Weekly Update
🔌 Delivering Energy Security for Britain
This week, the Labour Government has set out a new package of measures to strengthen the UK’s energy security and sovereignty, in response to ongoing instability in the Middle East.
With the country facing its second fossil fuel price shock in less than five years, it is clear that relying on volatile global markets leaves families and businesses exposed. That is why this Labour Government believes the only sustainable route to economic, energy and national security is through clean, homegrown power.
We are doubling down on our mission for clean energy - accelerating the roll-out of renewables and supporting the transition to electric heating and transport. This will help protect households from future price spikes while building a more resilient energy system.
This builds on the largest investment in homegrown clean power in British history, including the biggest nuclear building programme in over 50 years. But given global uncertainty, we must now go further and faster.
📢 What’s being announced
The new package includes a range of practical steps to support households and speed up delivery:
🏠 Faster progress in social housing
An additional £100 million is being invested in the £1.2 billion Social Housing Fund, helping to deliver up to 57,000 solar installations this year and reduce bills for residents.
🔥 Support for cleaner home heating
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant is increasing to £9,000 for households using heating oil or LPG, making it easier to switch to cleaner, more affordable systems like heat pumps.
🏫 Solar power for schools
An extra 100 schools will benefit from solar panel installations this summer through Great British Energy’s programme - cutting energy costs and supporting sustainability.
💡 Support for low-income households
A new pilot scheme, delivered with Mayors and local authorities, will provide plug-in solar panels to help lower-income households reduce their energy bills.
⚙️ Planning reform and system changes
Reforms will speed up the delivery of clean energy infrastructure and take further steps towards reducing the link between electricity prices and the cost of gas.
💷 Supporting families through the cost of living
The cost of living remains the number one concern for many families. That’s why energy bills were reduced by 7% this month - and why the Government is taking action to shield households from future shocks.
This is about more than just energy - it’s about security, stability, and ensuring that the UK is better protected in an uncertain world.
As always, I will continue working to ensure that our community across Enfield North benefits from these changes and that support reaches those who need it most.
📬 Update on Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
I wanted to provide an update following the concerns many of you have raised with me about proposed changes to immigration law, particularly around Indefinite Leave to Remain.
First, thank you to everyone who has taken the time to get in touch. I know this is an issue causing real anxiety for many people - especially those who are worried about what these changes could mean for them and their families.
Please be assured that I have already raised these concerns directly with Ministers, both in parliamentary debates and in meetings. I am continuing to follow this issue very closely.
We are currently awaiting the outcome of the consultation. Once the results are published, there will be greater clarity, and I will make sure to update you as soon as possible.
🗣️ My position
I want to be clear about my view.
I do not believe these proposals are helpful. They risk creating uncertainty for thousands of people who are working hard, contributing to our communities, and building their lives here in the UK.
I will continue to press the case that these measures should not go ahead in their current form.
🤝 Staying in touch
Thank you again to everyone who has written to me. Your voices matter, and they make a difference in shaping the conversations happening in Parliament.
If you are a constituent of Enfield North, then please do continue to share your views with me - I will keep raising them and pushing for the right outcome.
🎓 Improving SEND Support for Families
Many parents have told me that the current system for supporting children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) simply isn’t working. Too often, families have had to fight for the help their children need.
This Government is determined to change that - restoring confidence through a combination of investment and reform.
We are:
👩🏫 Delivering the most ambitious teacher training programme in history
🏫 Creating 60,000 more specialist SEND places
💷 Expanding funding to improve support nationwide
📍 What this means for Enfield
I’m pleased that Enfield has been awarded £2,869,304 to support these changes.
This will help deliver a new “Experts at Hand” service, bringing specialists like educational psychologists, speech and language therapists, and occupational therapists directly into schools.
The aim is simple: earlier support, closer to home, without families having to battle the system.
🌟 A better system for every child
Families have been clear - they want inclusion, local provision, and support delivered early.
That’s what these reforms are about: building a system where every child can achieve and thrive in Enfield North and beyond.
🎉 Celebrating 100 Years of Innovation in Brimsdown
I was delighted to speak at Johnson Matthey’s 100th anniversary celebrations.
For a century, Johnson Matthey has been at the heart of innovation and industry - and it was fantastic to recognise not just their global success, but their deep roots here in Brimsdown.
Their continued investment in their workforce, strong commitment to skills and apprenticeships, and support for the local community make a real difference.
🌟 A vital local asset
Johnson Matthey is a true asset to Brimsdown - creating good jobs, driving cutting-edge technologies, and playing an important role in the local economy.
Here’s to the next 100 years of success in Enfield North and beyond.
🌟 Recognising the UK’s Creator Economy
I’m delighted to see the Government moving to formally recognise creator-led businesses, following the work of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Digital Creators, which I am proud to co-chair.
For too long, the UK’s creator economy - from YouTubers and podcasters to online entrepreneurs - has grown rapidly without being properly recognised in the systems designed to support businesses. This has made it harder for many creators to access finance, grants and the backing they need to grow.
🔧 A practical step forward
That’s why we pushed for changes to the official business classification system - a practical but important reform that will help remove barriers and open up new opportunities for thousands of creators across the country.
This is a significant step forward. It means creator businesses can begin to get the recognition they deserve as a vital part of our economy, supporting jobs, innovation and growth.
🚀 What comes next
This is just the start. I will continue working with colleagues across the APPG and the wider sector to ensure creators receive the support they need to thrive.
Thank you to everyone who supported this campaign - it is already making a real difference.
🐎 A Special Visitor to Speaker’s Court
It was lovely to welcome Prestur, an Icelandic horse, to Speaker’s Court this week.
Prestur isn’t just a world champion - he’s also a brilliant example of how horses can make a real difference in people’s lives. From supporting neurodivergent children and adults to helping build confidence, emotional connection and a sense of inclusion, the impact of equestrian programmes like this is truly inspiring.
🌟 The power of inclusion
Seeing this work first-hand was a powerful reminder of how calm, intuitive animals can open up opportunities - not just in sport, but in personal development and wellbeing too.
Prestur, a 2017 Icelandic Horse World Champion, continues to take part in youth events across South Wales and beyond, bringing joy, confidence and new experiences to so many along the way.
It’s a simple but important message: inclusion comes in many forms, and sometimes, it has four legs and a big toothy smile.
📢 Have Your Say
📢 Have Your Say
Pride in Place - Enfield Wash
Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to contact me about the £20 million Pride in Place fund for Carterhatch and Brimsdown.
This is a real opportunity to invest in our local area, improving public spaces, supporting community initiatives, and making a lasting difference to where we live. It’s important to me that this funding reflects the priorities of local residents, which is why your input is so valuable.
Your feedback will help shape how we make the most of this investment for our community.
Have a good week.
Best wishes
Feryal