New data published by the Environment Agency recently revealed that sewage was pumped in our local rivers, the Graveney and Wandle, for over 700 hours last year. This is equivalent to the entire month of February and demonstrates this Tory Government's complete disregard for our natural environment.

Only Labour has a plan to clean up our waterways and hold water companies to account by fines for illegal discharges, blocking bonuses for bosses of companies that violate the rules and holding these bosses personally criminally liable for any violations.

Making Wandsworth a greener and cleaner borough was a key policy in our campaign in the 2022 local elections, which is why I'm delighted that the new Labour administration in the Town Hall have now rolled out food waste recycling bins across the local area.

Tonight, I joined Robert Peston on ITV alongside Conservative MP, Paul Scully, Government Minister, Kevin Hollinrake and environmental campaigner, Fergal Sharkey to discuss the hot topics of the day. We chatted about the appalling comments  made by a Tory donor about Diane Abbott and extremism in the UK.

There is a disused council site on Swaffield Road which I want to see converted into a pocket park for local families. I was overwhelmed by the support that this plan has received. The petition has now been submitted to the council and will be reviewed.

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
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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.