Dear Constituents,

Thank you for taking the time to read my September newsletter. I am writing to you from a buzzing Labour Party conference where I have met with so many friends from across London, working hard to make a difference in their communities.

I hope you managed to watch the Prime Minister’s speech yesterday, celebrating the change this Labour Government is delivering to the lives of working people. Together, we celebrated the delivery of more than 5 million extra NHS appointments, the Hillsborough Law, thirty hours free childcare for every child, free breakfast clubs, the expansion of free school meals, and wages rising more in the first 10 months of a Labour Government than in the last 10 years of the Conservatives. I was pleased to see the Prime Minister call out those who seek to cause division, and outline his plan to renew Britain and build a fairer country, a land of dignity and respect.

Tackling Crime in Kilburn

Kilburn is a thriving community that I am so proud to represent, alongside Georgia Gould MP. We both know that the Kilburn community is seriously impacted by crime and anti-social behaviour. On Tuesday last week, Georgia and I came together to host a workshop with police officers from Camden and Brent to discuss the pressing issue of crime and anti-social behaviour.

For too long Kilburn has suffered from being a tri-borough boundary where crimes are not resolved quickly enough. This is changing as MPs, councillors, police and council officers collaborate across borough and constituency boundaries to hear the concerns of residents and ensure that crime is tackled at its roots. I will be following up on this meeting with further actions and will share updates with residents. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who took time out of their week to attend on short notice.

Discussing Palestine with Constituents

Earlier this month, I met with constituents to discuss the humanitarian catastrophe in Parliament with my constituents. We had a productive conversation about what I have been doing as your MP to urge the Government to put more pressure on the Israeli Government to end its egregious actions in Gaza.

In Parliament, I have called for suspension of arms sales, sanctions on illegal settlers, the recognition of Palestine, and visa routes for Palestinians. This month, I have written yet another letter to the Foreign Secretary and Defence Secretary calling for stronger action. I continue to call on all parties to agree to an immediate ceasefire so that we can end this disaster for Palestinians and the hostages still in Gaza.

Discussing Climate Change with Constituents

I recently caught up with the Hampstead and Highgate Climate and Nature Group to discuss the Government’s upcoming climate plan, bottom trawling, and air pollution in London. The climate crisis is one of the most important issues to my constituents, and I will continue to push for bolder action in Parliament. I am acutely aware of how climate change is already impacting our beautiful constituency of Hampstead and Highgate. This is an issue that is concerning many local residents, and I have been sharing their views repeatedly with Cabinet Ministers this summer.

With the Education Secretary, Bridget Philipson MP, I called for the education system to prepare children, young people, and adults for the realities of climate change. I asked about the support being given to teachers to deliver climate adaptation education, as well as the Government’s plans to expand skills and vocational programs for the wider community.

I have also raised the issue of corporate courts (ISDS) in trade deals with the Department for Business and Trade. I understand that this mechanism gives companies the power to sue governments outside of the national legal system, over policies such as environmental protection which they allege harm their profits. I have raised the concerns of my constituents about the impact these legal challenges have on the climate.

Finally, I recently raised the concerns of constituents with the Energy Secretary, Ed Miliband MP, about the Government’s carbon assumptions of its climate plans. I raised the issue that burning biogenic matter is viewed to be carbon neutral, so that actual carbon emissions are not being considered for policies for the UK’s Energy and Waste sectors.

While there is much more I intend to raise with my colleagues in Parliament  – it has been great working with local residents to raise their concerns about this incredibly important issue.

Standing up for Migrants in our Community

Migration has long been integral to Britain’s national story and has shaped our constituency for the better. I am committed to creating an immigration system that is both fair and compassionate.

I have received countless emails from constituents about the Government’s proposed changes to Indefinite Leave to Remain, and I was pleased to attend the debate about this issue earlier this month.

I emphasised the need for clarity in transitional arrangements for existing visa holders who are close to qualifying under the current rules. I specifically highlighted the financial hardship and distress caused by changing the rules for those who have already invested significantly in preparing for their ILR application.

