Pushing for Closer Relations with Europe

As many of you know, I stood firmly against Brexit. With over 75% of my constituency voting to remain, and as a representative of thousands of EU nationals, I have been calling for closer relations with the EU ever since. Last week, I was delighted to see the Government announce a landmark agreement with the EU to increase trade, travel and cut prices.

In recent months, many local actors have expressed their frustration about how difficult it is to find work in the European creative sector post-Brexit because of visa delays and the 90-day EU visit limit. Hampstead and Highgate has been a leading light in the creative sector for a long time, not least because my predecessor, Glenda Jackson MP, was an award-winning actress! I asked the Prime Minister to reassure my constituents that they will no longer have to wait in the wings to perform on the stages of Europe. I am pleased to share that the Government is working at pace to resolve this with the EU. You can watch my question to the Prime Minister, here.

In Parliament, I also raised my concern about the 30% fall in school trips to Europe since Brexit, which has predominantly affected schools with the poorest pupils. Politicians don’t appreciate enough the impact Brexit has had on our children. I will continue to speak up for young people who have been denied these vital educational opportunities.

Reaffirming the Need for a Two-State Solution 

I have been appalled by the relentless death and devastation we have seen in Gaza. With an eleven-week aid blockade, a significant escalation of violence, and one million children facing starvation – the current situation is intolerable. The Government is taking further action to demand that the Israeli Government ends its military escalation and blockade of aid. I have written to the Foreign Secretary to assure me that the UK is doing all it can to improve the humanitarian situation for Palestinians. I continue to call for an immediate ceasefire and for both parties to return to the negotiating table.

We must also not lose sight of a two-state solution, which is the only way to bring the long-lasting peace, stability and security that both Israelis and Palestinians deserve. In Parliament, I recently stressed to the Minister for the Middle East that we must engage with our international allies to support this Palestinian led recovery.

Raising Awareness of Surface Water Flooding 

Earlier this month, an MP was astonished when I told him that my constituency had experienced flooding. For the residents of South and West Hampstead, this is no surprise. They know too well how a heavy rainstorm can devastate homes and businesses in a matter of hours. For too long, however, this issue has not been taken seriously.

Since the devastating floods of 2021, I have raised the issue repeatedly in Parliament and on multiple occasions this year. This month, I talked about the role housing developers must play in the management of surface water drainage. I am pleased to see that London’s Surface Water Strategy has been published by City Hall, outlining a collective approach to a collective problem. With that in mind, I would encourage all my constituents to contribute to the ‘London Plan’ consultation. Find out more in the community bulletin below.

Opening Highgate Newtown Community Centre

I was delighted to attend the official opening of the Highgate Newtown Community Centre, this month. Highgate Newtown Community Partners have been at the heart of the community for decades, but this centre is something new; it tells every visitor that there is no limit to their aspiration. Over the last six years, the team have faced a global pandemic, a cost-of-living crisis and have continued to support the most vulnerable day-in, day-out.

This building will host vital council and youth services, including speech and language programmes, specialist mental health support, parental courses, alongside activities for the whole community. Organisations like these represent the very best of our society and I am proud to have them in my constituency.

Protecting Refugees in the UK

Hampstead and Highgate has a proud history of welcoming refugees from across the world. Over the years, we have opened our doors to people fleeing from war and persecution in Nazi Germany, Afghanistan, and Ukraine.

Earlier this month, the Government announced reforms to the immigration system, encouraging employers to train and support people here in Britain. As part of these reforms, I was pleased to see the Government give refugees the opportunity to apply to the five-year Skilled Worker visa scheme. I asked the Home Secretary for more details about her plans to protect these refugees if their country of origin is not safe to return to once their work visas expire. These are some of the world’s most vulnerable people and we must guarantee their safety.

Meeting Local Children in Parliament 

I had the pleasure of meeting with two school councils in Parliament this month! I firstly met with students from Heathside School, answering their great questions about how Parliament works and the work I do as an MP. I also met with the students of Gospel Oak Primary School. They were an incredibly impressive group of young people, with some brilliant questions about the environment, the NHS and schools. I expect to many of these talented students speaking in the House of Commons one day!

Visiting Parliament isn’t the only thing local children are up to at the moment! I was kindly invited to West Hampstead Primary School to see Year 5 compose and perform an opera with the inspirational English National Orchestra. The ENO’s educational programme, ‘Finish This’, empowers children to create music together and I definitely spotted some future stars in the hall. I would encourage parents to reach out to local schools and share this opportunity with them. You can find out more and sign-up by clicking here .

Meeting Local Headteachers 

As your MP, I want to play my part in ensuring that future generations are protected from online harm. Many parents in the constituency have told me about how smart phones are affecting the mental health of their children. There is upsetting evidence that over 80% of girls, aged 7-21 have experienced some form of threatening or upsetting behaviour online. It was therefore great to speak with headteachers and deputy heads from across Hampstead and Highgate on how we can best tackle the negative impacts of smartphones at school. I look forward to working closely with teachers, parents and the community to protect our young people.

Community Bulletin 

Contribute to the London Plan

The London Plan is an opportunity for you to have your say about city’s development in the years ahead, including housing, transport, green spaces and surface water flooding. Find out more by searching online for the ‘new London Plan – consultation’ or clicking the link here.

Applications Now Open for the Patchwork Party Conference Programme

I would like to share a fantastic opportunity for aspiring young change makers to attend one of the three major party conferences. This is an ideal opportunity for young people to get involved with politics for the first time and learn more about decision-making at the heart of British politics.

Participants will receive an all-access pass to one of the three conferences, with the opportunity to attend fringe events and workshops, networking events and exclusive Patchwork roundtables with senior politicians, as well as the chance to attend the Leader’s Speech.

If you’ve never been involved in politics before, and want to take your first step, this is a fantastic opportunity to do so! The Patchwork Foundation will provide all the resources and support to ensure you feel confident accessing the programme, and you’ll be part of a welcoming cohort of like-minded young people who are all doing this for the first time as well.

You can find out more information and how to apply on their website here, and if you have any questions please email getinvolved@patchworkfoundation.org.uk.

The Holly Lodge Community Centre Needs Your Help!

The Holly Lodge Community Centre provide critical local services for local people, from free welfare advice, art classes for children, and social events for older people. However, to survive as a small, friendly charity, the team need our financial support. With a regular donation you will become a Friend of the Holly Lodge Community Centre. You’ll receive updates on our activities twice a year, with all the Friends listed equally, and will help to ensure the centre survives into the future.

Click here to find out more (https://cafdonate.cafonline.org/1275#!/DonationDetails)

Save the Gipsy Queen!

This pub has been serving the community in Gospel Oak and Camden for over 150 years. We can’t lose it now! Help save the Gipsy Queen by signing this petition to make the pub an ‘Asset of Community Value’. https://tinyurl.com/mr29ese9

Download the New TFL Accessibility App

Snowball, the pioneering app described as ‘TripAdvisor for the disabled community’, is using Transport for London (TfL) data to integrate all the accessible stations on the London transport network into its mobile app, making it easier for disabled people to plan outings in the capital.

The free Snowball mobile app, which operates worldwide helps users find and review restaurants, shops, and other businesses and services based on how accessible they are for disabled people. Features include user reviews, search functionality, and the option to share your review on Facebook – all designed with accessibility in mind. Through TfL’s open data policy, a step-free station map now shows in all London search results in Snowball, allowing users to plan a trip from start to finish in just one app.

Applications will close Monday 2nd June at 9am.