YOUTH MOBILITY IN EUROPE
On Tuesday, I sent an open letter to Nick Thomas-Symonds, the government minister responsible for EU-UK relations, calling for the introduction of a youth mobility scheme between the UK and the EU. I was glad to receive support from 77 MPs across 7 political parties.
Establishing a UK-EU Youth Mobility Scheme would mirror existing capped arrangements the UK has with 13 countries including Australia, New Zealand and Canada. These are limited in duration and in the number of young people eligible.
The EU has been very clear that they would welcome a Youth Mobility Scheme with the UK and I will continue to push the government to embark on these negotiations. You can read a copy of the full letter here.
On the same day, I had the opportunity to attend an event in parliament on the same subject. This event focused on travel and hospitality and raised the significant impact of Brexit and travel restrictions on tourism and short term / seasonal employment. This has significantly affected seasonal staff which historically were often young people benefiting from the experience of working abroad.
We want to forge a new partnership with our European neighbours, built on co-operation, not confrontation, and move towards a new comprehensive agreement. A crucial step in this process is rebuilding confidence by agreeing partnerships and associations, helping to restore prosperity and opportunities especially for young people.
FINANCE BILL
On Wednesday, I spoke in the Finance Bill committee of the Whole House, with the debate focusing on the introduction of VAT on Private Schools.
I used this opportunity to once again highlight my opposition to this policy and stress that imposing this increase in fees will have a disproportionate impact on children with SEND. This will not just create hardship for those children and their parents, but also enormous difficulties for the local authorities and state schools that will be required to provide alternative schooling.
I specifically spoke in favour of an amendment proposed by the Lib Dems which would protect both the schools affected by the government’s measures and those children who have special educational needs but either are awaiting an Education and Health Care Plan (ECHP) or have not received one.
You can read my full speech here or view a clip here.
CARERS UK DROP-IN
Earlier this week, I joined Carers UK's Parliamentary drop-in to learn more about their work and speak with one of my constituents who works as an unpaid family carer in our constituency. The challenges facing carers in the UK are immense, the lack of Government support, untenable levels of red-tape, and the emotional and financial struggles that come with the role are very hard to bear. However, the growing awareness of the difficulties carers face and the consequent improvements in support systems have been gratifying to see.
To learn more about Carers UK's work click the link here.
BUS STATION AT CROMWELL ROAD
Yesterday, I visited Cromwell Road bus station for its official reopening following its renovation. The changes made were centred around improving the safety aspects of the station. This has included installing additional CCTV cameras to ensure there are no blind spots and widening the pathway to enable pedestrians to pass without having to step out onto the road to do so.
The reopening of the station also included a small presentation in which a plaque was unveiled to commemorate the first female bus driver in the UK, Jill Viner. Jill drove the 65 bus route, and I am pleased that TfL have decided to mark her trailblazing achievement with the sign which will be placed outside of the station.
CHANGES TO THE PARKS POLICE
Last week, I put out a survey seeking the constituencies preliminary views on possible cuts to the Royal Parks Operational Command Unit (also known as the Parks Police). This division employs over 80 specialist officers across London who form the backbone of policing efforts in the 8 Royal Parks and numerous smaller gardens and cemeteries administered by the charity across London.
Over the past week, more than 200 residents have responded to this survey sharing their personal stories and views on the role of the Parks Police. Over 98% of those who responded stated they would oppose any cuts to the unit, highlighting positive personal experiences, the professionalism of officers, and the safety they feel in otherwise deserted areas knowing an officer is nearby and ready to respond.
I have written to Sir Mark Rowley urging him to consider the importance of this unit and consider the views of our community before making any decisions. You can read the text of this letter here and respond to my survey here.
ROYAL MAIL SORTING OFFICE
It was a pleasure to visit the Royal Mail’s sorting office in Richmond earlier today and witness the hubbub of activity pushing packages out to neighbourhoods across the community. Residents will remember the chaos that accompanied last year's deliveries as Christmas cards were delivered weeks late and some packages never arrived at their destinations at all.
However, I am pleased to report that the Richmond branch of the Royal Mail, having started the year in the bottom 5% of sorting offices nationally for on time deliveries, is now in the top 10% of the country after an incredibly successful turnaround.
If you want to ensure your cards make it to their destination before Christmas, the last day for posting regular and tracked second class letters is December 18th, for first class it is the 20th. You can read more information and get the full details here.
BARNES CHRISTMAS FAIR
Last Friday evening, I visited Barnes Village to attend their annual Christmas Fair. The event was organised by the BCA, and the array of kiosks displayed the range of excellent trade and craftsmanship in the area. The energy and buzz surrounding the fair was lovely to behold, and it was great to see that the festivities have truly begun in Richmond Park.
COMMUNITY NEWS
THE BARNES CHOIR'S CHRISTMAS CAROLS
On Tuesday, December 17th and Wednesday, December 18th, you can see the wonderful Barnes Choir performing an array of festive carols to get you in the mood for Christmas. On Tuesday the group will be outside Richmond Station between 6 pm and 7 pm and on Wednesday they will be at the Coach and Horses pub in Barnes between 7 pm and 8:30 pm. I highly recommend stopping by.
WRAP UP - DONATE YOUR OLD COATS AND JACKETS
London Fire Brigade (LFB) has been collecting warm coats from people across London to donate to Wrap Up London. Wrap up London is an excellent initiative organised by various Rotary Groups across the capital to ensure that homeless and vulnerable people can stay warm as the cold weather draws in.
Residents across Kingston have already received over 200 donations in an incredible display of generosity. If you'd like to make some space in your cupboard and give a wonderful gift this Christmas to someone who really needs it, find out more with the link here.
KEEP CLEAR MARKINGS ON LOWER MORTLAKE ROAD
As some local residents in North Richmond and Kew may remember, the ‘Keep Clear’ markings at the intersection of Lower Mortlake Road (A316) and Raleigh Road were removed by TfL after the completion of the Manor Circus roadworks. This decision was frustrating for local residents living around Raleigh Road, as the markings had enabled a clear passage for them to enter onto the A316 without being blocked by traffic on Lower Mortlake Road.
I am pleased to say that following correspondence from my office, the Council and local residents, TfL agreed to reinstate the markings. These markings should not have been removed to begin with, but I am happy that TfL have listened to the concerns that were raised and restored the ‘Keep Clear’ signage.
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