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 Thank you to the 2,300 local people who filled in my ‘Brexit Options’ survey - which helped inform my votes.
 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. 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.
 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  Today I had the honour of seeing my photograph framed in Portcullis House for the first time, as part of the 209 Women Exhibition. The 209 portraits of all female MPs, captured by a collective of 209 UK based female photographers, marks the centenary of the first vote for women. I am incredibly proud to be part of such an amazing project, and be surrounded by these impressive women. We have come a long way, but there's still much more to be done!  We’ve heard some devastating stories of people in Croydon who lost priceless possessions in the Shurgard self-storage fire in Croydon. Along with local councillors, I'm pushing for better protection for local people using Shurgard on Garratt Lane.
If you are affected - or have concerns - get in touch. A constituent has been in touch to raise concerns regarding the quality of care provided at Brightwell Crescent. The care is provided by Hestia, who were awarded the contract around nine months ago.
I am told that since Hestia took over the provision, standards have dropped significantly. I understand residents are not receiving the required levels of support in undertaking basic daily tasks. I have also been informed that rooms are not cleaned to an acceptable standard and overall hygiene in the building is a major concern. I have outlined these concerns to Chief Executive of Hestia, Patrick Ryan, and I expect a prompt investigation. NHS staff were the previous care providers at Brightwell Crescent, and I have not been made aware of any such problems during this time. This raises the question: Why did Wandsworth Council award the contract to Hestia over the NHS? I have raised this query directly with Liz Bruce, Director of Adult Social Services for Wandsworth Council, and I have requested an overview of the tendering process. The decision to award Hestia this contract is indicative of the Conservative Council's commitment to privatisation of our local services. |
