Ensuring the security of citizens is the first duty of any government, and sending our Armed Forces into battle is one of the most serious things that any parliamentarian may be asked by government to support.

I have been contacted by the educational charity, Inspire Schools, advising of the London Teacher of the Year Awards which recognises the dedication of outstanding teachers and non-teaching school staff.

We know residents have a range of concerns about crime and community safety in the constituency and we have been trying to organise a meeting between key stakeholders in the borough at the Town Hall to ensure we have a joined-up strategy for tackling crime.

I made the following speech in a Westminster Hall debate on special educational needs.

This afternoon I had the pleasure of meeting the leadership team and school council of Drapers' Pyrgo Primary School, Harold Hill.

My team and I visited the beautiful new buildings of Drapers' Maylands Primary School this morning, and met dedicated and passionate head teacher, Trudie Spillane.

This afternoon we visited Forest Approach Academy, Harold Hill, to see staff and students and have a tour of the school.

This morning, my team and I went to Drapers Academy, Harold Hill, to see a You & Me assembly about the impact and repercussions of knife crime.

I made the following contribution to a Westminster Hall debate tabled by Leyton & Wanstead MP, John Cryer, on knife crime.

Julia Lopez (Hornchurch and Upminster) (Con)

This afternoon I met representatives of Havering Healthwatch at a dedicated reception in the House of Commons to celebrate their work.