A big shoutout to East London Boxing Academy in Leyton, an absolute joy to visit and learn about your work. ELBA is a real community asset and one of the best clubs in London!

Last week in Parliament, I reflected on Remembrance as a time of unity locally and nationally, highlighting the stories of service present in our community. I reflected on Remembrance services where Royal Air Force cadets from 12F and 241 squadrons, Army cadets from 30 music detachment of Waltham Forest, Scouts, local families, people of all faiths, our councillors and fellow veterans reflected together.

Great to meet with community members and councillors from Cathall and Cann Hall last week and hear more about local and national issues of concern for residents in this part of the constituency.

It was fantastic to meet staff and pupils at Oakdale Junior School in South Woodford this week! I really enjoyed this opportunity to speak to the school at their assembly about the importance of remembrance and take questions from the children, as well as joining in celebrating their achievements.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.