Dear Friends,
Thank you for taking the time to look at my monthly newsletter for February 2025.
I hope you enjoy this update on some of the work I have been doing in Erith and Thamesmead and in Parliament over the last month.
As ever, if you want to get in touch, don’t hesitate to contact me using the email address: abena.oppongasare.mp@parliament.uk
Abena

Government’s ‘Plan for Change’
This month, I wanted to highlight some of the vital actions being taken by the Government that will make a real difference for Erith and Thamesmead residents.
Fixing our NHS remains a top priority, and I’m pleased to see that the extra 2 million NHS appointments promised by the Prime Minister has already been achieved seven months early. We must build on this progress to create an NHS truly fit for the future.
This month, the Government has also stepped-up efforts to expand social and affordable housing, a key issue for our community. Ministers announced a £350 million boost to drive construction, alongside measures to improve standards and crack down on rogue landlords in supported housing.
Additionally, the Chancellor has recently announced new measures to kick start the economy and put more money in people’s pockets. I back her belief in Britain’s potential and her refusal to accept a low growth future. I look forward to these projects creating a brighter future for the country and here in Erith and Thamesmead.
While tough decisions have been necessary, I hope you agree that this Government is making real progress on these and many other issues to deliver the change agenda the country voted for last year.
Greenwich Holocaust Memorial Day Event
I was honoured to attend the Royal Borough of Greenwich’s Holocaust Memorial Day commemoration. It was a poignant reminder to remember the past and stand against hatred. Grateful for the chance to reflect and pay tribute.

Visit to St Margaret Clitherow Primary School
It was a pleasure to be able to visit St Margaret Citherow Primary school in Thamesmead. Firstly, I thanked the students for their lovely designs for my recent Christmas Card Competition. I then had a mini-Interview with two of the runners up, Michelle and Arielle, who fired questions at me about my role in politics. I also asked what inspired their designs, and they shared that the beautiful scenery in our constituency was their main inspiration.
It was great to also join the Key Stage 2 assembly whereby the students asked about my role as their MP and my political journey. Lastly, I was taken on a lovely tour of the school by the Head Girl, Claire, and the Head Boy, Jimi.

Walkabout with Greenwich Safer Neighbourhood Policing Team
It was important to recently join a walkabout with the Thamesmead Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT). It was insightful to see and hear firsthand how they deal with the challenges of policing in the local area. What stood out as especially valuable was observing how they cooperate with local schools to ensure a safe dispersal at the end of the school day – making sure the area is kept safe for the students and residents.
It is important we continue to restore trust in our police and crack down on all forms of crime.

Re-opening of Woodlands Farm Trust Education Centre
It was a pleasure to attend the relaunch of education classes at the Vaughan Mills Education Centre on Woodlands Farm, alongside Shooters Hill Councillors, Ivis Williams and Raja Zeeshan and the respective Mayors for Greenwich and Bexley.
I saw the fantastic nature on offer at the Farm on our tour led by Dr Barry Gray, chairman of the Woodlands Farm Trust. It is imperative more young people get outside and enjoy the great green spaces available to them in our constituency.

Ministerial work in the Cabinet Office
This month, I’ve been excited to continue my work in the Cabinet Office. I’ve had the privilege of visiting various teams across the country, each doing incredible work in their areas of expertise.
I began the month with an important visit to the University of Glasgow’s Advanced Research Centre to speak to them about their groundbreaking quantum research and the Government’s investment in the sector to build a more resilient Britain.
Following this, it was great to spend time with the Lincolnshire Resilience Forum (LRF), alongside fellow Minister Alex Norris, responsible for Local Growth and Building Safety. I was very impressed to see how the LRF Innovation Fund is driving projects that boost public preparedness and resilience. It was also good to visit the Waddington Fire & Rescue Training Centre, where teams master crisis response skills.
Lastly, it was a pleasure to open this February’s Local Resilience Forum Chairs’ Conference in Birmingham. During the event, I had the opportunity to engage with local resilience leaders from across the UK to discuss and identify key priorities for ensuring the safety of our communities.

Furthermore:
- Visit to Parliament by Trinity School, Belvedere – Great to see their Year 11 GCSE Citizenship Studies class had a great visit to the Houses of Parliament, including meeting my Parliamentary team and visiting 10 Downing Street!
- Visit to Parliament by St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School – Lovely to hear about their students’ visit to Parliament, including a tour, an Education Centre session as well as taking the time to raise some important local issues with me.
- New Location for Plumstead Post Office – In case you missed it, the Plumstead Post Office has reopened across the road at 7 Brewery Road. I know how vital the Post Office is to our community so I’m glad to see a smooth transition from the old location.
- Knife Amnesty Bins – Important to see knife amnesty bins installed in our community by the Royal Borough of Greenwich. One is in Abbey Wood at the back of the Old Council Office.
- Children’s Mental Health Week 2025 – This month I supported Place2Be’s important work marking Children’s Mental Health Week 2025. Find out more here.
- National Apprenticeship Week – Good to see the Government going further and faster to support apprentices nationwide with up to 10,000 more places per year.
- Time to Talk Day 2025 – This day gives us all a chance to get comfortable and start talking about mental health. Find out more here.
- LGBT+ History Month – Glad to celebrate the heritage and contributions of LGBT+ communities in our local area and across the country this month.
- Hearts Unions Week – Pleased to celebrate all the work unions do to make our workplaces fairer and stronger during this recognition week.
Stay updated on social media
For regular updates on my activities, follow me on Twitter (@abenaopp), Facebook (Abena Oppong-Asare MP, Erith and Thamesmead), and Instagram (abena.oppongasare.mp).
You can also sign up to my digital newsletter at www.abenaoppongasare.com/get_in_touch