Weekly Round-Up
The Prime Minister avoided being held to account two weeks in a row, by missing PMQs and asking his Deputy to step in once again.
It’s not good enough that the Prime Minister shies away from scrutiny. As the Head of Government, the buck stops with him, and he needs to be challenged on his record.
Our Deputy Leader, Angela Rayner MP, took on Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden, and took him to task on the incredible rise of child poverty we have today. Since the Conservatives took office, 400,000 more children are in poverty. 13 years in government should see child poverty numbers go down, not up.
The farcical way the government has managed the economy, and the cost of living crisis running parallel, family incomes are being squeezed and squeezed. With a Tory Mortgage bombshell coming, this can impact up to 7 million children in households already struggling.
We need a change of government, and that must be a Labour government.
Love Your Doorstep on World at One
Love Your Doorstep continues to be recognised for the work they are doing with their walkabout patrols in Enfield Town Centre.
During a BBC Radio 4 World at One interview on Wednesday, I was able to speak about how reduction in police and PSCO numbers, and a lack of visibility on our streets by officers, has meant work by people such as Love Your Doorstep takes place.
You can listen to the full interview here:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m001np67 (30 min 10 sec)
Age UK
It was a pleasure to have Age UK in Parliament on Tuesday. They unveiled their new ‘State of Health and Care of Older People in 2023’ report, and provided some constituency level statistics on health conditions, carer responsibilities, and satisfaction with health and social care services.
It was great to learn about the work Age UK is doing in Enfield North.
Train Station Ticket Office Closures
Continuing from the news last week, I have received messages from concerned passengers and local groups such as the Enfield Over 50s Forum, about how this reduces accessibility for many of our vulnerable and older residents.
This will impact on Gordon Hill (Great Northern), and Enfield Lock and Brimsdown (Greater Anglia) tickets offices in Enfield North.
At an event in Parliament on Thursday with Govia Thameslink, who run the Great Northern services, it was made clear the concerns I have about these closures.
The consultation is still open, and I would urge you to contribute to it.
For Gordon Hill - https://www.greatnorthernrail.com/publicconsultation
For Enfield Lock and Brimsdown - https://www.greateranglia.co.uk/consult
City & Guilds
City & Guilds this week showcased the important work they do to transform lives, bridge skills gaps and support the wider economy. It was great to have Intertrain at their event in Parliament, who are based in the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London on Hertford Road, and learn of the support they provide.
Being based in Enfield gives a boost to residents who want to learn new skills locally.
