Richmond Park News: 12 September 2025

WESTMINSTER HALL DEBATE REGARDING THE QUALIFYING PERIOD FOR INDEFINITE LEAVE TO REMAIN:

On Monday, I spoke in the Westminster Hall Debate on the 5-year qualifying period for Indefinite Leave to Remain. The government’s Immigration White Paper, introduced in May, has caused distress to individuals, especially for those living in the UK on the Skilled Workers Visa and the BN(O) Visa, and the government must clarify their position on this issue.

On the Skilled Worker Visa, I outlined the benefits of the visa, as it attracts global talent through a secure immigration pathway, and I highlighted the value that these skilled workers bring to their communities, to businesses and to the economy. Businesses in Richmond Park and across the country are facing a number of challenges, including the recent rise in National Insurance and red tape with Europe, and uncertainty over their workforce would only cause additional issues.

On the BN(O) Visa, I raised similar points, as well as highlighting that the BN(O) Visa has been used by the UK as a means to uphold the human rights of Hongkongers. In the face of increasing transnational repression from China, the government must not turn its back on Hongkongers by watering down the rights of holders of the BN(O) Visa. Instead it must uphold its promise to Hongkongers and offer clarity and consultation on any changes.

You can find a full clip of my speech here.

PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE ON NHS WAITING TIMES FOR ELECTIVE CARE:

Earlier this year, NHS England instructed Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) to make 50% reductions in their running costs by the third quarter of 2025-26. These are significant cuts, and consequently, ICBs are looking for ways to increase the cost-efficiency of their operations. 

As some residents will know, the function and scope of the Enhanced Primary Care Hub in Roehampton, previously known as the Queen Mary’s Minor Injuries Unit, is under review. 

While the Enhanced Primary Care Hub has altered since the pandemic to become a booking system, the facility is pivotal in reducing the already stressed A&E departments and GP practices in the area, while the nurses at the unit work tirelessly to see patients at a quick and efficient rate.

I have written to the Managing Director of St George’s University Hospital’s Trust to emphasise these points, as well as penning a letter to the Secretary of State for Health, Wes Streeting MP, to request his attention to this matter and to ask for reassurances that the unit will not be closed.

During the Public Accounts Committee session yesterday, I raised my concerns that a lack of oversight of the health system means that it is difficult to track results to spending distribution, to Matthew Style, the Director General for Secondary Care and Integration. In this case, the personal testimony of my constituents regarding the excellent service that the Queen Mary’s Enhanced Primary Care Hub provides must not be ignored.

You can watch a clip of my question and the response provided by the civil servants by clicking here.

MEDIA ROUND REGARDING BORIS JOHNSON’S USE OF PUBLIC FINANCES:

The news in the past week has been filled with political scandals, and at the start of the week, I was asked by ITV and the national papers to discuss the allegations that Boris Johnson had misused public finances. This comes after reports that the former prime minister has profited from contacts he made in office, including receiving a payment of more than £200,000 for meeting with Venezuelan president, Nicolas Maduro.

In my comments to the media, I called upon the government to suspend Boris Johnson’s access to the public duty cost allowance pending a full and proper investigation. 

In addition, I have written to the Comptroller and Auditor General of the National Audit Officer, Gareth Davies, to call for an investigation into this alleged misuse of public funds, and you can read this letter by clicking here.

BARNES POLICE WALKABOUT:

Over Summer Recess, I received a number of emails from residents of Barnes who have been concerned about criminal activity in the area. Consequently, I met with the local Barnes and Mortlake officers alongside Councillor Andy Hale and Community Safety Officer, David Noakes.

As some residents may know, a group of scammers have been operating in Barnes and throughout Richmond Borough over the past few years. These individuals dress as parking ticket inspectors and trick unsuspecting victims into giving them their credit cards and wallets. I understand that the perpetrators often wear masks to hide their identity and use rental vehicles which makes it difficult for the police to track even when they are provided with seemingly identifiable information.

The local policing team has submitted an application for a rapid deployment camera to be placed on Church Road to deter activity, and the Council are investigating ways to raise awareness of this issue.

Another matter that was discussed on the walkabout was safety around Hammersmith Bridge. While, tentatively speaking, the Barnes policing team told me that people being able to cycle over the bridge again has helped reduce levels of ASB and crime, this is still a matter that they are monitoring and they are in communication with Hammersmith’s policing team whenever an incident of concern takes place.

I would like to thank the Barnes and Mortlake policing teams for joining me on the walkabout and for listening to the concerns that I and the Council raised on behalf of local residents.

VISIT TO CANCER RESEARCH IN RICHMOND:

Last Friday, I visited the Cancer Research store in Richmond Town Centre to speak with their staff members about the importance of their volunteer work.

It was a pleasure to meet with the hard-working volunteers and to hear first-hand accounts about how Cancer Research's work has helped change people's lives. 

It was especially interesting to hear about the cost that the charity saves the NHS by catching cancer at its early stages, while these advances in screening, as well as the treatment of cancers, have saved countless lives.

I would like to thank the team at the local store for being so hospitable towards me, and of course, if you have any goods that you no longer need, please make sure to donate!

COMMUNITY NEWS:

RICHMOND RIVERSIDE WALK:

On Saturday 27 September, members of the public are invited to take part in a scenic walk along the Thames Towpath through Richmond and Kew, which starts at St Matthias Church. 

The walk has been set-up by Christian Aid to raise money for places in the world which are especially afflicted by the climate crisis and hunger.

If you wish to learn more about the walk, you can do so by clicking here, and if you wish to donate to this cause, you can do so by following this link.

CENTRE STAGE RICHMOND:

Tomorrow, Saturday 13 September, a festival will be taking place on George Street and Whittaker Avenue in Richmond Town Centre. This will include live performances, dance workshops, roaming theatre, street food, communal dining and hands-on art activities.

The festival starts at 11am, and will continue into the late evening. The event is free for people to join, and if you are in the area, you can just drop by. If you want to read more about the festival, including a full programme of the events, you can do so by clicking here.

KINGSTON BIKE RIDE:

On 21 September, Kingston Cycling Campaign and friends are hosting a bike ride for all abilities through Kingston. The meeting point is in Fairfield Park, KT1 2PY, just by the park pavilion, and the route has been planned to avoid traffic heavy roads, although marshals will be on hand in case of any accidents. 

The event is free to take part-in, although you must register beforehand. This can be done so by clicking here.