It’s time for a national conversation to envisage a better, more productive relationship with the EU – and to consider the various forms it might take.
For many years, in Westminster, Brexit was a taboo topic. No one wanted to reopen the debate about Britain’s long-term relationship with Europe. But when I spend time talking to residents and business owners in Finchley & Golders Green, it is clear to me that it’s a conversation people want to have again.
The simple truth is that distancing from Europe has damaged the livelihoods of many in our area. As the Prime Minister himself said, Brexit has done more harm than good.
Take the local residents who work in the City, where financial services have taken a real hit. Or scientists and researchers who have told me how frostier ties with Europe have damaged funding, international collaboration and the standing of British research. Our local business owners have been grappling with red tape and financial pressures. And a generation of young people feel hard done by, missing out on crucial opportunities like participating in Erasmus.
And then there are issues that affect us all. The UK economy is less resilient to shocks when we are further adrift from our closest trading partner, with the cost of living rising and billions wiped off our national GDP. With the growing threat of Russian aggression, joint defence and data sharing are crucial – and rely on closer ties.
Too often in recent years, the debate over Europe has lacked nuance – you’re either team “in” or team “out”. But it’s time for a national conversation to envisage a better, more productive relationship with the EU – and to consider the various forms it might take.
I want you to get involved and tell me what you think. I’ve launched my Finchley & Golders Green Big Conversation on Europe, with my first survey now live. You can fill out the survey here!
Budget 2026 – The Finchley & Golders Green Top Five
Wednesday was Budget Day! Amid the flurry of headlines, I’ve been taking a deep dive into the Red Book to share what I think this means for residents in Finchley & Golders Green:
- Tax relief for our high streets. The Chancellor announced a £1 billion package of business rates relief, with particular focus on supporting hospitality, leisure and retail sectors – the businesses which breathe life into our high streets but which have really felt the pinch. Over 1,600 business properties in the Borough of Barnet will benefit. It will be funded in part by an increase in tax on the gambling industry – including the gambling shops which residents complain have proliferated at the expense of other businesses on our high streets.
- Support with energy bills. Around 25,000 households in Finchley & Golders Green will receive a direct £100 payment to help with energy bills this winter. We’ve also extended the 0% VAT rate on electricity bills – for everyone – until July 2027.
- A leg up for first-time buyers. A £4.7 billion “Your First Home” scheme has been introduced to support young people to get on the housing ladder – which has never been trickier. A new First Time Buyer ISA – with a 25% Government bonus – has also been announced.
- Backing British business. It was a budget that matches Finchley & Golders Green’s entrepreneurial spirit, with £20 billion invested in the National Wealth Fund and British Business Bank, and new Founders’ Relief on Capital Gains Tax to encourage entrepreneurship.
- Strengthening our defence. Many residents have written to me with concerns about national security. The Chancellor has committed to fully funding the £15 billion Defence Investment Plan and meet our 3% GDP on defence commitment by 2030. We’re on track for our target of 3.5% by 2035, too.
Moments of the Month
- I was delighted to attend the Archer Academy prize-giving ceremony, and recognise so many fantastic young people.
- Cricklewood Waitrose has opened! It was great to attend the opening ceremony, meet the staff and grab some goodies – what a boost and vote of confidence in our neighbourhood.
- It was a joy to attend a Navratri event with the Depala community, and experience their celebrations.
- I held a constructive meeting for residents in Finchley Central to raise concerns about drug dealing directly with local police. If you have experienced drug dealing in your neighbourhood, please report this to the Police online or by calling 101. I’d encourage residents to sign up to Met Engage here.
- Finally, I made my debut on BBC Radio 4’s Any Questions! I was in Newmarket discussing the big issues of the day, from cost of living to our relationship with Europe. You can listen to the episode here!
Winter Holiday Card Competition
Calling all primary school children in Finchley & Golders Green! Whether you celebrate Christmas, Chanukah, or are just looking forward to the winter break, we are looking for an A5 drawing, painting or piece of art that captures the local area during the festive period.
Example: The Archer statue at East Finchley station covered in snow!
The winner and runner-up will be invited on a very special trip to Parliament along with an adult of their choosing!
Entries should be emailed to sarah.sackman.mp@parliament.uk by November 15th, along with the name, address, school year and primary school of the child.
If you’re a parent, teacher or school governor – please encourage your school to take part!
Photo of the Month
This week I met 6-year-old Finchley resident Mila in Parliament. She had some great questions about how our country is run and the social media ban for under-16s, and we discussed how to get more children like her interested in politics! I’m sure it won’t be her last visit to Westminster Hall…
Finchley & Golders Green Trivia
Happy Hallo-weekend! Which historic Finchley & Golders Green building is supposedly haunted by a Victorian governess nicknamed Dora?
a) Stephens House (formerly Avenue House)
b) Finchley Manor House (The Sternberg Centre)
c) The Phoenix Cinema
d) Golders Green Hippodrome
The answer will be revealed in next month’s newsletter. Send us your answers to sarah.sackman.mp@parliament.uk!
September’s Answer
In honour of the reopening of Finchley Waitrose – which of the following supermarkets does not yet have a branch in Finchley & Golders Green:
a) Aldi
b) Lidl
c) Marks & Spencer
d) Asda
e) Iceland
The answer was d) Asda!
Community Champions
Our brilliant sports club volunteers! This month alone, I’ve got stuck into netball, football and running. These brilliant community initiatives wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of all of the volunteers who organise them.
With best wishes,
Sarah Sackman
Member of Parliament for Finchley and Golders Green