An Update from your Local MP – 20th September 2024

Sep 20, 2024 | News

Share this page

*|MC:SUBJECT|*

*|MC_PREVIEW_TEXT|*

Picture of Bell against a graffiti backdrop

Dear *|FNAME|*,

I am really looking forward to attending Labour Conference. This year’s conference is especially significant as it marks our first gathering in power after 15 years.

I have a busy speaking schedule and I am looking forward to participating in several key panels, including Can Labour Survive the Press, Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND) meeting, “Show Racism the Red Card,” “Stand Up to Racism” as well as attending the Labour TULO rally.

The conference will be a great opportunity to hear from colleagues and experts, to reflect on the hope and change that Labour leadership brings, and to engage in meaningful dialogue about the path forward. It’s a chance to listen, learn, and contribute to shaping the Labour Party’s vision for the future.

Bell Ribeiro-Addy MP standing with Clapham Park Councillors: Irfan Mohammed, Martin Tiedemann, Verity McGivern and Deputy Mayor Adrian Garden.

Agnes Riley Community Gardens

I had a fantastic time at the Agnes Riley Garden Autumn Fair last Saturday!

The sunny weather set the perfect scene for an afternoon of fun and games, including a winning streak at the tombola.

It was great to catch up with constituents, and chat with the local councillors and Deputy Mayor. The event was a great success, thanks to the hard work of the Friends of Agnes Riley Gardens team. I also had the chance to check out the brand-new gates – a beautiful addition to this wonderful community space.

KataKata Brixton, Freedom Festival

Last weekend, I had the pleasure of attending the Katakata Brixton Freedom Festival, a vibrant and welcoming event hosted by an incredible organisation dedicated to supporting disabled and minoritised people.

Katakata is a safe space that celebrates diversity through delicious food, art, and music. The festival featured live music performed by talented artists, creative and educational workshops, and British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters, ensuring everyone could fully engage and enjoy the festival.

I am truly honoured to represent and be a part of a community that places inclusivity and accessibility at its core.

Bell Ribeiro-Addy MP standing with a constituent at the KataKata Freedom Festival.

A picture of a flyer for the KataKata Freedom Festival and a performer playing guitar.

Bell Ribeiro-Addy MP standing with Councillor Alison Inglis-Jones and Councillor Linda Bray at Holy Trinity Clapham's Breakfast Club.

HTC Breakfast Club

On Tuesday, I had the privilege of visiting the Breakfast Club at Holy Trinity Clapham. Originally established as a food bank in 2020, serving around 200 people a week, the team quickly recognised the need for a space where people could not only eat but also connect. The food bank transformed into the Breakfast Club, with the meaningful aim that everyone who walks through their doors is “fully known, fully loved, and fully valued.”

An atmosphere filled with kindness and respect. The clubs welcomes all guests, including those who have been turned away from other services. The club offers vital support to vulnerable members of the community, such as local child carers, the elderly, ex-offenders, and those struggling with substance abuse. Beyond breakfast, they provide guidance, helping guests access the services and resources they need. Truly inspiring work.

Southall Black Sisters Event

On Wednesday, I had the opportunity to speak at an impactful event hosted by Southall Black Sisters. The discussion was a profound reminder of the deep-seated issue of institutional racism and ensuring that marginalised communities remain empowered, educated; not oppressed.

It was an honour to speak alongside other thought-provoking speakers who tackled these eye-opening topics with insight and depth. The chair of the event facilitated a great dialogue. Southall Black Sisters, led by and for Black and minoritised women, continues to do life-changing work by providing holistic and intersectional support to victim-survivors of abuse.

A picture of the panel at the Southall Black Sisters Event. Behind the panel is a projector screen saying 'Empower, Not Oppress: Institutional Racism in the Criminal Justice System'.

A picture of a section of the audience at the Southall Black Sisters Event and a red banner that says 'SOUTHALL BLACK SISTERS'.

Picture of Bell outside of St Matthew's Church Brixton and there is red signage detailing the times of services.

The Waterloo 200 Walk

Last weekend, I had the pleasure of joining the Waterloo 200 Walk, an event celebrating 200 years of worship and service at three iconic “Waterloo” churches in Lambeth. The walk was organised by the Waterloo vicars to celebrate the Greek Temple-style Anglican churches—St Mark’s in Kennington, St Matthew’s in Brixton, and St John’s at Waterloo—marking their bicentenary from 1824 to 2024.

I joined the walk at St Matthew’s church where I used to attend services as a child. Everyone enjoyed prayers before starting the second leg of the walk. The weather couldn’t have been better for walking and chatting with constituents. It was a really lovely way to connect with the community while celebrating these historic churches.