☀️ It’s extremely hot today – please take care. Heat can affect anyone, but we can all look out for each other. If you feel unwell, move to a cool place, drink water & seek medical advice. Contact NHS 111 if you need medical advice or support. In an emergency, always call 999.

It was a privilege to attend Lewisham’s #ArmedForcesDay event today. In an increasingly uncertain world, we should never take the commitment of those who serve, or have served, in our armed forces for granted. I’ve shared my reflections here: brendadacres.org.uk/2026/06/26/a...

Today I spoke in the House of Lords during the debate on the National Security (State Threats) Bill. National security and community confidence should not be seen as competing objectives. Both matter. You can read more here: brendadacres.org.uk/2026/06/23/p...

On International Women in Engineering Day, I reflect on my own journey in science and technology and why it remains so important that women and girls see engineering as a field where they belong and can succeed. brendadacres.org.uk/2026/06/23/o...

Happy Windrush Day

Windrush Day is a reminder of the journey my parents made from Jamaica to Britain and the opportunities their generation helped create for those who followed. Some reflections on the legacy of the Windrush generation: brendadacres.org.uk/2026/06/22/w...

Yesterday I spoke in the House of Lords on Jo Cox’s legacy & the recommendations of the Jo Cox Civility Commission. In an age of misinformation and polarisation her belief that we have “far more in common than that which divides us” remains as important as ever. brendadacres.org.uk/2026/06/18/f...

So please to attend my first Windrush event of the year with my Mum as well as Joan Millbank and Cllr Kim Powell. My Mum is part of that formidable generation. It was also lovely to see her catch up with friends. I must admit I caught with so many that I know too!

Too often conversations around autism and neurodivergence stop at awareness. We need joined-up action, meaningful support and services shaped with those with lived experience because “Nothing about us without us” must mean something in practice. My full speech: brendadacres.org.uk/2026/06/10/f...

Today in the House of Lords I spoke in support of the Commercial Payments Bill & the need for fair and timely payments for small businesses Too many SMEs are spending time chasing invoices instead of creating jobs, training apprentices & growing their businesses brendadacres.org.uk/2026/06/09/s...

This week, I spoke on the Sporting Events Bill. The Bill aims to create a clearer framework for hosting future major international sporting events, helping to tackle ticket touting & strengthen the UK’s ability to host world-class events. Read my speech here: hansard.parliament.uk/lords/2026-0...

On Tuesday, I spoke in the House of Lords on the Civil Aviation Bill, focusing on modernisation, connectivity, accessibility and ensuring aviation works for all passengers, including those with sensory, cognitive and neurodivergent needs. Read my speech here: hansard.parliament.uk/Lords/2026-0...

Wishing all celebrating today Eid Mubarak

Yesterday, I spoke in the House of Lords during the King’s Speech debate on health, housing & transport. You can read my speech by clicking here: hansard.parliament.uk/lords/2026-0...

As my term as Mayor of Lewisham comes to a close, I wanted to take a moment to say thank you to everyone who makes this borough what it is: our residents, businesses, community organisations, faith groups, voluntary sector partners and local institutions. brendadacres.org.uk/2026/05/10/t...

Thanks to DEFRA, Lewisham Council is getting more powers to tackle fly-tipping. Here is Minister Mary Creagh talking about new consequences for criminals who mess up our streets. Vote Labour on May 7th so that our councillors can continue the good work they've started. 🌹

Labour is delivering for Lewisham 👇🏽

Lovely to see the Red Ribbon Living Well group at the Waldron Centre today as they were starting their new group. Great to see this space being used as it should be, a real community space, bringing people together, supporting wellbeing & connection. Find out more here: www.redribbonlivingwell.org

Big news for #London and #Lewisham’s young people. £30m Youth Lates investment from @london.gov.uk bringing evening youth provision to every borough. In Lewisham this builds on our fantastic youth services, creating more opportunities for young people to grow and thrive.

(1/2) "It will make a difference for a lot of families and will take the financial pressure off." Laura Seabright, Labour candidate for Telegraph Hill ward, shares her experience as a parent of a child diagnosed with cancer and how every journey to treatment was heavy - emotionally and financially.

Today the Labour Government is lifting over 8,000 children in Lewisham out of poverty by removing the two-child benefit cap. This is the difference a Labour Government working with a Labour Council and a Labour Mayor can make. Another step towards building a fairer, more equitable society.

Happy Easter Sunday. A time for renewal, reflection and coming together with family, friends and community. Wishing everyone a joyful and peaceful day, with brighter days ahead.

Happy Palm Sunday

Great to welcome @sadiqkhanlondon.bsky.social to Lewisham today with Lewisham Labour out in Deptford and Evelyn. We’re building a Lewisham that works for everyone, and it was great to hear such strong backing for our manifesto from the community.

Brilliant to hear Lewisham Council have been awarded £50,000 by The Veolia Environmental Trust to transform Friendly Gardens park in Deptford. From wildflower meadows to accessible paths and a wildlife pond, this will be a huge improvement for local access to nature. #TheLCF

It’s been a strong week for Lewisham Labour with the launch of our bold and ambitious manifesto. Great to spend time in Evelyn on the doorstep, listening to residents & sharing our vision for the borough. A huge thank you to Vince Maple and his team from Medway. drive.google.com/file/d/1j850...

