Richmond Park News: 10th January 2025

TACKLING VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS GENERAL DEBATE:

On Thursday, I spoke in a general debate in Parliament on Violence against Women and Girls. The cuts to police funding led by the former Government have resulted in a number of serious concerns and safeguarding issues which have been brought to the attention of my office. This includes the scarcity of panic alarms available for victims of domestic abuse who remain under the threat of attack and it no longer being commonplace for forensic testing to be conducted on evidence left at crime scenes. 

It is vital that victims of violence have the necessary safeguarding mechanisms in place to ensure their protection, and I asked the Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Safeguarding and Violence Against Women and Girls, Jess Phillips MP, to investigate these concerns.

During this debate, I also raised the issue surrounding the costs of court transcripts. In many cases involving crimes such as rape and murder, victims and bereaved families do not attend trial to avoid further trauma.  It is common for victims of violent crime to be advised by mental health professionals that a transcript of proceedings would aid their healing and help them process their experiences, as was the case with a constituent of mine who was drugged and raped by her then-boyfriend in February 2020. However, she was quoted nearly £7,500 to access the transcript of the trial. Without a transcript, many victims struggle to find out about proceedings or why a certain verdict was reached. 

A year-long pilot scheme giving victims free access to transcripts of their trial is being undertaken in Scotland and I urged the Minister to consider extending this scheme across the rest of the UK. You can watch my speech by clicking on the following link.

HONG KONG URGENT QUESTION:

On Tuesday, I responded to an Urgent Question in the House of Commons regarding the Hong Kong Police offering rewards for the arrests of pro-democracy campaigners, including British National (Overseas) (BNO) residents in the UK.

The threat to pro-democracy campaigners from the Hong Kong police is deeply worrying. Authoritarianism is on the rise in countries across the globe and the UK should be playing a leading role as part of a coalition of liberal democracies to respond to these challenges. 

The threat to Hong Kongers is deeply worrying and in my remarks, I spoke about the limitations imposed on Hong Kongers in the UK due to the conditions of BNO visas. I highlighted that many of these residents cannot gain full access to healthcare, education or employment opportunities under the terms of the visa.

I asked the Minister to address these concerns felt by Hong Kongers and queried what further steps the Government are taking to ensure that the Hong Kong community feels welcome and supported in Britain. 

I also highlighted the broader advantages of increasing support available to Hong Kongers as it would send a clear message to the Chinese Government about how much we value our Hong Kong citizens, and the extent to which we work to support their freedoms and liberties in this country.

ROYAL PARKS POLICE:

As many of you will know, the Metropolitan Police have been considering the possibility of cutting funding for the parks police division based in Richmond Park. Last Saturday, I was joined by many of the Liberal Democrat Local Ward Councillors of Richmond and Kingston to man the Richmond Park gates to raise awareness of this proposal and to call on the Home Office to provide the Metropolitan Police with sufficient funding.

In response to my survey that I published last month, I have received nearly a thousand responses which overwhelmingly voice their objection to the potential cuts. Some of these responses provided individual experiences which retold examples in which the parks police’s expertise and knowledge of Richmond Park was key to resolving and assisting with emergency cases.

The Metropolitan Police are facing an estimated £450 million shortfall, and it is vital that the Labour Government increase the funding available to the Met to prevent such cuts to key departments. 

DERWENT AVENUE PIPE BURST:

To the frustration of local residents and commuters, the pipe situated in Kingston Vale which leads onto Derwent Avenue has been repeatedly bursting for an extensive period of time. Last week, Thames Water positioned tankers on either side of their network in the area in anticipation of another pipe failure. As many residents will know, this occurred again this week, resulting in additional road traffic restrictions being put in place.

The fact that Thames Water felt that it was necessary to put precautionary measures in place last week in anticipation of another burst shows that this matter needs a long-term solution. I visited the site on Monday to discuss the repeated bursts to the sewer pipe and to relay the inconvenience that this recurring issue is having on my constituents. 

I was pleased to hear that following persistent correspondence from my office, Thames Water have greenlighted funding for a full pipe repair. I was informed that Thames Water are currently investigating whether they can re-route their pipe network away from Derwent Avenue, and that they will be able to provide more concrete plans for the repairs in March.

BARNES STATION LIFTS:

After an extensive period of work at Barnes Station, I am pleased to report that the newly installed lifts and footbridge are open for access. These works were completed under Network Rail’s Access for All Scheme. I have received a number of emails to report the importance of ensuring that Barnes Station in particular has improved accessibility, and, although there were delays to the project, it is positive that Network Rail have taken action on this matter.

As part of this project, Network Rail have also installed new lighting and security cameras around the station. Commuting during the winter months when it is dark earlier can be a hazard for individuals, especially women and young students, so I am pleased that Network Rail have taken this into consideration and attempted to improve the safety of people using their network.

COMMUNITY NEWS:

RICHMOND PARK HIKE:

On Saturday 18th January, there is a community hike taking place around Richmond Park. This will be approximately a two and a half hour walk starting from Pembroke Lodge car park in Richmond Park at 12 noon. 

The route is circular and appropriate for all ages. Dogs are welcome and there is an optional trip to a local pub following the event. 

This is a free community event which you can register for by clicking on the following link.

KINGSTON ART AND WELLBEING WORKSHOP:

On Sunday 19th January, the Kingston Environment Centre is hosting a free Art and Wellbeing workshop from 2pm-3:30pm. 

This is an informal and relaxing workshop, which will use collage as a way to reconnect with everyday things. It is being led by the Happy Kingston Project who run activities and projects which foster hope in residents by visioning joyful futures and celebrating the strengths of our community.

This event welcomes people of all ages and abilities - no previous experience of collaging is required.

You can find out more about the event and how to sign-up by clicking on the following link.