The World Cup has been a fantastic sporting event with England’s journey capturing the nation’s imagination, as we all dared to dream. It has shown the power of sport and Gareth Southgate’s men have created a special buzz around England football once again. The togetherness shown by hordes of die-hard and casual fans in pubs, parks and squares across the country evidenced the unique ability of sport to unite people of different cultures, creed, colour and religion - this spirit embodies true British values.

​Particular highlights for me include watching England’s trashing of Panama in the Wheatsheaf pub in Tooting, winning our first ever World Cup penalty shoot-out, and the ecstasy followed by agony in the semi-final vs Croatia.  Special mention also to the King's Head pub - the atmosphere in there was electric; at times it felt like we were in the stadium!

This World Cup has been about the values we all share and shown how our flag should be associated with the sporting success of inspirational men and women who represent our country. The current England starting XI included 6 players who are children of immigrants; this should be seen as a celebration of our diversity and a representation of modern England.

As Shadow Minister for Sport, I believe football (and sport in general) has incredible power to tackle a number of issues facing communities in Britain and should be accessible to all. This renewed sense of confidence in the national football team and associated 'feel-good factor' should be used to increase participation rates across sport, and re-ignite belief in sport's value as a crucial social good.

​I marched with an estimated 250,000 people today over President Trump's visit to the U.K. I took to the streets to march for the values that we hold dear: respect, celebrating our diversity, equality - everything Trump hates. 

Trump has shunned women’s and LGBT rights, promoted hatred and intolerance of targeted religious groups, and most recently torn apart mothers and their children, under his inhumane and cruel immigration policy - it is vitally important for us to send a message that our communities won’t be divided by attacking the most vulnerable - together we’re united against racism, sexism and bigotry. 

A clear message has been sent today that we won’t stand idly by while Trump attempts to spread hate and divide communities.

Today I joined staff and patients at St George’s Hospital to celebrate 70 years of one of our nation’s greatest treasures: the NHS.

After opening the festivities, I joined in with a number of activities, and supported 70 staff members who took part in the “Big Birthday Walk” – a 6.2 mile walk from the site of the old St George’s Hospital to the current site.

As an NHS doctor, the NHS is something that I am extremely passionate about. I understand and immensely respect the excellent work conducted by medical and healthcare professionals in this country. I look forward to continuing to campaign for further investment into the NHS to ensure its vital work can continue.

I had the pleasure of visiting Ravenstone Primary School for their Inspirational Wednesday. It was heartwarming to hear what the Year 6s were taking away from the morning: that you can achieve anything as long as you set your mind to it. There were plenty of tricky questions too: from local fly-tipping issues, to Brexit, and I wish them the best of luck going forward into their secondary schools later this year.  

​This week I voted against a third runway at Heathrow. We need to expand our aviation capacity - but I don't believe this should be done at Heathrow. Together with the Mayor of London and Wandsworth Council I have backed calls for the Government to reconsider its position. Like them, I will actively seek to prevent a third runway being built, and will support their proposal to launch joint legal action against the plans. The environmental impact would be disastrous in an already polluted city and would harm generations to come. I've always supported expanding Gatwick - it's cheaper and greener.

Today I was delighted to form part of the British Embassy team attending the Kongres Kobiet (The Congress of Women) in Poland.

I spoke about issues facing women, in particular, gender equality and UK legislation aimed at addressing the pay gap. This is something I feel  extremely passionate about and actively campaign for.

I look forward to continuing to support the fight for equality in our country.

Today it was my pleasure to welcome fan representatives from across England and Wales to discuss safe standing.
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Safe standing is a hotly debated subject amongst the footballing community. A petition was set up by Owen Riches (an excellent campaigner that I have had the pleasure of meeting) which received over 112,000 signatures and now the motion is to be debated in Parliament on the 25th June.

Ahead of this debate, I launched an online survey and today held a roundtable discussion with football fan groups and supporter’s trusts representatives to canvass opinions on safe standing at football matches. This allowed points to be raised by the people that know their stadia the best: the fans. Over 60 supporter’s trusts members attended the roundtable and my online survey received over 5000 responses.
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From making football matches more inclusive experiences to improving atmosphere and fan safety, fans made clear that they believe there are significant advantages of safe standing. I look forward to continuing to consult across the footballing community on this issue as we approach the Parliamentary debate on 25th June.

This week in Parliament I took part in a debate on our future trading relationship with the European Union.

We are being told day-in, day-out that leaving the EU is going to make us worse off, businesses will be hampered, jobs will be harmed and our rights will be watered down.

I campaigned and voted to Remain in the EU Referendum, I voted against triggering Article 50, and have continuously supported measures to protect workers' rights, safeguard environmental standards and ensure the rights of EU nationals living in the UK.

I will continue to stand-up for Tooting residents by making it clear that we must seek to stay in a Customs Union. The Cabinet has reached a stalemate with the Government being held to ransom by arch-Brexiteers who want to see us crash out of Europe.

I want you to know that I won't hesitate to vote against a final deal that makes Tooting, and the UK, worse off.