Dear friend,

The Government has been working hard to deliver the change that we all want to see – security and renewal as we grow the economy to put more money in working people’s pockets, rebuilding the NHS and strengthening our borders.  

Our Budget invested more than £25 billion in the NHS. That has helped to deliver our manifesto promise of two million more appointments and to bring hospital waiting lists down. Our action to bring economic stability has seen interest rates cut three times, making mortgages cheaper, wages rising faster than prices, inflation back under control and pensions protected. We have protected working people’s payslips from higher taxes, frozen fuel duty and increased the minimum wage to give pay rises of up to £1,400 a year to millions. Next week, 8,200 workers on the minimum wage in Croydon will get a much-needed pay rise. 

Now we’re taking action on issues that the previous government ducked for years to make the country fit for the future. We are reforming the planning rules to build 1.5million homes and will fast track 150 major infrastructure projects. We are nationalising the railways to deliver a better service for customers. We are putting police back on the beat, more teachers into classrooms and creating home-grown energy. Change will take time. Undoing the damage of previous years will need a decade of national renewal. But we have made a strong start. 

Here’s an overview of what I’ve been up to since my last newsletter. As ever, I am here if you want to get in touch with any problems or issues, or if you want to pass on your views or ideas. My email is [email protected].   

Connecting Croydon’s small businesses with Gareth Thomas MP

I want to see businesses in Croydon thrive, which is why I hosted an SME Roundtable with Small Business Minister Gareth Thomas MP, bringing together local business owners to help shape the Government’s new small business strategy. A huge thank you to everyone who attended. 

We heard key suggestions including reforming business rates, improving access to finance, making the Apprenticeship Levy more flexible, and addressing crime and traffic issues in Croydon town centre.  

I’ll keep working to connect small businesses with the government to ensure they get the support they need as the strategy develops.

Thank you to our hard-working GPs 

GPs play a vital role in our community. But I know how frustrating it can be to get an appointment when you need one. That’s why the Labour government is recruiting 1,000 more GPs nationally, bringing back the family doctor, ending the 8am scramble, and cutting red tape so GPs can spend more time with their patients. 

On my recent visit to Brigstock Medical Practice, I saw firsthand the dedication of doctors and staff as they work hard to deliver excellent care despite the pressures. 

Labour is delivering for our NHS 

Labour promised change for our NHS, and we are already delivering. We pledged two million extra NHS appointments—and we’ve delivered them seven months early. Waiting lists have fallen for five months in a row, in Croydon and across the country. Since July, we’ve cut waiting lists by 190,000 nationally. These changes are already making a difference. But we know there’s more to do to get patients seen on time and fix the challenges our NHS faces. We’re only just getting started. 

That’s why, through our Plan for Change, we are: 

• Cutting NHS waiting times from 18 months to 18 weeks by reforming elective care 

• Investing nearly £26 billion to support 4,000 extra appointments each week, build new surgical hubs, and deliver state-of-the-art scanners and radiotherapy machines 

• Developing a ten-year plan with staff and patients to transform the NHS—moving from analogue to digital, from hospital to community, and from sickness to prevention. 

• Laying the foundations for a fairer adult social care system through an independent, cross-party commission 

 

The Crime and Policing Bill will tackle crime and antisocial behaviour  

People will know I dedicated much of my time in Parliament to campaigning on knife crime and researching the policing and prevention action we need to take. I am so pleased the Labour Government is now in a position to act. The Government’s Crime and Policing Bill will take important steps to make our streets safer.

One key part of the Bill is Ronan’s Law, which clamps down on the online sales of knives, following the tragic death of 16-year-old Ronan Kanda, who was killed with a sword bought online. As Shadow Policing Minister, I had the privilege of meeting Ronan’s family while campaigning to reduce knife crime and push for tougher restrictions on dangerous weapons. They have campaigned tirelessly to crack down on online knife sales and close legal loopholes, and I am proud to be part of a Government taking action to protect young people.

The Bill also introduces tougher measures to tackle violence against women and girls, fly-tipping, cybercrime, child sexual abuse, and terrorism, while ensuring that the police have the support they need to tackle crime and antisocial behaviour across the country.

Labour will train up to 60,000 more construction workers to deliver 1.5m British homes  

As the minister responsible for construction, I’m delighted that Labour is investing over £600 million to train up to 60,000 more construction workers, ensuring we have the skilled workforce needed to deliver 1.5 million new homes across the UK and rebuild our roads, rail, and energy infrastructure. 

To strengthen collaboration across the sector, the government will sponsor a new Construction Skills Mission Board, which I’ll co-chair. The Board will develop a skills action plan, provide strategic leadership, and ensure employers can work together to secure the workforce needed to meet future demand. 

Visiting the brilliant BRIT School 

Every time I visit the BRIT School, I’m reminded of what a special place it is. Last week was no different—I met incredible students, saw the passion of their teachers, and heard about the amazing work they do. From performing for voluntary groups to using theatre to support vulnerable people, their impact goes far beyond the classroom.  

