Debut speech in Commons for new MP

Politics

The new MP for Peterborough used her maiden speech in the House of Commons yesterday to raise concerns about homelessness, education and health in Peterborough, as she praised the city’s diversity and “gem” of a cathedral.

Labour’s Fiona Onasanya also praised her predecessor Stewart Jackson, said there are “rural parts of the constituency that serve as our own gardens of Eden,” and described firms Perkins Engines and Peter Brotherhood as “world class.”

In addition, Ms Onasanya spoke about her strong faith, adding: “As we look at the issues facing Palestine and Israel, there is the temptation to see religion as something that divides rather than unites people.”

She also told the Commons that she refers to herself as “MP FI” because she endeavours to “Make People Feel Inspired.”

Highlights of the speech included:

“I will never forget the

• grace, kindness and authentic good wishes that Mr Jackson expressed to me on the night of the election. I hope that his life beyond Parliament is as fulfilling as he intends.”

“One can say that Peterborough

• Fiona Onasanya attracts its share of powerful women.”

“My presence here may

• be a symbol of this increasing diversity: I am the first black female MP ever elected by my constituency.”

“Peterborough had

• amongst the lowest SATS results in the country. Our schools are trying very hard to make do with ever shrinking resources, resources that have been tied up in experiments like ‘free schools’.”

“Austerity is expensive.

• Contrary to what some may think, cutting budgets doesn’t always save money, let alone lives.”

She also mentioned

• the PT describing it as “dynamic and well-read.”