Keir Starmer’s Resignation

For his last Prime Ministers Questions, I sat in the chamber for the last time with my friend and fellow Camden MP as PM. The first time I ever spoke in the chamber was 11 years ago for my maiden speech and Keir sat beside me, supporting me throughout what was a nerve-wracking experience. It was amazing to see so many people in the gallery that Keir has helped throughout his time as PM.

Ahead of his succession to become Prime Minister, I attended a “hustings” to quiz Andy Burnham on his plans for Government. At the top of my priority list is securing justice for my very small constituents who are the victims of the most abhorrent sexual abuse at a local nursery. Working with a local group of 200 affected parents, I am calling on the Government to require nurseries to operate CCTV in all rooms with secure local monitoring and restricted remote access for parents.

Furthermore, I sincerely hope the Prime Minister listen to the many Labour MPs who are genuinely worried about the proposed immigration policies – including changes to ILR and charging refugees for the support they receive. We must not demonise immigrants in our country.

Finally, it has been 10 years since the country narrowly voted to leave the EU. I’ve always been clear that I think that was a mistake, and I’m proud that over 75% of my constituents voted to Remain. I will be urging Andy Burnham to deliver closer alignment with the EU and find opportunities to work with our European friends, neighbours, and allies.

Protecting Schools from Heatwaves

At the end of June, 1,000 schools closed or varied their hours to combat the extreme heat. Many schools simply can’t cope with extreme temperatures, especially smaller primary schools which are typically in older, Victorian, buildings. Sadly, the impact of school closures will disproportionately affect single parents and parents in precarious employment – which could lead to a loss of multiple days of income.

This month in Parliament, I called on the Department for Education to make funding available for schools to purchase more fans and cooling units. This should come alongside an urgent plan to improve ventilation and cooling in schools to ensure that education is not the first victim of climate change.

On multiple occasions, in Parliament, I have urged the Department for Education help young people understand the climate crisis’s causes, consequences and potential solutions. This should be embedded across our science subjects, Geography, as well as Design and Technology.

Celebrating the Windrush Generation

I am immensely proud of the contribution the Windrush Generation have made to my constituency, particularly to the thriving community in Kilburn. To commemorate Windrush Memorial Day, at PMQs I asked Keir Starmer to set out what this Government is doing to protect and celebrate the Windrush Generation. They have made an enormous contribution to Britain, and we must never forget it.

Summer Work Experience

It’s bootcamp month! For my annual work experience scheme,15 students visited Camden Council, City Hall and Parliament to hear how politicians work together for Londoners. This year’s theme was ‘green spaces and summer safety’. They gave some brilliant presentations about how to make our parks safe and enjoyable for all of my constituents, and even got to meet the Mayor of London! I’m very grateful to the many MPs, Assembly Members, and Councillors who gave their time to speak to these wonderful students.

July Casework Update

Helping constituents will always be my number one priority. My team and I handled over 152 cases this month. If you require support or advice, please do contact my office by replying to this email or calling 020 8127 5525 (9:30 AM to 12:30 PM, Tuesdays and Fridays).

(1) Anti social behaviour (ASB) has a significant impact on the wellbeing of our communities. It causes nuisance, harassment and annoyance to many people across Hampstead and Highgate. A key element to supporting victims is the ASB case review. This process can be started if at least three incidents of ASB have been reported within a six month period. I was pleased to support a Belsize constituent in triggering a review and securing them a slot at the most recent review meeting where they were able to present their case in front of senior officers.

(2) Users of Finchley Road station raised with me concerns about the electronic information board which has been out of action for a number of months. I raised this with Transport for London who said that the data card for the board was now obsolete. At the time of sending this newsletter, they were sourcing the required parts through an alternative supplier and scheduling the appropriate repair.

(3) A resident in Kilburn drew my attention to an abandoned vehicle left outside their home. Following intervention from my office, the vehicle was removed.

Standing up for Care Leavers

Care leavers are more vulnerable to financial instability and poverty as they tend to have less family and social support. In my casework, I often advocate for care leavers, and I believe it is vital that the Government considers their unique circumstances in the Timms review to ensure that they are appropriately protected.

Labour Eid Reception

It was special to be at Labour HQ for a belated Eid Reception with British Muslim Friends of Labour, bringing together politicians, faith leaders, businesses, and community representatives. I was pleased to see all faiths represented, to celebrate the diversity of our Party and country.

Attending Community Events

I spent a wonderfully sunny weekend at the West Hampstead Primary School Summer Fair and the MARA Street Gathering Massive thank you to everyone who worked so hard to make these events happen and to Mr Drake (headteacher) for being a good sport in the stocks!

I also had a brilliant time at the Jester Festival in West Hampstead. It was a joy to spend time in the sun with residents and local groups doing great work for the whole community.

Meeting the Haringey Fixers

I thoroughly enjoyed visiting Haringey Fixers, a local community repair café. These talented constituents repair electronic appliances and recruit others within the community to help them.

Community Bulletin

Discounted Bus Travel

The Mayor’s Weekend Hopper offer has begun. This means, for the first time ever, anyone travelling on buses and trams on a Saturday or a Sunday during the summer holidays can pay one single fare for unlimited journeys across London that entire day, making it easier and cheaper for Londoners and visitors to make the most of everything the capital has to offer. For example, a family of two adults and two under-16s could enjoy unlimited bus travel on a Saturday or a Sunday for just £3.50 – saving up to £7 a day or £14 across both weekend days when making three of more bus journeys. The offer will run over weekends from 25 July to 31 August – including the bank holiday Monday.

M&S Swiss Cottage

Like many shoppers in Swiss Cottage, I was sad to hear the news that the M&S Simply Food along the Harben Parade will be closing this summer.

I immediately wrote to Marks and Spencer to highlight both the views of our community and for assurances that staff will be offered alternative employment at a different M&S store such as the one in West Hampstead or Kilburn.

I was told:

“As Swiss Cottage is one of the smallest stores we have in the UK, we’re not able to offer the experience or the range of products we would want to, however,  we are keen to find a larger, alternative site locally. If there are any sites [you] are aware of, please do feel free to send these on for consideration and I’d be happy to share with our acquisitions team…

…We have 25 colleagues at the store and given we do have a good spread of nearby stores as you say, we are optimistic of being able to redeploy as many colleagues as possible. Individual conversations are ongoing at the moment so I can absolutely keep you updated on this.”

Please do get in touch if you know of any alternative locations in Swiss Cottage that you think M&S could move into. Additionally, if you are a business owner who would be interested in the space, I understand that there is a lease event soon and I would be very happy to share details and connect you with the right people.