Lewisham Labour has launched a bold and ambitious manifesto for our borough. www.lewishamlabour.com/manifesto2026 Backed by delivery. Driven by ambition. Led by Amanda De Ryk. Read my blog 👇🏽 brendadacres.org.uk/2026/03/22/d...

Yesterday Lewisham Labour launched a bold, progressive and ambitious manifesto, led by our innovative Mayoral candidate Amanda De Ryk. We have a proven track record of delivering for our communities. We are building a Lewisham that works for everyone. drive.google.com/file/d/1j850...

A new chapter for Millwall FC and Lewisham. Built on trust and collaboration, securing the club’s future and delivering regeneration for our community. lewisham.gov.uk/articles/new...

As Chair of London Councils’ TEC I spoke at the launch of the London Infrastructure Framework alongside Jules Pipe CBE and Howard Dawber OBE. A shared, evidence-led plan to prioritise the infrastructure London needs to grow and thrive. Now we turn ambition into action.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the incredible mothers, grandmothers, aunts, friends and carers who shape our lives with love, strength and wisdom. A special thought for mothers and mother figures who cannot be with us today but are forever in our hearts.

It was a pleasure to host Lewisham’s first Community Iftar in the Civic Suite yesterday evening Representatives from four local mosques joined councillors, other faith groups and residents to break the fast together A warm evening reflecting Lewisham’s diversity and community spirit Ramadan Mubarak

The Foreign Office has published updated guidance for British nationals currently in the Middle East. British nationals in Bahrain, Israel, Kuwait, Palestine, Qatar & the UAE can register their presence to receive direct updates. www.gov.uk/foreign-trav...

Labour’s expansion of the warm homes discount will help families in every part of Britain.

I’m in the Lions’ den. COYL @millwallfc.bsky.social

Ramadan Mubarak to everyone observing across Lewisham and beyond. Wishing you a peaceful and blessed month of reflection and togetherness.

Brilliant Vietnamese Lunar New Year #tết celebrations Deptford lounge this afternoon. #liondance was amazing. Thank you to the community for your hospitality @brendadacres.bsky.social @amandaderyk.bsky.social

Wishing everyone celebrating a very Happy Lunar New Year 2026. May the year ahead bring health, happiness, success and new beginnings to you and your loved ones.

We’re at a pivotal point for our country. Just 18 months ago people voted for change after over a decade of decline. That responsibility remains Time for focus & steady leadership. Let stability & consistency prevail. The priority is governing well and delivering lasting progress for our country.m

An incredible day that I shared with my parents and son. OBE Investiture. Windsor Castle. The Princess Royal to Baroness Brenda Dacres of Lewisham on Tuesday 13th January 2026.

Fantastic to celebrate Thai Pongal with the Downham Tamil Association and @amandaderyk.bsky.social, Labour's candidate for Lewisham Mayor. A wonderful evening with great food and incredible dancing. #ThaiPongal #Pongal2026

A pleasure to attend this evening’s celebration of Thai Pongal and Tamil Heritage Month, organised by the Downham Tamil Association. Wonderful performances and a great celebration of Tamil culture. Thank you to everyone involved for a joyful evening. Warm wishes for a happy Pongal.

Yesterday marked the 45th anniversary of the New Cross Fire. We remember the fourteen young Black lives lost and stand in remembrance, reflection and unity. “You never know how strong you are until being strong is your only choice.” — Bob Marley Their legacy lives on in #Lewisham and beyond.

Really pleased to see new Pagnell St crossing by Fordham park fully operational. As local #Deptford councillors we have pushed hard to make this happen @lewisham.gov.uk @brendadacres.bsky.social @amandaderyk.bsky.social @deptfordgreen.bsky.social

It was lovely to join @brendadacres.bsky.social for her introduction to the House of Lords last week. As Baroness Dacres of Lewisham, Brenda will be a fantastic champion for our borough and an important voice in the Lords.

My Introduction to the House of Lords- Baroness Brenda Dacres of Lewisham OBE on Thursday 8th January 2026

Fitting to be at a very beautiful #chanukah celebration @lewisham.gov.uk this evening. Expressing solidarity with Lewisham’s Jewish Community and celebrating our strength in diversity @brendadacres.bsky.social

The news coming from Australia today is heartbreaking & horrific. Chanukah is a time of celebration, joy and light. My thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones. I will be liaising with local police & our Jewish community to offer support.

We had a fantastic time at The Albany in Deptford seeing The Snow Queen, A Woodland Adventure. Such a magical treat for our youngest in Lewisham. Wonderful to see Gavin Barlow & have a good catch up too. 🌟❄️🎄 More info www.thealbany.org.uk/events/the-s...

From Deptford’s creatives, to Lewisham’s independents, to Catford’s community favourites, our local businesses are the beating heart of our borough. This #SmallBusinessSaturday shop local and show some love to the people who make Lewisham thrive. 💙✨ #SmallBizSatUK #ShopLocal #Lewisham