Stephen Timms Mp, East Ham

I recently visited charity Fareshare in Deptford. They obtain surplus food – eg unwanted supermarket stock – and supply it to foodbanks and community groups.

Last week, I attended the funeral of Femi Alese, former chair of East Ham Labour Party. Only 52, he was a larger than life character, well-known to many in the borough.

I have taken advantage of lockdown for local exploring on my bicycle. I found a great route which starts at the back of Showcase Cinema in Beckton.

As lockdown restrictions ease, we should reflect on the lessons of the past few months.

Last week, Parliament’s Work and Pensions Select Committee, which I chair, published our report into DWP’s response to the coronavirus outbreak.

At the end of March, we had a grim reminder of the crisis engulfing us.

Among all the damage from the coronavirus lockdown, charities haven’t had enough attention. Organisations we have often taken for granted are suddenly fighting for survival.

The Select Committee on Work and Pensions had its first meeting last week, with me as its newly-elected chairman.

All party Select Committees in the House of Commons carry out much of the most detailed and effective scrutiny of the government.

Labour lost the election, but all the issues we raised during the campaign remain. In opposition, MPs can put pressure on ministers and – on occasions – force changes to government policy. Here are some of my priorities for the coming parliament.