Weekly Update
My Weekly Parliamentary Update
Feeding Futures in Enfield North🌟🥪
For too long, child poverty has been a stain on this country. This Labour Government is on a moral mission to end it – for good. Every child deserves the chance to thrive, and where you're from should never determine where you end up in life.
That’s why we’re taking action - with over half a million more children now receiving free school meals. This builds on our existing commitments, including free breakfast clubs in every primary school and cutting the cost of school uniforms, helping families across the country and giving every child the best start in life.
We believe that every child deserves excellence – wherever they live, and whatever their background. By investing in support for disadvantaged children, we're investing in their future, helping them learn, grow, and succeed in school and in life.
But let’s be clear: more children needing free school meals is not a cause for celebration. Our goal is to lift families out of poverty – to put more money back into parents’ pockets, not just more children on free school meals.
In Enfield North, this means more children learning well, thriving, and not going hungry.
A government that puts children first... finally.
Faster Cancer Treatment for Enfield North đź’™
Thousands of cancer patients here in Enfield North – are set to benefit from faster, safer cancer treatment, thanks to the Labour government’s investment in cutting-edge radiotherapy machines.
North Midds hospital will be one of the sites receiving these new machines. The technology will help cut waiting times, reduce the number of radiotherapy rounds patients need, and treat cancers in hard-to-reach areas like the chest, abdomen and pelvis.
The rollout is backed by ÂŁ70 million of Labour government funding as part of the Plan for Change, aimed at transforming cancer care nationwide. The new machines will help deliver up to 27,500 additional treatments per year by March 2027, and prevent thousands of appointments being lost due to outdated equipment.
Labour is delivering the investment our NHS desperately needs – and the change our communities deserve.
A New Era for UK Defence: Strategic Defence Review 2025
This week marks an important milestone in Britain’s national security: the publication of the first Strategic Defence Review (SDR) in 25 years – a comprehensive, forward-looking plan to ensure the UK is safe at home and strong abroad.
Led by John Healey MP, Secretary of State for Defence, Lord George Robertson, General Sir Richard Barrons, and Dr Fiona Hill, the SDR has drawn on deep expertise from across government, the military, and industry.
The world has changed – and so must the UK. We are now in a new era of threat that demands a bold, modern approach to deterrence and defence. That’s why the SDR sets out a shift to warfighting readiness and a “NATO first” policy that reaffirms the UK’s leadership within the alliance and our commitment to European security.
The Review outlines a 10-year vision for the future of our Armed Forces, including:
Embracing AI, drones and digital warfare alongside traditional strength
Rapid procurement and innovation – weeks, not years
Greater integration across military branches and the private sector
Investment in both security and prosperity – making defence an engine of growth for communities across the UK
The Labour Government is also increasing defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027, with an ambition to rise to 3% in the next Parliament, when fiscal conditions allow.
You can read the Strategic Defence Review here:
The Strategic Defence Review 2025 - Making Britain Safer: secure at home, strong abroad - GOV.UK
Cheers to a New Chapter for the Crown & Horseshoes 🍻
It was an absolute joy to cut the ribbon at the reopening of the Crown & Horseshoes in River View this week. After a major refurbishment, the pub looks absolutely stunning – a real gem in Enfield North.
It’s fantastic to see local businesses thriving and investing in our community. The Crown & Horseshoes is a great example of how much-loved venues can be revitalised to bring people together, support jobs, and boost the local economy.
Pop in and see the transformation for yourself – and don't forget Father’s Day on June 15th ⤵️ www.greeneking.co.uk/pubs/middlesex/crown-and-horseshoes
🌊 A Meeting with Steve Reed MP: Making a Splash for Clean Rivers
It was great to speak with Steve Reed MP, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs 🌿, about the action our Labour Government is taking to clean up our rivers – and keep them clean for good.
I shared memories of canoeing on the River Lee as a child. Like many in Enfield, I wouldn’t do that now because of the sewage dumped into it. That has to change – and under Labour, it will.
Polluters will no longer get a free pass. The new Water Act bans bonuses for six of the worst-performing water companies – including Thames Water and United Utilities – with immediate effect. After years of failure and £112 million in executive bonuses under the Conservatives, Labour is drawing a line. Two-thirds of water companies in England are now subject to bonus bans.
This is about protecting nature, public health, and restoring trust. Labour is ending the sewage scandal and delivering the clean-up our communities deserve.
🌳 Standing Up for Enfield’s Trees: Letter to the Minister Following Whitewebbs Felling 🌳
Following the distressing felling of the oak near the Toby Carvery, I have written to the Minster for Nature to raise serious concerns about the lack of protections for urban trees outside conservation areas or without a Tree Preservation Order (TPO).
I’m very pleased with the swift action taken by Enfield Council in placing TPOs on every tree at the Toby Carvery site - this incident has understandably caused upset in our community. Residents rightly expect that healthy, mature trees – especially those with ecological and community value – are properly protected from unnecessary removal.
Yet too often, the current system leaves trees vulnerable, with limited accountability. That’s something we must urgently address.
In my letter, I’ve urged the Minister to:
🌳 Strengthen protections for mature trees in public and community-facing areas
🌳 Review and modernise the TPO system
🌳 Introduce tougher penalties for unauthorised felling and better powers for councils to intervene
Enfield North has led the way on tree planting and urban rewilding through projects like the Chase Restoration Project. But our efforts must be matched by a legal framework that safeguards the trees we already have.
🏫 Investment in Enfield North Schools: Securing Safe and Modern Learning Environments 🏫
I’m pleased to share that three schools in Enfield North will benefit from the 2025–26 round of the Government’s Condition Improvement Fund (CIF) – part of our national investment to ensure school buildings are safe, modern, and fit for the future.
Following a rigorous assessment process, 789 projects across 656 academies, sixth-form colleges, and voluntary-aided schools across England have been awarded a share of £470 million in funding. I’m proud to say that the following local schools will benefit:
Alma Primary School
Keys Meadow Primary School
Worcesters Primary School
This funding will help these schools carry out essential repairs and improvements, particularly where safety or the condition of key facilities is a concern. It’s part of the Labour Government’s wider £2.1 billion capital package to upgrade school infrastructure – a significant rise from last year’s £1.8 billion.
This is good news for Enfield North’s children, families, and communities – and a clear sign of Labour delivering on its promise to invest in the future.