Shadow Culture Secretary Harriet Harman welcomed the appointment of Darren Henley as Chief Executive of the Arts Council England:

“I welcome Darren to his this new role and look forward to working with him.

“The Arts Council England must continue its important work to ensure that arts and culture are accessible to everyone, from all walks of life, all ethnicities, across all regions - not just London - in tough economic times.

“Darren’s experience in the commercial sector and his passion for music education will stand him in good stead to do this.”

The Women's Safety Charter is a pioneering initiative by Southwark Council to tackle the problem of sexual harassment, part of a long term plan to cultivate a culture that ensures women of all ages and backgrounds grow up in a borough that is safe to live, work and travel in.

Joining our hardworking postal workers at the busy delivery office in Camberwell.

Joining local councillors on the Elmington Estate in Camberwell on a sunny Saturday morning, to talk to local residents about the issues they are concerned about.

Labour is going to run a vibrant, energetic and inclusive women’s campaign. I will be working with our Shadow Minister for Women and Equalities, Gloria De Piero, and Vice Chair of the Election Campaign, Lucy Powell and together we will ensure that there is a strong offer for women in our manifesto; with a team of women alongside men speaking for Labour and with a women’s tour across every English region in Scotland and in Wales. We want to get into government so we can build on our record and continue to deliver for women.

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Today I challenged Nick Clegg at PMQs on the Government’s record on women. The Coalition government has taken a number of decisions which have disproportionately adversely affected women. 

Harriet Harman MP, Labour’s Deputy Leader, will take a leading role in Labour’s general election campaign to win the support of women voters. 

Please read my submission to the Transport for London consultation on the proposed Bakerloo Line extension here.

This weekend was Small Business Saturday and in support of small local businesses I was joined by local councillor Lorraine Lauder on a trip to East Street market in Walworth, where I heard from traders about the challenges they are facing.

Joining councillors and local Labour Party members for a door knock in Faraday to talk to local residents about the issues they are concerned about.

The world renowned artist and sculptor Anish Kapoor has worked in Camberwell for over 25 years. This morning I visited his studios and saw a number of interesting works in progress. We talked about how important it is that everyone - especially young people - has access to the arts, and the role schools can play in encouraging children to explore and develop their creativity.

Sacred Heart secondary school in Camberwell has recently opened its new school building. This morning I visited the new school with Serge Cefai, the Head Teacher. I addressed the 6th form in their morning assembly and talked about the importance of young people engaging with the political process. I also had the opportunity to meet 6th form politics students who asked some very tough questions about the economy, gender equality, and democracy. Thanks to Tom Spreyer, Head of Politics, for arranging this event.

Today I attended the Trade Union Group’s Christmas reception, celebrating the work done by our Trade Union MPs and the Unions, as well as taking a look at the incredibly important year ahead. Speeches were made by Ed Miliband, Leader of the Labour Party, Paul Kenny, General Secretary of the GMB, Jo Stevens, Labour’s Parliamentary Candidate in Cardiff Central, and Frances O’Grady, General Secretary of the TUC. I spoke about the significance of trade unions to the Labour Party, and how important they are to millions of working people across the country. I also took the opportunity to thank Frank Doran MP, who is stepping down from Parliament in 2015, for his service to both the Labour Party and the trade union movement. The event was hosted by Ian Lavery MP, Chair of the Trade Union Group of Labour MPs.

This afternoon I joined residents of the Walworth Estate for their Christmas lunch at St. Peter's Church in Walworth. Thanks to Henry and Margaret from the Tenants & Residents Association for organising a great event.

This morning I met with Dr. Jonty Heaversedge (Chair), Dr. Sian Howell (Clinical Lead for Primary Care Development) and Andrew Bland (Chief Officer) from Southwark CCG to discuss their plans for improving healthcare for people in Southwark. We talked about GP access, winter planning for A&E, and mental health services.

Please read my 2014 annual report here.

This year’s Labour regional conference was held in Hammersmith and Fulham – a council won by Labour from the Tories in this year’s local elections.  Over 350 members, MPs, Parliamentary Candidates, Trade Unions, Councillors, Assembly members and MEPs joined at the town hall to discuss the forthcoming General Election, sharing how Labour is standing up for their communities in tough times and what we would do in Government to address the cost of living crisis and make a real difference to the lives of people in London.  I spoke about the policies a Labour Government would bring in including on childcare, energy prices, immigration and to protect the NHS. Labour has the policies, people and politics – next May’s General Election is one Labour can and must win.

Today I met with Councillor Victoria Mills, Southwark Council Cabinet Member for Children & Schools and Merrill Haeusler, Director of Children's Services. We talked about the Council's support for local schools in Camberwell and Peckham and how we can work to improve parental choice and the transition from primary to secondary.

Gordon Brown will be remembered as one of the political giants of his generation. He was pivotal - along with Tony Blair - in bringing Labour out of the wilderness of 18 years of opposition.  History will also recognise his global leadership as the developed world quaked in the face of the global financial crisis.  Gordon Brown's leadership ensured that the USA and Europe - as well as the UK - took the action necessary to back up the banks and prevent the crisis turning into a crash.  He brought the issue of tackling global poverty in to the centre of our political agenda and put public resources into the increases in childcare and maternity pay that working women need. He inspired passionate support in the Labour Party - not least in Scotland - and I wish him well for a future which will undoubtedly see him continue to use his global stature to support progressive causes.

Joining many people on sunny Camberwell Green in support of bringing the Tube to Camberwell and Peckham.