I was proud to host and bring together race equality organisations from across the UK alongside partners from Black Equity Organisation and Global Counsel. The discussion focused on pressing issues shaping our national equality agenda — including new research on systemic inequality, the forthcoming Race and Disability Equality Bill, and the growing need to stand united against racist mobilisation wherever it appears.

It was important to meet with the Police Federation of England and Wales team to discuss the challenges facing officers - particularly around recruitment, retention, and mental health. We also spoke about the loss of police housing, whic

I was proud to speak in this week’s Black History Month debate about my heritage as a British Zambian Londoner and the vital importance of teaching Black history. This helps to undo the false narratives and misunderstandings of our history and British identity that contributed to the Windrush scandal.

Great to join Deputy Mayor of London for Energy and Environment Mete Cobane for Circular Economy Week - I got to hear from a host of organisations putting sustainability into practice across London.

Proud to sponsor Prostate Cancer Research reception in Parliament last week – although sadly I couldn’t be there in person due to Select Committee duties abroad.

Today marks the first real progress for the Peace Plan, with not only a ceasefire, but also the release of hostages and detainees. This moment is so welcome and so hard-won. 

It was wonderful to drop by the Wanstead Beer Festival last week and see so many people from across the community coming together to enjoy a fantastic local event.

This week I attended Labour Party Conference in Liverpool. Many of you reached out to ask that I visit the Marie Curie stand there. I took the opportunity to talk with their team about the lack of access to palliative care in Waltham Forest and Redbridge and understand their national priorities.

Like many Londoners, I am disgusted and angered by the BBC Panorama investigation into Charing Cross Police Station. Serving police officers engaged in misogynistic, racist, anti-immigrant language and glorified violence in deeply disturbing ways. This conduct should have no place among those who are meant to serve and protect us.

Better late than never! Here’s my September 2025 roundup - a look back at some of what I got up to last month.

I am deeply shocked and saddened by the attack at Heaton Park synagogue in Manchester today. This horrific act of violence highlights the very real and rising threat of antisemitism impacting communities nationwide, including here in Leyton and Wanstead.

I recently visited our local Boots on Wanstead High Street after concerns were shared at a Business Forum I organised on crime and anti-social behaviour. While I was pleased to meet a security guard there then, I understand that provision is still unreliable and shoplifting sadly remains a regular occurrence, so I will be writing to Boots UK to follow up further. Thanks to staff and customers for their ongoing vigilance.

I had the pleasure of visiting 241 Wanstead & Woodford Squadron Royal Air Force Cadets and was blown away by their dedication and spirit. The Banner, Drill, and Band Teams all put on a brilliant display - full of energy, teamwork, and pride.

Hello everyone, many of you will know that Wanstead’s War Memorial is in urgent need of repair. Father James Gilder has launched a fundraising effort to restore it in time for this year’s Remembrance Sunday.

As many of you will know, over recent weeks there have been a number deeply concerning incidents in our community. Flags have been placed on the George Lane viaduct in South Woodford, directly outside one of our local mosques. This was a deliberate and provocative act that has caused real upset, and it has no place here.

Today marks a historic step: UK recognition of the State of Palestine. This week, I met Ambassador Husam Zomlot with our neighbouring MP Stella Creasy in support of this important moment. Recognition is a step towards a two-state solution and a permanent peace, and I hope others around the world will now join us. But recognition alone is not enough to stop this bloodshed. We need a ceasefire now, a flood of humanitarian aid into Gaza, the release of all hostages,