Weekly Update
My Weekly Parliamentary Update
♻️ Greener Power, Smarter Savings for Schools in Enfield North
Several schools across Enfield North are getting a clean energy upgrade as this Labour Government rolls out clean energy upgrades for public buildings, to cut energy bills and save taxpayers money.
After my talks with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero I’m delighted that £18 million will be used by schools across Enfield North to connect to the Meridian Water Heat Network, a district heating system.
Heron Hall Academy, Capital City College Enfield centre, Waverley School and Oasis Academy will all benefit from the government grant, reducing overall fuel and maintenance costs.
The Meridian Water Heat Network in Enfield will utilise waste heat from the nearby North London Waste Authority's Energy Recovery Facility at Edmonton EcoPark. The facility will recover heat generated from the incineration of non-recyclable waste, providing a low-carbon energy source for the network. As waste heat is used, this also means less exposure to fluctuations in gas prices.
Once connected, the network is expected to deliver significant environmental benefits, including a reduction in carbon emissions by over 90% compared to traditional gas boiler systems.
Families and businesses in Enfield North have paid the price of Conservative failure on energy security. As we build a system that can bring down bills for good, we are determined to fix the broken energy market and support families struggling now.
A New UK–EU Agreement: Backing British Jobs, Growing Our Economy, and Easing Everyday Trade
The Prime Minister this week announced a major new agreement with the European Union – the third major deal in as many weeks. This wide-ranging deal delivers on our core mission to grow the economy, back British jobs, and put more money in people’s pockets.
🔄 Cutting Red Tape, Rebuilding Trade with Europe
A new UK–EU deal slashes red tape for food and drink businesses, easing border delays and cutting costs. Routine checks on many animal and plant products will go, helping lower prices and increase consumer choice.
Reconnecting with Our Biggest Market
Exports to the EU fell 21% post-Brexit. This deal reopens access for British products like sausages and burgers, protecting jobs and revitalising trade.
🌍 Smarter Climate and Energy Cooperation
Linking UK and EU carbon markets will save British businesses up to £800 million a year and strengthen energy security.
🔧 Backing British Industry and Fishing
UK steel avoids £25 million in EU tariffs. A 12-year fishing agreement protects access and rights, alongside a £360 million boost for coastal communities.
👮 Stronger Security and Easier Travel
New talks will enhance cross-border crime-fighting and expand eGate access for UK travellers. Pet passports are also back.
👩🎓 Opportunities for Young People
Plans for a youth mobility scheme will allow work and travel across Europe, with strict caps. New cooperation will also tackle illegal migration and border crime.
🔴 No Return to the EU
This agreement respects UK red lines – no return to the single market, customs union, or free movement. It’s a forward-looking deal that boosts trade, supports jobs, and strengthens ties with Europe on our terms.
The Tories dithered and delayed. Labour is getting on with the job. In just two weeks, we have secured trade deals with India, the US and now, a new deal with the EU.
The Ongoing War in Gaza
Like many of you, I am deeply concerned about the ongoing war in Gaza, alongside the wider situation in the Middle East, and I continue to closely monitor the ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas which are currently ongoing in Qatar.
The level of suffering in Gaza is intolerable, and the UN has warned that half a million Palestinians face starvation. The lack of aid reaching ordinary Gazans is appalling.
The Labour Government is clear: the Israeli government’s failure to allow full humanitarian access to aid workers is abhorrent.
The denial of essential humanitarian aid to the civilian population is unacceptable and risks breaching international law. We have also condemned wholeheartedly the language threatening that, in their despair at the destruction of Gaza, civilians will start to relocate.
Israel suffered a heinous terrorist attack on October 7, and we have always supported Israel’s right to defend Israelis against terrorism.
This week we announced new sanctions on extremist Israeli settlers, taken in response to the persistent cycle of serious violence in the occupied West Bank.
Following a dramatic surge in settler violence, 3 individuals, 2 illegal outposts, and 2 organisations are now subject to measures including financial restrictions, travel bans and director disqualifications. We have also paused free trade agreement negotiations with Israel.
