On Saturday 25th January 2014 I was invited to take part in a conference organised by the European Campaign for Human Rights for the People of Afghanistan (ECHRA).

The conference, held at Goldsmiths College in my constituency, was entitled 'Afghanistan Post-2014: Challenges and Opportunities' and featured an impressive range of speakers, including politicians, academics, campaigners and human rights activists.

Speakers and delegates discussed the forthcoming presidential elections, women's rights and forced displacement and Afghan diaspora. The conference was very well attended and I was very pleased to be a part of it.

I was invited to give part of the introductory address and chose to speak about my own experiences of visiting Afghanistan in 2002 and 2005 and my work with Afghan women. You can read my speech in full here.

Later today (22nd January 2014) I will challenge the government to recognise the unique heritage features of the site of Henry VIII’s naval shipyard, otherwise known as Convoys Wharf, Deptford, the subject of a multimillion pound planning application.

This development must be led by its heritage. Convoys Wharf, with a foot print equivalent to the Southbank, covers the site of Henry VIII’s naval shipyard established in 1513. Archaeological surveys have revealed extensive slipways, the great basin and dry dock, the remains of the Tudor storehouse and the foundations of the great diarist John Evelyn’s 17th Century manor house.

This site is one of London’s best kept secrets and also one of its greatest opportunities. 

In an adjournment debate today I plan to tell the minister:

‘We want to create a destination that both honours the past and creates a vision of the future that embraces the vibrant and dynamic community that is Deptford’.

I will say:

‘Two locally developed projects would fulfil that ambition and demand incorporation at this stage of the planning process. ‘Sayes Court Gardens’ would create a 21st century garden at the entrance to the development and an Urban Horticulture Centre. ‘Building the Lenox’ would build a replica of the 17th century wooden warship in the grade II listed Olympia building which covers historic slipways.’

Sir Terry Farrell’s master plan for the site puts the Olympia at the heart of the development however the plan, while recognising the projects, fails to place them within their historic context.  Current owners Hutchison Whampoa have asked the GLA to determine their outline planning application. 

In the debate tonight I will be appealing to the heritage minister to back the local vision. Specifically I will ask the Minister to activate an emergency listing/scheduling procedure based on the available archaeology. This would ensure that Hutchison Whampoa and the GLA proceeded with the full knowledge of the heritage protections on the site and how this should influence design and construction decisions. 

Convoys Wharf sits alongside the Greenwich World Heritage site of the Royal Palaces, the National Maritime Museum and Cutty Sark. Hutchison Whampoa have a unique opportunity to create a development with heritage at its heart and for Deptford and its dockyards to once again become a jewel in London’s crown.

ETA: You can read the debate in full here or watch it below (debate starts at 07:20).

Today Heidi Alexander MP (Lewisham East) and I welcomed the Brockley Brewing Company to the House of Commons. The company's popular Brockley Pale Ale is this week's guest ale in Strangers' Bar.

The company has been brewing since March 2013 in a former builder's workshop and has proven a great success, gaining solid support amongst beer drinkers in the Brockley area and beyond. 

Rachel Gretton, one of the group of six brewers involved in the brewery, said:

"We are delighted that our Brockley Pale Ale was selected for the Strangers' Bar. We're very proud of our beers and this was a great opportunity to spread the word beyond our usual area of trading.

"We want to thank all our regular supporters in Lewisham. We have built a huge following of loyal beer drinkers in all corners of the borough, and a fair few beyond, who really appreciate top quality, locally produced ales."

Brockley Pale Ale was made available in Strangers' Bar as part of a scheme run by the All-Party Parliamentary Beer Group and the Society of Independent Brewers, to which the Brockley Brewing Company belongs.

 

Tonight I will be attending a strategic planning meeting at the Civic Suite in Catford to discuss Convoys Wharf, the former News International site. 

Developer Hutchison Whampoa is planning a £1billion redevelopment of the site, including 3500 new homes in three tower blocks. 

As you may be aware, London Mayor Boris Johnson called in the scheme in October and I, along with councillors and other local stakeholders, will be presenting my views to the council before it makes it official report to the GLA.

The meeting starts at 7.30pm.  You can read my speech in full here.

Related press:
Lewisham Councillors Call On Boris Johnson For Deptford Convoys Wharf Changes (News Shopper 17/01/14) 
'Boris Must Alter £1b Wharf Project' (South London Press 21/01/14)

Registering to vote is one of the most important ways of ensuring that your voice is heard by politicians. The Change Things Now website, set up by Lewisham, Lambeth and Westminster councils, is a great new way of sharing your opinions on the issues which matter to you whilst also ensuring you will be able to vote in the next election. 

When you register with the site, your details will be sent to your local council.  The council will then ask for your signature so that they can enter your name onto the electoral roll (a list of all the people who are registered to vote).  When the next election comes around, provided you have turned 18 you will able to vote and make your views known.

People your age are currently one of the most under-represented groups on the electoral roll: only 44% of 18-24 year olds voted in the last general election and the Electoral Commission estimates that more than 4 in 10 young Londoners are not registered to vote.  It is therefore very important that as many of you as possible sign up to ensure young people’s views are represented.

Register now at www.changethingsnow.co.uk.

The Home Heat Helpline offers free, impartial advice to people on low incomes who are worried about their energy costs. The helpline connects people to services and helps them to reduce their energy bills.

Recent figures produced by the helpline show that 15% of Lewisham households may be eligible for assistance. This includes low income pensioners, disadvantage families with children and those with disabilities.

Support includes insulation and boilers, with many elderly people and low income families qualifying for the £135 Warm Home Discount on energy bills.

If you think you might qualify for assistance, you can contact the Home Heat Helpline on 0800 33 66 99.