| Gatton Primary School |
| Thursday, 12 July 2007 15:31 |
|
On Monday, in addition to my normal parliamentary duties I held my usual advice surgery at Balham Community Centre on Bedford Hill. On Tuesday, the Secretary of State for Education, the Right Honourable Alan Johnson MP visited Gatton Primary School in the heart of Tooting. Gatton is one of the newest additions to our family of local maintained schools. Gatton was the first purpose built primary school with an Islamic ethos in the country. They have built up excellent links with the local community and local Church of England, Roman Catholic and non denominational schools. Alan was really impressed with all the hardworking staff and pupils. As the Chair of Governors I was terribly proud of the visit and positive image the school reflected of faith schools. Click HERE to see a photo of visit. On Wednesday, I welcomed three key local environmentalists to a meeting in the House of Commons with the Secretary of State for Environment, the Right Honourable David Milliband MP. The aim of the meeting was to discuss ways in which we can link local environmental initiatives with national and international initiatives. I invited representatives from the Wandsworth Environmental Forum, the Wandsworth Cycling campaign and the Wandsworth Fairtrade Group, with whom I have been working with for several months (for information click HERE). David was very impressed with the work being done locally to tackle climate change and the meeting was a great way to share ideas and projects. You can see a photo of us by clicking HERE. After Prime Ministers Questions I was a member of the MP's Panel on the Simon Mayo Show on BBC Radio 5 Live. In the evening I attended a meeting at the St Georges Staff and Social Club at the invitation of local constituents who use the club. The club is threatened with removal from their premises and I attended to listen to the views of users. I promised to try and secure a meeting between the Chairman of the Club Committee and the Chief Executive to try and resolve the outstanding issues. On Thursday, I carried out my usual duties as Parliamentary Private Secretary to Leader of the House, The Right Honourable Jack Straw MP. I also had a meeting with my good mate and ex colleague on the Labour Group of Councillors, Stuart King, who has been chosen by members of Putney Labour Party to be their candidate in the next General Election. Stuart has lived in Wandsworth all his life, is passionate about public services and is a formidable campaigner. I am looking forward to us having 3 Labour MP's again in Wandsworth! In the evening I attended a Governors meeting at Gatton Primary School. On Friday, I visited the Tooting Triangle Playground on Tooting Bec Common with Battersea MP, Martin Linton and several local residents. Parents have been worried about the maintenance of the playground . Martin and I wanted to see for ourselves the equipment in the playground and will be lobbying Wandsworth Council to provide better maintenance facilities and improve the safety of the playground for teh children that use it. You can see a photo of our visit by clicking HERE. On Sunday, I attended the Special Leadership Conference in Manchester where Gordon Brown was elected Leader of the Labour Party with Harriet Harman his deputy. I think they will make a great leadership team and I am excited about working with the new Prime Minister. As you may know, I supported Alan Johnson during the Deputy Leadership campaign, but I am happy with the Party’s choice. Harriet was the most popular candidate amongst Party members which gives her a genuine mandate. (You can see a photo of me congratulating Gordon by clicking HERE.) |
Promoted by Tooting Labour Party on behalf Sadiq Khan and Tooting Labour Party, all of 273 Balham High Road, London, SW17 7BD. Hosted by 34SP.com, 349 Bury Old Road, Manchester, M25 1PY.