Weekly Update

End of the First Parliamentary Session: Labour Delivering for Britain

As we come to the end of the first Parliamentary session of this Labour Government, I wanted to take a moment to reflect.

In what has been an increasingly uncertain world, this Labour Government has been focused on one clear priority: rebuilding Britain after 14 years of decline. Since the 2024 election, we have worked tirelessly to deliver real change for working people.

I’m proud that, together, we have already passed 50 Acts of Parliament designed to improve lives across the country.

Some of the most significant changes include:

  • Employment Rights Act
    The biggest upgrade in workers’ rights in a generation.

  • Passenger Railway Services (Public Ownership) Act
    Creating Great British Rail - a publicly owned body to improve services and keep fares down.

  • Great British Energy Act
    Establishing a publicly owned energy company to deliver clean power and lower bills.

  • Renters’ Rights Act
    Giving tenants greater security, including ending no-fault evictions.

  • Removal of the Two-Child Limit Act
    Lifting 450,000 children out of poverty and supporting working families.

  • Water (Special Measures) Act
    Strengthening environmental protections and holding water companies to account.

  • Crime and Policing Act
    Tackling antisocial behaviour, retail crime, and violence against women and girls.

  • English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act
    Giving more power to local communities and mayors to drive growth.

Rebuilding Britain

Labour promised to rebuild our country - and that is exactly what we are delivering.

We are matching the ambition of working people with a serious, long-term plan to strengthen our economy, improve public services, and restore pride in our communities.

Looking ahead

In a few weeks, Parliament will return for the King’s Speech and the start of our second session.

I look forward to setting out the next stage of our agenda to constituents across Enfield North - building on this momentum and continuing to deliver for you and your loved ones.


🏠 Stronger Rights for Renters

From today, more than 11 million private renters in England are now better protected, thanks to the biggest increase in renters’ rights in over 40 years.

For too long, many families have lived with the uncertainty that they could be asked to leave their home with little notice and no clear reason. While many landlords provide a good service, too many renters have been stuck in insecure or poor-quality housing.

That’s why the new Renter’s Rights Act delivers a major step forward - making renting fairer, more secure and more stable.

What’s changing?

These reforms introduce stronger protections for tenants, including:

  • An end to ‘no-fault’ evictions
    Landlords can no longer evict tenants without a valid reason.

  • More flexible tenancies
    Fixed-term contracts are replaced with rolling agreements, giving renters greater flexibility. Tenants can leave with two months’ notice.

  • Fairer rent rules
    Rents can only be increased once a year, and tenants have the right to challenge unfair rises.

  • No more bidding wars
    Landlords must stick to the advertised rent price.

  • Lower upfront costs
    Rent in advance is capped at one month.

  • Stronger protections against discrimination
    It is now illegal to refuse tenants simply because they have children or receive benefits.

  • Pets considered fairly
    Renters can request to keep a pet, and landlords must consider this reasonably.

🌟 A fairer system

These changes mark the most significant reform of the private rented sector in decades, giving renters greater security, stability and peace of mind.

I know how important it is for people to feel safe and settled in their homes across Enfield North, and I will continue working to ensure that these reforms make a real difference for renters in our community.


🖥️ A Pleasure to Welcome VIRTUS Data Centres to Parliament

This drop-in event was a valuable opportunity to improve understanding of the data centre sector, tackling misconceptions and highlighting its role in supporting the UK’s economic growth, AI ambitions and secure digital infrastructure.

With growing scrutiny of the sector, it’s more important than ever that discussions are informed and evidence-based.

It was great to see MPs, Lords, officials and industry coming together for open, constructive engagement.

Data centres bring real local benefits too, from skilled jobs to investment in communities like Enfield North, while playing a critical role nationally.

A really important conversation at the right time.


Supporting Disabled People into Work

New legislation came into force yesterday giving disabled people and those with health conditions greater confidence to try work - without the immediate fear of losing their benefits.

For too long, many people have felt unable to explore employment opportunities because of concerns that doing so could trigger a reassessment or put their financial support at risk. This change is designed to remove that barrier.

🤝 Developed with lived experience

These reforms have been shaped directly by disabled people and those with health conditions through a Collaboration Committee, ensuring that lived experience is at the heart of the policy.

What’s changing?

Under the new rules:

  • Starting work will not automatically trigger a benefit reassessment

  • This applies to those receiving:

    • New-style Employment and Support Allowance

    • Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

    • The health element of Universal Credit

A more supportive system

This is part of wider welfare reform to better support people into work, backed by £3.5 billion of investment in employment support by the end of the decade.

The aim is simple: to give people the confidence to try work, build independence, and pursue opportunities - without risking the support they rely on.

I know how important it is to have a system that works with people, not against them, and I will continue to support measures that help everyone in Enfield North to reach their potential.


Update on Syria and UK Engagement

We were grateful that Hamish Falconer, Minister for Middle East, gave an update on the UK’s support in the region at the last meeting of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Kurds.

There have been important developments in North-East Syria, including an agreement between the Syrian Government and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to begin integrating the region into a single governance framework.

This includes steps to protect Kurdish rights and ensure more inclusive political arrangements. While progress has been made, there are still challenges to address - including displaced people, security concerns, and ongoing humanitarian needs.

The UK continues to press for full implementation of this agreement, with a strong emphasis on inclusion and stability.

UK Humanitarian Support

During recent escalations, the UK acted quickly to provide support on the ground - including emergency medical care and assistance to vulnerable communities.

So far, the UK has committed over £9 million in humanitarian aid, helping to deliver vital supplies and services to those affected by conflict and displacement.

The UK has also played a role in securing humanitarian access routes and supporting international efforts to reduce tensions and encourage dialogue.

The UK’s Role

The UK remains actively engaged - working with international partners to support stability, counter terrorism, and ensure the enduring defeat of Daesh.

We continue to advocate for:

  • Inclusive political transition

  • Protection of minority rights, including Kurdish communities

  • Ongoing humanitarian access and support

Looking ahead

Syria continues to face significant challenges as it rebuilds following years of conflict. However, the UK Government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Syrian people and working towards long-term stability in the region.

I will continue to follow developments closely and ensure that our approach reflects both our national interests and our commitment to human rights and international stability.


🕊️ Standing Against Hatred

This week, I am thinking of our Jewish neighbours in Barnet and across the UK.

No one should feel afraid simply going about their daily life because of who they are or what they believe. Incidents like this cause real fear and distress, not only for those directly affected, but for the wider community too.

I want to thank the police for their bravery and swift response. Their actions make a real difference in moments like these and help keep our communities safe.

We must stand united against antisemitism and hatred in all its forms, and reaffirm a simple but vital principle: everyone deserves to feel safe in their own community.


📢 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.

I’m keen to hear as many ideas as possible about how this funding should be used, so please do take a moment to share your views through my survey here.

Your feedback will help shape how we make the most of this investment for our community.


Parliament has now been prorogued so the weekly update will be back on Friday 22nd May.

Have a great few weeks.

Best wishes

Feryal

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