This morning, I joined pupils at Garratt Park School in Earslfield to plant the 500,000th tree of Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan's Trees for London scheme.

It's vital that we make London a green city for the future, where everyone has access to healthy outdoor space.

It was an absolute pleasure to take part in Wimbledon Sustainable Fashion Week with Wimbledon Go Inspire. I was so inspired by the incredible panel talking about sustainable fashion. I even got to wear some incredible sustainable knitwear.

Today, I appeared on BBC Question Time, where I held the Government to account on the shameful Rwanda policy, their neglect of the NHS, and the issues surrounding Thames Water.

Many local residents have been in touch regarding the expansion of the Cambo Oil Field, 75 miles to the west of the Shetland Islands in Scotland. 

I want to be clear in the fact that I oppose the expansion of the Cambo Oil Field. The climate crisis is the defining issue of our generation and should be treated with the urgency required. By expanding oil and gas exploration, we are abandoning our obligations to end the ongoing climate crisis. 

Ahead of COP26, we must support the end of oil and gas exploration whilst protecting our communities and jobs.

The issue of litter in our local area is not a new problem. Indeed, back in 2019 I provided Wandsworth Council with a number of solutions to this issue, which were not acknowledged or enacted upon.

​I have recently been inundated with complaints from residents who have received Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs). As you may know, FPNs cannot be appealed, and I am concerned about the lack of oversight and accountability this procedure affords.

It is clear from the litter on our streets that fining residents for putting out their household waste is not defeating the issue of fly-tipping. Fly-tipping fines need to be issued to the right people, for the right reasons – to deter genuine incidences of fly-tipping.

Instead of being a deterrent, I am concerned that these fly-tipping fines are being misused as a Council cash-grab – making money from hardworking residents under the guise of keeping our streets clean.

I have written to Paul Martin, Chief Executive at Wandsworth Council, and Paul Chadwick, Director of Environment and Community Services, to ask what action they will take to address these concerns.

Keep an eye out for updates here.

When the water has been turned off, the water flow can disturb sediment in the pipes, which can then cause the water to appear to be dark in colour. I have been in contact with Thames Water regarding this and they have assured me that it is not harmful.

​With the colder weather, Thames Water have also advised the following to help prevent water leaks:
• Check pipes – thaw frozen pipes with a hot water bottle or a towel soaked in water
• Bleed the radiators – use a radiator key to open the valve and release trapped air
• Look after your central heating – get your boiler serviced often and keep the heating on low when not at home
• Find your stop tap – these are usually found under the kitchen sink. Turn right to tighten and left to loosen
• Keep a plumber on hand – keep details of a reputable plumber on hand and make sure to check home insurance cover
​
In the instance that you see a leak, you can report it to Thames Water here, then phone a plumber immediately.

Please do keep an eye on my Twitter, where I am posting updates on the water issues as they arise.

I know that the Climate and Ecological Emergency (CEE) Bill is one of interest to many people here in Tooting.

On 9th February, the CEE Bill was debated in a thirty-minute adjournment debate. Adjournment debates are spaces at the end of the Parliamentary day when MPs can debate a specific topic. 

As you may know, the CEE Bill is a Private Members Bill (Presentation Bill), meaning that it does not involve a debate or a vote in Parliament, but rather it is a way of drawing attention to an issue. I support the principles of this Bill and will therefore continue to support Parliamentary measures that seek to implement many of the principles laid out in the Bill.

Indeed, I have already supported several amendments to the Environment Bill in order to improve it, such as Clause 2 for environmental targets on particulate matter and Clause 7 for Environmental Improvement Plans.

I will absolutely continue to support strong and effective amendments to the Environment Bill when it returns to the House of Commons in due course.

The climate crisis is an imminent threat to current and future generations. Please know that I am committed to holding the Government to account on their approach to climate change.

Local residents living or passing through Rackham Mews in Furzedown may have seen the large fly-tip that occurred earlier in the week.

Understandably, this is very unpleasant for those who live near this area and I have therefore written to Paul Chadwick, Director of Environment and Community Services at Wandsworth Council, as well as notifying the local councillors of the issue in the hope that this can be rectified as soon as possible. Please be assured that I will keep local resident updated of the progress on this.

Furzedown Police are currently appealing for witnesses, so if you have any information about this fly-tip, please do email furzedown.snt@metpolice.uk or message them via Twitter.

I recently raised residents' concerns about damage to our beloved Tooting Common with Mr Neil Blackley, Head of Parks at Enable Leisure and Culture and have since received a response on this important issue

I am told comprehensive is in plan to return the Common to its pre-pandemic state, while keeping as much as possible open for public use. Initial works will target the worst affected areas, and will see the soil replenished and grass seeds planted. While these works are scheduled to commence in the spring, it will be a number of years before this much-loved part of Tooting is restored. 

I hope to hear back from both in due course, so do check back here for updates, and keep an eye on the Friends of Tooting Common Twitter and Facebook pages for updates. In the meantime, you can always put your wellies on and head down to the Common to see for yourself.