Too many children from visually diverse ethnic backgrounds find themselves over-policed and under-protected. The independent report on police leadership confirms police leaders are unable to meet the needs of the public. I welcome the Government’s long-term commitment to addressing these issues.

For Anti-Social Behaviour Awareness Week, Cllr Kim Powell and I met with Lewisham Police to discuss cases in Hither Green. I'm proud to work in partnership with constituents, police, Cllrs and others to make sure that anyone experiencing anti-social behaviour does not feel isolated or alone.

The reports of violence against women and girls taking place in Sudan are horrific, but we shouldn't look away. I took this concern to the Government, and asked about the steps being taken to protect women and girls in Sudan. Watch my question here ⬇️

This week is #ASBAwarenessWeek, and the key to resolving these issues is collaboration. I have recently been working with a group of concerned constituents and the Police, councillors, and accommodation providers to ensure that residents can have their voices heard and feel safe in their homes.

Windrush Day this year was even more special, celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Windrush Foundation. Yesterday, I joined their celebration and launch of their new book, 'Windrush: Dispelling Myths and Misconceptions', which is key reading for anyone interested in the story of Windrush ♥️

Great atmosphere at #DownhamCelebrates yesterday, lovely chatting with Iris and Anne about their work bringing positivity to ageing. Meanwhile in Catford, @lewisham.gov.uk Community Festival is in full swing, with local stalls and a brilliant choir singing soul classics! ☀️

"After all, this is about our children's future, and when I say this I mean children deserve the right to breathe clean air." 🗣️ @janetdaby.bsky.social

I was honoured to attend this year's Armed Forces Day event in Catford, paying tribute to the courage and service of our Armed Forces and Reserves. It was inspiring to hear from speakers including Deidre Barr BEM, TD, DL, VR; Captain Mohan Gurung, Sabir Rooble, and Paul Chambers.

My statement on the Prime Minister’s resignation:

💐 There was something for everyone at the 30th Manor House Gardens Festival on Saturday! A big thank you and congratulations to all the volunteers and organisers 👏 there are so many people keeping the community spirit alive, and the results are great to see.

Octavia is the Director of We Are Family and a friend. This amazing charity is fundraising in June to carry out its work to support adoptive families 💕 It was fabulous to hear that Lewisham has the most members of any borough in London! Visit their website to learn more: wearefamilyadoption.org.uk

☀️ This summer has been full of community projects and opportunities to come together, and it's just getting started! I visited the Culverley Green Residents' Association festival last weekend. They have been working hard and are currently fundraising for a new fence around the Green.

Yesterday, I joined celebrations to say goodbye to Reverend Stuart Leck at St Barnabas Church in Downham. Having known him for over fifteen years, it was a pleasure to share a few words with the congregation about Reverend Stuart's immense work and support in the community.

Today was a great day in the community, as the 17th Bellingham Festival took place in Bellingham Green. It was fantastic to see people come together from across Bellingham, including groups such as Ravensbourne Project and Radio Lewisham, who interviewed me for a piece coming soon to the airwaves!

The theme of Carers' Week this year is 'Building Carer-Friendly Communities', and I was pleased to see this in action at a peer support group this week. If you have experience as an unpaid carer, the Government's consultation on employment rights for unpaid carers needs your voice: bit.ly/4xnYM5q

It was a pleasure to support my Windrush community at the launch of 'Homes Lost, Lives Shattered'. The report raises concerns on housing and citizenship resulting from this scandal. An independent body will introduce new energy and help remove some of the distrust that the Windrush Community has.

Eid Mubarak to everyone celebrating Eid al-Adha. Wishing you and your loved ones peace, happiness and blessings on this special occasion

Opening Day at The Black Horse and Harrow! A Catford landmark is back! 🎉 The Black Horse and Harrow has reopened, welcoming atmosphere and a has a proper local feel. Another brilliant step forward for Catford. Get yourself down there! 🍺 #Catford #London

I was delighted to recently meet my constituent Emmanuel, who visited to thank me for assisting him. I often receive thanks, but rarely in person. So this was particularly special to meet him in person and to meet his partner 🌹.

Fantastic to hear from local parents and cares about their experiences with the SEND system. It is absolutely vital for the upcoming SEND reforms to reflect these experiences to give them and their children the support that they deserve. Sign up for next week’s session here: bit.ly/4tstffL

Our local markets are the heart of this community 🛍️ Huge thanks to Catford Market (Mon–Sat, 9–5), Beckenham Place Park Market (Sundays), and Catford Food Market (last Sunday of the month). Fresh food, local businesses, real community spirit. Please do pay them a visit! 🙌

Fly tipping is a blight on our communities, and this Labour Government is empowering councils to go further in tackling it. That’s why it’s vital to have a Labour council here in Lewisham working with the Government to deliver improvements for our local area.

