Julia Lopez, MP for Hornchurch & Upminster, was proudly re-elected to parliament by residents on 4 July and she and her team have wasted no time getting back to work on their six-point plan for the constituency.
Speaking of her re-election, Mrs Lopez said:
“This was a tough election for my Party but the residents I spoke to on the campaign trail were truly awesome and it was great to chat to so many people whom my team and I have helped over the years or corresponded with on the big issues.
“I’m glad to get back to work on constituents’ priorities and am really pleased to report our major campaign to get the St George’s NHS Hub in Hornchurch will soon be complete as it’s confirmed to open this September!”
On keeping Hornchurch & Upminster a safe place to live, Julia:
- Wrote to Met Commissioner, Sir Mark Rowley, again to press for an answer on the future of Hornchurch Police Station.
- Met Havering’s Police lead, Superintendent Simon Hutchison, twice to discuss recent crimes, including violence in Harold Hill, car theft in Upminster and street crime and shoplifting in Hornchurch.
- Got confirmation from the new Immigration Minister, Angela Eagle, that no hotel accommodation has been commissioned by the Home Office for use by asylum seekers, after rumours circulated on social media.
- Held an event at Upminster Golf Club with Conservative leadership contender, Robert Jenrick MP, where residents could ask him questions on his work to lower immigration.
On improving transport:
- Wrote to the Chief Exec of C2C to get the broken lifts at Upminster station fixed more quickly.
- Pushed the Rail Minister for confirmation that the new government will continue the last government’s Access for All programme to make sure Upminster Station is made completely step free.
- Wrote to TfL to fix potholes on the A12 approach to Gallows Corner, working alongside Harold Hill resident and campaigner Emilia Kukielka.
- Worked with Amersham Road residents in Harold Hill on school parking issues.
On supporting the local high street and businesses:
- Launched another drive to collect more evidence for a banking hub in the constituency after recent bank closures.
- Visited restaurants in Upminster to discuss the high street issues, including new South Asian restaurant, GOAT.
On improving healthcare in the constituency:
- Got confirmation that the new St George’s NHS Hub in Hornchurch will open in September and has helped residents who are transferring or would like to transfer their GP service there.
- Wrote to new Health Secretary, Wes Streeting, to ask that he funds the redevelopment of Queen’s A&E department, and a new PET scanner to improve local cancer outcomes.
On her work to improve education in Havering:
- Wrote to the new Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson, on behalf of New City College, highlighting their concerns about Labour’s plans to reform further education.
- Re-started her programme of work with local schools, hosting Sutton Primary in Parliament, and visiting Branfil Primary in Upminster to celebrate their OPAL Platinum Award for outdoor play.
On her campaign to improve culture and leisure in Hornchurch and Upminster:
- Has been appointed Shadow Culture Secretary, raising questions about the BBC, women’s sport and the new government’s plans on the football regulator.
- Celebrated Upminster Cricket & Hockey Clubs' successful Veolia funding bid - which she backed before the General Election - to help with the redevelopment of their pavilion.
- Wrote to the Governor of Georgia, Brian Kemp, to secure his endorsement for a blue plaque at All Saints’ Church to commemorate famous Cranham resident, James Oglethorpe, who founded the US state.
