NORTH RICHMOND COFFEE MORNING: 11 AM 18TH OCTOBER
On October 18th, I will be hosting my next community coffee morning in North Richmond. These events are an opportunity for me to update you on my work and hear about the issues that matter to you.
You can register for the event here or email my office at office@saraholney.com.
MEETING THE FAMILIES OF OCTOBER 7TH HOSTAGES
This week marked the one year anniversary since of the devastating Hamas terrorist attacks in Israel on 7th October 2023. We remember all those who were killed as well as the people who were taken hostage and we extend our support and stand in solidarity with their families.
During the recent Liberal Democrat Autumn Party Conference, I met with the families of some of those who continue to be held hostage by Hamas in Gaza and listened to their horrifying experiences and the ongoing personal and national trauma associated with the plight of the hostages. I, and my colleagues, continue to urge all actors to take the steps most likely to get the hostages home quickly and safely.
The past year has seen terrible violence in the Middle East, a humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, and an appalling spike in hate crimes here in the UK. This anniversary is a solemn reminder of this tragedy and we must continue to stand firm against antisemitism and Islamophobia.
We, as a party, continue to call for the cessation of rocket fire, the protection of civilians, the return of the hostages, and an immediate bilateral ceasefire.
VAT ON SCHOOLS
On Tuesday, I spoke in a Westminster Hall debate on the Government’s plans to levy VAT on private school fees. I urged the Government to amend their proposals and instead consider an alternative way for private schools to assist the state sector. I saw a perfect example of this practice last week during my visit to the Lowther Primary School in Barnes. Many of Lowther's pupils are able to use the swimming facilities in St Paul's Boys School, which provides them with swimming lessons which may have otherwise been inaccessible. I would like to see this type of co-operation between fee-paying and state schools continue and expand in the future.
Ultimately, this tax will put a fresh burden on many parents, disproportionately impact children with special educational needs, and put an already struggling state education sector under even more pressure as children switch to state schools. There are better ways to equalise the state and private sectors and I will continue to make the case for them over the coming parliament.
RENTERS RIGHTS BILL
On Wednesday, I spoke in the second reading of the Renters Rights Bill urging the Government to do what the Conservatives never did and end section 21 evictions. In my speech, I highlighted the story of a local couple who, having fled the war in Ukraine, found themselves in a rental property with an abusive landlord who continues to dangle the threat of eviction over them.
If this bill passes, they and thousands of others like them, will finally have a right to a safe and secure home. In addition, I took the opportunity to highlight that the bill will mean landlords can no longer reject renters' requests for a pet without a legitimate reason.
Ultimately, while this bill should have been introduced five years ago, I am very pleased to be able to support it in its new form in this parliament.
HAMMERSMITH BRIDGE
Hammersmith Bridge will unfortunately be closed for a series of 24 hour periods over the coming few months. This is to allow "jacking operations" during which the bridges seized bearings will be replaced. While I know how frustrating these closures are, I know many residents will be pleased that this work is being done and progress is finally being made.
The repairs will commence at 9pm on Friday 25th October, and continue on the consecutive Fridays at the same time until 25th November. During this period, there will also be a 24-hour closure on Monday 18th November starting at 9pm.
In addition, there will be extensive repairs on the footways from Monday 14th October onwards. To enable these repairs to take place, one of the footways will have to be closed from 9am to 3pm on weekdays. People will still be able to cross via the adjacent open footway. It is estimated that these repairs will take around 2 months to be completed.
AZADI NETWORK: WOMAN, LIFE, FREEDOM, ANNIVERSARY BREAKFAST
On Tuesday, I sponsored an event in Parliament marking the two year anniversary of the brutal murder of Mahsa Jina Amini by the Iranian morality police. This event was organised by the Azadi Network, a fantastic NGO dedicated to highlighting the terrible conditions that women in Iran live under, and it was wonderful to see it so well attended by MPs, peers, and activists from dozens of different campaign groups.
I am particularly grateful to my constituent Shideh Harandian who has worked so hard to bring both politicians and campaigners together to push forward action from the Government and the UN. If you would like to learn more about their work, follow the link here.
KINSHIP CARERS WEEK
I was touched to be invited to the Castelnau Community Centre earlier this week to celebrate Kinship Carers Week. Kinship carers are family members or friends who step up to raise a child or children whose parents are unable to care for them. Upon hearing about the incredible challenges they face negotiating an overstretched state system, working through complex legal processes, and then finally raising children who need a huge amount of love and attention, I can understand why a support network like the one found in Barnes is so essential.
Between the 7th and 13th of October, the vital role kinship carers play in children’s lives and in our society is marked by events, breakfasts, and meetings across the country. The charity Kinship works tirelessly to ensure that carers have everything they need to look after those in their care and I would highly recommend reading more about their work at the link here.
RICHMOND MUSLIM ASSOCIATION MEETING
It was a pleasure to meet with the Richmond Muslim Association earlier today to discuss their group, the work that they do in the community, and how they hope to expand their operations.
Growing from a base of just 6 local people, the group now has around 200 members who come together for Friday prayers, coffee mornings, walking groups, and mother and baby groups. As they've expanded, the team explained that they are now looking for ways to link up with other organisations in the local area and help tackle some of the big issues facing our community.
COMMUNITY NEWS
WINTER FUEL ALLOWANCE
Richmond Council will be providing financial support to some of those who have lost out as a result of Labour's cuts to the winter fuel allowance by offering a £100 top-up payment to all pensioners who receive a Council Tax Reduction, but who are not eligible for the Government’s winter fuel payments. Further information regarding eligibility for this 'top-up payment' can be found via the following link.
In addition, Richmond Council recognises that many of those eligible for Pension Credit (and therefore Winter Fuel Allowance) are not claiming it. Therefore, the Council are running a targeted campaign to ensure that those who may be eligible for Pension Credit make sure to submit an application to the DWP. Further information regarding this matter can be found here.
MOVE WELL, LIVE WELL LEISURE AND ACTIVITIES FAIR
Kingston Council is launching a new campaign to help people of all ages and abilities get involved in local clubs, classes and activities. Move Well, Live Well is a new range of curated services from the council’s leisure partners and community organisations to help residents stay physically and mentally active by connecting with clubs and services across the borough.
This event will give residents the opportunity to meet with and talk to leisure facilities, clubs and groups about the activities available to them in their local area.
You will be able to find the fair at the Guildhall Council Chamber, KT1 1EU, between 10am to 12.30pm on the 24 October 2024. For more information, click here.
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