October 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 voting on new legislation to improve people's lives here at home and across the country, I'm also meeting brilliant local people and championing local voices.
Here's what I got up to recently!
My October Roundup!
As always, October was a very busy month with work in both Westminster and Southend West & Leigh. Here are SIX highlights of this month's work!
Halloween Parade Fun!
1
The Southend Halloween Parade (and brilliant fireworks display) on 25 October was absolutely fantastic! Well done to Southend City Council for organising and to everyone who took part! I'm incredibly proud our city hosts such a great event!
2
Fighting for the Hospital
This month I met with the Health Minister, Karin Smyth, on improving standards at Southend Hospital. I later met with the leadership team at the Hospital to echo my concerns and those of local patients, and I'm committed to working with them to get the improvements that are desperately needed.
3
Advocating for SEND Reform
After a fantastic roundtable and further engagement with SEND parents, professionals, charities, and educators, this month I submitted the See Every Need report to the Minister for School Standards and discussed all the ideas and feedback provided to me - local voices are at the heart of policymaking in Westminster on this, exactly where they should be.
Black History Month
4
Attending events in Westminster in October, both to discuss important issues facing black people in British society today as well as celebrate their contribution to our country, was a particular highlight for me personally.
5
Backing Local Residents
After sustained and unacceptable distress caused by the environmental hazard from the Metrow Foods warehouse, which was damaged by a fire in August, I held a public meeting for all those concerned to discuss this case in more detail and find solutions.
6
Casework Wins
Across October, my team and I helped constituents with over 600 new cases and answered more than 1,200 emails. Particular highlights included helping constituents successfully appeal incorrect fines, expedited an urgent operation for a constituent in need, and actioned concerns around delayed Child Benefit claims.