On Monday, we set out our plans for SEND reform, shaped by the ideas and insights of families, young people, teachers, support staff and practitioners from around the country. But this is far from the end of our work...

Tonight as my family lit the first Chanukah candle my thoughts are with all the innocent victims of the horrific terrorist attack on Bondi Beach. A time that should be full of family, joy and celebration is instead one of grief and horror. My heart goes out to the Australian Jewish community.

Delighted to be talking this morning about the £3bn we are investing to create 50,000 specialist places for children with SEND. This is a massive step forward in our vision to deliver accessible, inclusive schools with more children educated in their communities.

In Manchester today for a local conversation on SEND, led by the Council for Disabled Children. we've been discussing with young people, parents, teachers, health workers and charities how we can work together to improve outcomes for children with SEND.

Children with SEND and their families have told us they don’t feel heard - we are determined to change that.

Happy #WorldTeachersDay to all the brilliant teachers in schools, nurseries, adult education and beyond who go the extra mile every day to help students achieve their potential. I’ve been lucy to meet so many dedicated teachers here in Queen’s Park and Maida Vale. Thank you for everything you do!

My statement on today’s horrific attack in Manchester.

Uplifting evening last night celebrating the work of volunteers with @ageukwestminster.bsky.social and the power, strength and connection that comes from investing in intergenerational activity in the community.

Today I organised a walkabout for parents to show local police their concerns about anti-social behaviour and crime in Church street. Really pleased that Church street will be getting a new police officer in the neighbourhood team to help improve safety for local families.

A massive thank you to all those in Westminster & Brent supporting our local community to get active @activewestminster.bsky.social

To all the students in Queen’s Park and Maida Vale collecting results today wishing you the best of luck! I know how hard you’ve worked and I have been so impressed by the ambition of all the young people I have met this year. However today goes, there are so many opportunities in front of you!

Letter to my constituents on the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza and the Prime Minister’s statement setting out our government’s plan for peace, including the recognition of a Palestinian state.

Today and every day we remember the 72 people who lost their lives in the Grenfell fire tragedy. Their families, survivors & the wider community are in our hearts today. 8 years on the work on building safety and to deliver justice and accountability is more important than ever.

It was really great to the Lord Mayor of Westminster and local community groups for a joyous Eid al-Adha event at @citywestminster.bsky.social earlier this week. Truly a wonderful celebration of our diverse community, best wishes to all who celebrated! 🌙

The rain wasn’t stopping anyone this afternoon at Whitmore Gardens & College Rd street party. Local residents & businesses put on a totally free event for whole community. Loved chatting to residents & celebrating Kensal Rise community spirit with local cllrs Matt, Mili & Jumbo & Brent leader Mo!

Great morning speaking to residents on Amberley estate with @adamhug.bsky.social Council officers & local police updated on joint efforts to design out crime, new cctv & residents shared ideas for more improvements. And brilliant to see the youth centre back open with London Tigers!

Today I met senior leaders from Brent & Camden council and both police forces to discuss a joint safety response to violence in Kilburn including an extra police presence this weekend. I also joined police & cllrs in Kilburn where I heard the depth of resident concerns.

Today I joined cllrs from Brent & Camden to talk to local shopkeepers on Kilburn High Rd after a number of knife related incidents on the high st. There are so many amazing residents and shop keepers working hard for this community and we’re committed to working with them to make Kilburn safer.

Too many young people have lost their lives in our community. Today the community, local police, faith leaders & Brent councillors organised a youth safety walk starting in Kilburn to say to young people - your safety matters and we will work together to protect you.

Great to be at Paddington Waterways and Maida Vale Society AGM to thank the volunteers who champion the community & PC Paul Reading who dedicated 25 years service to Little Venice including a boxing club for young people. And fab to hear from patron Tony Robinson about his love for the area!

Next up for Mental Health Awareness Week, I wanted to spotlight @citywestminster.bsky.social's ‘Trim Talk’ initiative. We know men are significantly less likely to seek help for mental health challenges, making up just 36% of NHS talking therapy referrals.

Today we announced plans to move thousands of civil service roles to 13 places around the UK. Our vision is for an outward looking civil service solving problems with the frontline, closer to communities. www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater...

At the start of Mental Heath Awareness week, I’m spotlighting Church Street’s Community Health and Wellbeing Workers. They provide local health support, hosting gatherings twice a month to help break isolation, build trust, and remind people they’re not alone.

