Weekly Round-Up — Feryal Clark

I know many of you have emailed me your concerns regarding the current situation unfolding in Israel and Gaza, so I thought it would be best to update you all on this issue.

I was horrified by Hamas’ terrorist attack on Israel. It was on an unimaginable scale, the senseless murder of men, women, children and even babies; the horrors of hostage taking; music festivals turned to killing fields; innocent Israeli’s slaughtered within their own kibbutz—an attack with no cause other than bloodshed. The hostages must be returned to their families as soon as possible.

And let me be categorically clear, humanitarian aid must be allowed into Gaza at the rate that is required by the people of Gaza. Labour has, and will continue, to call for humanitarian access to Gaza, and continued supplies of food, water, electricity, and medicines. This is essential. There must be humanitarian corridors and humanitarian access, so hospitals can keep people alive and so innocent people do not needlessly die. There must be proper protection for all those who work selflessly, so aid can be delivered.

We cannot give up or let Hamas provoke conflict in the wider region. Engagement between Israel and Arab nations must be strengthened, not abandoned.

We also must not allow these tragic events to divide our communities here in the UK. The Community Safety Trust and the Metropolitan Police have reported a steep increase in anti-Semitic incidents in recent days, including abuse and assaults. Tell Mama has reported a tripling of cases to their services over a 6 day period, including reports of Islamophobic threats, abuse and assaults.

Please if you have any concerns or questions, email my office at feryal.clark.mp@parliament.uk

Renters Reform Bill

On Monday, we had the Renters Reform Bill back in Parliament for the Second Reading.

We’ve waited four years to debate this bill. Five months between the first and second reading, and now we have more delays to the key part of it - banning no-fault evictions.

As many of you will know, I want the Government to abolish Section 21 evictions. They are cruel and unjust, and private renters deserve greater security and stability.

It is now clearer than ever that the Government has failed private renters in Enfield and across the country.

Enfield Over 50s

It was great to speak at the Enfield Over 50s Forum on Wednesday for their ‘falls and flu’ event.

We spoke about the importance of the winter flu jab, exercise & avoiding falls, to relieve pressure on our NHS.

The Forum does amazing work for our residents, and it is an absolute pleasure working with them.

Enfield Youth Council

I also hosted the Enfield Youth Council this week in parliament.

They had a tour of parliament and then we held a Q&A on what it is like working in Parliament, the life of a Member of Parliament and much more.

North Middlesex University Hospital Event in Parliament

On Wednesday it was also my pleasure to host the heroic staff at North Middlesex University Hospital in Parliament.

The event allowed us Members of Parliament to thank the staff for all their hard work and build on our existing relationships.

The stories we heard throughout were inspiring, and the day served as a timely reminder about how amazing our NHS staff really are.

Key speakers included: Wes Streeting, Shadow Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, David Lammy, Shadow Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs and Catherine West, Shadow Minister for Asia & the Pacific.

You can see more here.

By-Elections

Last Thursday, we had two fantastic by-election results in Mid Bedfordshire and Tamworth. Labour took both seats from the Conservatives.

Alistair Strathern and Sarah Edwards both fought brilliant campaigns, and I look forward to working with them both in Parliament.

Visit with LINK

I am continuing my campaign to improve access to cash and banking facilities for businesses and residents on Hertford Road. I had a productive walkabout with LINK recently to discuss our application for a banking hub in Enfield North.

Community banking and cash facilities are vital to residents, but in recent years a number of bank branches have closed their doors.

I’ve been clear that residents deserve better.

I look forward to hearing the outcomes of their report and discussing this further with residents.