Weekly Update
My Weekly Parliamentary Update
📣 A Historic Commitment to National Security - and Jobs for Communities Like Ours
At this week’s NATO Summit in The Hague, the Prime Minister made a landmark commitment: the new Labour Government will spend 5% of GDP on defence and national security - the biggest investment in Britain’s resilience in a generation.
This matters for all of us in Enfield North - because national security is not just about military strength, it’s about good jobs, safe communities, and long-term economic stability.
Standing with Our Allies, Supporting Ukraine
The world feels increasingly uncertain. Across NATO, our allies face growing threats - particularly from Putin’s Russia. The Labour Government is stepping up to meet that challenge.
We're deepening our commitment to NATO
We're standing firm in support of Ukraine
And we’re making sure Russia - not Ukraine - pays the price for Putin’s illegal war
Labour will use the proceeds of seized Russian assets to help Ukraine defend itself and rebuild - because the security of Ukraine is vital to the security of the UK.
💼 Jobs, Skills and Economic Security for Enfield North
Labour's new National Security Strategy links our global responsibilities with the need to deliver here at home. It’s not just about defence - it’s about rebuilding Britain’s industrial strength and investing in our people.
This means:
✅ Good, stable jobs for working people
✅ Growth in clean energy, tech and manufacturing
✅ Skills and opportunities for young people in our community
Whether it’s through local supply chains, apprenticeships, or defence-linked industries, this investment will bring real benefits to families across the UK.
🔴 Labour Is the Party of Security and Strength
The Conservatives hollowed out our armed forces and never once spent 2.5% of GDP on defence in 14 years.
Now, Labour is turning the page - investing in Britain’s safety, rebuilding our reputation abroad, and making our country stronger and more secure.
A Fairer Benefits System: Reassurance for Enfield North Residents
I know many in Enfield North are worried about the proposed changes to Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and wider welfare reform. I want to reassure everyone who relies on this vital support.
The Government has listened to concerns raised by MPs and charities.
Two key changes have now been made:
The Government will ensure that all of those currently receiving PIP will stay within the current system. The new eligibility requirements will be implemented from November 2026 for new claims only.
The Government will adjust the pathway of Universal Credit payment rates to make sure all existing recipients of the UC health element – and any new claimant meeting the severe conditions criteria – have their incomes fully protected in real terms.
Beyond these protections, the reforms aim to make the system fairer and more respectful, with:
An end to repeat reassessments for those unable to work
A £725 permanent annual increase to the Universal Credit standard allowance
A new “right to try” work without fear of reassessment
Extra transitional support for anyone affected in future
£1 billion more each year in employment support for disabled people
There will also be a ministerial review of the PIP assessment process, co-produced with disabled people and their representatives, to ensure it is fair and fit for the future.
I know any talk of changes can be unsettling. These reforms are being designed with care and compassion to reduce anxiety and make the system work better for everyone.
If you have questions or need support with your case, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. My team and I are here to help.
🛠️ Labour’s New Industrial Strategy 🛠️️
I was delighted to represent businesses across Enfield North in a conversation with Jonathan Reynolds MP, Secretary of State for Business and Trade, to discuss Labour’s new Industrial Strategy and what it means for jobs, investment, and growth in our area.
The Strategy is a bold 10-year plan to unlock investment, cut energy costs, boost skills, and create 1.1 million good jobs.
✅ Slashing industrial electricity prices
✅ 60,000 new training opportunities
✅ Backing world-class British industries
✅ Long-term certainty for business
This is a turning point - a modern, mission-driven strategy to grow the economy and put more money in people’s pockets.
It’s the end of short-term sticking plasters.
It’s the start of rebuilding Britain’s industrial strength.
🌍 Backing British Business: A Trade Strategy for Growth in Enfield North and Beyond
This week the Labour Government unveiled its new Trade Strategy - a bold plan to help British businesses sell more, grow faster, and compete globally. It’s a promise to industry and entrepreneurs alike: we’re on your side, delivering the tools to thrive in a changing world.