Today Church Street was full of joy for a packed festival put on by the community for the community. Great to enjoy amazing food, hear from young people & join in with their t-shirt making. Thanks to Hafs Academy & all the volunteers for bringing so much joy to local families.

Great few hours talking to Harlesden residents outside Tesco today. Lots of love for Harlesden’s vibrancy, community, diversity & food! But people wanted to see more action on drug dealing, fly tipping, gambling shops & more community spaces. Thanks to everyone who stopped to talk!

We stand on the shoulders of an extraordinary generation whose courage protected our freedoms and who went on to build a better country for their children. 80 years on we must do justice to their sacrifice by building a better country for future generations. #VEDay80

Thinking of everyone impacted by today’s distressing fire at the electrical substation on Aberdeen Place & deeply grateful to the firefighters for their fast & courageous response. Westminster Council have set up two rest centres for residents needing support www.westminster.gov.uk/news/electri...

Pleased to be on BBC Politics London today discussing youth safety & welcoming @MayorofLondon visit to Avenues Youth Project & 1 million investment in young Londoners. I got to share my pride in amazing Avenues team who provide support, inspiration & opportunities for young people every day.

Thank you to the community at Fernhead Rd Methodist church for welcoming me so warmly this morning. It was uplifting to hear about all the ways people are putting their faith in to action to help others locally. Warmest wishes to everyone marking Palm Sunday today.

Wishing Eid Mubarak to all celebrating in Queen’s Park and Maida Vale and beyond. Thank you to Melissa from Gateway Primary for her beautiful design for this year’s Eid card, and all the students who put so much care into bringing to life the joy and meaning of #EidAlFitr2025!

It was wonderful to visit Brent Central Mosque last week which serves many of my constituents to hear about all they do for the local community, including a free daily lunch prepared by volunteers and opening up the mosque for health checks.

Wishing a very happy Holi to those celebrating in Queen’s Park and Maida Vale & around the UK!

Wonderful evening of food, community and conversation at an Open Iftar put on by brilliant community champions & Grand Junction. Great to hear about all the work the champions are doing from supporting new mums to food growing & wish those celebrating Ramadan Mubarak!

This #InternationalWomensDay I sat down with two inspirational women @sarahsackman.bsky.social @miattafahnbulleh.bsky.social to discuss the realities of balancing young families & politics, and the women who paved the way for us. Watch the full version here! www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-W2...

Safety is the number 1 issue Kilburn residents contact me about. On Friday I joined Kilburn Police to see the action they are taking to crack down on crime. Great to see visible neighbourhood policing and discuss the work I am leading across boroughs to keep young people safe & reduce violence.

Ramadan Mubarak to all those celebrating in Queen’s Park and Maida Vale and beyond. Wishing all those celebrating this month a peaceful and meaningful fast.

This morning we held a community conversation about youth safety as part of the Westminster City Council taskforce I am co-chairing with Eartha Pond & Fabian Sharp. Important to have local health partners, police & council committing resources and to hear about inspiring community action.

Yesterday Angela Rayner committed to truth, justice & change on behalf of Grenfell victims & survivors. To support this, I have issued a statement setting out our intention to launch investigations into 7 organisations named in the Grenfell report using new debarment powers in the Procurement Act.

Just before half-term, it was great to meet the students of Kilburn Park School on their visit to Parliament! They had a wide-ranging legislative agenda including laws to make everyone be kind and pick up litter. Any UK school can book a free visit here - learning.parliament.uk/en/session-w...

I recently caught up with local legend Paul Reading who is leaving the Met Police after 25 years of service. Paul shared insights and success stories from his work, particularly through the free boxing club he runs in Little Venice, welcoming more than 3000 young people over the past 16 years.

Today the Labour Government is bringing forward ambitious plans to make sure the £400 billion spent on public sector procurement delivers growth, innovation & jobs around the UK. I spoke to @financialtimes.com about how this will support small & medium size businesses. on.ft.com/419BC4N

Amazing night at All Star Boxing’s #SingInTheRingUK, seeing so much emerging local talent. The artistry, poetry & raw talent from the local community was a reminder of the power of spaces for creativity and expression to make change & bring connection. linktr.ee/singintherin...

Can’t think of a better way to start posting here than celebrating the amazing people & organisations in Queen’s Park & Maida Vale. The highlight of my first months as an MP has been meeting the people who quietly make a difference every day. This month I want to turn the spotlight on them.