And on Wednesday the Government announced £4m of new humanitarian support for Gazans as the Minister reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to driving peace in the region. This shows that the UK stands ready to provide the urgent aid to those who desperately need it.
The new UK support will cover essential medicines and medical supplies for up to 32,000 people, safe drinking water for up to 60,000 people, and food parcels for up to 14,000 people.
We are clear that Israel will not achieve security through prolonging the suffering of Palestinian people.
It is a ceasefire, the release of all remaining hostages, and a long-term political solution that offer the best hope of ending the agony of the hostages and their families, alleviating the suffering of civilians in Gaza, ending Hamas’ control of Gaza and achieving a pathway to a two-state solution.
The Labour government continues to lead international calls for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of hostages cruelly held by Hamas and for Israel to protect civilians and lift unacceptable restrictions on the flow of aid.
🚶🚶🏻♀️🚶🏾♂️ Sore Feet, Big Impact: Supporting Cancer Care in Enfield
Last Friday, I had the privilege of joining over 1,200 Enfield residents for the Nightingale Cancer Support Centre’s annual Night Hike in Enfield.
The hike started at the Enfield Civic Centre, where the Nightingale team orchestrated a memorable event, complete with warm-up sessions and photo opportunities, setting the tone for the journey ahead.
I was inspired by the collective spirit and determination of our community, all walking to support those affected by cancer, and although I ended up with sore feet, each step taken was a testament to our shared commitment to ensuring that no one faces cancer alone.
The £104,000 raised from the event is vital in allowing the Nightingale Cancer Support Centre to continue offering free services - ranging from emotional support to complementary therapies - to individuals and families navigating the challenges of cancer.
If you’re interested in supporting or learning more about the Nightingale Cancer Support Centre, please click here.
My Visit to the North London Hospice
It was a pleasure to chat with Declan and Wolfie from the North London Hospice today to hear more about the incredible work they do to support patients and families across Enfield North at the most difficult times in their lives.
The new Labour Government is delivering the biggest investment in hospices in a generation, and I’m proud that hospices across London are set to benefit.
A total of £100 million in capital funding has been announced to improve facilities, modernise IT systems, and create more comfortable environments for patients and their families.
Hospices are a lifeline for so many in our Enfield North community, and this investment reflects our commitment to protecting and strengthening end-of-life care for all who need it.
One of the Best Places to Live – and I Couldn't Agree More
You may have read the fantastic news that Ridgeway has been recognised as one of the best places to live in the UK.
It’s always been clear to those of us lucky enough to live here in Enfield North that our community has something truly special. But now, that sense of pride is backed by research carried out by the Guardian.
The study looked at everything from easy access to beautiful parks, rivers and green space, to reliable local transport, good healthcare, clean air, and strong community spirit, and Ridgeway scored highly across the board. Culture also played a key role – with proximity to cinemas, libraries, museums, pubs and theatres all contributing to a high ranking.
Perhaps most importantly, this research reflects what so many residents tell me: this is a place where people look out for one another, where community matters, and where there’s a real sense of belonging.
I’ll continue working to ensure that everyone in our constituency can enjoy the best possible quality of life – protecting our green spaces, strengthening our services, and investing in the things that make this such a great place to call home.
🏆 North London Rejoices – Spurs Win the Europa League! ⚽
Look away now Enfield North Gooners... but there's a new spring in the step of many across Enfield North this week as Spurs lifted the UEFA Europa League trophy, putting a very big smile on the face of north London!
It was a night of drama and passion, and whether you watched it at home, in one of the fantastic pubs across Enfield North with friends, or heard the cheers echoing down your street, it was a moment to remember.
Of course, this win isn’t just a boost for fans - it’s a boost for the whole community. From the jobs and investment Spurs bring to Enfield, to the work their Foundation does with young people in our borough, the impact of this club goes far beyond the pitch.
So, congratulations to Spurs, and to all the long-suffering fans who can finally say it: We’ve won a European trophy!
Now, let’s just hope we don’t have to wait quite so long for the next one...