Today, I voted against the Government’s Bill on welfare reforms. ​

I believe there is scope to reform the current welfare system and I am supportive of various aspects of the Government's proposals, such as allowing people to try working without losing out. I also welcome the concessions made by the Government and will follow the legislation carefully at the next reading.

While much of what the Government has announced in recent days - and indeed today - is welcome, the Bill as it is remains the same and has not been amended yet. I want to see an amended Bill before deciding whether it is possible to support it. The next vote is next week and I will follow it closely.

This summer, I am offering young people in the local area a chance to shadow my team and I for a week in Parliament and my local office!

If you, or anyone you know, live in the local area and are aged between 18 and 25 with an interest in politics, please fill out an application form here.

Today, the Assisted Dying Bill will be returning to Parliament for its final vote in the Commons. Since this Bill was proposed, I have heard from hundreds of local people, carefully examined the provisions of the legislation, listened to the views of experts, and reflected on my own professional experience as a doctor.

Let me start by saying that as someone who has lost someone in a very painful way, due to a terminal illness, I do truly understand why it is so important we debate this issue, with compassion and understanding. Each and every one of us will lose someone special to us at some point and every experience is unique. That is why there are, of course, deeply felt spiritual, philosophical and moral views and opinions held by individuals on both sides of this debate. I would like to thank all those who have expressed their opinions to me in a thoughtful and respectful manner, regardless of the positions they have taken. 

At the last vote in November last year, after much thought, reflection and engagement with the community I represent, I decided to vote against the Bill. Despite my reservations, I had hoped that efforts would be made to improve safeguards against coercion and abuse in the Bill during Committee stage. Regrettably, since then, important safeguards have been watered down or entirely dropped from the Bill. Efforts to add further safeguards through amendments to the Bill have also been voted down. I also share the concerns that have been raised by the Royal Colleges of Psychiatrists and the Royal College of Physicians.

High-quality and properly funded palliative care must always be protected and enhanced. With years of underfunding and an incredible workforce overstretched, I fear assisted dying may be considered by some to be an alternative to a well-supported palliative care option. Regardless of the outcome of today’s vote, I will continue to advocate for improvements to palliative care, which can empower many individuals at the end of their lives, to enjoy their last moments with loved ones with comfort and peace of mind.

As I said before the previous vote, it is clear that colleagues across Parliament have decided their vote with compassion, sensitivity and empathy, no matter which side they are on. It is right that this Bill is being considered under a free vote, where every MP can vote with their conscience. I am glad that Parliament has had the opportunity to have an important and constructive debate. In my role as an MP, I do feel that while many would benefit from a change in legislation, I also need to represent those who are vulnerable to coercion and abuse in what I see to be legislation that is lacking in the appropriate safeguards. 

For these reasons, I will be voting against the Bill today. Regardless of your view, I know this is a sensitive and often painful subject for us all. Again, I want to thank everyone who has taken the time to share their thoughts and views on this.

This week, I was in Geneva speaking to the H20 summit alongside Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization.

I presented a report that I co-authored on noncommunicable diseases and mental health conditions, fielding the questions of health experts and legislators from across the globe.

Recently, St George's Hospital announced that as many as 83 beds at the hospital are set to close. At a time when this new Labour Government is making progress on reducing the NHS waiting list, this feels as though it is a step in the wrong direction. Like many across our community, I share the deep concerns regarding this development.

In response to this news, I have written directly to Jacqueline Totterdell, Chief Executive of the St George's and Epsom and St Helier hospitals group, to raise my reservations, and I have raised a question directly to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care in Parliament. This question can be found online here. 

Rest assured, I will continue to monitor developments on this closely and I will always stand up for our NHS.

Although there has been improvements to mail deliveries in Tooting, far too many people are still experiencing delays to their post. I met with posties and senior Royal Mail figures today to raise my concerns and find a solution that works for everyone.

Royal Mail have agreed to make a concerted effort to reduce delays and ensure six-day service. I will be meeting with them again in a month's time to discuss what progress has been made.

​Today marks 9 years since I was first elected as MP for Tooting. It has always been an immense honour to represent the community in which I was born and raised. Thank you to everyone who puts their faith in me to represent our area.

In a break from Westminster, I performed at the Furzedown Fun Day with my new band Parliament of Soul! The sun was shining, the people were smiling and, if I do say so myself, the entertainment was top class.

Watch me performing on my Instagram page here!

It was announced today that the UK will sanction the far-right, extremist Israeli Cabinet members Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir. They have consistently incited extremist violence and human rights abuses of Palestinians.

We must continue to push for a ceasefire, return of hostages, more aid and tough action against war criminals, including Benjamin Netanyahu.

​May the spirit of Eid al-Adha bring love, compassion, and endless blessings to your life. Wishing a joyful and peaceful Eid to all observing in Tooting and around the world.