Richmond Park News: 16 January 2026

FINANCE BILL:

On Monday I spoke in the Committee of the Whole House Stage of the Finance Bill. In my remarks, I spoke specifically about family businesses and amendments which change business property relief (BPR).

The purpose of BPR was to enable assets to pass intact from one generation to the next in order for the business to be transferred as a going concern and to maintain steady revenues that guarantee employment and supply chains. However, removing BPR from the inheritance tax regime will mean that assets will need to be sold to pay the inheritance tax. This not only could reduce the overall value of a company, but also limit its ability to generate future revenue.

In my speech, I highlighted that the principle that we should be prioritising the needs of entrepreneurs over the protection of inherited wealth is a positive goal, however, asset sales will already be subject to capital gains tax before the net value can be released to the shareholder, and as such the menial benefit to the Treasury through this policy does not justify the likely impact on employment that will occur if otherwise thriving businesses are forced to be broken up.

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

WESTMINSTER HALL DEBATE ON AIRPORT DROP-OFF CHARGES:

Last month, Gatwick Airport increased their drop-off charges to £10, while Heathrow’s charges went up by 20% in 2025. These are extortionist prices levied onto those who are simply trying to safely drop-off their loved ones at the airport.

Drop-off charges are not used at most other major airports in Europe, such as Madrid, Frankfurt or Paris Charles De Gaulle, but they have become commonplace in the UK. 

UK airports justify these charges by stating they incentivise customers to use greener modes of transport to and from the airports, but everyone knows this is just another way to drive their profits.

Last year, I asked Heathrow how many cars use their drop-off point each year, but they declined to answer as the data is classified as ‘commercially sensitive information.’ If Heathrow, and other airports, truly believe raising drop-off charges has a positive impact on customers' transport decisions, and subsequent environmental benefits, then why are they reluctant to share this data?

I raised this point in my speech, which you can see by clicking here.

FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR SMALL BUSINESSES AND INDIVIDUALS DURING THE PANDEMIC:

Yesterday, I spoke in a Backbench Business debate, secured by my colleague, Manuela Perteghella MP, regarding financial support for small businesses and individuals during the Covid-19 pandemic.

While the debate focused upon the impact the pandemic had on businesses, I wanted to dedicate the first part of my speech to those who lost their lives, and to loved ones who couldn’t visit their partner, parent, child, or sibling during their last hours of life. This fact seems to have got lost amongst conversations about the Covid-19 and the lockdown, while the sacrifices key workers, especially doctors and nurses, made to help everyone else manage seems to have been forgotten. 

The systemic failures of the last government are coming to light via the Covid Inquiry, as businesses and self-employed people faced great levels of uncertainty which were amplified by the mixed messaging from the government.

It is vital that our businesses receive the support they need today to combat the economic loss that they suffered during lockdown. As Business Spokesperson for the Liberal Democrats, I have been calling on the government to reverse its decision to cut retail, hospitality and leisure relief, while also holding them to account on their promise to fix our broken business rates system. We cannot go back to support our businesses, but we can give them a better environment to thrive in now.

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

XERO DROP-IN:

This week I met with the Managing Director of the Small Business Platform 'Xero.’ We're a nation of small businesses, but not one that teaches people to be excited by entrepreneurship - nor are we teaching enough about business and finance in schools or colleges, and this is what Xero sets out to promote. 

Xero’s research shows that 2 in 5 small to medium sized businesses do not know if they are in profit each month, with many owners reporting they are 'not a numbers person.’ 

I was therefore excited to hear more about Xero’s free education resources and free mentoring to build financial confidence which is targeted at helping people who are thinking of starting a small business, or who already own one. 

To learn more about the work that Xero does, you can visit their website by clicking here.

COMMUNITY NEWS:

FREE BOXING FITNESS CLASS:

To celebrate ‘Winter Wellness,’ Royal Exchange Kingston has partnered with UBX Kingston to provide a free boxing fitness class.

The class will teach you the fundamentals of boxing, but it will primarily focus on getting your heartbeat pumping and showing the fitness benefits of doing non-combat boxing exercises.

The session is hosted by UBX Kingston at their gym on 15 Brook Street, KT1 2EY, and you find out more details and book a slot onto a class by clicking here.

HAM FEVER:

On Saturday 17 January, there will be a fundraising dance party at St Richard’s Church in Ham between 15:00-21:00. 

Ham Fever is the perfect opportunity for everyone  to get rid of the January blues and to enjoy a good dance, with the music playlist including tracks from the 1960’s to the present day. Refreshments will also be available.

All proceeds from the event will go towards saving the leaky roof at the St Richard’s Church through the St Richard’s Restoration Fund.  

You can buy tickets on the door or in advance by scanning the QR code in the poster below.