online knife sales through ‘Ronan’s Law’, with tougher sentences for anyone found selling knives to under18s, new minimum standards for age verification checks and a new requirement for online retailers to report bulk or suspicious knife purchases to the police.
This is a national crisis that has claimed far too many young lives, and that’s why this Labour Government has set out an unprecedented mission to halve knife crime within a decade. The Government has an ambitious plan to get knives off our streets, to stop vulnerable teenagers from being drawn into crime, and to go after the gangs who are luring young people into violence.