Weekly Round-Up — Feryal Clark

This week saw Parliament return from a short February recess, and will end today on a sombre note with the one-year anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

We should reflect on the immense suffering Ukraine has endured, and the remarkable courage and resilience of its people.

It is clearer than ever that Putin is not interested in peace as he continues his war on Ukraine. That is why Britain must stand full square behind Ukraine, strengthening its hand on the battlefield, supporting relief and reconstruction, and maintaining Western unity.

Keir Starmer’s visit to Kyiv last week underscored Labour’s commitment to Ukraine.

This week, Keir Starmer also unveiled Labour party’s 5 missions, forming the backbone of our future manifesto, as we head towards a General Election.

Our plan for a mission-driven government that will work relentlessly towards measurable long-term national goals. We will secure the highest sustained growth in the G7, make Britain a clean energy superpower, build an NHS fit for the future, break down the barriers to opportunity at every stage, and make Britain’s streets safe.

I look forward to working with you to make these the 5 missions of a Labour Government.

Prince of Wales School Visit

It was a pleasure to welcome Bridgit Philipson MP, Labour’s Shadow for Education, Enfield North to visit the Prince of Wales School on Shrove Tuesday.

We took a tour of the grounds, met with many pupils, as well as attempt some ‘pancake tossing’ to mark Pancake Day. My attempts were somewhat mixed.

We also explained how our pledge to deliver breakfast clubs for every primary age child in England would work to benefit children in schools like Prince of Wales. Alongside a nutritious breakfast, it will also bring improvements in attendance and behaviour, as well as bring an extra hour of support to pupils from teaching staff.

North Central Chamber of Commerce

Enfield is very lucky to have a dynamic economy underpinned by fantastic small and medium businesses. However, our businesses are suffering, being let down and left behind by the government. This week I was pleased to meet with many of our local businesses for a roundtable discussion hosted by the North Central Chamber of Commerce, to discuss the cost-of-living impact on businesses, especially the increased cost of energy.

Hearing first-hand from local businesses, on the concerns they have given the current economic uncertainty, was a sobering assessment of the Government’s failure to support local businesses during these tough times.

I have taken on board their concerns, and will be raising them at each opportunity I can with Ministers. I will continue to fight for our businesses who are keeping the local economy alive and creating local jobs.

IPPR Roundtable on ‘First 1000 Day’ Workforce

The roundtable was concerning the importance of the first 1000 days of a child’s life, from conception to two years of age. The health care and care that a child receives during this time is critical to development in later life. The support and services required in the first 1000 days ensure children prosper.

Currently, the workforce from midwives to health visitors to gynaecologists is at crisis level. More midwives are leaving the workforce than joining. We no longer can guarantee the level of care mothers and their babies deserve and need in the first 1000 days.

That is why Labour’s commitment to more midwives, nurses and health visitors and a commitment to better childcare are essential. We need to ensure we get the first 1000 days right.

Debate on Earthquake in Turkey and Syria

On Thursday, I was able to make my contribution to a Westminster Hall debate on the earthquake in Turkey and Syria. I have had hundreds of constituents contact me, with concerns for their family members and loved ones caught in the aftermath of the earthquake, and seeking immediate humanitarian aid and support.

During the debate, I thanked the government for their immediate efforts to send over search and rescue teams and providing aid. But I did share the concerns of many of reports of aid not being directed and distributed equitably.

I also raised the issue many of my constituents have contacted me about, the request for family reunion visas to be expedited. We also raised with the Government ministers the need for support during the rebuilding phase so that local population aren't displaced.

I will continue to monitor the aftermath of this earthquake, and ensure our government directs the support it gives to those who need it and continue to push ministers for a meeting to discuss the issues my constituents have raised with me.