I started the day by attending an event at Canary Wharf in honour of John May, Chief Executive of Career Academies UK. He runs an impressive programme which provides young people on post-16 business studies courses from areas like Newham with work placements in top financial services companies.  John was presented with the Queen's Award for Enterprise Promotion by the Lord Lieutenant of Greater London, Sir David Brewer, on behalf of Her Majesty The Queen.  The Queen's Award for Enterprise Promotion celebrates and recognises the activities of individuals who have played an outstanding and significant role in promoting enterprise skills and attitudes in others in the UK. Just 11 awards were made this year, with John being recognised for his long-standing dedication to enterprise, particularly in driving the Career Academy movement in the UK – it was certainly well deserved!

Afterwards I met with a constituent in the centre of East Ham where we discussed local matters before I travelled to Stratford to present awards at the East Thames Housing Group’s Community Champions graduation ceremony. The Community Champions course lasted for seven weeks and offered people the chance to learn new skills, such as IT right through to public speaking. It was great to meet all those who have recently completed the course and talking to them it was clear to see just how much they had benefited from their seven weeks of study.

I then had a meeting with the Head of Corporate Responsibility of Sainsbury's. They spoke to me about the efforts the company is making in terms of corporate responsibility. You may have noticed some of their recent campaigns such Active Kids and Active Kids Get Cooking?

I then met with the Newham Council’s Head of Children’s Services and after that with the volunteer police sergeant who runs the team of special constables at Forest Gate Police Station.

What with it being the third Friday of the month, I then held my regular surgery in the Town Hall.