Weekly Update
📲 Giving Young People Better Protection Online
Growing up online brings huge opportunities, but it also exposes young people to addictive technology and harmful content. That's why I welcome the Government's latest measures to make the online world safer for older teenagers.
Under the new plans, social media platforms will introduce default overnight curfews for 16 and 17-year-olds between midnight and 6am, helping to reduce late-night scrolling and support healthier sleep.
Platforms will also be required to switch off addictive features by default, including endless personalised feeds and autoplay videos that encourage young people to stay online for longer than they intended.
These changes build on wider action to strengthen online safety and put the wellbeing of children and young people first. Technology should work for families, not against them, and it's right that social media companies take greater responsibility for designing platforms that are safer by default.
As both your Enfield North MP and a parent, I know many families are concerned about the impact excessive screen time can have on young people's mental health, sleep and wellbeing.
These reforms are an important step towards giving parents greater confidence and ensuring children can enjoy the benefits of the internet while being better protected from its harms.
🌟 Our First Pride in Place community Event
This is a real opportunity for local people to influence how this £20 million investment I have secured is spent in our community, and your views will help ensure the funding reflects the priorities of those who live and work here.
If you couldn't make the event, there's still time to get involved. Whether you'd like to apply to join the Pride in Place Board or simply share your ideas for improving the area, I'd love to hear from you.
🛠️ British Steel Brought into Public Ownership
Steel has played a vital role in Britain's economy for generations, supporting skilled jobs, manufacturing and the infrastructure our country depends on. That's why I welcome the Government's decision to bring British Steel into public ownership to secure the future of UK steelmaking.
The move will protect thousands of skilled jobs and safeguard the UK's ability to produce steel at home, ensuring a secure supply for major infrastructure projects, construction, rail and our national defence. Keeping this strategic capability in Britain is essential for both our economic resilience and our national security.
After no viable private solution could be found, public ownership provides the stability needed to keep production going while the Government works with industry to secure a sustainable long-term future for British steel.
This is a clear example of a Government prepared to act in the national interest - protecting good, skilled jobs, backing British industry and ensuring that steelmaking remains a cornerstone of our economy for generations to come.
Listening to Residents in Albany Park and Ponders End
It was really valuable to hear directly from local residents about the issues affecting their parks and neighbourhoods, from concerns about the condition of local streets and public spaces to community safety, antisocial behaviour and the upkeep of our parks.
These conversations are an important part of my work as your MP. Hearing from residents face to face helps me understand what is happening on the ground and ensures that local concerns are raised with the council, police and other relevant organisations.
I will now be following up on the individual casework and wider issues raised during both walkabouts and pressing for action where it is needed.
Thank you again to everyone who took the time to come along, speak with me and share their views. I will continue to hold walkabouts across Enfield North so that residents have regular opportunities to raise concerns directly with me.
👑 National Recognition for Two Enfield North Treasures
I'm absolutely delighted that two jewels in Enfield North's crown have once again been recognised with prestigious Green Flag Awards.
Forty Hall Estate has been awarded a Green Flag, recognising it as one of the country's best-managed parks and green spaces.
Myddelton House Gardens has received the Green Flag Heritage Award, recognising the outstanding conservation and management of its historic features, while helping people enjoy and learn about its remarkable heritage.
These awards are a real testament to everyone who works so hard to care for these much-loved spaces. They are places that local families can enjoy, that attract visitors to our borough, and that preserve an important part of Enfield's history for future generations.
Congratulations to everyone involved in achieving this fantastic recognition.
Supporting the Check Her Out Breast Health Campaign
I was proud to support the launch of the Check Her Out breast health campaign in Parliament alongside campaign ambassadors Millie Bright and Jen Beattie.
Breast cancer affects thousands of women and their families every year, and we know that early diagnosis can make a life-changing difference. That's why raising awareness is so important. Campaigns like Check Her Out encourage women to take time for themselves, become familiar with the signs and symptoms of breast cancer, and seek medical advice as early as possible if something doesn't feel right.
It was inspiring to meet campaigners, clinicians, patients and advocates who are working together to improve awareness and encourage more women to put their health first.
Together, we can help ensure more women in Enfield North and beyond have the confidence, information and support they need to look after their breast health, leading to earlier diagnoses and better outcomes.
Celebrating 75 Years of Prince of Wales Primary School
It was a real pleasure to join pupils, staff, parents and former students as Prince of Wales Primary School celebrated its 75th anniversary.
As part of the celebrations, pupils buried a new time capsule filled with memories of school life today, including letters, photographs, artwork and everyday items that will give future generations a fascinating glimpse into life in 2026.
The project followed the discovery of an earlier time capsule, buried more than 20 years ago, making the anniversary an opportunity to reflect on the school's proud history while looking ahead to its future.
For 75 years, Prince of Wales Primary School has been at the heart of our community, providing generations of local children with an excellent education and helping them develop the confidence and skills to thrive.
Congratulations to the headteacher, staff, governors, pupils, parents and everyone who has played a part in the school's remarkable success over the past seven and a half decades. Here's to many more years of inspiring young people in Enfield North.
Behind the Scenes at the Refurbished McDonald's in Enfield
It was a pleasure to visit the newly refurbished McDonald's restaurant at Enfield Retail Park and join local franchisee John Loizou and his team to celebrate its official reopening.
The investment has transformed the restaurant, creating a modern, welcoming space for customers while supporting local jobs and the local economy.
It was great to meet members of the team, hear about the improvements that have been made and see first-hand the commitment to providing a high-quality experience for customers.
Local businesses play a vital role in our community. They not only create jobs - this restaurant alone employs 140 staff and serves more than 13,000 customers each week - but also invest in our area and support local initiatives.
It's always encouraging to see businesses continuing to invest in Enfield North and contribute to the strength of our local economy, so congratulations to John and the entire team on the reopening.
If you're interested in finding out more about McDonald's apprenticeship programme, click here.
⚽ Heartbreak for England at the World Cup ⚽
Like millions of people across the country, I was disappointed to see England's World Cup journey come to an end after a hard-fought, very physical semi-final against Argentina.
Reaching the last four of a World Cup is a tremendous achievement, and the players, coaching staff and everyone behind the team have given supporters so many memorable moments over the course of the tournament.
While the result wasn't the one we had hoped for, they represented England with determination, resilience and pride throughout.
Sport has a unique way of bringing communities together. Across Enfield North, families, friends and neighbours came together to cheer on the team, sharing in the excitement of another memorable World Cup campaign.
With one match still to play, I hope the team can finish the tournament on a high in the third-place play-off.
As Parliament is now in recess, my weekly update will return in September. Over the summer I'll be out and about at lots of events across Enfield North, so if you see me, please do come over and say hello, I’d love the opportunity to have a chat.
Best wishes
Feryal