Weekly Update

This week we focussed on our mission to halve male violence against women and girls.

The Prime Minister and the Home Secretary met with leaders from the hospitality sector to discuss how we can reduce incidents of spiking and protect safe journeys home.

This marked the beginning of 16 days of actions, in which Jess Phillips, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Safeguarding and Violence Against Women and Girls, will lead the government’s action to keep women and girls safe.

On the education front, Bridget Phillipson launched the process for schools to apply for funding to run breakfast clubs. As part of our mission to break down the barriers to opportunity, we will provide free breakfast clubs in every primary school in England. This will improve attendance, behaviour and attainment, as well as giving parents the option of an earlier start to the working day.

These are the changes the country needs to build on the foundations for a better future. And we will feel the benefits here in Enfield North.

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Kurdish Community Centre

I am aware and am deeply concerned by recent police raids on the Kurdish Community Centre and across North London.

These events have understandably caused significant anxiety and unease within our local community. As the Member of Parliament for Enfield North, I am acutely conscious of the sensitivities surrounding this issue.

I want to assure all residents that I am in active discussions with the relevant authorities to ensure that any actions taken are fair and respectful of the rights of individuals and the broader community.

I will continue to closely monitor developments and work to provide a clear channel of communication between the community and the authorities.

My priority is ensuring the safety and well-being of every resident in our area. If you have concerns or questions about these events, I encourage you to reach out to my office directly.

Coffee morning

I held my second Ponders End coffee morning for residents of the community and across Enfield North. I listened to many concerns from those who attended, many of which concerns housing.

I will be hosting my third Ponders End coffee ‘morning’ on Friday 13th December between 2pm and 3pm, and you can register your interest here:

https://www.feryalclark.org.uk/actual-events/pondersendcoffee-2-dyt3a

Assisted Dying

Thank you to everyone who wrote to me about the sensitive and deeply personal issue of assisted dying. I appreciate the time and courage it takes to share your thoughts on this complex subject.

Kim Leadbeater MP today introduced a Private Members' Bill to reform legislation on assisted dying, which had its Second Reading today. In keeping with parliamentary tradition on matters of conscience, all MPs, including Ministers, were free to vote according to their beliefs. After careful consideration, I voted against the proposal this afternoon. Unfortunately, the vote was carried, and the Bill will now proceed to the next stage.

My decision was based on extensive research and consultation with constituents, experts, and professionals in healthcare and law. While I respect those advocating for a person’s right to end their life under controlled circumstances, I remain deeply concerned about the risks of unintended consequences, especially for vulnerable individuals. Societal biases toward illness, disability, and vulnerability could lead to inappropriate pressures, and I am not confident current safeguards sufficiently address these risks.

I also had concerns about the Bill’s practical implementation, including the ability to replace a dissenting doctor and the strain High Court involvement would place on an already overburdened system. The views of healthcare professionals, many of whom oppose this change, also weighed heavily on my decision.

I believe we should focus on improving palliative care, addressing gaps in hospice funding, and better supporting terminally ill individuals. These are areas where meaningful progress can be made.

This is a deeply personal issue, and I approach it with respect for all perspectives. Thank you again for sharing your views with me.

Global Vaccinations

I had the great pleasure to meet Sir Mo Farah at special event in Parliament hosted by The Starting Line, whose campaign seeks to raise awareness of global vaccine inequity.

Over 20 million children are missing out on life-saving vaccines, with many countries still lacking consistent access to affordable immunisations. This means that children around the world face unequal opportunities in life simply based on their place of birth.

I support the mission to reach 500 million more children over the next five years.

Ambitious about Autism

It was a pleasure to meet the team from Ambitious about Autism during their drop-in for MPs in Parliament.

I got to meet some wonderful young people who live with autism, and to understand the challenges they face in mainstream education, and what they need to thrive and reach their ambitions.