Richmond Park News: 19 December 2025

As Parliament breaks for recess and we enter the festive season, I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very happy and peaceful Christmas.  

Other than the bank holidays (Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day) myself and my office will be responding to emails as usual, so please do not hesitate to contact me over the Christmas period.

TIMES RADIO PANEL:

The anti-semitic terrorist attack in Australia last weekend resulted in 15 innocent civilians losing their lives, and more being injured. Waking up to the news of these attacks and watching the developments as they came in brought a sickening feeling to my stomach and my thoughts of course go out to all of those impacted by this attack.

On the Times Radio panel on Sunday, I was asked by Nick Wallis, the presenter, for my immediate reaction to the attacks, and I underscored my severe concern about the rise in high profile terrorist attacks on Jewish people, which, like the attack on Heaton Park Synagogue in Manchester, targeted Jewish people at a time of worship and celebration. 

All forms of discrimination and violence must not be tolerated, and I would encourage members of all communities to reach out to me if they experience it here in Richmond Park, or wish to talk about wider concerns about the safety of their communities.

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

LOCAL GOVERNMENT SETTLEMENT STATEMENT:

Since the government announced that they would be altering the formula which calculates how government grants are distributed to local Councils, I have been raising my severe concerns about how this will impact London Councils, including Richmond and Kingston Boroughs. 

On Wednesday, the government announced the adaptations to their funding formula from their initial proposals, and while I was pleased to see that some of the changes that I had lobbied for, including a measure of deprivation after housing costs being added to the formula, it will still see many London Councils lose out significantly as a result of its implementation.

I asked the Minister, Alison McGovern MP, what assessment she has made of the impact that the changes to the distribution of government grants will have on Londoners already living in poverty. It was disappointing that the Minister did not address this extremely serious concern in her response, and I have followed-up with her by submitting a Written Question.

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

EMPLOYMENT RIGHTS BILL:

On Monday, I spoke in the fourth round of the consideration of the Lords’ Amendments of the Employment Rights Bill. In my remarks, I reiterated my support for  the expansion of access to Statutory Sick Pay; improving parental leave; and taking steps to address the massive pay gap impacting social care workers.

I also welcomed giving those on zero-hours contracts more certainty over their employment and the creation of a unified ‘Fair Work Agency,’ as a way of empowering employees to exercise their rights without fear of any negative consequences. 

However, I also again raised concerns about the specific way in which some of these measures will be implemented, that crucial detail was being left for secondary legislation and that there was a lack of clarity on unfair dismissal and probation periods. I am pleased that following Liberal Democrats' work in both the House of Commons and the House of Lords, the government has conceded to setting the qualifying period for unfair dismissal at six months. 

The bill has now passed in both the Commons and the Lords, and it has been sent for Royal Assent.

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

DEPARTMENT FOR BUSINESS AND TRADE QUESTIONS:

The government has repeatedly said they would introduce permanently lower business rates, however, this has not been forthcoming. The Chancellor announced lower multipliers in her recent budget, however, the new, higher valuations, benefits that businesses should get from the lower multipliers may well be wiped out. Consequently, I asked how the government plans to meet the commitments in their own small business strategy, to actually bring down business rates bills. 

It was disappointing that the Minister rather dodged the substance of this question, and you can watch my question and the government’s response by clicking here.

Secondly, after the Prime Minister’s Chief Economic Adviser had recommended joining a Customs Union with the EU as one of the most effective ways of generating growth, and the Deputy Prime Minister suggesting that countries within a Customs Union tend to see stronger economic growth I asked if the minister would commit to negotiating a Customs Union. 

While the government has taken small steps towards closer ties with Europe, including their announcement this week that the UK will re-join the Erasmus Scheme in 2027, the Minister stood by the government’s manifesto commitment and stated that joining a Customs Union with the EU is not in their current plans.

You can watch my follow-up question by clicking here.

DEPARTMENT FOR BUSINESS AND TRADE URGENT QUESTION:

In my capacity as Business spokesperson, I responded to a ministerial statement regarding the support for INEOS’ manufacturing site in Grangemouth. I welcomed the government’s announcement that it is stepping in to offer support and protect jobs in this vital industry.

