Lynne Featherstone gave her maiden speech in Parliament yesterday evening, and in House of Commons tradition paid tribute to Hornsey and Wood Green and its people as well as setting out some local priorities as the area’s new MP.

Ms Featherstone used her speech to highlight the need for school places in the area, and also the problem of mobile phone mast applications.

She also said she would fight to keep the Alexandra Palace as a local resource, and resist any future attempts to turn the site into a super casino. She pledges to work to preserve Hornsey Town Hall for community use, and would press the Deputy Prime Minster to intervene to protect the site.

Ms Featherstone praised the former MP Barbara Roche for her work on civil partnerships, and also praised the people of Hornsey and Wood Green:

“In the end, it is always people that count. The ethnic mix of the constituency is exciting: there are hundreds of languages and many different communities that live, work and play in our fantastic melting pot. The challenges that that brings are huge and I look forward to working with all residents to help them achieve their aspirations. This rich tapestry, where all human life percolates, is Hornsey and Wood Green. I love this area and I am honoured to serve its residents.”

Note: The speech can be read in full on the Parliament website.