I was devastated and appalled by the events of last Friday. There are no words that can adequately describe the murder of a serving MP while doing the job they were elected to do. Attacks on our elected representatives are attacks on the democratic process itself. As MPs, ensuring our constituents can raise casework issues with us at regular surgeries is an important part of our democracy. Our thoughts and prayers remain with David and his loved ones as they go through an unimaginably difficult time.

Between conference and a fully fledged return to Parliament, September was a busy month. I spoke on several issues in Parliament this month including the evacuation of Afghanistan, support for LGBTQ+ refugees, and the future of the NHS. I also secured a Westminster Hall debate to mark Black Maternal Health Awareness Week.

After the imposed isolation of the last year, it was also great to regroup at this year’s Labour conference in Brighton. I met campaigners, members, and trade unionists from across our movement and spoke on a range of issues: from the Tories’ attack on our civil liberties to the failure of the war on drugs, improving access to legal aid and the housing crisis. I left conference feeling re-energised to fight for our community and take on the Tories in Parliament. This is the worst Government in living memory and it’s absolutely crucial that we hold them to account for the crises we are now facing: from the emergency in our NHS to the energy and Brexit-related supply shortages that are pushing prices up and even leaving people struggling to get hold of basics like petrol.

This month has brought some devastating news. Our Constituency Labour Party Chair, Maxine James, tragically passed away at King’s College Hospital after a short illness. She was 64. Maxine was a devoted activist and active Streatham Labour member for more than 20 years. I know her sudden death has been sorely felt by everyone in the local party, in the Party and the Black community as a whole.