I highlighted that Parliament has a duty to safeguard our national security, our economic prosperity, and a fair transition to clean energy - and this statement was a step in that direction.

I did however also raise that we need to see a far more cohesive plan to support British businesses, including our chemicals sector.

For example, the Industrial Competitiveness Scheme will support the 7,000 most energy intensive firms, however, it won't launch until April 2027. I therefore asked for clarification if the Grangemouth plant would be included in the scheme, as well as asking the minister if they would consider our proposals to seriously invest in renewables and de-coupling electricity from gas prices to reduce energy bills. 

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

PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE:

On Thursday, I attended a Public Accounts Committee session which examined the National Savings and Investments’(NS&I) Business Transformation Programme. This programme aims to overhaul the digital functions of NS&I to better deliver for customers and co-ordinate with other organisations.

The launch of the NS&I programme has been delayed and is over budget. As an end date is yet to be set, I queried what steps have been taken to ensure that there are no further delays and that the expenditure of the programme is controlled.

While reassurances were provided regarding mitigations, the NS&I Chief Executive admitted that it has overrun beyond the March 2028 date.

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

ROYAL MAIL MORTLAKE DELIVERY OFFICE VISIT:

During the Christmas period, Royal Mail’s sorting offices are even busier than normal, with their staff members working extra hard to ensure that all presents and Christmas cards are delivered before Christmas Day.

Last Friday, I visited Mortlake’s Royal Mail sorting office to speak with the manager of the centre and their staff, and to thank them for all of their work during this busy period. The staff mentioned that this has been their busiest period ever, and this is partly due to the increase in online sales. While these purchases are done at the push of a button, it generates a significant amount of work for Royal Mail’s staff members and has additional complexities with larger items as they sometimes struggle to load and fit them into their delivery vans!

Despite the busy period, the Mortlake office’s staff seemed to have everything under control, and I was extremely grateful for their hospitality.

LEANDER BEAVERS CLUB VISIT:

During UK Parliament Week, I joined the Leander Sea Scouts in Kingston for a lively session with the Beavers (local children aged 6–8). 

The children asked me some interesting questions during my visit, ranging from topics such as cross-party work, to why the Houses of Parliament have red and green décor. 

It was also enjoyable to participate in a debate on the best pet for the Scout Hut, which included voting slips and a ballot box. After a well spirited discussion, a dog was declared the winner! 

I would like to thank everyone involved with the Leander Sea Scouts for welcoming me during my visit.

COMMUNITY NEWS:

RICHMOND BOROUGH QUIET GROTTO:

If you are looking to enjoy the festivities there is a Quiet Grotto event taking place at Squire’s Garden Centre, Sixth Cross Road, Twickenham, TW2 5PA this year. The grotto offers a calmer way to meet Santa on Tuesday 23 December between 14:00-16:00. This specially adapted session is designed for children with autism or additional needs, providing a more relaxed and supportive experience. 

The experience involves no queuing on the day, a calmer setting without music or flashing lights, time with Santa one-to-one in a quiet space and gifts can be wrapped or unwrapped.

Tickets can be purchased in advance online or in store costing £10 per child and 2 adults go free. £1 from every ticket will be donated to Homelink. 

You can find out more about the Quiet Grotto by clicking here. 

KINGSTON CHRISTMAS MARKET:

Kingston Christmas Market has returned for 2025. The market is a European-style Christmas market in a traditional British setting and is the perfect trip to help get into the festive spirit. It is one of the most magical Christmas markets in the capital and offers an assortment of delicious food and drink.

From continental bratwurst to hog roasts and street food from across the globe, Kingston Christmas Market has a wide variety for all friends and family to eat.

The market stalls are open from now until 28 December, and open at 10:00 every day, closing at 18:00 Sunday to Wednesday and 20:00 Thursday to Saturday.

The market is the perfect place to buy stocking fillers and gifts with a unique selection of retailers on offer, and you can find out more by clicking here.