VISITING FAIRHILL MEDICAL PRACTICE AND HEALTH QUESTIONS TO THE MINISTER
On Friday, I visited the Fairhill Medical Practice in North Kingston to speak with the staff and get a sense of the difficulties they have been facing. During the visit, I was appalled to learn that the staff, alongside being asked to cope with substantial levels of underfunding, have been subjected to a steep increase in abusive behaviour that necessitated a police response.
The Fairhill Medical Practice will also be hit hard by the Government's increase to National Insurance Contributions (NIC). As GPs are technically run as independent businesses, they are eligible to pay this increase and Fairhill Medical practice alone will owe the exchequer over £50,000. Across the sector, primary health care will pay nearly £125 million in additional NIC payments.
On Tuesday, I asked the Ministerial team at the Department for Health and Social Care to explain how, in light of their comments during the election that "the NHS is at breaking point", they can defend what is essentially a substantial cut to our frontline health services.
PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE
On Monday, I attended the Public Accounts Committee evidence session on support for children and young people with special educational needs (SEN). The session follows the National Audit Office’s 2024 report which found that, since 2019, there has been no consistent improvement in outcomes for children and young people with SEN. In 2021-22, 69% of those with SEN moved into employment and education after school, compared to 85% of those without SEN. These are similar proportions to 2018-19, despite a real-terms funding increase.
During the session, I asked about how a shared understanding of special educational needs is being built between government and individual organisations and at a preliminary meeting of the committee I also challenged the requirement for mentors of student teachers to undergo 10 hours of training a term. This requirement can seriously harms schools’ ability to take on student teachers and so I’m delighted that the Government has announced that they “have removed the 20-hour general mentor training and the 6-hour refresher training minimum time requirements, with immediate effect”. Easing the burden for many schools.
LORDS SPIRITUAL WOMEN BILL
Late last week, I spoke in the Lords Spiritual (Women) debate. This Bill, if passed, would extend the timeframe for the process of acceleration of Women Bishops to the other chamber, meaning that when a vacancy arose amongst the 21 bishops appointed by seniority it would be filled by the most senior eligible female bishop with the goal of reaching gender parity as soon as possible.
I was glad to speak in favour of this Bill as it addresses the stark gender imbalance which currently exists among our lords spiritual. I and my Liberal Democrat colleagues are supportive of this aim and welcome steps to ensure parliament better reflects the country it serves.
Parliament should be a body which represents and reflects the diversity and richness of the people and cultures which make up our country. I will continue to do all I can to make that happen across both houses.
CROMWELL ROAD BUS STATION - KINGSTON
I am extremely pleased to report that after a complete transformation, which included the addition of a customer toilet, the installation of CCTV, and the expansion (and restoration of) the platforms, the new Cromwell Road Bus Station in Kingston is operational.
The station will serve 32 routes across South West and West London, and I hope will make Londoners' journeys easier, safer, and more convenient. To find our more about the changes that have been made to the bus station, follow the link here.
TOWER HOUSE SCHOOL
I was delighted to be able to visit Tower House School in East Sheen as one of their quarterly visits from "interesting people". During the visit, we discussed the intricacies of Parliament, some of our democracies more archaic traditions, and the parallels between PMQs and Saturday afternoon football.
After this discussion it was lovely to welcome so many questions about our local area, the life of an MP, and the students own political beliefs and ambitions. I am extremely grateful to Mr Lunnon and his team for inviting me and I look forward to visiting again soon.
COMMUNITY NEWS
SEWING ANGELS
Unfortunately, the Sewing Angels have taken the decision not to hold their Charity Christmas sale at the Co-op this Saturday, owing to a dire weather forecast of heavy rain and strong winds.
However, The Canbury Arms in Canbury Park Rd Kingston have come to the rescue, and the Angels will now be holding a charity Christmas Market in their outside covered and heated area on Thursday 28th November from 5.30pm - 8pm. This is a perfect opportunity to get your Christmas shopping underway, in the knowledge that every penny you spend will be donated to local charities.
Sewing Angels’ market at the Keep Christmas Local event, at Park Rd on Sat 30th Nov from 10am-3pm, is still going ahead.
MIDDLESEX YEOMANRY CONCERT BAND
The Middlesex Yeomanry Concert Band will be holding two Christmas concerts this festive season.
The first is their regular Christmas Concert at St.James’s Church at 3.00pm on Sunday, 8th December. The programme will include Imperial Echoes, Going Home from the film Local Hero, A Whole New World from the musical Aladdin, a selection of Abba melodies and the usual seasonal favourites. Tickets are £15 (£12.50 if reserved in advance), including a free programme and refreshments.
The second is a new venture: a Candlelight Concert in St Mary‘s Church, Hampton at 7.30pm on Wednesday 11th December preceded by wine and mince pies at 6.45pm. Carol singing will be led by the NPL choir with just a few items for band and choir alone. Tickets for the concert are £10.
SHOP LOCAL NORTH KINGSTON
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!
WHITE RIBBON WALK: HAMPTON WICK TO KINGSTON
Richmond and Kingston councils are joining forces to hold a White Ribbon Walk on Saturday 7th December at midday. The route begins at Hampton Wick station and goes via Kingston Bridge to central Kingston and will highlight the scale of violence against women and girls in our society, and how we, as a community, can fight and prevent it.
RICHMOND SEA CADETS
Richmond Sea Cadets work with young people aged 10-18 and offer 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 .
COUCH TO 5K
Couch to 5k is a running plan for beginners based on the nationwide NHS program to help participants get fitter in just 9 weeks. It is free to anyone who wishes to join and starts at 10:30 am on Monday 13th January in Kew. This scheme was originally set up by local champion Serge Lourie, and I know he would be extremely pleased to see it continuing. If you want to get involved or learn more email kewcouch25k@gmail.com .
KEW FROST FAIR
On 30th November, the Kew Frost Fair will be held at the Barn Church on Atwood Avenue, from 11am - 2pm. It will be a great opportunity to shop for local products, see live music, and get into the Christmas spirit! If you are in the local area, I highly recommend dropping by.
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