I have also written directly to the Immigration Minister to seek clarification on several other issues raised with me. Thank you to all my constituents who asked me to attend this important debate.

Visiting Local Schools

In the last month, the children and young people in Hampstead and Highgate have gone back to school for a new year of learning and play. This means I have had the privilege of visiting a few of our wonderful primary schools for assemblies where I shared stories about my journey into politics and what my job looks like day-to-day.

I’ve had the privilege of representing Kingsgate Primary School and West Hampstead Primary School as their MP for the last 10 years, and I couldn’t be prouder of their pupils. It is always a pleasure to meet such keen and well-informed young people, many of whom are participating in their school council elections and were very pleased to hear about votes at 16!

Visiting the Fixing Factory in Camden

This month I visited Fixing Factory Camden, a thriving community repair shop on our local High Street. The Fixing Factory is a project put on the by the climate action charity ‘Possible’ and works to empower people with repair skills, support others by repairing their broken appliances and raise funds through the sale of rescued and repaired items.

I was tasked with repairing a plug myself which was such a fun challenge and reminded me of the satisfaction that repairing something brings. Repair is one of the keys to managing overconsumption and its impact on the environment, that’s why I signed the Reuse and Repair Declaration while I was there. Located at 179 Queen’s Crescent, the Fixing Factory is an excellent community project, and I would encourage anyone with broken appliances or a desire to learn more about repair to pay them a visit. Visit Camden — Fixing Factory

Kidney Disease

Did you know that 1 in 10 people in the UK have chronic kidney disease? Earlier this month I visited the Renal Department at the Royal Free Hospital to see the amazing work they do to support kidney patients and pioneer life-saving organ transplant research.

While the Royal Free is at the forefront of pioneering technology to improve outcomes for kidney patients, there is still a long way to go. Kidney Disease disproportionately impacts minority ethnic communities in the UK and there remains a lot of stigma around the topic. To support kidney patients and those at risk of developing Kidney Disease, let’s reduce the stigma around kidney disease, live organ donation and start the conversation earlier.

Community Bulletin

Green Skills Careers Fair

Whenever I meet local students, the most common question I receive is about climate crisis. It is rightly at the forefront of so many young people’s minds. However, there is currently low public awareness of green skills and green career paths. According to the Kings Trust, nearly half of UK youth report receiving no education at all about green jobs. There is clearly a significant lack of communication with our young people about the potential opportunities for career paths in the green transition.

I am therefore excited to share that on Monday 6^th October, the Green Futures Event will be happening at Vision Hall in Kings Cross. This is a free green skills event, involving a career fair, talks and workshops. This event is free to attend, sponsored by Camden Council, Islington Council and Westminster City Council.

Students can meet prospective employers, along with talks from industry experts and workshops, including on CV writing. The sectors covered include renewable energy, environmental law, sustainable fashion and finance, climate activism, conservation, waste and recycling, and many more.

Sign up here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/green-futures-event-green-careers-fair-tickets-1577644189239?aff=LCAIWebsite

The following organisations will be attending: Octopus, Allianz, Rensair, Barclays, Get Zero, London Wildlife Trust, Good People, Lime and Heath Hands; as well as Buro Happold, Department for Work and Pensions, Enterprise Cars, TfL, Mott MacDonald, The Unseen Beauty, Kew Gardens, Mishcon de Reya, Santander, Troup Bywaters + Anders, Veolia, and Electric Miles.

Primrose Hill closures during bonfire night and New Year’s Eve

Primrose Hill will be closed and locked during the bonfire night period and on New Year’s Eve. Each year Primrose Hill closes on bonfire night at 10pm to limit anti-social behaviour, this year this will be extended, closing at 10pm each night from October 31 to November 9.

In addition to the bonfire night closures, Primrose Hill will be closed on New Year’s Eve. Following an increase in visitor numbers and a need to ensure public safety, the park will be closed on December 31. It will reopen the following day on January 1.