Anne Clarke AM on how Labour will help Camden and Barnet

I sense that seeing the new government get off to a good start has given fresh hope in our communities that we can sort out the mess left behind by the last one.

After years of problems with delays, cancellations and sky-high costs, there is finally a plan to bring Thameslink, along with other private train companies, back into public ownership.

Govia, which runs the Thameslink trains, only delivered 67.6% of trains on time last year, whereas services run for the people rather than for profit consistently perform better. Every cancelled train that makes people late for work hits our economy. 

While our area is broadly a safe and welcoming place, we see crime, like anti-social behaviour and theft needing urgent action.

The new Government, working in partnership with our Mayor, will recruit more police officers, bring back neighbourhood policing and give new powers to tackle those persistent offenders who are intent on reoffending.

Anne Clarke says we can move forward from the damage left by the last Government (Image: www.jamesojenkins.co.uk)

While the weather is sunny and warm it is also easy to forget that London is at a big risk of flooding – which, come the autumn, could be a massive issue.

The London Fire Brigade is responding to more floods than ever before. Whether flash flooding or extreme rain, I’ve seen flooding destroy homes and businesses. It’s welcome to see the new Government launch a Resilience Taskforce to turbocharge the delivery of flood defences and drainage systems.

Our NHS is also particularly close to my heart. I was born in the US and moved to London as a student.

I was astounded when I first saw the differences between our health services. In the US, my friends suffer huge costs if they’re unlucky enough to be unwell. That’s why I’m thrilled to see the Government’s new national mission to save our NHS.

I have hope that I will be able to write in future columns about shorter waiting times, better services and improved morale in our NHS.

On top of this, the causes of poor mental health will be dealt with. I’ve spoken to too many parents who see their children miss out on school, sports, extra-curricular activities or making friends because they’re suffering from poor mental health.

This new government is already making sure that our mental services see shorter waiting times and can focus on prevention. This is especially important as we know that the earlier someone gets treatment, the likelier they are to be able to manage their poor mental health or even recover.

The last government set itself against London, trashing who we are as people and everything we do to make all in our community feel valued and welcome. They devastated our public services with swingeing cuts.

We must not forget what they did, but at last, we can move on and make real progress alongside a Government that works for us and is for our success.

The hope is real.

• Anne Clarke is London Assembly member for Barnet and Camden.