Weekly Update
Today the Prime Minister approved military strikes against the Houthi Rebels in Yemen. Keir Starmer backs this targeted action to protect shipping and reinforce maritime security in the Red Sea.
We strongly condemn Houthi attacks which target commercial ships and threaten international trade routes, putting civilians and military personnel in serious danger.
Following these airstrikes we expect the PM to make a full statement to the Commons on Monday on this targeted action, on protecting freedom of navigation and on guarding against wider escalation.
This week has also been marked by Mr Bates vs The Post Office, which depicts one of the biggest miscarriages of justice we have ever seen in this country, which led to the wrongful conviction of hundreds of Post Office workers.
An independent public inquiry led by a former high court judge is gathering evidence from postal workers, the government, the Post Office, Fujitsu and others. The inquiry is expected to conclude later this year.
The Metropolitan Police has also confirmed it is conducting its own investigation into the Post Office over potential fraud offences arising from the wrongful prosecutions.
But at the heart of all this is a failure of checks and balances on the abuse of power.
Governance, accountability, and consequences matter.
Labour Dentistry Plan Announcement
Data revealed this week showed that no dental practices in Enfield North are accepting new adult patients. But this isn’t just a problem in Enfield, it’s across the country. NHS dentistry is in total crisis, and that’s why Labour called for an Opposition Day Debate on dentistry this week in Parliament.
I know from speaking to residents that people are finding it impossible to get an NHS dentist appointment. Yet this Government have no plan to fix this. Or anything in this country for that matter.
Enfield North residents deserve better.
Labour has a plan to deliver 700,000 more urgent appointments a year that you can see below.
The costings of the Government’s Rwanda Scheme
In Parliament on Tuesday there was a debate on the cost of the Government’s Rwanda plan. So far, costs are apparently rising to £400 million of taxpayers’ money, and it was recently reported that the Prime Minister had doubts about the cost and efficacy of the Rwanda scheme when he was in the Treasury, therefore, why shouldn’t taxpayers be told the full price?
That’s why Labour’s motion called for the Home Office to publish the full costs of the Rwanda scheme – as they did for the France cooperation programme where funding has been announced up until 2026.
Labour also called for the Home Office to publish the full details of the asylum backlog clearance programme so we know how many people the Home Office has lost track of and what decisions are being taken.
Free School Meals Extended
It was brilliant to see Sadiq Khan stepping in this week and supporting children and parents in Enfield and throughout London during the cost of living crisis with his free school meal extension.
Over 12,000 children will benefit from this in Enfield! This shows the difference a Labour Mayor can make!
Children's Early Years Action
The Labour Party announced its plans to end the scandal of poor children’s health that we’ve seen under the Tories this week.
If elected, Labour will provide:
✔ Breakfast Clubs in every primary school
✔ Supervised tooth brushing for 3-5yr olds
✔ Mental health practitioners in every school
Happier, healthier children. Our country’s future.
You can read the full plan here.
Surgery Appointment Reminders
My team and I can help with a whole range of issues, including HMRC issues, NI, immigration, benefits and pensions.
My next advice surgery is on Friday 19th January.
Email to book an appointment: feryal.clark.mp@parliament.uk
