I hope you had a good break over the New Year. I wanted to share an update on what I have been working on recently, both here in the constituency and in Parliament.
One of the biggest issues over the past week has been the campaign on restricting social media access for under 16s. I have now received more than 1,100 emails from parents, and I completely understand their concerns because they are my concerns too.
As I mentioned in my response, I believe the approach taken in Australia could offer a useful blueprint for action here in the UK. I have shared my views with Liz Kendall, the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, and the Prime Minister told me yesterday that there is agreement across government that action is needed.
I am very pleased that Liz Kendall has now announced a three-month consultation, which will include the option of an Australian style ban. I will share more details as soon as they are available, and I would encourage everyone to take part and make their voice heard.
Solicitor General
In December, I took Solicitor General Questions in the Commons, answering on everything from the launch of the Government’s Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy to shoplifting and domestic abuse pilots.
I also spoke to the BBC on the day the VAWG Strategy was launched.
In Opposition, Jess Phillips and I wrote Labour’s Green Paper on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls. Our report called for a cross-government strategy, and I am proud that we have now delivered it. The Strategy sets out clearly that VAWG is a national emergency, and our commitment to halve VAWG within a decade reflects the scale of our ambition. Under Labour, every part of government, from justice to education to health, will be working to prevent and stop VAWG.
Last week I visited the Serious Fraud Office to hear about their investigation into Home REIT. This was a social housing charity meant to support veterans, rough sleepers and people battling addiction, but many were badly let down. The SFO is now investigating a suspected £300 million fraud and bribery case. This is a major operation, and I hope it will provide answers for those affected.
I also met with the City of London Police to learn more about their vital work tackling fraud and serious economic crime. They are the national lead force for fraud, and I know from my casework how devastating these crimes can be.
In Cardiff, I visited BAWSO and the Welsh HQ of the Crown Prosecution Service. BAWSO’s work supporting victims of domestic abuse, forced marriage, FGM and honour based violence is extraordinary. In March, Jess Phillips and I will be hosting a cross government FGM summit.
I also wrote a piece for HuffPost with Jake Richards following the revelations that the Conservative Shadow Attorney General is representing a Russian oligarch. We believe this is a clear conflict of interest and that he should drop the case or resign.
Constituency
A huge thank you to everyone who donated to the Winter Appeal supporting the brilliant work of the Rehoboth Club. I visited Paula and her team just before Christmas, and it was inspiring to see so many volunteers ensuring everyone could enjoy the day. It was also lovely to meet volunteers from local Nando’s restaurants, who donated their time, food and cooking equipment.
Sadly, Thames Water has once again let residents down. During the cold snap, hundreds of people across SE22, SE23 and SE26 were left without running water for three days, with poor communication and little support for vulnerable residents. While canvassing in Forest Hill this weekend, I also picked up concerns about burst pipes on Honor Oak Road and the dangerous icy conditions they caused. I will be meeting Thames Water shortly to raise these repeated failures.
It was also lovely to meet Maya, Shai and the team at Mont 58 Coffee in Sydenham, who grew their business from their back garden on Blythe Hill. Fantastic coffee, delicious snacks and a brilliant Lewisham success story!
I also visited Lewisham Hospital, where the new ENT Surgical Centre is due to open in the coming months. Once open, it will mean thousands more appointments every year. It was wonderful to meet the doctors, nurses and staff who make such a difference to our community.
As always if there’s anything I can help you with, please do get in touch.
Best wishes,
Ellie