Richmond Park News: 14th March 2025

POLITICS LIVE:

Yesterday, I appeared on BBC Politics Live to discuss a range of national issues which are in the news at the moment.

Jo Coburn, the host of Politics Live, began the show by asking the panel to comment on the Prime Minister’s announcement that the Government is scrapping NHS England. Our health system needs urgent reform, and this is a step in the right direction. However, I highlighted that the Government’s failure to address our social care system is one which cannot be ignored, and it should be a priority of the Department of Health and Social Care to reform it immediately. 

In my inbox, I have already heard from a number of my constituents who are concerned about the rumoured Government plans to announce cuts to our welfare system later this month. The purpose of these cuts is stated to be to ensure that people who are receiving ill-health benefits are returned to work as soon as possible, as well as to address the deficit. While there has been a significant rise in the amount of people claiming ill-health benefits since the pandemic, we should be supporting these individuals back into work. Removing benefits that help people prepare for work and provide them with a basis to start taking steps to return to employment is not the way to address this issue.

As the program drew to a close, the panel were joined by Kit Malthouse MP, who voted in favour of the Terminally Ill (Adults) End of Life Bill, and who also serves on the committee. Kit was asked to comment on the amendment to remove the requirement for a judge to sign-off on a doctor’s diagnosis permitting an assisted death. While Kit spoke in favour of this amendment, it is one which I am against as the change only weakens the safeguards in place which are meant to protect the most vulnerable in our society. While I understood Kit’s view that a panel replacing the judge would provide a form of oversight, the expert evidence provided to the committee suggested that a multi-disciplinary team reviewing someone’s eligibility should come at the start of the process and to be in addition to judicial oversight.

You can watch the full program by clicking here.

TERMINALLY ILL (ADULTS) END OF LIFE BILL COMMITTEE:

The line by line scrutiny of the Terminally Ill Adults Bill Committee continued this week as we progressed onto debate the process required for medical approval for someone seeking an assisted death.

Clause 10 of the Bill allowed for a patient to seek a second medical opinion without it being obligatory for the first doctor to pass on their decision notes. I spoke to amend this clause as I believe that it does not provide adequate safeguards to potentially vulnerable patients and provides an opportunity for ‘doctor shopping.’

This amendment was debated in detail by the committee and it was ultimately agreed that this is an important safeguard which should be implemented. My amendment would require the reasons the initial doctor decided to refuse the request to be available to the subsequent independent doctor in cases where a different conclusion is reached. This amendment will strengthen the safeguards of the Bill and I am glad that the committee voted to adopt this change. 

PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE:

On Monday, in my capacity as a member of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), I attended a session scrutinising the Government’s cyber resilience capabilities. A recent report by the National Audit Office (NAO) highlighted the scale of the issues facing the Government, such as the use of outdated IT systems and the shortfall in the digital skills of its workforce. The committee examined how the Government’s cybersecurity strategy is being implemented, and whether the Government is on track to meet its cyberattack resilience plan by 2030.

In the session, I asked Bella Powell, the Cyber Director of the Government Security Group, how the Government reacted to reports that their departments were overestimating their ability to respond and react to cybersecurity threats. In response, Bella Powell stated that Government departments are being held to a higher standard of cyber resilience following these overestimations, and that the assessments conducted under the GovAssure scheme are highlighting the need for both independent and self-assessment methods.

I then asked Vincent Devine, the Government’s Chief Security Officer, why the GovAssure scheme has taken so long to be implemented. This was only introduced in 2023, despite the need for the scheme being recognised in 2010. Vincent Devine admitted that this scheme should have been implemented earlier, and that the Government should have pre-emptively prioritised cybersecurity, instead of waiting for serious cyber incidents to further highlight this threat.

You can watch my questions here.

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY EVENT:

Earlier in the week, I was pleased to join 50:50 Parliament at their International Women’s Day reception at the Speaker's House in Parliament, hosted by the Speaker of the House of Commons, Lindsay Hoyle.

This year, the theme of International Women’s Day was #AccelerateAction, highlighting the need to take swift and decisive steps to achieve gender equality. Speakers and attendees spoke not only about the progress that has been made for women in the UK and in politics, but also about the need for increased urgency in addressing the barriers that women face, both in personal and professional spheres.

In my Parliamentary work, I regularly advocate for gender equality, whether that is via my ongoing campaign on making court transcripts free for victims of crime or holding the Government to account on the shortage of places in shelters for women fleeing domestic abuse. I would also like to thank 50:50 Parliament and the work they do bringing men and women together to champion gender equality.

WATER PRESSURE:

As many of those living in Richmond will know, Thames Water has reduced people’s water pressure levels. To investigate how extensive this issue is, I sent a letter to households which I believe may have been impacted by Thames Water’s changes, and I am grateful to the 150 individuals who responded. 

I was extremely disheartened to learn from these responses that Thames Water did not warn customers in advance of their plans to reduce water pressure, and this is especially frustrating news considering the effect that the reduced pressure has had. The feedback I received from my constituents on this matter was that many can no longer take showers, others find their appliances do not work and some say their heating does not come on. 

I have written to Thames Water’s CEO, Chris Weston, to ask for a meeting, to give him an opportunity to let me know how he intends to put matters right.

