Kate Osamor MP
Windrush Day This week, Thursday marked Windrush Day, commemorating 75 years since the arrival of HMT Empire Windrush in the UK. The generation that came aboard this ship made invaluable contributions to our country, transforming it for the better. However, they have since faced persecution at the hands of the Tories. The struggles faced by the Windrush generation have been deeply troubling, and justice has been denied for far too long. Out of the potentially 15,000 Windrush victims, only 1,681 have received compensation thus far. This is an injustice that must be rectified. Windrush Day serves as a reminder of the enduring spirit and resilience of those who disembarked from the Empire Windrush at Tilbury in Essex 75 years ago but it must also now act a reminder that justice delayed is justice denied. It is essential that we continue to educate ourselves and future generations about the invaluable contributions and struggles of the Windrush generation, ensuring that their experiences as well as the cruelty inflicted upon them by this Government is never forgotten. Windrush Day is a time for reflection, remembrance, and action. It reminds us of the ongoing work needed to address the injustices faced by the Windrush generation and to create a society that celebrates diversity, respects human rights, and upholds justice for all. |
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Mortgage Crisis Under the Conservative government, families in Edmonton are facing an annual increase of £4,400 in their mortgage payments this year, placing an immense strain on families who are already struggling with the impact of the cost-of-living crisis. This week, Labour’s analysis reveals that the average household in Edmonton is under more pressure than ever due to Conservative mismanagement of the economy. Banks are withdrawing mortgage deals, and interest rates have soared, with a two-year fixed-rate loan now averaging almost 6%, nearly double the rate from a year ago. Disturbingly, the Resolution Foundation predicts that by 2026, around 6.5 million households will be affected by the post-mini budget rise in mortgage rates. This crisis is further compounded by the risk of job losses and a struggling economy. Economic growth forecasts for this year show the UK’s progress at a mere 0.2%, underscoring the challenges we face. The Tory mortgage penalty is devastating for family finances and is hindering our economy. Families are once again shouldering the burden of the Conservatives’ economic mismanagement. This issue is not isolated to Edmonton alone; it affects families throughout the country. Mortgage deals are being withdrawn, and the average household is now facing an alarming increase of almost £3,000 in their mortgage payments. To address this crisis, Labour proposes a five-point plan aimed at providing relief to families burdened by the Tory mortgage crisis. Our plan includes measures such as allowing borrowers to switch to interest-only mortgage payments temporarily and extending the term of their mortgage period. These steps would offer immediate support to those in need. Additionally, we urge lenders to reverse support measures upon the borrower’s request and implement a minimum six-month waiting period before initiating repossession proceedings, given the 50% rise in repossessions resulting from this crisis. These measures aim to alleviate the burden on families affected by the Tory mortgage penalty and reinvigorate our economy. As your Member of Parliament, I will continue to fight for your interests in Parliament and advocate for policies that ensure that ordinary people do not face a financial penalty because of Tory ineptitude. |
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Kept Animals Bill This week the Tories blocked our attempts to revive the Kept Animals Bill. Introduced in 2021, the Bill was left stagnant for two years due to internal conflicts within the Conservative Party over animal protections. This decision not only blocks parliamentary scrutiny and progress on animal welfare provisions but also gives the green light to activities like puppy smuggling, puppy farming, pet theft, and live animal exports. This is not the first time the Conservative government has abandoned animal welfare commitments. The promised ban on fur and foie gras imports suffered a similar fate, fearing backlash from within the party. The government’s track record reveals a pattern of making big promises but failing to deliver. On Wednesday the Labour Party introduced a binding motion to revive the Kept Animals Bill, with a set date of July 12th to progress it through all stages and turn it into law. Tory MPs blocked the motion, killing off the Kept Animals Bill for good. |
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Thank you again for taking the time to read my latest update, if you have any issues that you would like to raise directly with me then please do email edmontonconstituency@parliament.uk . I’m always happy to help whenever possible. Kind regards, Kate Osamor Member of Parliament for Edmonton |