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Tackling the scourge of Violence Against Women and Girls requires a united front. Yesterday, I was proud to bring together fantastic local organisations from across Tooting for a vital roundtable discussion on this very issue. Real, lasting change cannot be imposed from the top down. It must be built from the ground up, in partnership with those who understand the challenges best. Listening to the expertise of these local groups, it is clear that co-creating innovative solutions within our community is the only way forward. Their insights are indispensable in shaping strategies that will truly work for local people.   Last Friday in Parliament, I had the great pleasure of hosting the unveiling of the Happy City Index 2026. It was an incredibly proud moment to see London officially recognised with Gold City status, placing it among the top 50 happiest cities on earth.
This wonderful achievement is a testament to the vibrancy, diversity, and spirit that defines our capital. From the bustling streets of my own community in Tooting to the cultural hubs of the West End, our city is a place of endless opportunity and human connection. For too long, we've heard voices talking London down, but this recognition shows that narrative for the nonsense it is. This celebrates the millions of people who make our capital the dynamic, welcoming, and brilliantly unique place that we all love. It's a powerful reminder of why we must always champion our great city. The antisemitic attack on the Hatzola team in Golders Green is utterly shameful. These volunteer medics dedicate their time to saving lives, serving their community with unwavering commitment. To see their ambulances targeted is simply sickening.
Having worked alongside the Hatzola team for many years during my time as a doctor, I have seen first-hand the dedication and hard work they put in. Their selfless professionalism is something to be admired. An assault on those who run towards danger to help others is disgraceful, but for it to be driven by antisemitic hate makes it even more abhorrent. Such vile incidents cause deep fear and cannot be tolerated. Full solidarity must be shown to the Hatzola medics and the entire Jewish community at this time. We must stand united against this hatred. Another Saturday evening shift in A&E last night was a powerful reminder of the pressures our health service is facing. The relentless pace and the sheer dedication of my colleagues never fails to humble me, as they work tirelessly to care for our community under incredible strain.
Amidst the rough and tumble of politics, these shifts keep me grounded. They ensure the challenges facing our NHS are never just abstract debates for me, but real-life struggles for patients and staff. Serving my community here in Tooting, both on the green benches in Westminster and in the emergency department, is an immense privilege. My experiences on the ward directly inform my work as an MP, strengthening my resolve to fight for a health service with the resources it needs to look after us all.  Eid Mubarak to everyone in Tooting and across the country celebrating the end of the holy month of Ramadan. This sacred time of fasting, prayer, and deep reflection now culminates in a joyous celebration of community and togetherness. The spirit of charity and compassion, so central to Ramadan, truly embodies the very best of our values here in Tooting, powerfully demonstrating the importance of looking out for one another.
It was a genuine privilege to speak at the London SAS Conference this week, addressing the brilliant Specialty, Associate Specialist, and Specialist doctors who are so vital to our health service. These highly-skilled clinicians are the backbone of the NHS, providing stability and senior leadership on our wards every single day, often without the recognition they truly deserve. From my own shifts in A&E, I have seen first-hand the incredible expertise and dedication SAS doctors bring to their roles. They are the experienced engine room of our hospitals, making critical decisions and delivering complex care under immense pressure. Their experience is the bedrock upon which so much of our health service is built. 
The fact that a building in one of the wealthiest boroughs in Britain could be so dangerously neglected is a stain on our nation. Residents’ desperate warnings about fire safety were repeatedly ignored, and their lives treated as an afterthought. Their safety should have been paramount.
The Grenfell community has shown unimaginable strength and dignity in their long fight for answers. While a fitting memorial to honour the 72 lives lost is essential, it can never be a substitute for accountability. Genuine justice means those responsible, from the corporations who cut corners to the officials who failed to act, must face the full force of the law.
On Mother’s Day, we celebrate the incredible mums, grandmothers, and mother figures who are the cornerstones of our community here in Tooting and around the world. This is a moment to honour their resilience and the quiet, daily sacrifices they make. My own mum has always been my biggest supporter and greatest inspiration, encouraging me through my medical training, my humanitarian work, and my journey into politics. Her belief in me has been a constant. To every mum across Tooting, I hope you feel cherished and celebrated today. You deserve it. Happy Mother's Day  The sun was shining across Balham this afternoon, and it was fantastic to be out on the doorsteps speaking with residents. It was especially heartening to hear so much positive feedback about our local Wandsworth Labour council's hard work. So many people raised the decision to freeze council tax, keeping it at the lowest rate in the country. This practical support is making a real, tangible difference to household budgets. It shows what can be achieved when local government actively works for the people it represents. This is exactly what Labour in power delivers: meaningful action that eases the burden on local families. It’s a powerful demonstration of our commitment to putting our community first.  For too long, people across Tooting have been let down by a failing postal service. From missed hospital appointments to delayed documents, the stories you’ve shared with me paint a picture of a service in chaos. This level of disruption is completely unacceptable for our community. Our local posties are working incredibly hard under immense pressure, and their dedication is not in question. To hold the company accountable for these persistent failures, I have formally written to the regulator, Ofcom, demanding an investigation. They must use their powers to ensure Royal Mail delivers the reliable service that residents deserve.  |
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