Many of you will have seen news that the Met Police has today published an independent report by Dr Shereen Daniels, commissioned to examine how the organisation responds to racism and discrimination.This report is a powerful intervention. It builds on past reviews such as the Macpherson and Casey Reviews and explains how racism has shaped the Met’s relationship with Black Londoners. It highlights the everyday practices that continue to discriminate against Black people, both

This week, I chaired the latest meeting of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for the Armed Forces Community, which focused on the treatment of military compensation within the benefits system. Military compensation is intended to recognise the service and sacrifice of those who have been injured or fallen ill while serving our country. Yet too often, these payments are still treated as income in means-tested benefits, leaving some of the most vulnerable veterans and bereaved

Here’s a look back at some of what I’ve been doing in Parliament, across the constituency, and with the Defence Select Committee in October 🎃Spoke in Parliament on SEND reform and EHCPs, pressing for better support for children and families.

Leyton Orient has signed a memorandum of understanding with Waltham Forest Council to explore a new world-class stadium and multi-sport campus in East London. This vision has the potential to bring so much to Leyton and Wanstead - better facilities for fans, new jobs and training opportunities for local residents, more affordable homes, and a boost for our high streets.  This is really exciting news for our constituency!

The Defence Select Committee's visit to Ukraine was both inspiring and sobering. Over three years ago, I flew the penultimate UK mission into Kyiv to deliver materiel essential to Ukraine’s defence ahead of Russia’s full-scale invasion. Standing there again, I was reminded that Ukraine continues to stand on the front line of European security, defending the UN Charter and liberal democracy against Putin’s assault on our shared values.

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.