Chuka Umunna MP

Last week, Chuka attended and spoke at the announcement of Lambeth’s youth election results. He also presented a Democracy Award to Elmgreen School, which had the highest turnout in the elections, which are open to young people aged between 11 and 19.

Congratulations to all candidates who took part, and in particular to David Oyedele who was elected Youth Mayor and Naomi Mwakamowo who was elected Lambeth’s Youth Parliament member, Jeremiah Emmanuel, elected Deputy MYP and Jacqueline Gomes, elected as Deputy Mayor.

Recently, Chuka visited Streatham Delivery Office on Prentis Road. He met with staff and Communications Workers Union (CWU) representatives and found out more about the office’s work in delivering thousands of pieces of mail every day locally.

On Friday, Chuka held an adjournment debate in the House of Commons on employee rights and the issue of false self-employment.

To read the debate and Chuka’s speech in it, follow this link or watch the debate here.

Extensive research on the issue of fall self-employment has been published by the Fair Work Coalition and UCATT.

Chuka attended the launch of the Lambeth ACTIVE! Parent and Carer Forum, an initiative for parents and carers of children with disabilities or additional needs.

The forum enables parents to work together to learn from and help one another, and to collaborate with Lambeth Council to provide better services for disabled children. At the event, parents and carers spoke with Chuka about the support which they receive and discussed ways in which policies can be improved to better assist carers.

Chuka hosted coffee afternoon last month at Cressingham Gardens Estate – all residents on the estate were invited to come along for a casual cup of tea or coffee and a chat.

The event provided an opportunity for local residents to raise issues with Chuka – thanks again to those who were able to attend. Chuka will be holding many similar events around my constituency in the future.

Recently Chuka organised a walkabout of the Sackville Estate in Streatham Wells, and was joined by local residents, the estate’s Tenants and Residents Association, the local Safer Neighbourhoods Team, and the estate services manager from Lambeth Living.

This gave the residents the chance to point out problems to Lambeth Living directly, which will be followed up to ensure that repairs discussed on the day will be carried out within a reasonable timeframe.

The Safer Neighbourhoods Team informed Chuka of successes in tackling anti-social behaviour and Lambeth Living promised that new recycling banks would be delivered soon.

During Apprenticeship Week, Chuka was invited to speak at an event at Brixton Music Bar to promote and celebrate apprenticeships.

Ixion CG, an organisation which places young people into apprenticeships, held the event to highlight the benefits apprenticeships offer both to the young people they work with, many of whom come from disadvantaged backgrounds, and to employers.

Commenting, Chuka said:

“I was honoured to speak at the event and especially enjoyed meeting some of the inspiring young people who have had a chance to embark on a new career route as a result of an apprenticeship placement.

“Apprenticeships are a great way for local businesses to support our community’s young people by giving them the practical work experience that can help them achieve their ambitions, so I hope that more businesses are able to follow in the footsteps of Brixton Music Bar and take on apprentices.”