It’s been a busy few months and I wanted to update you on some of my work here in the constituency and in Parliament.
In Parliament
In Westminster, I announced £5m of new funding to support domestic abuse victims. The £5m will be used by the Crown Prosecution Service to support in the Crown Court. Victims will be offered a pre-trial meeting with the prosecution. This will provide them with better support and ensure their voice is heard.
This support has made a real difference to victims of rape and this new funding will now provide victims of domestic abuse with better support and ensure their voice is heard.
You can read more about the announcement here.
We have also officially abolished the two child cap. That means almost 2,000 children have been lifted out of poverty here in Lewisham West and East Dulwich.
There’s more positive news as well, last week it was announced that NHS waiting lists in Lewisham fell by 11% and at King’s by 6%. The extra investment into the NHS is making a difference. While there’s still a lot more to do, this Labour government is busy fixing our NHS.
I also recently visited Edinburgh and Yorkshire in my capacity as the Solicitor General. I spoke to charities such as Women’s Aid and Karma Nirvana about their work to tackle violence against women and girls, which is my number one priority as Solicitor General.
In Yorkshire, I listened to staff from Karma Nirvana on their experiences of tackling and supporting victims of honour-based abuse and forced marriage.
Hearing from them reinforced why it’s so important that Labour is introducing a new statutory definition of honour-based abuse.
Earlier in February I also announced the expansion of the Victims’ Right to Review pilot.
This gives victims of rape or serious sexual abuse a second chance of justice, with a second prosecutor reviewing their case before the CPS makes a final decision to drop a case or not.
This expansion has been driven by victims like Jade Blue and I continue to pay tribute to her campaigning.
At the beginning of the month, I also had the privilege of being sworn in as a King’s Counsel in my role as Solicitor General.
It meant a great deal to be sworn in by the Deputy Prime Minister, David Lammy and with Rachel by my side.
In the Constituency
Earlier this month I hosted local schools and young people in Parliament for the winners of my art competition. Their artwork has really brightened up my office and it was wonderful to be able to invite the children.
We asked them to submit pieces of art for what they loved about our constituency. It was wonderful to see their submissions, which included a clay model of the 176 bus!
I also met with the Fourth Reserve to discuss the ongoing situation with Gorne Wood and to see all their brilliant work. I know this is a big issue for so many people, especially in Crofton Park.
As always, if you do have any questions or issues you’d like to raise with me please get in touch.
Best wishes,
Ellie