PROPORTIONAL REPRESENTATION: 10 MINUTE RULE BILL
On Tuesday, I presented a bill to parliament calling for a system of proportional representation to be introduced for UK parliamentary elections and for local elections in England.
I am delighted that this bill passed its first reading, by 138 votes to 136, having received cross party support. Our most recent General Election, in July this year, returned a government with the second biggest majority of seats for any government since the Second World War, on the lowest share of the vote ever recorded for a winning party.
Proportional representation has long been at the heart of Liberal Democrat policy. We believe this is the best way to make the electoral system fairer and I am glad that parliament has now voted to support this move.
You can read some of the coverage of this bill here, or listen to a clip of my interview with Andrew Marr following the vote.
CABINET OFFICE QUESTIONS
During Cabinet Office Questions on Thursday, I asked Cabinet Office Minister, Nick-Thomas Symonds, if he would commit to speaking with his government colleagues about the introduction of a youth mobility scheme between the UK and EU.
Establishing a UK-EU Youth Mobility Scheme would mirror existing capped arrangements the UK has with 13 countries including Australia, New Zealand and Canada. Delivering such a scheme would provide a “return on investment” in the form of “soft power” as well as providing a wide range of benefits to young people.
At the same session, I also challenged the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster to accept parliament’s support for proportional representation (PR) and allow a debate on this issue on Government time. Unfortunately, despite PR being supported by dozens of his own backbenchers, he refused to allow substantial debate on this essential reform.
THE GOVERNMENT'S SIX NEW TARGETS
On Thursday, I responded to the government statement setting out their six new targets. I was glad to see commitments to reducing NHS waiting lists and raising living standards across the UK included in the pledges in the Prime Minister's announcement.
However, whilst I am supportive of the ambitious aims set out in yesterday's speech I highlighted in my response that bringing down waiting times for treatment is a crucial part of the picture.
But doing so at the cost of neglecting A&E waits or the ability to see your GP is not going to solve the crisis which the NHS is currently facing. Many of the Government’s aims are laudable, but this statement has not convinced either parliamentarians or the public that they will be able to deliver these objectives and actually improve public services.
You can watch a clip of my speech in response to the statement here.
GREEN NEW DEAL LOBBY EVENT
On Tuesday, it was a real pleasure to join other MPs and young people from across the country at the Green New Deal's Youth Parliament Action Day. It was brilliant to see so many engaged young people in Westminster calling for bold and decisive action on climate change. After the last Government rolled back on so many climate targets, I hope that this new parliament can make real strides towards a greener, more sustainable future.
I would particularly like to thank Katya from East Sheen for taking the time to come and share her insights with me. I hope to hear more from her as the Green New Deal's campaign continues.
SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY
Tomorrow, 7th December 2024, is Small Business Saturday, a national campaign which highlights small business success and encourages consumers to 'shop local' and support independent businesses in their communities.
To mark the campaign, I spent a few hours earlier today visiting local shops in and around Richmond and Kew to learn more about what they need, how their businesses are faring, and what I can do as their MP to help them thrive.
Up at Kew Village, I met with the teams behind the Kew Bookshop and Trindle Stores. While the Kew Bookshop is an excellent local institution and always a pleasure to visit, it was also great to see the new organic and specialty food shop Trindle Stores seemingly already establishing itself as a favourite amongst residents. Later on, I dropped into Knit with Me, a beautiful specialty yarn shop on Richmond Hill which is well worth a visit whether you are an experienced knitter or considering taking up crochet for the first time.
While everyone seemed in good spirits, it was interested to hear the subject of increased National Insurance contributions come up on more than one occasion. When compounded with the difficulties around EU-UK imports and exports, many small business are having to fight harder than they should have to to thrive.
You can follow all the shops I visited on social media through the links for Trindle Stores, the Kew Bookshop, and Knit with Me here.
SOUTH WESTERN RAIL DELAYS AND NATIONALISATION
Residents across the constituency may have noticed a number of substantial delays affecting the lines across our community over the past week. With the exception of a few regionwide problems caused by the passing of Storm Bert, these delays do not have one systemic cause and are the result of several different incidents that have unfortunately had a disproportionate effect on the lines serving Kingston and Richmond. While they have caused a significant amount of disruption, this is not expected to continue into next week.
Nationally, you may be aware that in May, SWR will become the first train operator to be nationalised by the Labour Government. As dozens of Liberal Democrat constituencies are impacted by this change, I will be joining my party colleagues in an open letter to Heidi Alexander highlighting our concern that the Government's operator is about to take on responsibility for hundreds of millions of journeys without a clear strategy, passenger watchdog, or meaningful reform of our broken fare system.
You can read more about the changes made to SWR operations here.
POSSIBLE DISBANDING OF THE RICHMOND PARK PARK'S POLICE
Earlier this week, I was informed that the Metropolitan Police Service may be considering cutting funding for the parks police division based in Richmond Park. While all the details of this potential change are not readily available, and it is important to stress that no decisions have been made, I know many residents will share my view that the Parks Police unit is a valued and essential service.
The officers who patrol Richmond and Bushy Park know the area's terrain, the potential issues around wildlife, and how best to protect this beautiful area of our community. Furthermore, with our community police force already stretched to it's limit, I do not see how officers serving the surrounding areas can be expected to add 2500 acres of parkland to their patrol routes.
I am conducting a survey of residents views on this potential change which you can fill in here. I will also be providing updates on this potential change to policing through my newsletter and social media channels as soon as I have more information.
CONSTITUENCY VISITS
Earlier this week, I joined the Make Christmas Local Christmas Fair in North Kingston. This wonderful initiative was set up to encourage residents to shop in independent shops and retailers in our community, supporting the local economy and bringing people together at the same time. Hundreds of people joined the fair and it was a pleasure to see so many local shops full to bursting with early Christmas shoppers.
Later that day, I visited the Vineyard Community Centre's Christmas Fair. Alongside face painting, Santa's Grotto, excellent music and delicious treats, it was great to see so many stalls selling local handicrafts and gifts. The Vineyard Centre does incredible work supporting over 6000 vulnerable people across Richmond. They are aiming to raise £20,000 this holiday season, so if you are looking for a charity to support this Christmas, I would encourage you to support this excellent local charity.
COMMUNITY NEWS
CANBURY BANSTAND 2025
The Friends of Canbury Bandstand are planning their 2025 Canbury Bandstand series of Sunday afternoon summer band concerts. These events offer opportunities to youth bands and other local bands to perform in the lovely Canbury Gardens in a Victorian-style bandstand. A range of music to suit all tastes is offered, from traditional brass bands to folk songs and rock bands. The concerts are open air, free to the public to listen and attract hundreds of passers-by
These highly popular events rely on a small group of volunteers, and are supported by the Council and local businesses. If you feel you can help in any way – whether with sponsorship, poster design, putting out chairs on the day, or just want to know more about the series, please get in touch at friendsofcanburybandstand@hotmail.com
BARNES CHRISTMAS TURKEY RUN
On Sunday 1st December, the Barnes Community Association (BCA) hosted the Barnes Turkey Run in memory of Leyla Hutchens, in conjunction with Barnes Runners. This fantastic event has so far raised over £3000 for the FiSH Christmas lunch at the Green Centre in Barnes. If you wish to donate, you can do so here. Congratulations to everyone involved!
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