Welcome to my September Newsletter. Whilst it has been a bit quieter for the past two months, owing to the summer recess, it still has not stopped the Conservative Party from showing that they are incapable of governing.
The Conservatives are out of ideas and have no clear direction. Last week they had to get two new advisors in to lead their strategy teams and their decision to appoint Grant Shapps to replace Ben Wallace as Defence Secretary was baffling.
We have also seen the mess they have made of housing vulnerable asylum seekers on barges. It is shocking that the first people placed on Bibby Stockholm were removed when Legionella bacteria, which can cause serious illness, was detected. The Prime Minister is now facing pressure from both sides of his Party over his migration pledges as the asylum backlog continues to grow.
Furthermore, despite inflation falling slightly, across Britain people are being hit by the Tory mortgage penalty. It is time the Conservatives stepped aside as they clearly don’t have the answers to solve the problems facing the country. We have never needed a General Election more.
During the summer whilst I have enjoyed cheering on the Lionesses as they made history by reaching the World Cup Final in Australia, I have still been doing vital work on behalf of local people. Therefore, please read below for a monthly update as the MP for Lewisham East.
If you need any assistance from me, please do not hesitate to contact me via janet.daby.mp@parliament.uk or call me on 02084 614733
Victims and Prisoners Bill
Before the Summer Recess, I was on the Bill Committee examining the Victims and Prisoners Bill. During this process, my Labour colleagues and I scrutinised the Government’s legislation whilst putting down amendments of our own.
I tabled three amendments. The first would have maintained the Parole Board’s independence and how the Justice Secretary may remove its Chair. The second would have required the Justice Secretary to report annually on Parole Board Decision making and how it would impact those with protected characteristics.
My other amendment would require the Justice Secretary to prepare an annual report on the operation of the Victim Contact Scheme and an assessment of its effectiveness.
Whilst these amendments did not pass, I am pleased to see the Minister has promised to engage with me on these amendments and how the Government could potentially incorporate them within the Bill.
Metropolitan Police investigation into the murder of Stephen Lawrence Debate
The unprovoked, racist murder of Stephen Lawrence has left a deep impact on this country. It is still shocking that not all those responsible have been convicted. To make matters worse recently an investigation has stated that there was evidence of a sixth suspect involved in Stephen Lawrence’s murder but that this line of inquiry was mishandled at the time by police.
As a result, I spoke in a debate just before the summer recess on Metropolitan Police investigation into the murder of Stephen Lawrence. In my speech I stated that the Met have failed to address the fact that Black communities continue to be under-protected and over-controlled by the police. You can watch part of my contribution here and you can read my entire speech here.
Expansion of ULEZ
As has been widely reported the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) expanded across all London boroughs on 29 August 2023. I was pleased to be invited to the launch of this expansion. As you already know toxic air contributes to the premature death of 4,000 Londoners each year. These deaths are preventable which is why we must act now to ensure no more Londoners tragically die.
I understand the widespread concerns and anxieties about the daily charges. But as we saw in the Uxbridge & South Ruislip by-election it is vital, we do not let the Conservatives weaponise a scheme that will save lives.
Whilst the expansion of ULEZ, is by no means a perfect solution; it is crucial to secure cleaner air in our city and help save lives. The expansion ULEZ will help to achieve this.
Ticket Office Closure
Like many of you I am deeply concerned on how the Government are allowing train companies, including Southeastern to close hundreds of station ticket offices across England over the next three years. A consultation was opened on 5 July on leaving ticket office facilities at just the busiest stations and interchanges. However, the train operators and the government were forced to extend ticket office closure consultations until last Friday.
When these plans were first announced, Vicky Foxcroft MP, Ellie Reeves MP and I wrote to the Secretary of State to relay our concerns which you can read here. We also highlighted this issue in the local press which you can read here. Rest assured I will keep a close eye on the outcome of the consultation.
Exam results
Last month we saw our young people across Lewisham East receive the exams results they have worked so hard for. I regularly visit schools throughout the constituency and listen to teachers and so I am very proud of every local young person who took their exams despite the disruption caused by COVID-19. Whilst the Conservative Education Secretary stated that A-level grades don’t matter to employers, Labour is clear that under a Labour Government, a persons background will not be a barrier for them to get on.
Meanwhile as the new school year begins schools across the country have been told to shut buildings due to safety concerns. I agree with Labour’s Education Secretary Bridget Philipson that you can’t give children a first-class education in second-rate buildings.
Rejected London City Extension
In July it was announced that London City Airport’s bid to expand the number of flights was unanimously rejected by Newham council. London City will appeal against this decision at a public Inquiry on 5th December. It is expected to last 8 days, with the decision announced on or before January 30th 2024. In order to represent my constituents who live under a double flight path, I will continue to object to City Airport’s application.
Friends of the Pond
Recently local residents have contacted me regarding the condition of the pond next to Homebase in Catford which requires urgent improvement. I have written about my concerns here. I will soon be meeting with the Homebase Management alongside local councillors and the newly formed group “Friends of the Pond” to find a way forward. I will be expecting a drastic improvement of the condition of the pond in the weeks ahead.
Thank you for reading this newsletter.
Best wishes,
Janet