KING'S SPEECH
During the King's Speech on Wednesday, King Charles set out the Government's legislative agenda for the next Parliamentary session.
There is a great deal that needs to be done and many of Labour's proposals do not go far enough. The Liberal Democrats are committed to ensuring the Government significantly improves the NHS, changes our care system to work for both carers and care users, and brings down the cost of living to a manageable level.
We'll also be continuing our campaign to clean up the UK's rivers and reform water companies so that they always put the publics' interests at the core of their decision making. I'm proud to be a part of a constructive and effective opposition to Labour and look forward to making sure everyone in the UK gets a fair deal.
50:50 PARLIAMENT
On Wednesday evening, I attended and spoke at the ‘Welcome to Parliament’ event hosted by 50:50 Parliament and Chamber UK. This event discussed the economic opportunities available to a new government, with a particular focus on the empowerment of women, financial inclusion, improving the housing market, and tackling fraud.
I spoke on the significance of this Parliament having the highest ever proportion of female MPs as well as the first female Chancellor of the Exchequer. It was a wonderful opportunity to engage with some of the newly elected MPs, business people, and campaigners, who make up the 50:50 Parliament campaign as well as to speak specifically on gender equality in politics and economic empowerment for women.
DIANA AWARD
I was delighted to be a panellist at the Diana Award event on Thursday. This Award was set up in memory of Diana, the Princess of Wales, and it is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. The charity works to support young people and highlights youth voices across all aspects of public life.
At the event they launched their recent ‘Youth Insight Report’ which analysed reasons for youth disengagement in politics and highlighted ways in which we can encourage more young people to vote and actively participate in politics.
The report focused on issues which are important to young people, most notably mental health, the climate crisis, and education. It was a particular pleasure to hear from the youth researchers who contributed their findings to the report.
DISTRICT LINE FAILURES AT RICHMOND
Over the past few weeks, many residents will have been affected by the repeated closure of the District Line's Richmond branch. This has left commuters and school children stranded, bus routes overloaded, and many visitors to Kew Gardens and our town centre unable to return home.
Whilst railway works are not uncommon and safety must always be operators' top priority, I am frustrated by the lack of clarity from TfL and Network Rail over these repeated closures. It is clear that major renovations are necessary, but we have not received any information as to whether these will take place.
Alongside Cllr. Gareth Roberts AM, I wrote to Sadiq Khan to ask that he explain the cause behind these repeated issues, clarify the work that is taking place to rectify them, and to reassure residents that every reasonable action is being taken to prevent further issues over the summer.
BARNES BRIDGE STATION: BIKE RAMP
Residents near to Barnes Bridge Station will have noticed that, just before the election, SWR removed the bike channel that led to the platform as part of the station's upgrades.
Earlier today, I met with SWR to convey the frustration felt by local residents at this move and to learn about plans to reinstall a ramp in the coming months. The team were keen to highlight that alongside improving the grip of the stairs, installing double heighted handrails, and additional lighting, the removal of the ramp was necessary to reduce the chance of tripping.
Their team is now looking at versions of the bike ramp that could be installed closer to the side of the wall, both allowing cyclists to carry their bikes up the ramp and maintaining the increased accessibility created by the recent upgrades.
Once a new, safer version of the ramp has been found, it simply will remain for funding to be put in place and installation can begin.
BARNES COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION: BARNES FAIR
I'd like to thank the Barnes Community Association for hosting me at the wonderful Barnes Fair on Saturday. The event was a huge success and it was so lovely to see dozens of local stalls, shops, and community groups represented.
If you missed the event this year but would like to join the festivities in future, you can join the Barnes Fair 2025 mailing list with the link here.
SEA SUNDAY 2024
On Sunday, I had the honour of joining the Sea Sunday Parade in Richmond alongside the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of London, Mayor of Richmond, and more than a dozen Sea Cadets from TS Goodwin Richmond.
Richmond Sea Cadets work with young people aged 10-18 and offers the chance to gain qualifications, make new friends, and enjoy hundreds of activities including first aid, adventure training, and water sports.
Richmond Sea Cadets currently have spaces and are actively looking for young people to join. Meetings are held every Tuesday between 7:15 pm and 9:30 pm at the end of Park Lane, TW9 2RA just next to the Old Deer car park.
If you would like your child to take part, email co@richmondscc.org .
RADIO JACKIE
Earlier this week, I spoke to Radio Jackie to discuss the new government, local area, and my priorities over the coming parliament. Alongside touching upon the state of the NHS, the move of children's cancer care services in London to the Evelina Hospital, the Teddington DRA, and Labour's plans for the future, I was pleased to be able to highlight the value the Liberal Democrats can bring as a constructive opposition to the new Labour Government.
You can listen to my interview here, and tune into their programming on either 107.8 FM or online.
KINGSTON NEWS
DRAGON BOAT RACE
If you're looking for an exciting day out this weekend, I highly recommend heading over to the Kingston Dragon Boat Race by Canbury Gardens from 10 am. Local teams representing good causes from across Kingston and Richmond will be racing along the Thames in a fantastic local tradition that is always worth a visit.
Alongside the racing, there will be food and drinks stalls, shops, and even a children's funfair. To learn more about the Dragon Boat Race, follow the link here.
RICHMOND NEWS
RICHMOND CHARITIES ALMSHOUSES
Later this year, Richmond Charities will be opening a brand-new estate of Almshouses specifically for over 65s in need of specially adapted wheelchair accommodation.
If you are over 65, on a limited income, have few savings, have lived in Richmond for at least the last two years and have mobility issues but are able to live independently, it may be worth considering applying for a move to the Elizabeth Twining Almshouses.
To find out more call 020 8948 4188 or email info@richmondcharities.org.
VISOR
I am very pleased to report that VISOR (Visually Impaired Society of Richmond) has just received £4200 of National Lottery funding to help them continue their work assisting people with visual impairment. The charity, run entirely by volunteers, offers advice, support, and social activities to blind and partially sighted people across and around the Borough of Richmond.
The charity holds a drop in centre between 10:30 am and 2:30 pm on Mondays at the Sheen Lane Centre, 74 Sheen Lane, London, SW14 8LP. You can get in touch with them via telephone on 020 8487 5301 or by email at admin@visor.org.uk.
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