 Thank you to the 2,300 local people who filled in my ‘Brexit Options’ survey - which helped inform my votes.
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 After a couple of busy days (or weeks!) it was back to Tooting where Dee Light Bakery put together one of her legendary baking parties for my little girl's birthday. Needless to say, there were a lot of happy, cake-filled little ladies in Balham and Tooting this afternoon. Thank you Dee - already looking forward to my next visit.  A million of us marched for a People's Vote today!
People came from Ashford to Aberdeen, from Tyneside to Tooting. And the mood was incredible. The Brexit ship is heading towards an iceberg and the captain has gone full speed - the effect of Brexit will be devastating for jobs, living standards, and our economy. We won't let it happen; our voices will be heard. Proud to be marching alongside the masses for a People's Vote.  My favourite night of the year - BATCA Awards! This is always a great chance to celebrate all the unsung heroes of Balham and Tooting, and tonight was no different. I had a fabulous time meeting and speaking with the award winners - it was a pleasure to be part of it again. I am so moved by the incredible community I have always called home. It is heartbreaking to hear the reports coming out of New Zealand this morning - a barbaric act of terrorism. My thoughts and prayers are with all of those affected.
We heard poignant words from the Speaker in the Commons as we observed a one minute silence. "This sort of behaviour will never prevail, for it is fascist conduct. The notion that might is right, that if you're bestial enough, you'll get your own way. People who think that will have to be disabused of that notion. It will not happen." Locally, some community leaders have been in touch concerned about safety at prayers today. I have spoken to the police to ensure that assistance will be provided. I take this opportunity to thank them for their help.  Today is the Spring Statement. We urgently need to tackle violent crime by boosting police numbers. Over 70% of the Met's budget comes from the Government, and so every London Labour MP co-signed my letter to the Chancellor demanding more funding for the Met Police. It is very disappointing that NO Conservative MP wanted to add their signature.  It’s very easy to be reminded of why I love Tooting, and today was the perfect example of this.
‘Visit my Mosque Day’ at Balham Mosque was a fantastic community event. It was great to spend time here, sharing knowledge with open hearts and great food. I’m already looking forward to the next one!
 I spoke to The Guardian about the rising numbers of homeless people who are being admitted to hospitals with largely preventable illnesses.
Thousands of homeless people in England are arriving at hospital with Victorian-era illnesses such as tuberculosis, as well as with serious respiratory conditions, liver disease and cancer, with hospital admissions for such conditions surging over the last decade. It has been a tragedy to witness the rise in emergency department attendance and hospital admissions for the homeless. This winter, waiting rooms have been brimming with people desperate for treatment for chest infections. Furthermore, whereas previously drug and alcohol support was more readily available, long referral times and no access to a fixed address has meant many are lost in the system and unable to receive help when they reach crisis point. Read the full article here: https://www.theguardian.com/society/2019/feb/20/nhs-england-figures-show-soaring-homeless-patient-numbers?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other  I took Joe.co.uk to Balham Boxing Club to speak about the values which drive me forward and the experiences which made me the person I am today.
Growing up in a single parent household wasn't easy, with my mum working three jobs just to put food on the table. She always instilled that sense of possibility in us - something my brother and I carry with us today. Labour reformed the system of bursaries and grants - meaning people from poorer backgrounds, like me, were able to study medicine. I believe opportunity should be based on where you’re going, not where you’re from. See the video here: https://twitter.com/DrRosena/status/1097191743949324288 |