Richmond Park News: 14 November 2025

STATEMENT ON CUTTING POLICE AND CRIMES COMMISSIONERS:

Yesterday, the government announced their plans to abolish the role of Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) by 2028. This is a reform that I welcomed, as PCCs have cost the taxpayer £102 million since 2019, while the stats show that most of the public are not even aware of their existence, let alone who their representative is.

I noted that the Minister, Sarah Jones MP, carefully worded her statement on this cut to suggest that the savings could be enough to fund an extra 320 constables, without committing to taking this step. 

Policing resources in Richmond Park have been decimated, as we have seen a cut to our police stations, Royal Parks Police, as well as the imminent closure of Twickenham station’s front counter. In my speech, I asked the Minister if she agreed that the greatest reform needed to our policing system is to increase funding and resources made available to them, while questioning whether the government has spoken with the Mayor of London about the need for a greater investment in the Metropolitan Police.

You can watch a clip of my question and the Minister’s response by clicking here.

OPPOSITION DAY DEBATE ON TAXATION:

Wednesday marked another Conservative Opposition Day. With the Chancellor, Rachel Reeves MP, flip-flopping on whether the government will increase taxes on working people, the opposition benches used this as an opportunity to hold the government to account on their manifesto commitment. 

I have been speaking with the media today about the uncertainty that the government is causing for businesses and our markets, while also pointing out that the announcement of the Budget just before the Christmas period in itself is inconsiderate towards working people and families.

In the Chamber, however, I felt that I had to remind the Conservative benches that Liz Truss’ disastrous mini-budget has caused so much economic turmoil in the UK, and has resulted in many of the financial difficulties that people and businesses are facing now.

I, of course, will follow and respond to the Budget announcements on 26 November with a keen interest, and I will make sure to hold the Chancellor to account on her manifesto commitment.

You can watch a clip of my intervention by clicking here.

ITV LONDON INTERVIEW ON HAMMERSMITH BRIDGE:

My week started with an ITV London interview about the future of Hammersmith Bridge in the lead-up to the budget. With the Chancellor being expected to take unpopular decisions to raise revenue in her budget, I have no expectation that investment to fix the bridge will be imminent.

In fact, I have had no indications about the future of the bridge at all, as the Department for Transport has refused to meet with me to discuss this issue on five separate occasions this year. Keeping residents in the dark about any future plans to repair Hammersmith Bridge displays a clear lack of transparency, and this is not acceptable for any British government.

You can watch a clip of my interview by clicking here.

KEW VILLAGE MARKET:

I recently visited the market in Kew Village to meet with some of the volunteers and members manning the stalls. 

Since the market was set-up in 2011, over £100,000 has been raised for charity, and I spoke with a local resident, named Diana, whose knitting group have been making winter hats to sell at the market to help raise money for Motor Neurone Disease research.

There were a number of interesting stalls at the market, and I would recommend going down to have a look for yourself on Sunday 7 December when the stalls return.

COMMUNITY NEWS:

EAST SHEEN CHRISTMAS GATHERING:

On Friday 21 November, there will be a Christmas gathering in East Sheen, starting at 16:00 on Milestone Green. It’s a wonderful opportunity for young children to meet Father Christmas, enjoy face painting and festive crafts and for families to enjoy carols and live music, as well as to explore late-night shopping in our local stores and cafes. 

It’s a great festival activity to kick-off the season’s festivities! 

RICHMOND TOWPATH:

The Thames towpath between Richmond Lock and Kew Gardens reopened last Saturday following major repair and restoration works. 

This project has been a real community effort, and I want to thank the Council for their excellent work on this, and to residents for their patience while essential reinforcement and ecological improvements were completed. 

The new towpath will be stronger, greener, and more resilient, a fantastic result for everyone who enjoys walking, cycling, or running along our beautiful riverside. 

SEWING ANGELS:

On Saturday 22 November, Sewing Angels will be holding their Christmas Craft Sale at 10:00–14:30 on 133 Kings Road, Kingston-upon-Thames. The group creates handmade gifts, from festive decorations to table linen and bags, which are always beautifully crafted. 

Every penny raised goes to RBKares, supporting fantastic local projects across our community, and you can see more details about this event in the below flyer.