Last week we saw the first Budget delivered by a female Chancellor. This was a huge record-breaking moment. It is however, worth remembering that this Budget was set against the backdrop of one of the worst economic inheritances in modern history. Simply put, the Conservative left Government with public finances in a reckless and appalling state.
As a responsible Government we have acted to rectify the situation and overturn 14 wasted years under the Conservatives. Our Labour Government is committed to breaking down the barriers to opportunity, growing the economy, building the infrastructure we need, switching to clean energy and mending our public services.
Rachel Reeves delivered an ambitious budget, which attempts to fix the foundation and deliver the change that our country needs. We have a long way to go to properly deliver the change that people in this country deserve. However, you can count on me to work hard to make this happen.
Therefore, as your Member of Parliament, please email me via janet.daby.mp@parliament.uk if you need my help or if you want to raise something to my attention.
Minister for Children and Families
It continues to be a huge honour to be the Minister for Children and Families. All children in our country deserve the best start in life and ongoing care, this includes care experienced children. As the Children and Families’ Minister I am determined to help to achieve this for them.
Once again, it has been a busy month working to deliver the Government’s mission to break the barriers to opportunity. So far, I have responded as the Minister responsible for two debates from the Despatch Box on Skills England and Higher Education in Staffordshire. I also responded to several questions in Education Orals earlier this week.
Furthermore, I have met multiple stakeholders at events including the Local Government Association Conference 2024, a Kinship Carers Parliamentary Reception and events relating to National Care Leavers Week and National Adoption Week.
Additionally, I am pleased that the Child Poverty Taskforce has published a framework for the Government’s strategy to reduce the amount of children in poverty. Child poverty is not acceptable and must be tackled. Added to this I met with the Prime Minister at Downing Street along with my ministerial colleagues to discuss with him my priorities in Government.
International Affairs
This week we saw America go to the polls in their presidential election. This election will live long in the memory. Going forward I will continue to monitor what happens in the US as Joe Biden leaves the White House. Furthermore, the Government will continue to work with the US to promote our shared values of freedom, democracy and enterprise.
With regards to the Middle East, I am deeply concerned that Israel will now stop UNRWA from operating within Israel and occupied East Jerusalem. UNRWA is vital in providing aid to Palestinians, this is why the Government restored funding to UNRWA as soon as possible, providing £21 million of funding. Furthermore, it is vital that we secure an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, an increase in humanitarian aid to Gaza, and compliance with International Humanitarian Law. Furthermore, I call on all sides and regional players to de-escalate the situation immediately. The loss of life and suffering is intolerable.
You can see my most recent statement on this conflict on my website here. I am planning to be publishing an update in the coming weeks.
Additionally, with regard to Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, Russia’s indiscriminate strikes on ports in the Black Sea demonstrate Putin’s recklessness when it comes to global food security. With these strikes he is harming millions of vulnerable people across Africa, Asia and the Middle East. This is deeply disturbing.
Nevertheless, the UK Government will give an extra £2.26bn to Ukraine, using the profits from sanctioned Russian assets in Europe. This highlights that the UK is stepping up its support to Ukraine so we can defeat Putin’s aggression.
Lastly on Sudan, the escalation of violence in Al Jazirah state is shocking, with shooting at civilians and sexual violence being reported. The Government takes this situation very seriously, and this year, the UK has provided £113.5 million in aid to support those who are fleeing violence in Sudan and those who have fled to neighbouring Chad, South Sudan and Libya.
Nevertheless, this is a humanitarian crisis and moreover this conflict needs to be stopped urgently.
Black History Month
During October we marked Black History Month. During this period, we celebrated the fantastic and historic contributions that black people have made to our country and across the world. By chance, I passed the national Windrush Monument in Waterloo Station in mid-October. It is a deeply moving monument with a wonderful poem inscribed on it.
I was also very pleased to hear from the Home Secretary’s update on what this Government is doing to right the wrongs from the Windrush scandal. This includes appointing a Windrush Commissioner, re-establishing the Windrush Unit, improving the Windrush Compensation Scheme whilst also reviewing pension losses.
This shows that Labour is committed to delivering on its Manifesto commitments to “ensure the victims of the appalling Windrush scandal have their voices heard and the compensation scheme is run effectively, with a new Windrush Commissioner”.
Meeting with the Housing Ombudsman
As you will know, housing is a huge issue in Lewisham East. This is why during the General Election I pledged that improving people’s housing conditions will be one of my priorities. Therefore, I met with Richard Blakeway, the Housing Ombudsman to discuss the challenges facing local social housing.
Whilst progress has been made to increase standards, more action is needed to improve conditions for residents. I am committed to make this happen.
Sickle Cell
For two years I was proud to be chair of the Sickle Cell and Thalassemia APPG and campaigned to implement the recommendations on the ‘No one’s listening report’. However, when I was made a Government Minster, the appointment prevented me from continuing as Chair.
Nevertheless, I was delighted to attend an event at Lewisham Council to see the Sickle Cell Society receiving £11,000 from the Council’s recycling of metals scheme. This money will be used to help society support and campaign for 15,000 people in the UK who suffer from sickle cell.
Meeting the Brownies in Parliament
Last month it was a pleasure to stop and chat with the Brownies and Girl Guides in Parliament to mark International Day of the Girl. I proudly champion them in Lewisham East and my daughter is also a Brownie.
You can read the Girl Guides 16th Girls’ Attitudes survey here, which highlights the experiences of girls in the UK and the challenges they face.
The “Pantry” at Brook Lane Community Church in Downham
Last month I visited an impressive social supermarket ‘The Pantry’ at Brook Lane Community church. During this visit I learnt all about the work they do to support local members in Downham who are struggling during the cost of living crisis and who pay £5 per visit and get to take home £25-£30 of goods per week.
Celebrating Lewisham’s Parks
Lewisham is a fantastic place to live. That is why I have lived here for most of my life and why I am raising a family here. To me it was not a surprise to hear that Lewisham has officially the best performing parks in London!
It was an honour to celebrate with Lewisham Councillors, residents and others at Beckenham Place Park after hearing this news.
Catford Mews
Some of you will have heard that Catford Mews, located in Catford shopping centre has closed. Whilst this is difficult for many people to hear, the owners of the businesses have run up significant arrears to the building owners, Catford Regeneration Partnership Limited (CRPL) which is owned by Lewisham Council. Whilst a lot of work has gone into avoiding this situation, CRPL and the Council simply cannot carry on with the current level of financial burden.
I am pleased that CRPL are proactively looking for a tenant to take over the space to ensure that local people do not lose out.
Thank you for reading this newsletter.
Best wishes,
Janet