Vicky Foxcroft MP

Congratulations to Christ The King Sixth Form College on securing Government funding to revamp its buildings - new heating, roof repairs and upgraded electrics. This is a great investment and part of Labour’s 10-year plan to renew schools and colleges across England.

How do we define working-class? And does the BBC represent this group of people? My question to award-winning playwright and screenwriter, James Graham OBE, at the CMS Select Committee's BBC Charter Review this morning.

Thanks to DEFRA, Lewisham Council is getting more powers to tackle fly-tipping. Here is Minister Mary Creagh talking about new consequences for criminals who mess up our streets. Vote Labour on May 7th so that our councillors can continue the good work they've started. 🌹

At our Culture, Media & Sport Select Committee session yesterday I asked Minister Stephanie Peacock whether her department takes working-class people’s views into account when planning major events. Pleased to hear it’s something she takes seriously - hope to see this reflected in future events.

Housing is by far the biggest issue in my casework inbox. I know @lewisham.gov.uk are working incredibly hard to make sure everyone has a decent home. With strong support from the Gov, we can extend that progress to leaseholders and those with cladding issues.

Because class is not a protected characteristic, a lack of emphasis on working-class people's participation has left the arts a bleak landscape for class diversity. My question to the Chief Executive of Arts Council England, Darren Henley CBE, at CMS Committee this morning.

Arts organisations - especially those supporting mental health like Arts Network in Deptford - provide vital healthcare for many people, not just enjoyment. Kate & Ishwari say these same orgs are struggling with funding and need actual permanent spaces. I will be taking this back to Parliament.

At the Culture, Media and Sport Committee today, TikTok’s representative assured me that under 13s are not allowed to access the platform. Yet according to Internet Matters, around 1/3 of 9-12-year-olds use it on a regular basis… Watch the whole session here www.parliamentlive.tv/Event/Index/...

(1/2) "It will make a difference for a lot of families and will take the financial pressure off." Laura Seabright, Labour candidate for Telegraph Hill ward, shares her experience as a parent of a child diagnosed with cancer and how every journey to treatment was heavy - emotionally and financially.

Popped into Deptford Literature Festival last Saturday. Loved the Navigating Culture: Black Male Writers on Britain Today panel discussion and the poetry readings by local poets from Poetry Lab. Huge thanks to London Writers Centre - Deptford's creativity never disappoints.

And the clincher - sharing my love of Deptford High Street, voted one of the coolest streets in the world by Time Out and home to one of the oldest markets in London.

Did you know Dire Straits formed on the Crossfield Estate in Deptford? I'm always proud to boast about the arts scene in Lewisham North.

Had fun going up against my friend Bambos Charalambous MP for Constituency Knockout on Ed Vaizey’s Times Radio show. It was a good fight but I’m pleased to say Lewisham North came out on top! You can hear the whole thing here (about 35 mins in) www.thetimes.com/radio/show/2...

Great to welcome Baroness Hodge to Culture, Media & Sport committee for questions on her review of Arts Council England. She hits the nail on the head here – creatives need more support to get them through the first couple of years of their career, especially those from working-class backgrounds.

Happy Mother's Day. Thank you to all the mothers raising the next generation of healthy, resilient and kind children. And a special thank you to my mum for making me the person I am today.

Yesterday, I spoke during the Second Reading of the Representation of the People Bill to advocate for extending the vote to 16 and 17 year olds. Young people deserve the opportunity to shape their future.

Did you know on Monday, MPs will debate whether 16 and 17 year olds should get the right to vote? A huge moment and a long time coming.

Loved chatting to year 6s from Kender Primary school for #Children'sMentalHealthWeek about wellbeing and Place2Be's theme, ‘This is My Place’. Labour is providing more mental health support in schools to make sure the next generation grows up happier and more resilient.

I joined local charity Entelechy Arts for Ambient Jam. Using dance and improvisation, artists and people with profound disabilities find non verbal and mindful ways to communicate. For more information entelechyarts.org #LewishamNorth #CommunityMatters #EntelechyArts #ArtsForAll #Inclusion

"I don't know what will happen to UK culture if we close the doors on making it accessible." I couldn't agree more. Kate Nash talking total sense when responding to my question on class & its relevance in the music industry, specifically touring in the EU as a British artist.

Today, I asked the Deputy Prime Minister how he will ensure the Government's proposed reforms to the asylum system support, rather than undermine, the positive outcomes already being achieved in boroughs like ours.

Small businesses are the backbone of our communities - employing around 60% of the UK workforce. Loved sitting down in Ladywell with council candidates Ayesha and Collet to talk about the thriving small businesses right on our doorstep and why it's so important we support them.

🎄My team and I worked with the Deptford councillors and @lewisham.gov.uk officers to make sure the Woodpecker estate has its first ever Christmas tree this year. 🎅Really enjoyed the switch on event with residents yesterday – crafts, singing and even a visit from Father Christmas!

On Tuesday the Culture, Media & Sport Select Committee questioned Dame Julia Unwin ahead of recommending her appointment as Chair of the Charity Commission. Good to be able to raise some of the concerns small charities have shared with me about lack of collaboration.

Research shows that over 16,000 young people aged 11–15 still miss school due to bullying. This #AntiBullyingWeek, I pledge to use my #PowerForGood to champion kindness, respect and every young person's right to belong.

Today I took part in the #RemembranceDay service in #LewishamNorth, joining the nation to commemorate the fallen. It is my solemn privilege to honour their sacrifice. @RemembranceDay

Had a chat with Cllrs. Will and Rudi about the re-opening of the Riverside Youth Club. Packed with fantastic facilities, the centre is open 6 days a week with activities for all ages. Thanks to Lewisham Council, Youth First and Millwall Community Trust for making this happen. #youthworkweek