Catherine West on being re-elected and putting arts at core

It is such an honour to be your voice in Westminster, and after nine years as an opposition MP, forced to watch the damage the Conservatives were causing to our community, I’m excited most of all to be part of a new Labour government committed to rebuilding Britain’s future.

As I write this it’s only been two weeks since the euphoria of that election night, but already we are seeing the change, the onshore wind ban lifted; Rwanda scheme scrapped; water company bosses held to account; talks to end the junior doctors strike begun, and a plan to fix our creaking railways.

And in a constituency with such a rich cultural heritage, where so many people work in the arts and where our world-class venues and community arts festivals bring in people from far and wide, I’ve been personally delighted to see the arts and the wider cultural sector finally receive the attention and respect that they so deserve. 

Catherine West welcomes the cultural sector being given the attention it deserves

How refreshing for a new Labour Culture Secretary’s first words to be “whether it’s through investing in grassroots sport, a visible symbol of what our young people mean to us in every community, or enabling brilliant working-class kids to succeed in drama, dance or journalism… we will be a government that walks alongside them as they create that country I’ve believed in all of my life, but never quite yet seen”.

And how different after 14 years of Tory culture wars.

Our election-winning manifesto was clear that culture is an essential part of supporting young people to develop creativity and find their voice.  

We pledged to launch a new National Music Education Network and work to ensure all children, whatever their background and wherever they live, can take part in music, sport and the arts.  

Putting creativity at the heart of our schools is so important, for children’s mental wellbeing, enjoyment, and self-confidence, and because our creative sectors are important, and growing, employers. 

I’ve always loved going to Haringey Music Service’s performance at the Royal Albert Hall and seeing the delight on the children’s faces as they walk into such an incredible venue to perform.  

I’m thrilled that Haringey has been chosen to lead the new North London Music Hub. The arts should never be seen as an “add-on” for the privileged few.  They should be seen as a central part of life for everyone.  Under a Labour Government, they will be.

• Catherine West is Labour MP for Hornsey and Friern Barnet