Richmond Park News: 17 July 2026

DEPARTMENT FOR TRANSPORT QUESTION ON HAMMERSMITH BRIDGE:

Earlier this year, the Minister for Buses and Roads, Simon Lightwood MP, wrote to me to say that Hammersmith Bridge would be an excellent candidate for repairs via the government’s Structures Fund. However, Hammersmith and Fulham Council recently revealed that the government had advised them to not bid for the funding needed to completely fix the bridge as the bid would fail to meet the Structures Fund’s eligibility criteria.

During Department for Transport Questions, I asked Simon Lightwood if he would clarify his position. To my surprise, the Minister stated that he would welcome a bid to repair the bridge from Hammersmith and Fulham Council. 

If this is indeed the case, then it begs the question why Hammersmith and Fulham Council have not applied for full funding. On the other hand, if it is the case that the Minister has answered on a technicality, that Hammersmith and Fulham are welcome to apply, but that the bid would not be considered due to it failing to meet the criteria, then it will be just another example of the government disregarding the importance of this issue to local residents.

I have written to the Minister to request clarity, and you can view this correspondence by clicking here.

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

HAMMERSMITH BRIDGE ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORT:

While successive governments have ignored the impact that the closure of Hammersmith Bridge has on residents, the Barnes and Hammersmith Electric Light Transit (BHELT) group have been working to try to find solutions for ferrying people over the bridge.

The proposal from BHELT suggests the introduction of OHMIO lifts, which are driverless, zero-emission electric shuttle buses. I attended their trial run last Friday, alongside other community stakeholders, to test them out for myself.

The pods have a maximum speed of 16mph, and can fit 14 people inside with 8 being seated. There are challenges surrounding its implementation, including the weight of the OHMIO lifts currently exceeding the weight limit for Hammersmith Bridge, but it was positive to finally see solutions being tested to help people cross the bridge.

I would like to thank the local residents who have dedicated their time to attempting to implement this, and whose hard work may present a shorter term alternative for helping residents across Hammersmith Bridge.

DEPARTMENT FOR HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE ORAL QUESTION:

In 2014, the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) conducted a report which highlighted that the average UK resident is iodine deficient. The report stated that iodine deficiencies are of specific concern to pregnant women, as this can result in the impaired fetal growth and psychomotor development of their children.

The World Health Organisation states that, on average, pregnant women with a median urinary iodine concentration below 150 micrograms are iodine deficient. 

Concerningly, however, recent studies have shown that iodine levels among women of reproductive age in the UK is only 82 micrograms per litre, with 30% recording levels below 50. 

Alongside my colleague, and Chair of the Health and Social Care Committee, Layla Moran MP, I had written to SACN to request a new governmental review of iodine deficiencies due to the emergence of a decade of new data collected by the National Diet and Nutrition Survey. You can see this letter by clicking here.

In departmental questions for Health and Social Care, I asked the Secretary of State, James Murray MP, if he would support our call for a new review to be conducted.

It was encouraging that the Secretary of State stated that he would continue this conversation with me, and you can view my question and James Murray’s response by clicking here.

NATIONALISATION OF BRITISH STEEL:

On Tuesday, in my capacity as Liberal Democrat Business Spokesperson, I spoke in the Consideration of the Lord's Amendments to the Steel Industry (Nationalisation) Bill on its return to the Commons. 

Significantly, the government has accepted a number of Liberal Democrat amendments which have strengthened the bill. This includes an amendment which compels the Secretary of State to have regard to the costs of nationalisation before they table regulations to nationalise a company, as well as amendments ensuring the consideration of environmental liabilities and ensuring greater Parliamentary scrutiny of costs and process of this bill. 

I spoke to these amendments in the chamber, and you can watch a clip of my speech by clicking here.

I again spoke on this issue during an urgent question on Thursday, where I raised my disappointment that the government had not brought their plans regarding steel nationalisation to parliament before announcing this to the media. I will continue to ensure there is greater Parliamentary scrutiny about how the government runs this nationalised company, and keep holding the government to account for the benefit of both our steel industry and the British taxpayer.

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

BARNES HOSPITAL:

A year on from Barnes Hospital’s groundbreaking ceremony, the development has made excellent progress, and I visited the site for the Barnes Summer Social. 

The site will include a new outpatient facility to provide additional mental health services in the area, as well as a new special educational needs school for children with social, emotional and mental health needs.

The hospital and school will provide much needed additional provisions to Richmond Borough, and I am delighted that the works remain on track to be completed by Autumn 2027.

If you wish to read more about the Barnes Hospital redevelopment, you can do so by clicking here.

COMMUNITY NEWS:

RICHMOND TOWN CENTRE STAGE:

The Richmond town centre festival ‘Centre Stage’ returns over the weekend, with the opening ceremony having commenced this evening.

Tomorrow, Saturday 18 July, George Street will be closed for vehicular access as theatre, hands-on making, skateboarding, markets, art and live music performances will be taking place on the road.

The final day of Centre Stage will include a number of theatrical performances, while the closing ceremony will take place on Hill Rise and will feature a special guest. 

You can learn more about the events by clicking here.

BALSAM HUNT AND WATER QUALITY TESTING: 

On Sunday 26 July 2026, between 10:00-12:00, at Buccleuch Gardens, 85 Petersham Rd, TW10 6UX, Habitats and Heritage will be holding the Balsam Hunt & Water Quality Testing. 

This meeting includes an opportunity to learn how to identify one of the UK’s most prolific invasive plants and help local rivers by pulling them out. 

In addition to picking out invasive balsam, you will also run water quality tests, which involve quite a bit of walking, bending and standing. 

Please wear long sleeve tops and bottoms as well as sturdy shoes. Also, under 18s are to be supervised by adults.

To reserve a spot, please click here.

KINGSTON DRAGON BOAT RACE:

On 19 July 2026 from 9:00, The Silverlining Charity will be holding the annual Kingston Dragon Boat Race at Canbury Gardens, Lower Ham Road. The day is filled with thrilling races, team camaraderie, and waterfront festivities. There will be a variety of fun-filled activities for all ages, including market stalls, food stalls, a children’s fair, and space for a family picnic. 

All funds raised by the team will go directly to The Silverlining Brain Injury Charity, helping to support adults who have sustained a brain injury, their family members and carers. 

To learn more on accessibility on the day and further information, please click here.