Weekly Update 6.6.26
Keeping Britain on track 🚅
This week marks an important milestone for our railways, as Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) services, including Great Northern services used by many residents in Enfield North, return to public ownership.
For some time, I have been raising concerns about the reliability and performance of local rail services and have been working closely with the Railways Minister, to push for improvements that passengers deserve.
GTR connects millions of passengers across London and the South East every year, helping people get to work, access education, and stay connected to family and communities. Bringing these services back into public hands is a significant move towards creating a simpler, more reliable rail network.
For too long, our railways have been fragmented and complex. This change is part of a wider plan to establish Great British Railways, bringing track and train together under one clear, unified system.
I welcome the commitments that have been secured, including:
🚄The recruitment of an additional 75 train drivers.
🛤️Extra Great Northern off-peak services from Moorgate beginning in December.
👩🔧Improved passenger support during periods of disruption.
⏰Continued work to improve punctuality and reliability across the network.
Reliable public transport is essential for commuters, families, students, and businesses across our constituency. I will continue working with Ministers and rail operators to secure the reliable, frequent, and accessible rail services that Enfield North residents deserve.
A United Response to Evolving Global Threats 🌍
As a member of NATO PA, I recently attended the NATO Parliamentary Assembly Spring Session in Vilnius, Lithuania, where parliamentarians from across the Alliance met to discuss the most significant security challenges facing our nations.
As global instability continues to grow, NATO's role in maintaining peace, deterrence, and collective security has never been more important. During the session, parliamentarians, security experts, military leaders, and senior policymakers examined the challenges facing the Alliance and discussed how NATO can remain strong, resilient, and prepared for the future.
Key discussions focused on:
Strengthening collective defence.
Enhancing NATO's deterrence capabilities.
Building resilience against emerging threats. E.g. the use of tech in modern warfare.
Ensuring member states remain prepared for future security challenges.
Maintaining strong cooperation between Allies.
The United Kingdom plays a vital leadership role within NATO, and I am committed to supporting efforts that strengthen our national security while contributing to a safer and more stable international environment. I am particularly interested in the use of new tech such as AI in dissemination of disinformation to destabilise our democracies.
Delivering Better Schools for Every Child 🚸
For too long, Conservative neglect left schools across the country battling crumbling buildings, leaking roofs, failing heating systems, and the growing RAAC crisis. The image of children learning in classrooms propped up by steel supports became a stark symbol of the Conservatives' record on education infrastructure.
Labour is taking action to put that right.
We are committed to rebuilding and renewing our school estate so that every child can learn in a safe, modern, and high-quality environment. Our approach is about more than repairing buildings – it is about investing in children's futures and demonstrating that education is a national priority once again.
Key Wins for Schools
✔ A commitment to make all schools RAAC-free by the end of this Parliament, ending the uncertainty left behind by years of Conservative inaction.
✔ £450 million awarded to 684 schools across England through the 2026–27 Condition Improvement Fund.
✔ More than £2.1 billion invested in school maintenance this financial year, helping schools tackle long-standing repair and maintenance backlogs.
✔ Funding for essential improvement works, including:
Replacing outdated heating systems and boilers.
Repairing and replacing roofs.
Upgrading electrical infrastructure.
Removing asbestos and addressing safety concerns.
Improving the overall condition of school buildings.
✔ A new, simpler funding system planned from 2028, making it easier for schools to access maintenance funding without lengthy and burdensome bidding processes.
Investing in the Next Generation
This investment is about much more than bricks and mortar. Every child deserves to attend a school that is safe, welcoming, and fit for learning.
Well-maintained school buildings help create an environment where pupils can focus on their education, teachers can do their jobs effectively, and communities can feel proud of their local schools.
Labour is determined to reverse years of decline and deliver the long-term investment our education system needs. By rebuilding our schools, we are investing in opportunity, raising standards, and ensuring every young person has the best possible chance to succeed.
After years of neglect, Labour is restoring pride in our schools, strengthening our communities, and building a brighter future for the next generation.
Shaping the Future of the UK’s Creator Economy 💻
As Co-Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Digital Creators, I recently helped launch a new parliamentary report highlighting the growing importance of creator-led content across the UK.
The creator economy is now a major contributor to economic growth, innovation, and employment. Our report demonstrates that digital creators are not only generating significant economic opportunities but are also increasingly helping young people access educational content, develop new skills, and engage with culture in new and innovative ways.
As Parliament continues to consider how best to protect children and young people online, it is important that we adopt a balanced and evidence-based approach. While harmful online content must always be tackled, we must also recognise the positive impact that responsible creators can have in areas such as education, science, arts, and culture.
The decisions we make today about online safety will help shape the future relationship between young people, technology, education, and culture. I will continue working with colleagues, experts, educators, and creators to ensure that we get that balance right.
Supporting Our Local Fish and Chip Shops 🍟
This year marks the 11th National Fish and Chip Day on Friday 5 June, to celebrate I enjoyed some delicious chips from Mia’s fish bar in Enfield North.
These often family-run businesses have long been at the heart of our high streets, supporting local jobs and economies. However, many now face significant pressures from rising costs, including energy, ingredients, packaging, and staffing.
Despite these challenges, they continue to serve communities and contribute to the character of our local areas. National Fish and Chip Day is an opportunity to recognise their contribution and encourage residents to support their local businesses.
We thank all fish and chip shop owners and staff across Enfield North for their dedication. We will continue to support local businesses and champion policies that help our high streets thrive for future generations.
Parliament is now back from recess and the weekly update will continue as usual.
Have a great weekend.
Best wishes
Feryal