On Saturday, I joined the Richmond Civic Remembrance Service commemorating those members of His Majesty's Armed Forces who were injured or lost their lives in the line of duty.
With conflicts raging across the world, the Remembrance Day services held this week serve as a poignant reminder that we must never stop striving for peace and reconciliation.
DEBATE ON AIRCRAFT NOISE AND ITS IMPACT ON LOCAL COMMUNITIES
Last night, I sponsored an adjournment debate in the Commons chamber on the issue of aircraft noise and its impact on local communities. The Heathrow flight path is a constant source of frustration for residents and so I took the opportunity to raise my three key calls on this topic.
First, calling for a full ban on night flights at Heathrow and a Government sponsored study into their economic, social and health impacts. Second, to cancel Heathrow expansion given the damage it will to to our local environment and global efforts against climate change. Third, ensure that plans for new flight paths above our communities cannot be forced through without giving residents the chance to choose a "do minimum" option at the consultation stage.
Although the minister could not agree to my requests in that moment, I was very pleased that he agreed to meet with me again to discuss the issue of Heathrow and the impact noise is having on my constituents.
You can watch a clip of the debate here, or read some of the coverage of the debate in the Independent here.
HEREDITARY PEERS BILL DEBATE
On Tuesday, I tabled two amendments to the Hereditary Peers Bill as it returned to the Commons. The first of these amendments proposed to secure a democratic mandate for the House of Lords through introduction of directly elected members.
The second amendment would have strengthened the powers of the House of Lords Appointments Commission. This would prevent a life peerage being conferred on a person if the Commission had recommended against the appointment. This would bring the House of Lords appointment system more in line with that of other honours such as knighthoods requiring an overview of the relevant skills, knowledge and experience of the candidate.
Overall, my Liberal Democrat colleagues and I welcomed this legislation and we hope it might lead to the most significant modernisation of the House of Lords in a quarter of a century.
VOTER ID DEBATE
On Wednesday, I spoke in the debate on Voter ID regulation. This legislation would make voting more accessible for veterans, with the expansion of accepted forms of ID at polling stations. This was particularly poignant given remembrance day on Monday and an important time to mark and reflect on the bravery and sacrifice of our veterans.
In 2022, the last Conservative Government introduced a new law requiring voters to show photo ID to vote in general elections, local elections and referendums in England. The impact of this requirement has been reported in research from the Electoral Commission finding that around 4% of eligible people who didn't vote said that was because of the voter ID requirement.
Whilst I am supportive of measures to support veterans in accessing appropriate identification, I am also concerned that this support does not extend to other affected groups and we call on the Government to repeal the voter ID scheme entirely, thereby ensuring all eligible people can exercise their democratic right as easily as possible.
PENSION CREDIT AND DWP QUESTIONS
As mentioned in my newsletter two weeks ago, I have been investigating the DWP’s capacity to process Pension Credit claims within their targeted 50 working day period, following the Labour Government’s announcement that Winter Fuel Allowance would become means tested.
This Monday, I was selected for DWP Oral Questions, and I used this opportunity to raise to the Minister my concerns that the DWP do not have the current capacity to process the rise of Pension Credit applications. The Minister stated that the DWP have ‘redeployed’ 500 staff members to help process these applications, however, this response has not sufficiently addressed the concerns that I have given that over the last 3 months the number of outstanding claims has risen from 33,883 in the week prior to the Chancellor’s announcement, to 76,569 as of 28 October.
I will continue to investigate this matter and hold the Labour Government to account to ensure that vulnerable pensioners are not forced to choose between heating and eating. You can watch my Oral Question to the Minister by clicking on the link here.
TRANSNATIONAL REPRESSION ROUNDTABLE
It was wonderful to host the Transnational Repression (TNR) Working Group in Parliament on Wednesday to discuss the issue of authoritarian dictatorships acting against residents in other countries. This group is a joint initiative by Reporters Without Borders, The Foreign Policy Centre, the Azadi Network and a host of other human rights groups who have come together to develop policy on this incredibly important topic.
Transnational repression takes many forms and on Wednesday I heard harrowing stories of Iranians, Hong Kongers, Egyptians, and people from dozens of other countries across the world being targeted online, stalked, and threatened by state actors within UK borders.
