As MPs prepare to head back to Westminster on Monday for the first weeks of regular parliamentary business, I have been looking forward at the possible legislation, political moves, and new campaigns that are likely to dominate Parliament and the constituency over the coming few months.
During the first week of Parliament I will be debating the Budget Responsibility Bill, which will strengthen the powers of the Office for Budget Responsibility and ensure all future major fiscal events proposed by the Government will receive proper scrutiny. With so much uncertainty in the economy, I will also be posing questions to the Chancellor on Tuesday and to the Department for Business and Trade on Thursday in my capacity as Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Business and the Treasury.
Parliament will rise again on Friday 13th for party conferences where I look forward to joining my colleagues in Brighton for the Liberal Democrat Annual Autumn Conference. This is always an excellent opportunity to engage with stakeholders, activists and industry experts as we continue to develop party policy. In the build up to conference I have proposed a motion to increase regulation on the current ‘Buy Now, Pay Later’ schemes to make sure people using services like Klarna or Clearpay are properly protected.
With party conferences concluded, all eyes will turn to the new Government's first budget. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has already briefed the press that this budget will be "painful" for many and, while cuts are likely, I intend to do all I can to make sure that the Government genuinely protects the most vulnerable in our society.
Turning to constituency issues, the new Labour Government will need to explain how it intends to manage the situation at Hammersmith Bridge and if it will work alongside the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham and TfL to get the structure open again.
The Secretary of State for the Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs will also need to answer if he will allow Thames Water to spend more than a third of a billion pounds on the Teddington DRA just as the company declares itself to be on the verge of financial ruin.
Finally, between Heathrow's reinvigorated plans for a 3rd runway and concerning proposals around airspace redesign, it will be essential that the airport is not allowed to run roughshod over south west London's communities.
Nationally, I plan to continue my campaign to ensure that AI developers cannot use creatives' work to train their models with the creator's consent. It appears as if Labour's policy in this area is as yet unformed and so I hope to be able to ensure artists, musicians, and writers are properly compensated for their work.
As always, I want to hear about what matters to you. If you would like to share your views on a subject, have an issue I can help with, or need my assistance, please don't hesitate to contact me on office@saraholney.com.
COMMUNITY NEWS
DISTRICT AND OVERGROUND LINE CLOSURES
Unfortunately, the Richmond branch of the District and Overground Lines will be closed for essential repairs and maintenance on all weekends between the 7th of September and the 6th October. I know how frustrating this will be to residents who have already suffered from months of delays and disruption. However, this final spell of repairs should mean that there is now light at the end of the tunnel.
During this set of works, engineers will be replacing more than 570 wheel timbers used to hold the rails in place across the whole length of line. These wheel timbers are now more than two decades old, meaning they are more likely to cause track faults resulting in delays for passengers.
Elsewhere along this stretch of line, teams will be delivering additional targeted maintenance at the same time as the bridge works, including:
Improving train detection systems
Replacing points (which allow trains to change tracks) at Gunnersbury and Richmond
Upgrading signals at Richmond
Cutting back vegetation to improve signal sighting for train drivers, reduce the likelihood of flooding at Gunnersbury and lower the risk of obstructions on the line
All of this work should help reduce the chance of faults occurring, improving reliability and preventing further delays.
I will continue to engage with TfL and Network Rail over the coming weeks and months and will update residents on their works as soon as I have more information.
KINGSTON SMALL FESTIVAL
On Sunday 1st September 2024, from 1.00pm to 5.00pm the Kingston Race and Equalities Council (KREC) will be hosting a small festival to celebrate diversity and inclusivity at the Kingston Market Place. There will be performances throughout the day alongside food stalls and activities for young people.
While it is sad that Kingston's annual carnival will not be taking place, I hope that residents from across the borough will come out in support of the event. You can find more information about the celebrations here and learn more about KREC here.
FULL OF LIFE FAIR
On Friday 27th of September, Richmond Council will be hosting the annual Full of Life Fair at Twickenham Stadium from 10 am to 4 pm. The fair brings together over 70 local organisations offering everything from cost of living support and health advice to dance classes and yoga.
Alongside the wonderful activities and helpful information, a free café will be in place serving drinks and light refreshments throughout the day. The event is free to attend, however, registration is essential. To register for the event click here, and follow the link here to learn more and see a full schedule of events.
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