Today, I spoke in Parliament about the housing crisis affecting families across the country. The Government are failing, as the coalition did before them, to create housing which we so urgently need. There are currently 1.25 million people on the waiting list for social housing, 123,000 children living in temporary accommodation, and the fact that more than 99% of homes to rent in the private sector in Lambeth and Southwark have rent that is above the local housing allowance cap.

Last week the Home Secretary opened the compensation scheme for victims of the Windrush scandal. Following the announcement, the Home Office arranged a meeting in Brixton about the compensation scheme at just a day's notice. This isn't acceptable, as there will be many who need to know about the scheme who won't have been there.

I am concerned that without fully funding independent advice, many who have suffered may be unable to claim or unwilling to approach the Home Office directly. Justice for the Windrush generation requires extensive information and awareness raising, a reasonable burden of proof to access compensation and independent advice. 

Yesterday Parliament debated the petition calling for Article 50 to be revoked, signed by more than 6 million people - more signatories than any other petition to Parliament has received. I spoke on behalf of the 26,000+ residents in Dulwich and West Norwood who signed the petition, and all who are opposed to Brexit, worried about the impacts it will have and would like the opportunity to vote on any proposed Brexit deal, with an option to remain on the ballot.

You can watch my speech here >>

Across Dulwich and West Norwood, residents and schools are making changes to combat climate change and toxic air pollution. Today, I challenged the DEFRA Minister on the need for the Government to invest in community projects like this. 

Ahead of crucial votes on Brexit, hundreds of thousands of pounds are being funnelled into pro-Brexit advertising targeting MPs. The Electoral Commission and the DCMS Select Committee have both called for reforms to online advertisting. Today, I called on the Government to act.

Following two more tragic knife murders in my constituency in the past month, I challenged the Home Secretary today to fund the services - schools, youth work, police, social services & housing - needed to implement the public health approach to stopping serious violence.

Helen Hayes MP, Member of Parliament for Dulwich and West Norwood and Member of the Housing, Communities and Local Government Select Committee, has today introduced a Ten Minute Rule Bill – called the Planning (Affordable Housing and Land Compensation) Bill - in the House of Commons after Prime Minister’s Questions. You can read more and watch Helen's speech below>>

Today, I challenges the Prime Minister during PMQs on her commitment to stage meaningful votes on Brexit in Parliament.