Article for N21

This last month has seen the usual round of political party conference events. For me as MP for Enfield Southgate it has been a poignant time since October 12th marks 25 years to the day when the IRA Brighton bomb killed Sir Anthony Berry who had served this constituency for 20 years. With the help of Lady Berry and my two predecessors I am rededicating a memorial plaque. The plaque was formerly outside the old premises of the local conservative HQ in Green Lanes N21. I am marking the occasion by renaming my constituency office in Chaseville Park Road, Sir Anthony Berry House.

I have been pleased to receive some recollections which I am compiling of Sir Anthony's time as MP so please send me any you may have. It has been pertinent to see that the most significant impression was left on those who were in a difficult situation and Sir Anthony took it upon himself to intervene in a caring manner. Compassionate service may not get the limelight or plaudits but is a characteristic displayed by Sir Anthony over 25 years ago and much needed in public life today.

One of the issues mentioned in Sir Anthony's maiden parliamentary speech and repeated by all his successors was the congested and blighted A406. I am delighted that together with Mayor Boris Johnson and Enfield Council we have secured improvements to the road and redevelopment of the adjoining properties. It has taken over 40 years but at long last we have got there!