An Update from your Local MP – 2nd May 2025

May 2, 2025 | News

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Picture of Bell against a graffiti backdrop

Dear *|FNAME|*,

This week, we have been observing Black Maternal Health Awareness Week 2025. In the UK, Black women are still three times more likely to die during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum. On Wednesday, I led a debate on the topic, highlighting the ongoing inequalities Black women face in maternity care.

Thanks to the hard work of campaigners, Labour has made it a manifesto commitment to set a binding target to end racial disparities in maternity care. During the debate, I paid tribute to all those working to improve outcomes in maternity services and pushed the government to deliver on its promises.

A graphic with Bell's branding on it. It says "In the UK, Black women are: Three times more likely to die in pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum. Two times more likely to experience stillbirth. 80-83% more likely to experience a “near miss” during childbirth. 50% more likely to experience neonatal bereavement. 43% more likely to experience a miscarriage.

Rents are Going Through the Roof

I was drawn to ask the Prime Minister a question this week, and used the opportunity to raise the issue of soaring rents. In our area, private rents have risen by 26.1% over the past five years—far outstripping wage growth. The Renters’ Rights Bill takes the welcome step of banning Section 21 evictions. However, for many, a large rent increase is just a no-fault eviction by another name.

Bell stands up from the backbenches of the House of Commons, an order paper in her hand.

I was met with heckles from the Tory benches as I echoed Metro Mayors’ calls for rent control powers. I can only wonder why Tory MPs—one in four of whom are landlords—were so agitated about my call for more affordable rents.

Meeting Local Women Entrepreneurs

It was a pleasure to attend the Fierce + Found event this week and meet some of the incredible local women building bold, brilliant businesses in our community. Small businesses don’t just power our economy—they shape our neighbourhoods. In this economy, keeping a small business going is no small feat, so it was great to see female entrepreneurs forming a supportive network and sharing ideas. I’ll keep doing all I can to back women entrepreneurs and small businesses in Clapham & Brixton Hill.

Bell stands in front of a restaurant called The Laundry alongside two female entrepreneurs.

Hosting the National Black Police Association in Parliament

This week marked the second anniversary of the Casey Review into the Metropolitan Police. I hosted the National Black Police Association in Parliament for a reception to reflect on progress—or the lack of it—since the review’s publication. Baroness Casey’s report made it clear that the Met remains tarnished by institutional misogyny, racism, and homophobia.

A roundtable of people in a parliamentary committee room. Bell sits at the head.

Few are better placed to speak to this than the Met’s own Black officers. We heard some truly disturbing testimony, which only strengthened my resolve to push for serious reforms. Policing must be designed to keep everyone safe.