On 21st December 2011 I visited the Convoys Wharf site for an update on how the development is progressing.

I met with representatives from the developer (Hutchison Whampoa) and the architect (Aedas), as well as the two archaeologists currently supervising the excavation of the site.  Although the future plans for Convoys Wharf remain far from being finalised, this was a fantastic opportunity to reflect on its history. 
 
The latest area to be investigated covers a hectare of land next to the River Thames, at the heart of Deptford’s former Royal Dockyards.  Archaeologists are currently examining the complex of warehouses which grew up around a Tudor storehouse originally constructed in 1513, along with one of the dockyard’s shipbuilding slipways.
 

Labour has today revealed the hidden cost of the Government’s wasteful NHS reorganisation in Lewisham.  New guidelines will force the local NHS to put aside £20,742,071 from their budget this year and next to pay for a costly NHS restructure that David Cameron repeatedly ruled out.

These shocking new figures show the Government’s reorganisation is costing the NHS even more than we first feared.  It is scandalous that they are telling our local NHS to hold back millions of pounds for the Government’s own reckless plans whilst thousands of nursing jobs are being axed.

On 1st December I marked World AIDS Day and the 30th anniversary of the discovery of AIDS by pledging my commitment to ensuring the UK does all it can to bring an end to the epidemic. At an event hosted by the APPG on HIV and AIDS in Westminster, I met with students and campaigners to discuss the UK’s role in efforts to tackle the virus.

Seven million people around the world are now accessing lifesaving HIV medicines, thanks in large part to the support of the UK. However, with nine million people still waiting to access treatment, more needs to be done. New evidence this year shows that HIV treatment not only keeps people alive, but also reduces the chances of spreading the virus by 96%.