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Following the decision to relocate children's cancer services in South East England away from St George's Hospital, I met with the Health Secretary with a cross-party group of MPs to raise our concerns. When I visited the Pinckney Ward where this care is conducted, I met with Jackson, a former patient there, and his parents, who told me that such a move would be detrimental for parents, children and the hospital alike. I have urged the Secretary to review and reconsider NHS England's decision as soon as possible.  Eight years ago today, I was selected as the Tooting Labour candidate for the by-election caused by Sadiq becoming a candidate for Mayor of London. It has been a huge honour and privilege to serve as the representative for the community in which I was born and raised. My heartfelt thanks go out to everyone who has supported me on this incredible journey. 
Following a recent spot inspection of HMP Wandsworth by the Chief Inspector of Prisons. an Urgent Notification was issued to the Secretary of State for Justice, meaning that the Chief Inspector has serious and immediate concerns about the day-to-day operation of the prison.
The report was damning and laid the blame for the deficiencies squarely at the Government's door, citing a lack of leadership at the very highest levels. I have been raising these issues for years now and my concerns have gone unheeded by this Tory Government, even after a high-profile alleged escape last autumn. Read my Twitter thread on the subject below:
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.  History was made last Thursday as my friend and predecessor as MP for Tooting, Sadiq Khan, was re-elected for an unprecedented third term as Mayor of London. After weeks of hard graft, the result was a decisive victory for Sadiq and Labour with our wonderful capital rejecting the divisive, toxic politics of the Tory candidate. I look forward to continuing to work with Sadiq to make Tooting and our wider city a greener, cleaner, safer and more prosperous place to live.  Yesterday, I was delighted to join CEN for their Healing our Broken Village Black Mental Health Conference at the New Testament Assembly church in Tooting. With continued racial disparities in sectioning and the use of community treatment orders, more must be done to bring about much-needed change.  One of the most fulfilling parts of my role as your MP is helping local people solve problems and, in this case, save money. A Furzedown pensioner had been denied over £12,000 in backdated pension payments and Pension Credit, however following my intervention with the Department for Work and Pensions, this money was recouped. If you have a problem with your state benefits or pension, please don't hesitate to get in touch with me and I'd be happy to help. 
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.
This morning, I invited residents from Tooting to share a cup of tea and a biscuit at my local coffee morning. As the local MP, I am here to help and my door is always open.
 Today's announcement by NHS England that children's cancer services will be moved away from the world-class unit at St George's Hospital is profoundly disappointing.
As a doctor, I am clear that this decision has not been made in the interests of patients or their families and we're losing more than 25 years of expertise in the field of children's cancer care. I'm calling on the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Victoria Atkins to immediately review this decision. |
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