This morning I attended Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts' groundbreaking ceremony on its new site behind Peckham Library with Council Leader Peter John OBE and local councillors Evelyn Akoto, Barrie Hargrove and Johnson Situ. Due to open in Autumn 2018, I could not be more pleased that Mountview has found its new home in Peckham.

Mountview coming to Southwark will provide important opportunities for the hugely talented young people of Peckham to get involved in arts and theatre, open up career choices and build on Peckham's already vibrant arts scene. 

Every child has the right to explore their artistic and creative potential, and research shows creative and cultural learning supports attainment in all subjects. I look forward to working with Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts, schools and Southwark Council to make this move a success for the local community and the UK's creative industries.