I started the day by meeting a student from the University of Leeds who is currently writing her third year dissertation into how the Olympics will help regenerate East London. With the preparations for 2012 well underway, it was a pleasure to talk to her, in particular outlining how our community will be positively affected by the games. Afterwards, I met with June Barnes, Chief Executive East Thames Housing Group, and David Montague, Chief Executive from the L&Q Group. We talked about how the government can continue to help the housing market and residents of Newham during these unprecedented times in the world economy.

From there, I moved on to visit pupils at St Stephen’s Primary School on Whitfield Road. After meeting some of the teachers I was ‘grilled’ by year 6 pupils who asked me questions on everything and anything - about life in Newham right through to the economy! Before leaving I was given a brief tour by some of the pupils who have been elected onto the school council. The pupils and teachers are very proud of their school and walking around, it was clear to see why.

I then travelled to the opening of the new Woolwich Arsenal DLR extension. After having a tour of the new station, a lunch was then held in Woolwich Town Hall to celebrate the efforts of so many who ensured the project finished on time and under budget. The new station will act as an important link for the residents of East Ham and offers easy access to those wanting to travel south of the river. Afterwards, I met with representatives from the Biafran community – Biafra is region in the South East of Nigeria and many people from that area live in East Ham. We discussed the positive contributions made by those from Biafran community in and around East London and what I can do to help them in my role as an MP.
 
After holding a surgery at East Ham Town Hall, I travelled to Westminster where I attended the launch of an Organ Donor Campaign with Lib Dem MP, Dr Evan Harris and the Conservative Peer, Baroness Sayeeda Warsi.