I was very glad to be able to support the TNR working group as they develop an effective policy the Government could adopt to protect people seeking sanctuary in the UK.
EAST SHEEN GARDEN CENTRE / HORTICULTURAL TRADE ASSOCIATION
Recently, I visited the Sheen Garden Centre to discuss how their business has been affected by Government policy over the past few years. Like many small businesses, the recent changes to National Insurance Contributions are putting the centre under increasing financial pressure and it is concerning to see this additional burden placed on local shops.
While many avid Christmas enthusiasts may already be thinking of putting up their Christmas trees, disposing of them at the end of December can be a hassle. The Sheen Garden Centre is running a scheme this year which enables people to trade in their Christmas trees for a discount on the plants in the centre.
If you wish to visit Sheen Garden Centre and explore the beautiful plants that they have on offer, their address is 181 Upper Richmond Road, SW14 8DU, and I have left a link to their website here.
INCREASES TO THE 419 AND 33 BUS ROUTES
I am very pleased to report that over the last week, the 33 and 419 bus routes have had their frequency increased. The 33 will now run every 12 minutes rather than every 15 minutes on Sundays after 9:30 am and every 15 minutes rather than every 20 minutes in the evenings.
The 419 will also now operate four services an hour rather than three on Sundays after 10 am and on every evening of the week.
Bus services in our community have been the subject of too many cuts in recent years and I know there are ongoing issues with the 533, 85, 213 and 57 amongst others. I am hoping to meet with the Deputy Mayor for Transport to discuss this, and the ongoing issues with the tube services in the area and will report back to constituents once I have more information.
COMMUNITY NEWS
NATIONAL UK INNOVATION COMPETITION FOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS AND SIXTH FORM COLLEGES
The Harrow, Richmond, and Uxbridge Colleges (HRUC) group, in collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), has launched a national competition for secondary schools on the theme of Sustainable Impact.
The judging panel will consist of Richard Pennycook, Interim Chair – Skills England, Konnie Huq, former Blue Peter Presenter and STEM Ambassador, former England Rugby player, Andrew Gomarsall MBE, and a range of national employers.
This is a brilliant opportunity to celebrate innovation and inspire young people towards technical careers and jobs. Any local secondary schools, colleges, and sixth forms that wish to take part in this competition can sign up at this link.
CYCLING SAFELY IN WINTER
As the days get colder and darker this winter, it is important to remember to stay safe when cycling. In 2022, there were 91 cyclist fatalities and over 15,000 injuries on our roads.
The Met Office has compiled a list of tips from British Cycling on how to navigate the extra challenges faced by cyclists this winter. You can find their advice at the following link: How to cycle in winter - Met Office.
ST RICHARD'S CHURCH CHRISTMAS FAIR
Also on Saturday 23rd November, St Richard’s Church in Ham is holding their annual Christmas Fair, from 10am - 2pm. The event will include craft stalls, a raffle, tombola, and more. Hot lunches will be on offer along with homemade cakes, mince pies and mulled wine. There will also be music from the school choir and a local ukelele band. Admission is free, with both cash and cards welcome.
SEWING ANGELS
On Saturday 23rd November and Saturday 30th November, Sewing Angels will be holding their annual Christmas craft sales. Sewing Angels is a group of local crafters that initially set up in 2020 to sew scrubs, face masks etc for the NHS and careworkers. They have since gone on to make a wide range of items to sell to benefit local charities, and to date have raised more than £40,000. This year, 100% of their sales will be donated to local charities.
Sewing Angels will be outside the Co-op on Kings Road in Kingston on 23rd, and at the Keep Xmas Local event on Park Road in Kingston on 30th, from 10am - 3pm on both days.
KEEP CHRISTMAS LOCAL - KINGSTON SHOPPING TRAIL
On Saturday 30th November between 10 am and 3 pm, the Christmas Shopping Trail will be in place across North Kingston. There will be pop-up crafters, lights, music, and trees to get you in the Christmas spirit.
If you have a spare moment on the 30th, get ahead of the holiday rush and come out to support our local, independent shops!
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