Richmond Park News: 17 October 2025

DEPARTMENT FOR CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT ORAL QUESTION:

The Liberal Democrats have previously called for remote gaming tax to be doubled from 21% to 42%, and one of the many rumours in the run-up to the budget on 26 November is that the Chancellor plans to significantly increase all gambling taxes.

I have been specifically in favour of raising taxes on online betting platforms, as not only would this raise millions for the Treasury, it would also disincentive dangerously addictive online gambling. 

I was surprised to hear the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Lisa Nandy MP, respond to my concerns about UK residents suffering in silence with addictions, by stating that only a minority of people who gamble suffer with addiction and that ‘gambling brings joy to millions of people.’ While there is certainly a place for gambling in society, downplaying the damage it can do is extremely dangerous.

I was disappointed that Lisa Nandy ruled out increasing online gambling taxes, contrary to rumours. It will be interesting to scrutinise what alternative revenue streams the government implements in next month’s budget.

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

SUSTAINABLE AVIATION FUEL BILL - REMAINING STAGES:

Since the Chancellor invited Heathrow to submit their proposal for a third runway, the government and Heathrow Ltd have said that the environmental damage of nearly 300,000 extra flights each year over London will be mitigated by advances in Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). While this was wishful thinking 9 months ago, this argument has dissolved into an almost impossibility.

During the debate on the SAF Bill, I spoke to the Liberal Democrat amendment, New Clause 2, which called on the government to assess the impact of future plant closures on the production of SAF, and ensure that options to mitigate the supply risks are investigated.

Recently, Vivergo Fuels’ plant in Hull, which had the largest capacity of any UK bioethanol producer (a key component in producing SAF), closed, with the Managing Director citing the US-UK trade deal as a significant factor. The Transatlantic trade deal removed tariffs on US ethanol and replaced it with a zero-tariff quota of 1.4 billion litres, therefore enabling US companies to undercut British production sites.

I have repeatedly raised my concerns regarding the UK’s ability to hit Net-Zero by 2040 if the government moves forward with expansion of Heathrow, and the recent issues involving our domestic production of SAF are just another nail in the coffin for our environmental targets.

You can watch my speech by clicking here.

PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE:

On Thursday I attended the Public Accounts Committee session on the revenue raised by government services. In this session I raised the issue of court transcript fees. This is an issue I have campaigned on throughout my time as an MP. 

I have been pleased to see the government make significant progress on this issue, including making permanent a scheme giving victims of rape and sexual assault free access to judges summing-up remarks of their trials. 

One of the limitations in the current accessibility of transcripts is the high costs associated with transcribing, and, as such, I asked the Interim Director of Strategic Finance and Partnerships at the Ministry of Justice how artificial intelligence or other digital tools could be used to reduce the associated costs and provide greater accessibility to victims. 

I was pleased to hear that the Department has been making progress in looking at solutions, and I will be writing to the Ministry of Justice directly to pursue this matter. 

MEETING WITH TFL REGARDING THE BARNES BUS CONSULTATION:

The Barnes Bus Consultation closes on Wednesday 22 October, and I would encourage local residents to respond to the proposed changes. This can be done by emailing haveyoursay@tfl.gov.uk. 

I have studied the new proposal in detail and held a discussion alongside the Barnes Local Ward Councillors with TfL in a meeting last week, and it is evident that this proposal includes some positive alterations, but also some negative changes. 

From door knocking in Barnes to reading emails I have received in my inbox, I have also noticed a mixed-reaction to the proposals. As some areas of TfL’s proposals are contested, as many people as possible should submit their consultation responses to ensure a clear overview of the issue is presented to TfL. 

You can learn more about TfL’s suggested changes by following this link. 

TWICKENHAM POLICE STATION FRONT COUNTER CLOSURE:

Following lobbying from MPs across London, the Metropolitan Police reviewed their planned closure of nearly half of all London’s police station front counters. While the review resulted in fewer counters being permanently shut, although only two remaining 24/7, to my disappointment, the Met are moving forward with their proposal to close Twickenham’s front counter. This will leave Richmond as one of only 5 boroughs in London without an open front counter.

It is frustrating that the Met does not hold much data regarding the use of front counters, and therefore they have had to rely solely on reporting of crimes at the counters to help guide their decisions regarding which counters to close. As everyone knows, only one use of the counters is to directly report crimes, as residents visit the station to talk with their local officers about general concerns in the area, and the counters help maintain a level of contact between the public and the police.

Following the news that Twickenham Police Station’s front counter is still set to close, I penned a joint-letter alongside my colleague, Munira Wilson MP, and Gareth Roberts, the Leader of Richmond Council and a South West London Assembly Member, to call for a meeting with the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, to discuss the importance of keeping Twickenham’s counter open.

You can read our joint-letter to the Mayor by clicking here.

CUMBERLAND HOUSE VISIT:

Recently I visited the new-build Council housing development at Cumberland House in North Kingston, alongside Local Ward Councillor Farshid Sadr-Hashemi, as well as dedicated Kingston Council Housing Officers. 

This development will provide 41 new affordable homes in the Royal Borough of Kingston-upon-Thames, and is part of a larger project in the borough to deliver over 900 new Council homes over the next 10 years. 

I have been lobbying Thames Water over the past year to connect the water supply to the block so as not to delay residents moving in more than was necessary, and I am pleased to see that residents have now moved in.          

BRITISH RETAIL CONSORTIUM DROP-IN:

On Tuesday I attended a drop in event hosted by the British Retail Consortium (BRC). The BRC is the trade association for UK retailers who represent over 170 major retailers. This drop-in event brought together many of their members to discuss issues facing the sector. 

This was an informative event during which I spoke to a range of retail organisations to hear of the challenges which they are dealing with. The key points which were raised with me included the need for reform of the business rates system, which would provide greater support for high street businesses. They also highlighted the impact of shoplifting on retail businesses. This is an issue I know affects local supermarkets and other high street retailers and one which I will campaign to prevent through my work in Parliament. 

COMMUNITY NEWS:

RICHMOND’S FULL OF LIFE FAIR:

On Friday 24 October, Richmond Council will be hosting their annual Full of Life Fair, which provides older residents and carers with support including information, resources and activities, so that they can live long, happy and healthy lives.

This year, the Full of Life Fair will be held at Twickenham Stadium and you can read more about this event by clicking here.

BARNES COMMON AUTUMN FAYRE:

Tomorrow, 18 October, Barnes Common are hosting their annual Autumn Fayre for the community, themed around Apple Day, with a traditional apple presser and kilos of apples ready for the day.

There will be a range of activities including arts and crafts, walks with botanists and other sessions run by community organisations, as well as foods and drinks.

Entry to the Fayre is free but requires pre-registration, with some activities being ticketed. You can learn more about this event by clicking here.