Brilliant to visit Sedgehill School last Friday and meet students taking part in @talentfoundry's 'Skills for Life' workshops, helping young people build real-world financial skills like budgeting and career planning. More schools should be doing this! 🌟

Women's health has been neglected for too long. Today's Labour Women's Health Strategy will give women a real say in their care, streamline gynaecological services, and end outdated practices around pain relief. Long overdue. 💪

Youth clubs are coming back to London 🙌 @london.gov.uk is rebuilding what Tory austerity destroyed. These spaces are a lifeline for young people; this is Labour values in action.

The Two Child Benefit Cap has been lifted, helping thousands of children out of poverty here in Lewisham East and many more across the country. More needs to be done to address poverty, but this is a vital step in giving families the support they need.

Wishing everyone celebrating in Lewisham East and around the world a very happy and peaceful Easter weekend as we remember Jesus, the Son of God being taken up into heaven. Happy Easter

These comments will have been incredibly painful for all those affected by failures in building safety, and my thoughts are with all the victims of Grenfell and their families. While he was rightly sacked as a spokesman, it is disgraceful that he remains a Reform member. inews.co.uk/news/grenfel...

In response to Simon Dudley's (Reform UK) comments on Grenfell:

You can join here: join.labour.org.uk/join

Really pleased to be at the opening of Frothy Coffee at Bellingham Place Park today. Great to see Memet and his partner open this café. I was even able experience the fantastic cheeseburger and chips with a lovely cup of tea.

Lewisham Labour's local election campaign is officially launched! 🚀 Over 100 members joined us, with words from David Lammy on Labour government and councils working together for families. Read our manifesto 👇 www.lewishamlabour.com/manifesto2026/

Fly-tipping blights our communities so we’re doing something about it 💚 Joined our brilliant Hither Green Councillors & local residents for a litter pick near Mountfield Park today. Bags filled, streets cleaner. Thank you to all who came! 🌿 #HitherGreen #Flytipping

My statement on public prayer

Eid Mubarak to all those celebrating across Lewisham and beyond. Wishing everyone a happy, safe, and blessed Eid. #EidMubarak #lewisham

Great news! Labour has officially removed the two child limit, helping over 3,850 children in Lewisham East. 🎉 Opposing this policy was one of the reasons I entered politics. I’ll keep fighting to ensure vulnerable children are properly supported. #TwoChildLimit

We know we need to go further and faster on the cost of living and give people hope, but we’re seeing real Labour help coming through. (Nice to persuade the audience member on that) #bbcqt

Huge congratulations to Dr Carol Homden of @wearecoram.bsky.social on being made a Dame Commander of the British Empire! A much deserved award for a tireless champion of children and families, in particular adopted families.

Fantastic to be able to join a Lewisham Council community Iftar to commemorate Ramadan and hear about the importance of unity and togetherness during this holy month. A special thanks to Little Punjab for their delicious catering. #Ramadan2026

Are you fed up of seeing FLY TIPPING? I am! It is wrong & is a crime! This morning at a local clean up I will be picking up someone else’s rubbish. Don’t dump what you do not want - bin it, recycle it or contact @lewisham.gov.uk it’s just £5 to get rid of a bulky item. Do the right thing ♥️

🇬🇧 British nationals in Bahrain, Israel, Kuwait, Palestine, Qatar or the UAE, please register your presence with the FCDO. Registering means you’ll receive direct travel updates and advice, keeping you informed and safe. Sign up here ➔ www.gov.uk/government/n...

By-election day! Had a great time yesterday speaking to residents in Gorton and Denton. Only Labour can beat Reform! 🌹

Ramadan Mubarak to everyone observing across Lewisham East and beyond 🌙 This religious month is a time of reflection, compassion, and togetherness. Ramadan brings community spirit to our neighbourhoods. Wishing you peace and joy throughout.

Great news today, inflation is falling, and the Government's plan to tackle the cost-of-living crisis is working. I was delighted to welcome the Chancellor to Sainsbury's in Sydenham, where we heard directly from staff and residents about what this means for them. @amandaderyk.bsky.social

Saddened to hear of the passing of Rev. Jesse Jackson, aged 84. A protégé of Dr Martin Luther King Jr., he dedicated his life to fighting for racial and social justice and left behind a towering legacy. Rest in peace. 🕊️ www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/c3...

Visited Rosamund Adoo-Kissi-Debrah’s exhibition at Canvas & Cream. A powerful tribute to her clean air campaign, born from the devastating loss of her daughter Ella, whose death was the first to officially cite air pollution as a cause. Her work to reduce health inequality is truly transformative.

My statement on the recent fire at Rushey Green Nursery @lewisham.gov.uk

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

Fantastic to have been at the launch of the APPG for Adoption and Permanence’s report on the adoption system, giving voice to young people with direct experience of adoption. Children’s social care must be a priority for the Government and this report will be vital in informing needed reform.

For too long, leaseholders have been subject to arbitrary and unaffordable ground rents under an unfair leasehold system. As part of the plan to end this outdated system, the Government will be capping ground rents as it works to abolish them and strengthening the rights of leaseholders.