Weekly Update
My Weekly Parliamentary Update
📈 Growth. Stability. Progress: Labour’s Economic Plan in Action
The UK now has the fastest growth in the G7. This is great news and worth shouting about.
The Office for National Statistics reports that the UK economy grew by 0.7% in Q1 of 2025, debunking Tory-fuelled recession warnings while making working people in Enfield North better off.
The Tories crashed the economy. With Labour, in the first three months of the year, the UK economy has grown faster than the US, Canada, France, Italy and Germany.
We've had four interest rate cuts since July and wages are rising faster than prices. But I know the Tory cost of living crisis isn’t over in Enfield North, so the government will go further and faster to deliver for working people.
The Chancellor, Rachel Reeves said: “The growth figures show the strength and potential of the UK economy. Against a backdrop of global uncertainty, we are making the right choices in the national interest. But there is more to do.”
Our Plan for Change is working.
🏫 Building Brighter Futures in Enfield North
It was a real pleasure to welcome Bridget Phillipson, the Secretary of State for Education, to Nursery on the Green here in Enfield North to discuss the Labour Government’s plans to deliver 30 hours of free, government-funded childcare for working parents.
This transformational policy will ease pressure on families, help parents return to work, and ensure every child gets the best possible start in life — no matter their background.
During our visit, I was delighted to see first-hand the dedication, warmth, and professionalism of the early years staff in the Nursery on the Green, who are doing an incredible job supporting children’s development in those crucial first years. Their passion and commitment are a powerful reminder of why investment in early education is so important — and why Labour is making it a priority.
This is what delivering for working families looks like.
🚆 Greater Anglia to Return to Public Ownership – A Win for Passengers
The Labour Government has confirmed that Greater Anglia will return to public ownership on 12th October, marking a major step in our plan to rebuild Britain’s broken rail network in the interests of passengers, not private profit.
This is welcome news for Enfield North residents who, for far too long, have endured delays, cancellations, overcrowded trains, and poor customer service on Greater Anglia services.
I know Enfield North residents rely on Greater Anglia to get to work, to school, and to see loved ones, and despite paying high fares, passengers have too often been let down by a private operator more focused on shareholder returns than service standards.
Greater Anglia is an issue I discussed with Lord Hendy, Minster for Rail, in my recent meeting so I’m delighted that bringing the line back into public hands means it will be run for the benefit of passengers rather than for private profit.
It will allow for greater accountability and transparency, ensuring decisions are made in the public interest. Public ownership also creates the opportunity to reinvest directly into improving services and upgrading stations. And with better coordination across the network, we can expect more reliable, more frequent, and better-integrated train services for the communities who depend on them.
This is what a government focused on working people looks like - delivering better public services and putting passengers first.
And a reminder that there will be no trains to/from London Kings Cross/Moorgate this weekend 17/18 May which will affect Enfield North Great Northern/Thameslink services.
Please check before you travel.
📰 Immigration White Paper
In our manifesto, we committed to reducing net migration and introducing a proper, points-based system - one that puts fairness and skills at the heart of immigration.
This week’s White Paper delivers exactly that. The Labour Government is taking decisive action to fix a broken immigration system and deliver on our Plan for Change.
The Conservatives left behind an immigration system spiralling out of control. Despite years of promises to cut numbers, they presided over a quadrupling of net migration to nearly one million, with an overreliance on an overseas workforce to fill roles in a crumbling social care sector. They also failed to tackle the horrendous abuse of some of the most vulnerable people by smuggling gangs.
This is a new chapter for immigration - one that is fair, controlled, and rooted in our values as a welcoming nation.
I recognise the hopes and ambitions of those who want to build a life here, and I honour the incredible contribution immigrants have made to our society, but to maintain public trust, we must ensure the system works for everyone - with clear rules, high standards, and a focus on fairness.
Our goal is an immigration system that strengthens Britain and delivers opportunity, security, and social cohesion for all who call this country home.
While it is right that the government sets clear, fair, and transparent rules on migration, these policies must also reflect the best of British values - compassion, tolerance, and our proud tradition of being a welcoming country.
A balanced approach is not only possible, but also essential for maintaining public trust and upholding our moral responsibility to those seeking safety, opportunity, or a better life.
🚨 Face Coverings, Fences, and Fixes: Action at Enfield Town FC
Yesterday I held a walkabout at Enfield Town FC with representatives from the Rugby Club, local police, Enfield Council, and ward councillors to discuss ongoing issues affecting the grounds and wider area.
We’ve seen repeated unauthorised access to the pitch, with individuals overriding switches or climbing fences. More worryingly, we discussed recent incidents where youth coaches and children arriving early for training have been attacked - often by individuals on scooters and wearing face coverings.
We also discussed antisocial behaviour linked to A10 car meets - dangerous driving and general misuse of the car park.
Next steps and actions we’re exploring:
Repositioning and improving CCTV coverage, with monitoring and feedback from the Council’s CCTV team
Better signage to make clear that the area is monitored
Reviewing enforcement of existing injunctions and managing access to public car parks
Restoring barriers along the side road (“Soldiers Alley”) to reduce illegal motorbike use