I recently hosted an event with Afruca, a charity set up to tackle the exploitation of children particularly from the African diaspora. This event focused on tackling modern slavery and human trafficking in Europe. We heard about progress to tackle modern slavery in Malta, India, Ghana and Nigeria. Afruca also used this event to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the Nigerian Anti-Trafficking Agency (NAPTIP). It is important that in Hackney we play a role in raising awareness of the issue of modern slavery. 

Last Saturday I hosted a coffee morning at Pembury Community Centre in Hackney Central. I was joined by the Mayor of Hackney, Phillip Glanville, and Councillors Caroline Selman, Vincent Stops and Sophie Conway.

Hearing your feedback and discussing local issues is very important to me. Please look out for my next coffee morning or roving surgery near you. 

Since 2001 more than 200 teachers have died from mesothelioma, a form of cancer associated with asbestos.

As your MP, I am always keen to hear your views. I would like to hear how you feel about probation services in Hackney. If you’ve had experiences with them, please tell me: Are they doing enough? How has your experience been? What improvements can be made? Email me your thoughts at meghillier@parliament.uk by 11th October.

I met with TfL again to discuss their new proposals to cut further bus links in Hackney. These levels of cuts are unacceptable, and the proposal to remove the 48 bus will leave people without a viable alternative.

I encourage anyone who will be affected by these changes to sign Hackney Labour’s petition to urge TfL to change their decisions. You can find a link to the petition below.

https://www.hackney-labour.org.uk/myroute/

This week I met with Hackney Quest and the London’s Deputy Mayor for Social Integration, Social Mobility and Community Engagement. I listened to young people’s ideas about how to put an end to youth violence in Hackney and discussed how a long-term approach was needed over short-term initiatives.

To find out more about the work Hackney Quest does for the community click visit http://www.hackneyquest.org.uk/ 

I visited Wentworth Nursery School in Hackney Wick to meet with children, parents and staff and discuss the successes and challenges in providing early years education. 

Cllr Chris Kennedy also met parents and we discussed special educational needs provisions in Hackney. Government has cut funding to councils by over 40% in the last eight years, stretching the funding support for children’s special needs. 

I was delighted to join Path to Success, a charity which supports 12 elite para-athletes to compete at the next Olympics

I met so many inspiring athletes, including the London Titans basketball team, at the Copper Box for a charity Wheelchair Basketball game. For more information about how to support this fantastic cause, see: https://www.pathtosuccess.org.uk/