From recess to a reshuffle, there’s never a dull moment in politics.
Dear Resident,
Its back to school with a bang! From recess to a reshuffle, there’s never a dull moment in politics. As for me, I’m still in the day jobs I love the most – as your MP in Finchley and Golders Green, Minister for Courts and mum to my girls who I’m glad to say are literally back to school!
Let me catch you up on what I’ve been up to locally and nationally and what there is coming up in our area.
In Finchley and Golders Green
One of my key commitments is focusing on bringing communities together- especially as politics can feel increasingly divisive. My reflections on this topic will be penned in my latest Ham and High column – please do look out for it next week.
Instilling pride in our shared heritage and protecting public spaces is central to achieving community cohesion. Last month, my team helped the Arts Depot in North Finchley extend its lease. We are also helping Bishopswood Bowls Club, Finchley Cricket Club and Clitterhouse Farm – all local gems who tie our community together – I’d totally recommend a visit!
We are lucky in Finchley and Golders Green to have a thriving and supportive community of people with special educational needs and disabilities. I have published my first annual SEND report. I want to help those who need help navigating a difficult system as well as advocating for a better one. This month, I raised families’ concerns direct with Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson MP.
I have also enjoyed getting back out into the constituency meeting you at community events, street surgeries and school gates – even if these visits can sometimes bring with them some scary surprises!
In Westminster
As a justice minister, I was proud to see the Government introduce The Hillsborough Law. The Hillsborough Law brings justice not just to the families of the 97 victims of that disaster but to people caught up in tragedies like the Grenfell fire, the Windrush scandal and the Manchester Arena bombing.
This law means that in future when someone dies in the State’s care – whether that’s in prisons, care homes, or in a healthcare setting –public bodies are held to account. Organisations will be subject to a duty of candour. The truth cannot be concealed and there will be legal support for bereaved families going through an enormously difficult moment.
At the start of term, I hosted Union of Jewish Students (UJS) in Parliament, among 70 student leaders there was a great Finchley and Golders turnout. When I was 20 I co-chaired the Jewish Society at Cambridge University, so the event brought back plenty of memories. We discussed how the Government can support Jewish students through tackling antisemitism on campus and beyond. Hearing these young leaders speak about their vital work was inspiring.
In Parliament, we’re passing the Employment Rights Bill. This will deliver the greatest overhaul in worker’s rights in a generation. It will end exploitative zero hours contracts. It will end unethical fire and rehire schemes and provides day-one protection from unfair dismissal. These changes are will empower people in the workplace.
So, as the weather turns colder and the nights draw darker, let’s not forget the things which bring our community together: pride in our diverse heritage, a celebration of our differences, and the fight for greater equality.
The fun bit …
Photo of the month
The view over Clitterhouse Playing Fields in the September sun.
Community Champion Shoutout
Saffron and her sister from Strawberry Vale who went out to clear up the underpasses after it has been neglected for too long by TfL! I will be arranging a community meeting with residents there to discuss how we can keep the area clean and tidy.
Up and coming
Our North Finchley meeting with residents – I will be attending a resident meeting to discuss the development plans across North Finchley next month. I look forward to hearing your concerns and finding a workable solution together.
(Please send nominations for next month to [email protected])
Best wishes,