Doing everything I can for the safety, security and wellbeing of local people, whether it be on the streets of Dagenham and Rainham, in their homes or in our local shops is my outright priority in serving as Member of Parliament for the constituency.
Being selected to serve on the House of Commons Home Affairs Select Committee has given me the opportunity to press for the interests of Dagenham and Rainham. In particular, I have questioned Ministers and Police chiefs on the impact on local communities when already stretched police officer strength is weakened by taking officers to reinforce other areas of England. This happened during summer’s riots. I am determined to keep the focus on this so that policing levels in our area are protected.
I was delighted to support the Government’s funding increase for policing in 2025/26, up to £17.4 billion, one billion more than in previous year under the last Government. It was also good to see that the Metropolitan Police will get an extra £65 million above their increase to cover the additional costs of policing the capital.
Welcome as all that is, what’s really important is how this works out locally and the safety of people in their everyday lives. So for me this means regularly meeting with Police officers on the ground, in shopping parades across the constituency and around public transport hubs. After talking with shopkeepers in Dagenham Heathway, Elm Park and Rainham about shoplifting gangs and sickening threats of violence to staff I have met with senior Police officers to put in place actions to bring these thugs to justice.
Tackling gang violence and associated knife crime needs more than just increased police presence on our streets. The run down of youth services and local youth centres over the last decade of council cuts is part of the problem. But there’s also a dangerous macho culture that is being fostered on parts of social media aimed at young men that needs to be recognized, addressed and
reined in. If the multi billionaire tech company owners don’t act and bring this under control, then Government will need to act.
The torture and murder of the ten year old Sara Sharif by her parents whilst she was removed from school to be “home schooled” is the clearest reason for the Government to bring forward the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill before Parliament. Hopefully, this will prevent future tragedies and help protect children from exploitation and harm.
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