Haringey Civic Centre Groundbreaking Ceremony

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Yesterday, I attended the groundbreaking ceremony of Haringey Civic Centre’s restoration.

Marking the redevelopment of the civic centre is an exciting step towards improving the sustainability of Haringey Council’s offices and access to residents and visitors to ready the building for the future.  The redevelopment will ensure the Civic Centre reopens with a larger footprint to serve residents as a hub for Council services and offer public cultural spaces.

It is also wonderful to see how the Council have used the online consultation, Civic Voices, to engage with local residents and use their views to design this new and improved Civic Centre, while preserving history and celebrating important memories.

Visit to My Dental Care

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It was great to visit My Dental Care in Bounds Green on Friday to meet dentist Mark Marcou to discuss issues accessing NHS dentistry in Southgate and Wood Green and challenges facing NHS practice owners.

I am pleased that the Government is committed to saving NHS dentistry and ensuring everyone who needs access, can get it.

Aaron Gayle Court Opening

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It was wonderful to open Aaron Gayle Court in Wood Green today with Joanne McCartney AM, Leader Cllr Peray Ahmet, Deputy Leader Cllr Sarah Williams, and the Deputy Mayor for Housing Tom Copley.

With 23 new homes for Haringey, Aaron Gayle is part of Haringey Council’s programme to deliver 3000 new council homes by 2031.

Well done to everyone involved!

Justice Questions

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Today, during Justice Questions, I asked the Minister for Courts what attention the Government had to offer the state of the court estate, as many courts are not operating due to ongoing repairs. This question follows a visit from the Minister for Sentencing to Wood Green Crown Court in December, on which I was pleased to join him.

I was glad to hear that the Government are serious about tackling court delays, whatever the cause.

Justice delayed is justice denied.

Listen here.

Visit to Five Oaks Care Home

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It was wonderful to visit the staff and residents of Five Oaks Care Home today in Cockfosters.

Thank you to everyone for all your hard work in making the care home run so smoothly and for the wonderful spread!

Transport Questions

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I asked the Minister for the Future of Roads, Lillian Greenwood, what steps the Government were taking to protect two-wheeling couriers in the gig economy. These riders are at a higher risk of road danger than the average rider, due to time pressures from employers.

You can listen to her response here:

Meeting with Valproate Victims UK

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Today, I met with my constituent Susan Cole from Valproate Victims UK, and many other dedicated campaigners, amid her 20 year fight for justice for valproate victims like her and her daughter.

In a debate secured by Sharon Hodgson MP, I called on the Government to offer interim payments and speed up compensation for those harmed by valproate & pelvic mesh, as recommended by the Hughes Report in their steps towards justice.

We must deliver for these women and children.

Local Government Finances in London Debate

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Today, I spoke up for our local Enfield and Haringey Councils in the Local Government Finances in London Westminster Hall debate.

Enfield and Haringey deserve the right funding to provide good services for residents, and both councils have seen severe declines in their funding since 2010. Damping council funds is wrong – the inner-outer London formula is unfair and must be scrapped.

Visit to St Michael at Bowes

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I had a lovely visit to St Michael at Bowes Primary School yesterday to meet the school council. We had an important discussion on bullying and the impact it has on children.

It was great to hear what they like about school and their favourite lessons, and discuss a visit for the council to come to Parliament!

Free School Meals Auto-Enrolment

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Today, I spoke in support of Peter Lamb MP’s Free School Meals (Automatic Registration of Eligible Children) Bill.

Free school meals are a lifeline for low-income families and every child has the right to eat a nutritious meal to help them learn, achieve, & thrive at school.

According to the Food Foundation, 250,000 eligible primary school children are missing out due to barriers to entry. Auto-enrolment is the right thing to do.

Listen to the highlights of my speech here.