Weekly Update
📢 Have Your Say Now On Children’s Online Safety
The UK Government has just launched a national consultation called Growing up in the Online World, and your views matter.
From the many emails I receive on this issue, I know just how strongly people feel about it. This is an important opportunity for parents, carers, young people and residents of Enfield North to help shape future policies on children’s experiences online.
The consultation explores key questions about the impact of digital technology on children’s wellbeing, including:
📳 Whether there should be a minimum age for social media
📳 How risky features like autoplay and infinite scroll could be restricted
📳 Improving age verification and parental controls
📳 How mobile phones are used in schools
📳 Supporting families to strike the right balance online
Take part and please share your views here - closes on 26 May 2026
Let’s work together to make the online world safer and more positive for young people in Enfield North.
💷 Labour’s Plan for a Stronger Economy
We heard from the Chancellor in the Spring Statement this week, and I was pleased to hear once again that this Labour Government has a clear economic plan for Britain - focused on stability, growth and putting more money back into the pockets of Enfield North residents.
Across the country, families have faced years of economic uncertainty and rising costs. Our approach is about restoring stability to the public finances while investing in Britain’s future and delivering real improvements for working people.
Cutting the cost of living
We are taking practical steps to help households manage everyday costs:
£150 taken off the average household energy bill, rising to around £300 for many lower-income families.
Rail fares frozen for the first time in 30 years.
Prescription charges frozen for a second consecutive year, helping to keep healthcare affordable.
Stabilising the public finances
Our responsible economic approach is helping to reduce borrowing and bring down costs across the economy:
Six interest rate cuts, helping families save over £1,300 on a typical new fixed-rate mortgage.
Borrowing at its lowest level for six years.
£3 billion less expected to be spent on debt interest by 2030–31 compared with forecasts in the Autumn.
Growing the economy
Despite global uncertainty, Britain’s economy remains resilient and is now growing faster than any other European country in the G7.
The Office for Budget Responsibility forecasts that:
GDP per head will grow by 5.6% over the course of this Parliament, faster than expected at the time of the Budget.
Families are expected to be over £1,000 a year better off in real terms by the next election.
Our plan is about building a stronger, fairer economy - with stability in our public finances, investment in infrastructure and reforms that support long-term growth.
That progress matters for communities like Enfield North, and it is why maintaining a responsible economic plan is so important for Britain’s future.
🔨Supporting Local Entrepreneurs in Enfield North
It was a real pleasure to visit Capital City College (CONEL) in Enfield North recently to meet the inspiring entrepreneurs taking part in the Get Britain Working Trailblazer programme.
During the visit, we heard directly from residents who have faced barriers to employment and are now building new opportunities through the support and training provided by the programme. Their stories were a powerful reminder of the talent, determination and creativity that exists across our community.
I was pleased to be joined by Deputy Mayor of London, Howard Dawber and Leader of Enfield Council Ergin Erbil, and together we had the opportunity to listen to participants about how the programme has helped them develop skills, grow their ideas and move closer to sustainable employment.
Enfield has always been a borough full of talent and ambition. Initiatives like the Get Britain Working Trailblazer programme are helping ensure that more residents can turn that ambition into real opportunity.
💟 ⚽ Celebrating International Women’s Day at Enfield Town FC
It was fantastic to attend the International Women’s Day match at Enfield Town FC.
The atmosphere at the Dave Bryant Stadium was brilliant, with local performances, family-friendly stalls and a great crowd coming together to celebrate women and girls in sport.
Entry was free for girls and women, helping to encourage the next generation of female players and supporters to get involved in the game.
Community sport plays such an important role in bringing people together, and events like this are a wonderful reminder of the positive impact local clubs like Enfield Town FC have across our community.
📚 Celebrating World Book Day
It was World Book Day this week - a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the joy of reading and encourage every child to discover the power of books.
Reading is one of the most important gifts we can give young people. It helps develop language and communication skills, sparks imagination, builds empathy and understanding, and lays the foundations for lifelong learning and opportunity.
And of course, a good book is often the best way to keep children away from screens and social media for a while!
At home, my children are currently enjoying Dirty Beasts by Roald Dahl and You Choose by Pippa Goodhart, and it’s always wonderful to see the excitement that a great story can bring.
World Book Day also offers £1 books, helping ensure that more children can access stories and start their own reading adventures.
Strengthening UK–Germany Trade Links
It was a pleasure this week to meet German Ambassador Susanne Baumann in my role as the UK Trade Envoy to Germany.
Germany is one of the United Kingdom’s most important trading partners and a key ally across Europe. Our two countries work closely together across a wide range of sectors - from advanced manufacturing and clean energy to technology and innovation. Strengthening these economic ties is vital for supporting British businesses, boosting exports and creating high-quality jobs across the UK.
Our discussion focused on the importance of continuing to deepen the strong economic relationship between the UK and Germany, and the many opportunities ahead for collaboration and investment.
As Trade Envoy, I am committed to helping British businesses grow their presence in Germany and ensuring that the UK remains an attractive destination for German investment. Strong partnerships with allies like Germany play an essential role in driving economic growth and prosperity here in Enfield North and right across the UK.
Have a great week!
Best wishes
Feryal