RAMADAN IFTAR DINNER:

Last weekend, I was invited by the Dialogue Society to attend an Iftar at the Guildhall in Kingston. Ramadan began at the end of last month, and it was a pleasure to break bread with people as they broke their fast. 

The Dialogue Society advances social cohesion between people by bringing individuals and groups together to talk about their own cultures and views. This event was no different, as representatives from Kingston’s All Saints Church and Kingston Synagogue were in attendance. 

Prior to the meal, I gave a short speech which highlighted the current global uncertainty in international relations, and while these events can seem far away, the impact on people living in Richmond Park can still be significant. The strong sense of community that Kingston Borough has is a key reason why it is such an excellent place to live or visit, and it is important that religious or cultural differences unify people and do not act as a cause for division.

I would like to thank the Dialogue Society for inviting me to the Iftar, and to the Royal Borough of Kingston-upon Thames’ Mayor, Liz Green, for helping to organise the event.

HARRODIAN POLITICS CLUB Q&A:

Last Friday, I visited the Harrodian School 6th Form’s Politics Club for a question and answer session. 

The first question that arose was about the future of Thames Water. As those who recently received their water bills will have noticed, there has been a significant rise in prices. Instituting a 35% average rise across London is just another indicator that Thames Water is not fit for purpose. I have been repeatedly calling for the company to be placed into special administration and I am proud that my colleague, Charlie Maynard MP, has been leading this call in the Courts.

Another topic that arose was the ‘special relationship’ between the UK and the US in light of President Trump’s trade war and his position thus far on Ukraine. In response, I stated that I was proud to be an MP for a party which has been unequivocal in support of Ukraine and in our criticism of President Trump. 

This line of question then shifted towards the UK’s place on the global stage in light of the US’ signal of withdrawal from major international affairs. It is more evident than ever that the UK needs to re-establish closer ties with the EU, not just for economic and social purposes, but also for co-operation on developing defence matters - as peace on the continent was the initial aim of the European Union. 

VISITING BUSINESSES IN BARNES:

Following my visit to the Harrodian School, I popped into some local businesses near Hammersmith Bridge with Councillor Marjory Millum, pictured with me below. 

Since Hammersmith Bridge closed to traffic nearly 6 years ago, I have heard from businesses in the vicinity that they have experienced a reduction of footfall and visits from people living on the Hammersmith and Fulham side of the bridge. 

While the topic of the Hammersmith Bridge’s closure did arise at every visit, a topic that the businesses also spoke about that required addressing is shoplifting. I discussed this matter with the Superintendent for Richmond Borough, Christopher Scammell, recently, and the Metropolitan Police have recognised this as an issue in our area and across London. 

While this of course affects the big chains, their profits are far higher that of independently owned local stores, and they do not have to worry about rising the prices of goods to account for this loss. Even relatively inexpensive items that are stolen from our local stores can have a real impact on a small business’ viability if it is a common occurrence. Following these reports, I raised this issue with the Barnes Safer Neighbourhood Team, who have provided reassurances that they understand the seriousness of this issue and that regular patrols are being conducted around Castelnau to visibly deter shoplifters. 

The police have also invited local businesses to a meeting on Monday 17 March to discuss this issue, and I would recommend reaching out to the Barnes Safer Neighbourhood team if you are interested in attending.

WWF DROP-IN:

On Wednesday, I was pleased to join the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) at their Parliamentary drop-in session on the need for action on climate action and nature recovery.

Keeping our local environment clean, protecting nature and tackling climate change are priorities in my role as the Member of Parliament for Richmond Park. The need for sustainable policies in our country and across the world, improves our national food security, ensures that our nature is protected for our future generations and fights against climate change.

As your local MP, I have focussed on policies important to Richmond Park like stopping Thames Water from polluting our rivers with sewage and improving air quality by opposing the expansion of a third Heathrow runway. MPs must come together to tackle the threats facing our climate and nature, and I thank WWF for the work they do raising these issues in Parliament.

COMMUNITY NEWS:

BARNES COMMON BIG LITTER PICK:

The Barnes Common Charity has organised a ‘Big Litter Pick’ on the Common for Sunday 23 March. Litter pickers and gloves will be provided at Rocks Lane Car Park and Vine Road Park. As a show of gratitude to all of the volunteers, the Vine Road Café will offer a 50% discount on food and drink for attendees.

The event starts at 10am, and you can register and find out more information by clicking here.

CALICO: WOVEN METAMORPHOSIS:

The Kingston School of Art’s Fashion Promotion and Communication 3rd-year students are putting on an exhibition that explores the historical and cultural impact of calico fabric, which is recognised for its sustainability and eco-friendly properties. The exhibition will feature the work of MA fashion students at Kingston University, who have explored the integration of calico into modern design. 

The exhibition is free, and will take place from 10:00-17:30 from 15-18 April at Town House in Kingston. You can find out more information here.

MINIBUS SERVICE RETURN TO RICHMOND PARK:

From Monday 17 March, a volunteer-run minibus service will be returning to Richmond Park. The minibus will run every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, between all the Richmond Park car parks, Ladderstile Gate, Pembroke Lodge, and Isabella Plantation. The service is free, and has a ramp and steps to aid access.

For more information, including contact information for wheelchair users wishing to use the service, click here.