Weekly Update — Feryal Clark

This week was the Autumn Statement in Parliament. This is usually an opportunity for the sitting government to present their economic priorities for the coming months. The Chancellor said he was delivering an “Autumn Statement for growth”, yet the Tories have delivered the exact opposite of that for the country. In fact, The Office for Budget Responsibility cut the growth forecast for next year from 1.8% to 0.7%, and in 2025 from 2.5% to 1.4%. Also, the OBR published this week that we are likely to see the biggest fall in living standards since records began, and the worst projected growth in a general election year.

Worse, for the first time ever, households will be poorer at the end of a parliament term than at the start, a think tank has said. These are truly grim statistics that cannot continue. I know families are struggling in Enfield as it is, and they need a government that is truly on the side of working people. That is not this Tory Government, nor will it ever be.

The Autumn Statement does little to repair the damage the Conservatives have done to working people’s pockets. Whilst inflation has fallen, food prices are still rising, energy bills are rising, and people are still paying the price for the Tory mortgage bombshell.

One part that will be welcomed in Enfield is the unfreezing of Local Housing Allowance (LHA). LHA has been frozen since 2020 despite a 21% increase and rents and an increase in spend on temporary accommodation and homelessness support for local authorities. However, this won’t be implemented until April 2024, despite the urgent need for it for families now.

We need a general election now and we need a Labour government to fix this government’s mess.

Israel-Gaza Update

I welcome the beginning of a substantial humanitarian pause in fighting in Gaza and the agreement to release the first hostages between Israel and Hamas.

This pause must be used to provide life-saving aid to Palestinians.

We must also use this pause to take more steps on a path towards a full cessation of hostilities rather than any further escalation.

I will update those who have contacted me via email in the coming days.

Justice Questions

Under the Tories, dangerous criminals are free to roam the streets on bail because they simply don't have the prison spaces and have failed to build the cells they promised.

You can watch my question to the Secretary of State for Justice this week here.

Small Business Saturday

Small Business Saturday returns on the 2nd of December and is celebrating its second decade in the UK.

Small businesses have faced an incredibly tough year and we need to support them now more than ever. Here in Enfield North, they create jobs, provide innovation, and support our community. They are vital to our economy.

I will be visiting some hidden gems in Enfield North over the next two weeks.

You can get involved here https://smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com/#get-involved

Enfield Town’s FC upcoming European Fixture

Enfield Town FC are playing their FIRST ever European game on Tuesday 28th November at Home!

A European Night under the lights in Enfield!

This is a huge moment for Enfield Town Football Club and supporters 👏👏

Get your tickets here https://enfieldtownfc.ktckts.com/brand/match-tickets

London Labour Equalities Conference

On Sunday I spoke at the London Labour Equalities Conference about the need for change and the need for a Labour government.

I spoke about our proud equalities record and what a Labour government can deliver for people.

Labour is and will always be the party of equality, leading the way to make our politics more representative, more inclusive and more diverse.