For businesses in Enfield North, this strategy means more opportunities to export, expand, and create good local jobs - especially in key sectors like manufacturing, tech, and clean energy.
📦 Connecting Enfield North to Global Markets
Under this Government, the UK will become the most connected market in the world, giving local firms the global access they need to scale up.
We’ve already delivered major trade agreements with key partners like the United States, India and the European Union.
These deals protect jobs and drive growth nationwide - and they will be backed by new support to help small and medium-sized firms here in Enfield North benefit directly from global opportunities.
🛡️Protecting What We Build, Defending British Interests
The world is changing - and so must the way we trade. Our new strategy recognises a tougher geopolitical climate and takes a hard-headed, national interest approach to economic diplomacy.
We’re:
✅ Sharpening our trade defence tools to protect British firms from unfair practices
✅ Striking targeted trade deals that deliver real results in sectors that matter
✅ Supporting high-growth industries of the future - from green tech to digital services
📈 A Plan for Change - with Enfield at the Heart
This strategy is part of the wider Plan for Change: rebuilding Britain’s economic foundations, restoring stability, and putting more money in people’s pockets.
In Enfield North, that means:
New opportunities for local businesses to export and expand
Support for entrepreneurs and high-growth sectors
Stable, skilled jobs in the industries that will define the future
After years of chaos and short-termism, this Labour Government is delivering the strategic leadership our economy needs - and giving communities like ours the confidence to invest, grow and succeed.
🏫 Future Leaders in the House 🏫
It was so lovely to welcome the brilliant children of Carterhatch Junior School to Parliament this week. They gave me a proper grilling, asking fantastic questions about how Parliament works, what MPs actually do, and why I wanted to stand for election in the first place!
We talked about the importance of democracy, representing your community, and always standing up for what you believe in. I hope the session inspired a few future MPs in the making! A real pleasure to meet such a bright, curious and engaged group of young people.
If you are a teacher and would like a school visit to Parliament for free during the autumn term (September to December 2025) then contact the Education and Engagement Team directly at engage@parliament.uk or 020 7219 4496.
Protecting Our Children from Online Harm
As a parent, I know how vital it is to protect our children from the dangers they can face online.
This week in the House of Commons, in my Ministerial role, I spoke about the action this government is taking to make the internet a safer place - removing harmful content that promotes pornography, self-harm, eating disorders, and suicide.
Every child deserves to grow up safe, supported, and protected - both offline and online. That means holding platforms to account and ensuring parents can have confidence that their children are not being exposed to dangerous content.
There’s more to do, but we’re determined to make real progress.
🍷 Time to Wine Down — Last Days to Celebrate English Wine Week! 🍷
Only a few days left to celebrate English Wine Week!
I couldn’t be prouder that we have a world-class vineyard right here in Enfield North - and this year, Forty Hall Vineyard has won a Silver Medal for their sparkling wine at the Independent English Wine Awards. 🥂
Let’s support local - pick up a bottle and raise a glass this weekend 👉 www.fortyhallvineyard.com
☕ Join Me for a Coffee Morning in Bullsmoor ☕
My next community coffee morning will take place in Bullsmoor on Saturday 19 July, where I’ll be joined by your local Bullsmoor councillors, Destiny Karakus and Kate Analoe.
These informal events are a great opportunity to have a friendly chat, raise any concerns, and hear more about the work we’re doing to improve life here in Enfield North.
Whether it’s a local issue affecting your street or a broader concern about housing, healthcare, schools or safety, I’m here to listen - and so are my dedicated caseworkers, who’ll be on hand to take up any personal matters on your behalf.
Everyone is welcome, just register your interest here 👉 feryalclark.org.uk/bullsmoor and let’s talk about how we can make Bullsmoor an even better place to live.
I hope to see you there!