Summer Newsletter
Since my last update in July’s newsletter, it was an incredible honour to have been appointed as Attorney General in the new Cabinet. As Attorney General a key part of my role is providing legal advice to Government. I also oversee the work of the Crown Prosecution Service. When I was Solicitor General, a real priority for me was tackling violence against women and girls. This will remain a priority for me in my new role as Attorney General (AG).
In Parliament and No.10
At our first Cabinet meeting, the Prime Minister told me and other Ministers about his intention to lead a ‘cost-of-living’ Government. This has meant cutting VAT on electricity bills, cutting business rates for pubs by 20% and capping bus fares across the country at £2.
I also really welcome other announcements from the Prime Minister to tackle rough sleeping this winter and his pledge to reform our social care system by the end of this Parliament.
Despite these interventions, I know that there is of course much more to do to support families. Later this year, the Government will bring forward a new 10-year plan for Britain to lay out a path from where we are now to where we all want Britain to be. I can assure I will continue to keep you updated on the Government’s important work in this area.
Since Parliament has been back in session, Ministers and MPs have been working hard to deliver on the priorities of the new Prime Minister and Government.
This month, the Government set out our view that the occupation of Palestine is unlawful under international law. Having reached that conclusion, it is right that, as a Government, we act.
That is why the Foreign Secretary announced a trade ban on goods from illegal Israeli settlements. There will also be a ban on the advertising of illegal settlements in the UK, including advertisements for properties for sale in the West Bank. The Government will further strengthen sanctions against Israeli settlers in the West Bank.
I know this issue is extremely important to many in our community, and to me too. I very much welcome action by the Government in this area and I know that we will continue work with the international community to confront the ongoing and urgent humanitarian crisis happening in Gaza.
You can read the statement in full here:
Foreign Secretary Oral Statement on Israel-Palestine – GOV.UK
Attorney General
I wanted to share a little about what I’ve been up to in my new role.
As I mentioned above, delivering the Government’s mission on VAWG remains a key priority for me. One of my first engagements as AG was meeting with the Pan-London Rape and Serious Sexual Offences (RASSO) Unit. RASSO prosecutes some of the most serious and complex offences that often have devastating impacts on families. It was really insightful to hear more about the invaluable work their team does.
I have also issued new legal risk guidance to government, making it clear that provided there is a tenable legal argument for doing something, Ministers can act.
You can read more about that here in The Times and The Financial Times
I was also called to the bar of Northern Ireland which was a great honour.
Community
Parliament was in recess during the summer and although my new job keeps me extremely busy, I was able to spend time out and about in the constituency.
A Level and GCSE Results day
Firstly, a huge congratulations to all young people across Lewisham West and East Dulwich who got their A-level and GCSE results last month.
Across both Lewisham and Southwark, we have some of the best secondary schools in the country, and the brilliant results of pupils across both boroughs reflect this.
I visited Forest Hill School, Sydenham School and Harris Boys East Dulwich to speak with students and teachers on both results days and celebrate their great achievements. I wish all pupils every success in their next steps.
This month I hosted my Beyond Loneliness Summit at the Signal Pub in Forest Hill.
It was a fantastic event, bringing together constituents, local organisations and services who work to tackle loneliness and isolation.
We were also joined by DCMS Minister Stephanie Peacock, whose department leads on Government work in tackling loneliness.
I also went down to the Perry Vale foodbank and Rehoboth foodbank in Sydenham to help out with the fantastic work they do serving our communities.
Sydenham Night Market
I had a fantastic time when I dropped by Sydenham Night Market in August. The market has now ended but I do hope you had the chance to visit over the summer! I’m so pleased the market was one of 15 projects selected for the Mayor of London’s Summer Streets programme, which supports outdoor dining, events and local businesses.
Summer School
Following the success of my first ever political Summer School last year, I was absolutely thrilled to have a second cohort of young people join me this year to gain an insight into the work I do as local MP for Lewisham West and East Dulwich.
A real highlight of their time in my office was listening to the young people deliver their maiden speeches in the Chamber at Lewisham Council about a range of issues important to them.
We’re also fortunate to have a number of Holiday Activities and Food programmes in our constituency, including one ran by Dynamic Coaching UK at the East Dulwich Community Centre. I visited the kids and coaches on the last day of the programme to watch their prizegiving ceremony and I even tried my hand at archery!
Last year the Government confirmed a further £600m in funding for the HAF programme over the next three years to ensure children from low income backgrounds have access to a healthy meal and enriching activities over the school holidays.
As always, if you do have any questions or issues you’d like to raise with me please get in touch.
Best wishes,
Ellie