Daniel Francis MP

While Parliament is on recess this week, I’m catching up with constituents, businesses and correspondence.

Yesterday, I was out in Northumberland Heath with Councillor Baljeet Gill and Temilola Stewart with positive support for them both and their work locally.

An honour to join my old friend Tom Jones and the Mayor of Bexley for his 108th Birthday celebrations in Barnehurst this afternoon.

I spoke in Parliament to put on the record his contribution to our local community, including his life long commitment to @unitetheunion.bsky.social and the @labouruk.bsky.social which he joined under Prime minster Sir Clement Attlee. Wishing you a very Happy Birthday.

Today I want to wish local Bexleyheath & Crayford resident, Tom Jones a very Happy 108th Birthday! I've had the pleasure of knowing Tom since his early 80s. I am honoured to send him many happy returns as a friend, and as my oldest constituent.

Great to be out in West Heath ward today talking to residents. Good to hear lots of positive support for local improvements including increased frequencies on B11 route, investment in Little Heath and King Harold’s Way surgeries and new school based nursery at Brampton Academy.

🚗At Transport Questions, I asked the Secretary of State to confirm the authenticity of claims made by the London Borough of Bexley they have the 7th best roads in England.

🟠I received confirmation there is no ranked list & no data to substantiate council's claim alongside its "Amber" rating.

A huge thank you to @danfrancis02.bsky.social, @charleyo.bsky.social, @anyasizer.bsky.social and @danihpayne.bsky.social for a thoughtful and wide ranging discussion at today's @smfthinktank.bsky.social panel event on SEND reform.

Please see my statement below following tonight’s Parliamentary Labour Party meeting.

Celebrating Britain’s winter sport success ahead of the Winter Olympics & Paralympics starting this week. I met Lizzy Yarnold & Kelly Gallagher, whose achievements in skeleton racing & skiing shaped winter Olympic & Paralympic history. Wishing Team GB all the best of luck!

Great to be out on the doorstep in Northumberland Heath Ward this morning with our council candidates Cllr Baljeet Gill and Temilola Stewart.

Lots of support for the work of Bexley Labour Councillors and pledges of support for the council elections on May 7th.

I spoke in Parliament during the Property Service Charge debate, putting on record my residents experience, and I called for greater protections and regulation. Find out more about my campaign for leaseholders here www.danielfrancis.uk/leaseholders.

I will continue to campaign for residents against these often unjustified, unexplained, and unaffordable charges. In the last year I've organised public meetings for residents in Vickers Green, Park East and East Side Quarter and I will continue to speak out about these spiralling costs.

Leaseholder service charges are spiralling out of control.
Residents have contacted me after being hit with shocking bills:
➡ 70% increase in one year (from £1,800 to £3,200)
➡ £5,000 to empty a dog bin
➡ £1,000 for CCTV that doesn’t exist
➡ Charges for a gym that hasn’t been built

I am pleased to see greater the announcement today that include:
🏠Ground rent capped at £250 year
🏠Ground rent reduced to £0 over time
🏠Right to move to commonhold
🏠More control over your building and bills
🏠No losing your home over small debts

I’ve continued to campaign for greater protections for leaseholders, raising the issue of sprialling service charges in Parliament impacting residents in Vickers Green, Park East & Eastside Quarter. I'll keep making the case for greater protection & regulations for leaseholders.

Holocaust Memorial Day is a day to reflect on the prejudice that sadly remains in our society and the catastrophic impact of prejudice and persecution.

On this day, we come together to remember the persecutions of the past and stand against hatred and prejudice in the present.

I signed the Holocaust Educational Trust’s Book of Commitment to commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day.

A moment to remember the six million Jewish men, women and children murdered during the Holocaust, as well as the millions more murdered under Nazi persecution.

Last week I joined 61 Labour Members of Parliament in signing
@fredthomasuk.bsky.social's letter, calling on the Government to raise the minimum age for access to social media platforms to 16 years old. I welcome the consultation to consider protections for children & young people.

Had a fantastic night at Christmas tree light switch on at Midfield Parade, Mayplace Road East.

The switch on was led by my friend Tom Jones who is 107 & the Mayor of Bexley. Thanks to Vespresso for sponsoring the tree & Laura Clifford for her work to arrange the event. 🎄

Great to be out on the doorstep talking to constituents in Crayford with our fantastic volunteers this morning.

A range of issues raised, but was good to hear support from residents eager to vote for Labour Councillors next May.

Today, we pause to remember all those who have died in service of our country, and express gratitude to the brave personnel who continue to serve.

We will never forget the sacrifice and service of those who defended our country and fought for our freedom.

Labour is stepping up support for our veterans and their families.

Veterans' support centres will be rolled out across the country, to make it easier for veterans to get help with healthcare, housing, or finding a new job.

Today, we honour all those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

Now and always, we will remember them.

Great to be out on the doorstep talking to constituents in Crayford with our fantastic volunteers this morning.

Good to hear strong support from many residents eager to elect Labour Councillors next May.

Greet to be out with Slade Green & Northend Labour Councillors and volunteers yesterday discussing a range of issues. Lots of support for recent work including the new crossing in Slade Green Road and the campaign to ensure lighting is reinstalled at Slade Green Station footbridge.

A pleasure for me & my family to join Wheelie Good Friends this morning. They're a new kids club for 4-11 year old wheelchair users & their carers who meet in Bexleyheath once a month.

I'll be putting them in touch with groups that will help them to grow their incredible club.

Another good set of conversations on the doorstep today in Northumberland Heath today with Cllrs Baljeet Gill & Wendy Perfect with lots of support for their work and my recent pothole campaign.

Great to be out on the doorstep in Northumberland Heath this morning with Cllrs Baljeet Gill & Wendy Perfect
receiving lots of positive feedback about their work in the area & support for the Government’s work introducing 30 hours free childcare & reducing NHS waiting lists

Today is World Cerebral Palsy Day.

It is a moment to celebrate the strength & unique abilities of those with cerebral palsy as well as thank the incredible groups that provide support.

I’ll continue to fight for stronger support in education, health & housing.

#WorldCPDay

Great to be out on the doorstep with Slade Green & Northend Labour Cllr Stefano Borella and colleagues in Slade Green this morning. We had lots positive conversations and some really good feedback on the doorstep.