A visit to Turf – a thriving arts space in Croydon 

Turf is an amazing gallery and community art space in the Whitgift Centre, creating opportunities for local artists, disability arts groups, and many others. Their work spans multiple floors, offering an inclusive and welcoming space for creativity. 

They’re at the heart of Croydon’s creative scene, but they’re facing real challenges with securing their future and getting much-needed repairs to the building. Despite this, they’re determined to keep expanding their impact, with around 500 people on the waiting list for studio space. If you’re in the area, I highly recommend visiting.  

Securing The Future of Hydrogen in the UK 

As Industry Minister I attended the Hydrogen Delivery Council, which was a wonderful opportunity to showcase not only how far we have come in developing the UK hydrogen energy sector, but also to look to the bright future of the industry.  

Hydrogen is key to decarbonisation across UK energy, and in supporting us to become a clean energy superpower and driving economic growth. From helping us to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and imports, to decarbonising hard-to-electrify sectors like heavy transport and industries – hydrogen is supporting us in ensuring a cleaner, more resilient energy system.  

The government remains committed to supporting hydrogen production and kick-starting the UK’s hydrogen economy. We are taking meaningful steps to make the UK a global leader in hydrogen, driving both decarbonisation and economic growth. 

Securing new investment and job opportunities for the UK space industry  

I announced a multi-million-pound investment from German space company OHB, surrounded by the industry’s major players at Farnborough International Space Show. The investment, used to open a new UK subsidiary at Bristol and Bath Science Park, will create up to 50 new jobs in the West of England, a major win for the local community.  

I also met directly with leaders from Rolls Royce, UK Space, Babcock, Lockheed Martin, Filtronic, and GMV to learn more about their forthcoming plans, the support they need, and talk more about the work my department is leading to boost trade and investment across the space industry.  

We already have an advantage in advanced manufacturing. Now, our Industrial Strategy will bolster this, by ensuring our leading space companies can continue to operate at the scale and pace needed to stay competitive. 

GB energy lights up schools and NHS sites with solar panels

The Labour government’s publicly-owned energy company, GB Energy, is rolling out solar panels on over 400 schools and NHS sites across England – helping save hundreds of millions on energy bills!  

Schools could have up to £25,000 a year, and NHS sites could save up to £45,000! These saving will go straight back into schools and the NHS as part of the government’s Plan for Change to make our public services even better. 

Out speaking to residents on International Women’s Day! 

The strong women of Croydon Labour out in our community on International Women’s Day. What an honour to know these women. 

Young Labour Members Visit Parliament 

Always a joy to give our Young Labour members a tour of Parliament, take them through the Commons and Lords, and talk them through its rich history. A big thanks to our brilliant Business Secretary, Jonathan Reynolds MP, for joining us and answering all their questions! 

Campaigning Ahead of the Local Elections 

This month, I had a great time canvassing in St Albans and Kent, chatting with residents and supporting our colleagues ahead of the local elections in May. It’s always interesting to hear people’s thoughts and see the hard work that goes into local campaigns. Wishing them the best of luck! 

Tackling Child Poverty in Croydon Event 

4in10 is hosting an in-person two-hour event for current or prospective members of London’s Child Poverty Network. 

The event will provide local organisations and residents with up-to-date information on child poverty in Croydon, including emerging challenges, and an overview of the support and training 4in10 offers. It’s also a great opportunity to network with local organisations and others working on similar issues. 

A light lunch and drinks will be provided. 

Event details:
Date: 9 April 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: CVA Resource Centre, 82 London Road, Croydon, CR0 2TB
Register here: https://4in10.org.uk/child-poverty-free-community-croydon/ 

I encourage you to attend if you can! 

Delivering on casework  

Over the last month I have received 2,497 cases. The caseload continues to be high, and constituents are often experiencing multiple issues at one time. 47% of cases are related to housing, 10% are related to local government and 6% are related to cost-of-living issues. 

Here are some examples of the positive outcomes I’ve achieved for the residents involved: 

• A young mother with a small baby, fleeing domestic violence, reached out to me for help. I raised her case with Lewisham Council, and they have successfully rehoused her in suitable accommodation. 

• A woman contacted me about an issue affecting her ability to work due to a misunderstanding with the Home Office. After I got involved, the Home Office apologised and reinstated her right to work in the UK. 

• A gentleman contacted me about broadband issues with Virgin Media. I managed to get this case resolved within 8 days. 

• Another gentleman contacted me after being without heating or hot water for two months. I managed to get this issue resolved and he is being compensated £300 for the inconvenience and delay.  

A huge thanks must go to my small team for all their hard work, and their continued ability to get results. If there is anything I can do as your MP to support you, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with me at [email protected]. 

With best wishes,

Sarah