Weekly Update
It was a shorter than usual week in Parliament with business starting on Tuesday, after a busy bank holiday weekend and the local election results.
On Tuesday, I got the opportunity to raise the potentially horrendous implications of Israel’s offensive in Rafah, questioning the Government’s position on it and the risk to over 1.4 million lives. You can see the clip and the full response below.
At Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday, we saw another Member of Parliament cross the floor to the Labour Party following Dan Poulter MP who crossed the floor last week.
Given the local and Mayoral election results and the defections, it begs the question, when are the Conservatives going to take the hint and call a general election?
Offensive in Rafah
When I questioned the Government’s position on the potential offensive in Rafah on Tuesday, it followed the questions raised by the Shadow Foreign Secretary, who made it clear that it could not proceed. The offensive risks catastrophic consequences for the civilian population and must be stopped.
The Labour Party and I have been clear for months that we oppose an offensive in Rafah. The United States has said that it would be a disaster, the European Union has said that the world must prevent it, and the United Nations Security Council has called for an immediate ceasefire.
Thousands of children have already lost their lives, and hundreds of thousands more are at risk, with over 1.4million people sheltering there. We need our government to use its influence, whether that be an arms embargo or other measures to bring an end to this horrendous conflict.
You can watch the clip and see the Government’s response here.
Election Results
Sadiq Khan secured a historic third term as Labour Mayor with a landslide win in London. This is the first time in the history of the London mayoralty that an incumbent has increased their margin of victory and seen a swing towards them. This is also the biggest ever margin of victory in a mayoral election.
This is a vote for building council homes, free school meals and a greener London
After eight years in office, it’s incredible that Sadiq secured an unprecedented third term with 44% of the vote. This is the best re-election result for any Mayor of London. Ken Livingstone was re-elected with 37 per cent of the vote in the first round and Boris Johnson was re-elected as mayor with just a 3.7 per cent margin in the first round.
Sadiq won the highest share of the vote in both inner and outer London.
This election is a victory for equality, unity and hope. Londoners have rejected the Tory candidate and her divisive, hard-right and dangerous views. I look forward to working with Sadiq to deliver for Enfield North residents.
Labour also had some significant wins across the country, winning the Blackpool South by-election, the West Midlands Mayoral Election, 186 council seats, the control of 8 councils, 10 out of 11 Mayors, and 10 Police and Crime Commissioner gains.
The elections were a very important moment for people to show their desire to end the chaos, turn the page and start to renew. Right across the country people have voted for change and the message is clear, it is time for a General Election and a Labour Government to give our country its future back.
Meeting with Kurdistan Regional Government in Parliament
It was a pleasure to meet with members of the Kurdistan Regional Government and the Kurdistan-Britain and Europe Business Council in Parliament yesterday, to discuss business, trade and cultural ties between our countries, as well as their priorities for the future.
Enfield Town FC Promotion
It was fantastic to see the celebrations after Enfield Town were promoted after their sensational 3-0 against Chatham in the Isthmian Premier Division Play-Off Final – a great moment for the club and our community.
The Enfield Dispatch helpfully did a full match report on what it means for the club, the fans and the players here.