This week I met with the Ambassador of Jordan, alongside neighbouring MP Jas Athwal MP - Ilford South, to discuss the dire humanitarian crisis in Palestine and Jordan's vital efforts to deliver aid. In a week that saw further Israeli troops push into Gaza City, displacing thousands, and the bombing of Gaza City’s children’s hospital, these conversations could not be more urgent. The Ambassador welcomed the UK’s forthcoming recognition of the State of Palestine. We also disc

Last week, I convened a meeting in Parliament to push forward the cross-Channel rail agenda and highlight the central role that our local Temple Mills rail depot plays. We were joined by five train companies, alongside London St Pancras Highspeed, Eurotunnel, and government officials.

Over the summer, my team and I heard from families, teachers, and professionals about their experiences and challenges with the SEND system. Your voices made it clear: change is desperately needed.

Wonderful to attend the Leyton Orient Football Club game this Saturday. I met with the club chairman to hear about progress on securing a new stadium site and the team’s progress on and off the pitch.

My speech given at the Victory Services Club on the Anniversary of the Battle of Britain. Secretary of State, friends and colleagues, thank you for being here tonight. As someone who wore the RAF uniform for 24 years, it’s a privilege to speak on Battle of Britain Night and to do so amongst people who live and breathe our nation’s security.

On Friday, I visited the fire station in Leytonstone to meet with the borough commander and the incredible firefighters who serve our community. I feel very fortunate to have such a dedicated team keeping us safe.

In August, I sent a letter to the Minister to the Middle East asking for a full ban on the importation of goods from illegal Israeli settlements. You can read the full letter here.

Over the summer recess, I visited Stepping Stones House, a brilliant project helping bridge the gap between hostel accommodation and independent living for single homeless people.

During summer recess, I visited Clarendon Wellbeing House in Leytonstone to meet the staff and see the facilities that support people with learning disabilities to live independently.

Possibly my favourite summer visit was to Libertalia Brewing Co. alongside Society of Independent Brewers in Leyton – an independent brewery offering fantastic craft beers and a welcoming taproom right here in our community.

Great to meet with the community group, Leyton Midland Collective, on a walkabout recently! We visited businesses under the arches on Leyton Midland Road, strolled through Abbots Park, and saw Jack Cornwell Park, home to the old Brooks Farm, which the collective is working hard to bring back. Really exciting to hear more about their projects and ambitions for the area!

It was a pleasure to meet with Rabbi Richard Jacobi and members of the community at East London and Essex Liberal Synagogue in South Woodford. Thank you for this opportunity to discuss issues of concern to our local Jewish community.

Lovely to spend some time at Holy Trinity Church in South Woodford with Rev Abi Todd! Faith spaces like this are cornerstones of community life, and it was great to hear more about their ongoing work and engagement with local residents.

Over the Parliamentary recess, I feel it is important to visit our local foodbanks and recognise the essential help they provide. It was fantastic to meet Paster Dave, who leads the Meet the Need food bank. Meet the Need is supported by 38 volunteers, and it runs every Wednesday and Thursday at Elim Pentecostal Church, Hainault Road.

Every Friday, Cann Hall Masjid’s food bank warmly opens its doors to the entire community, as it has since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. While it’s a sad reality that food banks have become a feature of our communities over the last decade, I wanted to visit our local ones and celebrate the vital support they offer.

Brilliant to see Redbridge Foodbank in their new home in Woodford last week. This site provides so much more space for volunteers to prepare donations for people in need.