Monthly Roundup: April 2025

A very happy May to you all! From launching a campaign for step-free access at Snaresbrook to running the London marathon, it has been a packed April. Here is some of what I got up to:

- Visited Buxton Lodge, Hood Lodge, and Lister Lodge in Wanstead to discuss major works with leaseholders.

- Joined Cllr Joe Hehir for a roving surgery in South Woodford, addressing residents' concerns about crime and anti-social behaviour.

- Presented a report on the Armed Forces Covenant to the Commons on behalf of the Defence Select Committee.

- Championed a campaign for medical practice reforms to improve early diagnosis and treatment for at-risk men with prostate cancer.

- Collaborated with Cllrs Sally Little-John and Keith Rayner at the Cann Hall Ward Panel to tackle anti-social behaviour.   

- Launched a petition to rally residents in support of making Snaresbrook step-free.

- Spoke at a Workers' Memorial Day ceremony in Waltham Forest.   

- Consulted with police on the new ‘Stop and Search’ charter.

- Discussed troubling developments in Palestine with Hamish Falconer, Minister for the Middle East.

- Met with the City of London to address access to Epping Forest and pollution in the River Roding.    

- Contributed to the football governance bill debate, highlighting community engagement from Leyton Orient Football Club.

- Engaged with Ministers to advocate for solutions at Temple Mills Depot to enhance HS1 connectivity to Europe.

- Ran the London Marathon in support of Prostate Cancer UK.    

- Secured a question in Parliament for the Church Commissioners on rebuilding works at Christ Church, Wanstead.

- Engaged with Hackney Council to advocate for blue plaques for Leyton Orient Football Battalions and veteran players.   

- Initiated a debate on the state of local government financing in London to secure more support for our councils.

- Addressed the need for improved relations with EU partners and greater European defence independence in a debate.    

- Met with East London comic publishers & discussed the impact of AI on creative industries.    

- Authored two pieces on engagement with Africa and a proposal for a European Defence Bank.    

- Engaged with councillors in Leytonstone, Cathall, and Forest wards to align priorities and responses.