In July, I engaged with charities supporting women and children escaping domestic abuse; supported initiatives to expand opportunities for young people; and worked to protect and improve our local transport network. Nationally, I’ve continued to lead efforts to deliver Labour’s Industrial Strategy, creating jobs and strengthening our economy for the future. 

Below, you’ll find an update on some of the work I’ve been doing. As always, if you need support, want to raise an issue, or share your views, please get in touch. For casework, email [email protected] and for political issues, [email protected]. 

Croydon Business Owners Help Shape UK Small Business Plan

Earlier this year, I brought Croydon business owners together with Small Business Minister Gareth Thomas MP. They shared the challenges facing businesses in Croydon directly with Gareth, helping to shape the UK Government’s new national Small Business Strategy. 

The business owners wanted: 

• Reformed business rates
• Better access to finance
• Improved safety in the town centre   

The new strategy includes: 

• Toughest late-payment laws in 25 years
• £4 billion in small business finance, including 69,000 Start-Up Loans
• Permanent business rate cuts from 2026
• Improved access to high street premises
• 25% less red tape and faster licensing for hospitality
• 13,000 more police officers on the beat
• Easier access for small businesses to win government contracts 

I’ll keep connecting Croydon organisations with the Government to ensure the borough benefits from every opportunity offered. 

Read the full plan here: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/688b1f6f1affbf4bedb7b11d/our-plan-for-small-and-medium-sized-businesses.pdf 

Giving Every Child the Best Start in Life 

The government launched the Better Futures Fund, a £500 million investment that will give hundreds of thousands of children, young people and their families the support they need to reach their full potential.  

Labour is also building on the legacy of Sure Start by investing £500 million to open 1,000 Best Start Family Hubs across England by 2028. 

These hubs will give parents the help they need, ease the burden on working families, and ensure every child has the chance to thrive, no matter their background or where they live. 

School-based nurseries are also expanding faster than expected, with more places ready for September. This will result in 30 hours of government-funded childcare, saving working parents £7,500 a year. 

Supporting Young People in Croydon 

I had the privilege of speaking at the Croydon Youth Consortium alongside some remarkable people. 

Over many years I’ve got to know these incredible organisations, trailblazers with an extraordinary commitment to improving the lives of young people in our borough. 

Labour’s National Youth Strategy will emulate the work of people here in Croydon by handing power back to young people and their communities, while ensuring better coordinated youth services and policy. 

Proud to Support Croydon’s Vital Refuge for Women and Children

Visiting Hestia Charity refuge in Croydon was a privilege. I saw first-hand the vital work being done to support women and children escaping domestic abuse. 

My government is committed to halving violence against women and girls in a generation and such refuges are a part of that scheme. I’m proud that Croydon is home to such an essential and compassionate service. 

Campaign Success: Southern Rail Reconsiders East Croydon Cycle Storage Plans 

After writing to Southern Rail on the closure of East Croydon Station’s secure bicycle storage facility, I was pleased to receive a response that they will be pausing plans for now while they consider improvements to facilities. Well done to all the residents who have led this campaign. I will continue to monitor this issue; I firmly believe in the importance of infrastructure that enables sustainable, low-emission travel in Croydon. 

Biggest Boost to Social Housing in a Generation 

I’m delighted that Labour will deliver 300,000 social and affordable homes through the new £39 billion Social and Affordable Homes Programme. This means millions of families will see their living standards improve, with over 180,000 social homes for rent – six times more than the Tories managed to build. 

Energy Bills Are Finally Coming Down 

After years of soaring costs, the average household will now save £129 a year, with the energy price cap £660 lower than it was at its peak in 2023. Labour is determined to bring down bills for good. 

Connecting People with Jobs and Opportunities   

Millions of commuters and businesses are set to benefit from quicker journeys, as more than 50 road and rail upgrades are given the green light. 

Labour’s new rail and road upgrades will create better access to jobs and opportunities. Labour has announced over fifty road and rail upgrades to: 

• Ease congestion 

• Cut journey times 

• Create greater access to jobs and opportunities 

Delivering on Casework

Over the last month I have received 2,291 cases. The caseload continues to be high, and constituents are often experiencing multiple issues at one time. 37% of cases are related to housing, 13% are related to local government and 6% are related to physical and mental health. Here are some successful outcomes from the past month: 

• Helped a constituent get urgent repairs for severe leaks and worked with the Council to ensure it takes full responsibility for housing going forward.
• Supported someone struggling with fly-tipping in Selhurst, which led to the Council clearing rubbish and unauthorised items from their communal garage.
• Worked with a constituent facing homelessness and serious health issues to secure long-term supported housing, giving them much-needed stability.   

Seven Workplace Changes from Labour You Might Not Know About 

Ban on Exploitative Zero Hours Contracts 

• Right to request contracts guaranteeing minimum hours
• Reasonable notice for shift changes and compensation for cancelled shifts 

Sick Pay From Day 1

• Entitlement to sick pay from your very first day at work

Ending Fire and Rehire 

• Illegal to fire and rehire someone with worse pay or conditions 

Flexible Working as Default 

• Flexible working will be the default option where practical, to help balance work and life 

Day 1 Paternity and Parental Leave 

• Paternity and unpaid parental leave available from day one, no minimum service period required 

Ending Silence on Harassment and Discrimination 

• Ban on bosses using NDAs to silence employees facing harassment or discrimination
• Employees can speak up and seek justice without being forced to stay quiet 

Bereavement Leave Extended to Miscarriages Before 24 Weeks 

• Labour is amending the Employment Rights Bill to allow parents to take time off work if they experience pregnancy loss at any stage 

More Police on Patrol to Keep Town Centres Safe This Summer 

With Labour, over 500 towns, including Croydon, will see increased police patrols this summer to tackle town centre crime and anti-social behaviour. I also met Chief Superintendent Nick Blackburn, who’s been on patrol in Croydon and is now leading efforts to strengthen local policing through data-led strategies and targeted patrols.

Proud to Stand with Women in Parliament  

I’m privileged to work alongside an inspiring group of women. As the 486th female MP in UK Parliament history, I’m proud to be part of the progress we’ve made and grateful to every woman who fought to get us here. We’ve come a long way, but there’s still more progress to be made. 

Sunshine and Celebration at Croydon’s Learning Disability Carnival 

Gorgeous sunshine in Croydon for the Learning Disability Carnival – a wonderful chance to celebrate the talents and contributions of people with learning disabilities from all around the borough. 

Working to Tackle Knife Crime in Croydon 

From my time as Croydon MP, setting up and chairing the APPG on knife crime, and in my former role as Shadow Policing Minister, I’ve seen how knife crime devastates lives. Ninja swords have now be banned — it will be illegal to possess, import, sell or make them. Croydon ran an amnesty scheme throughout July where people could safely surrender ninja swords at dedicated bins. Labour is taking real action to tackle knife crime and make our streets safer.  

Campaign to Include Crystal Palace FC in the Europa League 

We are calling on UEFA to ensure Crystal Palace FC is included in the Europa League competition and that European football comes to South London. I’ve written to UEFA to raise our concerns and support the club’s appeal. 

Read our full public statement below:

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].