Been quite a week! I’m honoured to have been appointed as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of the State in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. At a volatile time globally, Britain’s voice and international leadership matters. Looking forward to serving our great country in the FCDO 🇬🇧

Today’s advice surgery in Bow - complete with a Bow Bell 🔔 I hold regular advice surgeries across the constituency, every month. I hold online and telephone surgeries too. If you are a resident in Stratford and Bow, and need my help contact: uma.kumaran.mp@parliament.uk Or call on 02072197777

Great to meet with my friends at @magpieprojectuk.bsky.social in Parliament last week to discuss supporting children growing up in poverty, especially families in the asylum system. 💜 Thank you to the team for the incredible work you do supporting mums and little ones through the housing crisis.

Changes to commercial waste collection times on Roman Road are putting local businesses in an impossible position. I've written to the Mayor of Tower Hamlets calling for an urgent review of the service and submitted a petition signed by dozens of local businesses demanding action.

☀️🔋A brilliant display of solar power in action on the roof of Stratford Library with Community Energy Newham. Climbed up to see it in action with @metecoban92.bsky.social, Energy Minister @michaelshanksmp.co.uk and Community Energy London - who have delivered cleaner energy for our community!

At my coffee morning in Bow, I asked residents: “If you could tell the new Prime Minister one thing, what would it be?” I kept my word - message delivered to the incoming PM. No matter what, I will never stop advocating for people in Stratford and Bow and making sure your voices are heard.

Following my questions last week, this time, I asked the Foreign Secretary directly about the arbitrary detention of Dr Hussam Abu Safiya - held in Israeli prison for 18 months without charge. In violation of International law. Medical and aid workers must be protected.

Many questions on accountability remain. Illegal settlements are recognised as a breach of International law and as a barrier to peace but the UK and other European nations have stopped short of a ban on settlement trade. At a Foreign Affairs committee session, I asked the Foreign Secretary - why?

Great to join @london.gov.uk and @rosiewrightingmp.bsky.social at the British Fashion Council Summer Reception. Met the British Tamil superstar behind Aarabhi London - can’t wait to wear one of her designs! Proud to see Stratford’s @lcflondon.bsky.social talent shaping the future of fashion too✨

Thank you to everyone that came along to my coffee morning in Bow! Speaking about the issues that matter most to you helps shape the work I do. I have taken your feedback (and Post-it notes!) back with me to parliament. For those that couldn't make it keep an eye out for my upcoming surgeries!

Leasehold is legalised extortion. Too many homeowners are at the mercy of profiteering of freeholders and managing agents. Time to end the nightmare for good and abolish leasehold. There’s consensus from Labour MPs on this. My intervention 👇🏾

The deliberate targeting of medical professionals is part of the systematic evisceration of Gaza's healthcare system, a feature of genocide. My question to the Minister for the Middle East on Dr Hussam Abu Safiya's 18-month detention by Israel and what further action the UK will take 👇

☕️ Live in Bow? Come along to my coffee morning this Friday A chance to talk about what matters to you and any issues that are affecting you, your family and your neighbours. My team and I are here to help. Please email me to RSVP 📧 uma.kumaran.mp@parliament.uk

💕Happy Valentine’s day! 🤳🏿Social media can be a place filled with love and content to give you all the feels. But we all know, it has a darker side with hateful content. 🥰My Stylist Magazine tip: protect your mind and seek the positivity - and bluesky has lots of it! stylist.co.uk/fitness-health…

Great to meet Brazilian Ambassador H.E. Antonio de Aguiar Patriota The Foreign Affairs committee discussed Brazil's upcoming BRICS presidency, the Belém COP30 Climate Summit, and the fight against disinformation. 🇬🇧🤝🇧🇷 Reaffirming the friendship and ties between our countries.

Have neglected bluesky updates lately, finding it hard to keep up with the multi platforms Follow me on instagram for more content (its also a happy place) One of the many things I did this week was meet the King - surreal! www.instagram.com/p/DFdccKotnw...

🌊As Co-Chair of the Waterways APPG, It's a great way to champion Stratford & Bow’s rivers and canals, from the Bow Back Rivers to the Hertford Union Canal. We met to discuss how Britain's waterways can help lead our climate resilience, prevent flooding, boost sustainability, & connect us to nature.

Last week we wrapped up the line by line stage of the Employment Rights Bill Committee Delivering the biggest upgrade to workers rights in a generation & the growth our economy needs ✅ Banning zero-hours contracts & fire-and-rehire ✅ Expanding sick pay and parental leave ✅ Rebuilding union rights

Today is a first ember of hope, but there is a long way still to go. I hope and pray the future for Israelis and Palestinians will be one of peace and security, with the sovereignty and freedom of the Palestinian people. My statement on the ceasefire deal.

It’s livened up in this afternoon’s session of the Employment Rights Bill Committee. We’re on week 5 of sitting This Labour Government has put forward the biggest upgrade to workers rights in a generation, proud to be serving 🌹

It was brilliant to welcome Prime Minister Keir Starmer to unveil the AI Opportunities Action Plan at Stratford’s own UCL East – a hub that uses technology to innovate for healthcare, climate and jobs for the future. Proud that East London is once again leading the way nationally and globally!

Back to it! This morning the Employment Rights Bill Committee are looking legislation to strengthen Trade Union rights and undo over a decade of Tory restrictions on workers' rights. This Labour Govt is delivering the biggest upgrade to workers’ rights in a generation Listen: bit.ly/EmploymentRigh

🗞️ READ: My first column of 2025 for Newham Voices. It was good to reflect on my first 6 months as your MP and to look ahead to what’s in store this year. bit.ly/UKNewhamVoices

Today marks six months since I was elected as the first ever Member of Parliament for Stratford and Bow - it remains the honour of my life. Looking ahead for 2025 I’m focused on delivering even more for everyone I represent. Here’s a glimpse of what we’ve achieved together so far 👇🏾

🗞️ Happy New Year! Out today, my first column of 2025 This week also marks a busy first six months as MP - I’m determined to keep pushing on the issues that matter most to you. 🏠 Housing matters remains a top priority for me in Stratford and Bow. Read what I’m doing here: bit.ly/UMAELA

My team know me too well. My secret santa present #MooDeng 😍

🎄 Stratford and Bow’s first-ever Christmas Reception in Parliament. 🥰 It was a joy to bring together local organisations, businesses, faith and community groups, students, Cllrs and key partners who work tirelessly to help our part of East London thrive. A chance to say thanks & to celebrate!

⛪️ A lovely, uplifting night at the Transform Newham Civic & Community Carol Service at St John’s Church in Stratford 🎄A joyful service celebrating the meaning of Christmas and the incredible work our churches, volunteer and community groups do across Newham 🙏🏾 Thank you

It’s been a busy and committee heavy week, but the highlight has remained this bit of serious cross party bonding. Steve Darling MP and his wonderful service dog Jennie, spreading happiness before long days of Employment Rights Bill Committee line by line scrutiny sessions

One woman is killed by a current or former partner every single week in the UK Violence against women and girls is a national emergency I’m proud to be a Parliamentary Champion for Women’s aid who for 50 yrs have provided lifesaving support for abuse survivors and their families