The last two weeks have been a fascinating journey in British politics. Across the country, the European elections marked some of the most lively debates about Europe we have seen in a generation, and increasingly we are seeing the case being made for why Britain needs to stay in Europe, and the benefits for our economy for doing so. This was indeed what many businesses shared with me when I was out speaking to them about their views, and is a debate set to continue.

The results in the European elections were a very mixed picture. We saw the rise of UKIP as a new third or arguably fourth force in British politics. At the same time we saw Labour beating the Tories for the first time in 20 years in a European election. Both main parties recognise the need for reform in Europe. And in addition to tackle some of the more deep problems in our economy.

I spoke to Ed Miliband this week about some of Labour's calls for change in our economy to deal with the cost-of-living concerns that people talked to me about in the campaign. Couples in their fifties who have had to borrow money to make ends meet for the first time. Young people struggling to find work. People desperate to get a house they can afford and feel able to call a home. That's why some of the measures Labour called for in the local election campaigns will be taken forward in the debates on the Queen's Speech which will happen over the next few days, like giving renting families more security, banning exploitative zero hour contract, guarantees for GP access and a rise to the minimum wage, before our votes on Weds and Thurs.

We also witnessed genuine concerns about the nature of politics today. You can only tackle anti-politics sentiment unless you show how politics is connected to our communities and making a difference to people’s lives. That's why we stepped up our efforts in speaking to residents in the 18 months leading up to the local elections, and local people's concerns drove the development of Hounslow Labour's manifesto. Big measures like building affordable homes, creating apprenticeships, transforming our town centres, developing a new Feltham Masterplan, cleaner and safer streets and choice for parents in education form some of the cornerstones of how move forward together. The future of Feltham Arenas remains a big focus and I thank everyone who has so far been a part of that campaign.

I believe passionately in the need for a new civic politics of engagement, of sharing stories about our lives and history, of coming together to find common solutions to the problems we face. That's why I believe in setting up networks and projects together in the local community, and building ways we can work together to build a stronger place around us.

If you have ideas about how we can improve our local area and want to join one of my public meetings to share ideas and meet other residents, please do not hesitate to get in touch.