Monday 17^th July

• The first day of my politics summer school for 10 students from Edmonton included talks from James Cracknell, Editor of the Enfield Dispatch, Stafford Scott, Director of Tottenham Rights CIC, Chris Brown, Senior Political Officer at the National Education Union and finally an engaging discussion with Political Economist Ann Pettifor.

• I voted on 9 Lords amendments to the Illegal Migration Bill, including on amendments to protect victims of human slavery and children from incarceration. The Government made no concessions, and all amendments were defeated. The Bill is now awaiting Royal Consent before it becomes Law.

• I voted on Lords Amendment 2D to the Minimum Service Levels Bill. I’m opposed to the Minimum Service Bill at it seeks to undemocratically restrict the rights of workers to organise through Unions. I’ve voted against the Bill at every opportunity.

Tuesday 18^th July

• On day two of the Summer School, activities focussed on Parliament with the students given a chance to find out what being a Member of Parliament is really like. As well as a Tour of Parliament and a session on ‘How legislation is passed’ the students got to observe a debate in the commons and ask questions to both Jeremy Corbyn and Angela Rayner.

• I voted for a Lords Amendment to the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill that would have given victims of the troubles more power and rights moving forward, the Government defeated the amendment.

Wednesday 19^th July

• The last day of the summer school looked at local politics and campaigning. Students were given a talk by the incredible Gloria Morrison, Chair of the campaign group Joint Enterprise Not Guilty by Association. After watching the last Prime Ministers Question Time before recess students then went to Haringey to meet with the Council Leader Cllr Peray Ahmet to discuss local politics.

• Enfield Council agreed to raise urgent repairs to the lift in Woolmer House following representations and made offers of Temporary Accommodation to those constituents who are unable to use the stairs. They have also stationed officers there to provide support while repairs are conducted.

Thursday 20^th July

• Dozens of constituents wrote to me this week calling on me to support measures that directly tackle the cost-of-living crisis, including a £15 minimum wage and an inflation busting pay increase for public sector workers. I support these measures. Ordinary workers have seen their pay squeezed for decades while the richer have gotten richer. Now big business is sending inflation through the roof as their profits sore to record levels. This cannot go on. Making sure that workers are paid a fair wage is where change needs to begin.

• Barnet, Enfield and Haringey Mental Health NHS Trust confirmed that my constituent’s children were finally given a mental health needs assessment after a long delay.
• My constituent was granted Leave to Remain by the Home Office after I made representation on their behalf.

Friday 21^st July

• I had a very valuable meeting with Women For Women International (WFWI). WFWI work to reduce violence against women by raising awareness of women’s rights and strengthening whole-of-community action against violence against women. The WFWI have conducted research across the globe in places like Afghanistan, Nigeria and South Sudan. As a member of the International Development Select Committee and Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Nigeria, I’m looking forward to working with WFWI closely in the future.

• Over the week I was contacted by more than 200 constituents from across Edmonton. Issues raised included the cost-of-living crisis, World Health Organisation, the Housing crisis, and Home Office Delays. As always, everybody who contacts me will get a response.