February Roundup!
Every month, I'm out and about across Southend West and Leigh as well as working hard in Westminster as your voice in Parliament.
As well as launching Labour Men and Boys in Parliament this February, I have also had the amazing opportunity to visit Norway and Ukraine as part of the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme and in my role on the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Ukraine.
Here's what I got up to recently!
My February Roundup!
As always, February was a very busy month with work in both Westminster and Southend West & Leigh. Here are SIX highlights of this month's work!
The Navy & Norway
1
I was fortunate enough to be able to travel to the High North with the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme, working alongside colleagues and the incredible people from the British Army, Royal Navy, Royal Marines, and the Royal Air Force. From safety training and equipment demonstrations, to flying in a helicopter and experiencing state of the art tech, I won't be forgetting this trip in a hurry!
2
Leigh-on-Sea: Town of Culture?
Do you think Leigh-on-Sea could be the UK Town of Culture 2028? Well, I do!
I've already met with the Minister of State as well as some local stakeholders to ready a bid and see if we can be in for a chance of becoming the Town of Culture and winning £3m investment for our local culture and events!
3
Labour for Men and Boys!
Whilst there's lots of work being done on mental health and male suicide in Parliament at the moment, the challenges that men and boys face are more complex than solely mental health.
That's why alongside some of my colleagues, and the Deputy Prime Minister, we have launched 'Labour Men and Boys' with a laser-sharp focus on creating a positive vision of masculinity that strengthens gender equality and positive outcomes for all.
Visiting Ukraine
4
24 February marked the fourth anniversary of Putin's full-scale illegal invasion of Ukraine, and I was humbled to be able to travel there to mark this solemn occasion as part of my role as the Vice-Chair of the APPG for Ukraine.
Alongside attending commemorations, I also spoke with soldiers, aid workers, and civilians who inspired me with their courage, determination, and unbreakable spirit. Despite many moments of comradeship and light, visits to sites that have sustained missile fire and loss of life reminded us all of the devastating tragedies of war. We stand in steadfast support with Ukraine, now and always. Slava Ukraini.
5
Breakfast Time!
Great to visit Victory Park Academy and Sutton House Academy to see their brand new breakfast clubs and chat about the fantastic things that Mr Landi and all his staff do for their pupils - from Alternative Provision to overcoming specific barriers to learning, their work is a hugely vital community resource. I'm already looking forward to my next visit!
6
Casework Wins
In February, my team and I helped constituents with over 640 new cases and answered more than 1,020 emails. Particular highlights included holding a coffee morning to hear concerns of Prittlewell residents, providing advice and support on school placement issues, and resolving disrepair issues for social housing tenants.