My first appointment was with Stephen Hoier at Newham Council. He briefed me on the potential vital role of Stratford International Station, once the HS2 high speed rail line has been built. Next I met with a young man with an immigration problem.

At 11am, I paid a visit to St Angela’s and St Bonaventure’s Sixth Form College. The visit gave me a chance to learn more about LOCOG’s recent recruitment drive to place local students into living wage jobs during next year’s Olympic Games. The young people I spoke to were very enthusiastic about the opportunity for them to take part in what will surely be a memorable summer in Newham. Before I left, the Head Teacher showed me around the school. Here is a picture of me with some of the students.

At lunchtime, I met with a representative of West Ham United to discuss the club’s work with local youth sport projects.

My second school visit of the day was to Shaftesbury Primary School. I had the opportunity to meet with the school council where we discussed a range of topics including how I, as their local MP, can work to help improve the area, and the changes they would like to see. I was pleased that several were interested in being MPs one day.

After my regular advice surgery – held at the Beckton Globe – I attended a reception at Forest Gate Youth Centre, celebrating the work of Ms Sarla Meisuria. It was a pleasure to attend as Ms Meisuria has served our community for many years as a BSL teacher and as the leader of the Deaf Youth Group. She has touched many lives over the years and I would like to thank her for all the amazing work that she has done.