Weekly Update
My Weekly Parliamentary Update
🌟 Putting Enfield North Families First 🌟
Parents in Enfield North are set to benefit from greater support right on their doorstep as the Labour Government rolls out Best Start Family Hubs in every local authority. This major investment will relieve pressure on families and give half a million more children the very best start in life.
For too long, postcodes have dictated the support available. Under the system left by the Conservatives, 1 in 4 families with children under five couldn’t access local children’s centres or Family Hubs-rising to 1 in 3 for lower-income families. This left thousands of parents cut off from vital community networks and specialist services, struggling alone with the challenges of parenthood.
Labour’s Best Start Family Hubs will change that. They’ll act as a one-stop shop for families needing support with breastfeeding, housing issues, or children’s early development and language-ensuring easy local access or efficient referral to specialist help.
Rolling out in every local authority by April 2026, these hubs will offer:
✅ Stay-and-play groups to help parents connect
✅ Sessions supporting children's emotional needs
✅ A single access point for health, education, and wellbeing services
Backed by over £500 million, the rollout will transform existing Family Hubs and the Start for Life programme, aiming to create up to 1,000 hubs across the country by 2028.
⭐ Building on the successful legacy of Sure Start, Labour’s plans will draw on what worked before, helping ensure no family is left behind.
This is part of Labour’s wider mission to make family life easier, including:
✅Expanding 30 hours of government-funded childcare
✅ Increasing school-based nurseries
✅ Rolling out free breakfast clubs in every primary school to support working parents
Together, we’re making Enfield North an even better place to raise a family. ❤️
🤝 Strengthening UK–France Science and Technology Ties
This week, in my Ministerial role, I was honoured to accompany President Macron to an event at Imperial College London showcasing the growing strength of the UK–France science and technology partnership.
The event featured:
✨ A one-hour tech-focused session, including a fireside chat between President Macron and entrepreneurs Demis Hassabis (DeepMind) and Arthur Mensch (Mistral AI).
✨ A focus on promoting the strong UK–France science and technology relationship.
✨ The opportunity to meet university and research leaders alongside the Secretary of State, Peter Kyle, President Macron, and Minister Chappaz, and to hear about new bilateral agreements supporting research and innovation.
This partnership with France demonstrates the Labour Government’s shared commitment to driving cutting-edge research, fostering innovation, and deepening collaboration between the UK and France in the fields that will shape the future.
Honouring the 7/7 Anniversary: 20 Years On
This week marked 20 years since the 7th July bombings in London - a day that changed our city and our country forever.
We honour and remember all those who lost their lives in these devastating attacks. Our thoughts are with their families, loved ones, and all those who continue to feel the pain of that day.
We also pay heartfelt tribute to the extraordinary responders - the paramedics, police officers, firefighters, NHS staff, and countless others - who ran towards danger with courage and compassion. Their bravery saved lives and reminded us of the very best of our shared humanity.
The impact of 7/7 was felt across London and beyond. If any Enfield North residents were personally affected at the time or have since been involved in remembrance, their stories contribute to the shared legacy of that day.
We remember.
And we stand united.
🏫 Visiting Brimsdown Primary School
I recently had the pleasure of visiting Brimsdown Primary School to meet with pupils, staff, and the school’s leadership team.
I had a really engaging discussion with Headteacher Stuart Pope and other staff members about the fantastic work they are doing to support their students, as well as the challenges they’re facing.
One of the highlights of the visit was meeting the brilliant school council, who shared their thoughts on school life and their ambitions for the future of Brimsdown. It was inspiring to hear directly from these young voices about what matters most to them.
As part of the visit, I was also given a full tour of the school, where I saw first-hand the enthusiasm and dedication of both students and teachers in the classroom.
A huge thank you to everyone at Brimsdown for such a warm welcome. I look forward to continuing to work with the school to support its students, staff, and the wider community.
🌳 Protecting Ancient Trees like the Whitewebbs Oak 🌳
Many residents have been in touch about the felling of the Whitewebbs Oak, a much-loved ancient tree in our area so I wrote to the Mary Creagh MP, the Minister for Nature, to press for stronger protections for these irreplaceable habitats.
In response, the Environment Department confirmed that ancient and veteran trees are recognised as vital for wildlife, heritage and the environment, with protections in planning rules, biodiversity regulations, and felling licences.
They also shared news that a government-funded review has looked at the threats to England’s most valuable trees and the effectiveness of existing protections.
The review was led by the Tree Council and Forest Research with expert input. Ministers are now considering the review’s recommendations to improve safeguards for ancient trees like the Whitewebbs Oak.
I will continue to follow up to ensure these precious parts of our natural heritage get the protection they deserve.
🎨 New Funding Opportunity: Amazon’s Regional Creatives Fund
I wanted to share news of an exciting funding opportunity that may be of interest to groups and charities across Enfield North.
Amazon has launched its Regional Creatives Fund, offering grants of up to £30,000 to UK charities developing creative industry career pathways - helping people from underserved communities access careers in sectors such as publishing, music, gaming, film, TV, fashion, and advertising.
This initiative aligns with the Labour Government’s new Creative Places Growth Fund and is designed to support Greater London communities, including those right here in Enfield North.
📌 Key details for interested organisations
Individual charities can apply for up to £30,000
Consortium applications (two or more organisations) can apply for up to £100,000
Applications are open until 31st August 2025
Eligible applicants must be registered UK charities with annual income under £5 million
Organisations must be running programmes that upskill people from underserved communities
Successful applicants won’t just receive funding. Amazon will also provide pro bono support through its creative industry professionals, including:
✅ Mentoring and advice
✅ Work experience and placement opportunities
✅ Digital training from Amazon Music, Prime Video, and Amazon Games
🎬 This is a fantastic opportunity for local charities in Enfield North which are working to create meaningful pathways into the creative industries for people who might otherwise be excluded.
☕ 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!