Richmond Park News: 19 September 2025

EMPLOYMENT RIGHTS BILL - CONSIDERATION OF LORD’S AMENDMENTS: 

Over the past few months, I have been consulting with small, medium and large businesses regarding the impact that the government’s Employment Rights Bill would have on them and their staff, and I led this debate in the Commons on behalf of the Liberal Democrats in my capacity as Business Spokesperson.

I support many of the aims of this Bill, including boosting Statutory Sick Pay, strengthening support for whistleblowers, and increasing support for carers. 

However, as I raised in a Westminster Hall Debate titled ‘The Impact of Employment Rights on Businesses,’ as well the next day, there remains key detail which has been left out of the Bill and which will be subject to further ‘consultations.’ Businesses must have a clear understanding of what changes will be forthcoming, and fostering uncertainty for business owners can be damaging.

In both debates, I stated that the government must ensure that a fair balance is struck between ensuring employees’ rights are strengthened while also producing an environment which will not stifle businesses from growing.

You can watch a clip of my response to the Employment Rights Bill by clicking here, and you can also view my speech during the Westminster Hall Debate on the same topic by clicking here.

RADIO JACKIE:

Earlier this week, I went on Radio Jackie to discuss a number of local and national issues. 

An issue that has been of great concern to myself and to local residents is the planned closures of nearly half of London’s police front counters. The London Mayor, Sadiq Khan, had committed to keeping a 24/7 police counter open in every borough, so the revelations this week that he had known about the planned closures from as early as November of last year is of serious concern.

The presence of an open police station is important to communities, especially at times when individuals are in distress or need to report a crime. The loss of these counters cannot be underestimated.

The line of questioning then moved onto the planned expansion of Heathrow’s third runway. While the environmental and social impact of an addition of nearly 300,000 flights to and from Heathrow each year will be unavoidable, it remains to be answered how Heathrow plans to finance their £49bn proposal. Heathrow is already in a significant amount of debt, and their plan, which hasn’t altered significantly since 2016, has increased in cost by 50%. With this not even taking into account the finances needed for the surface access upgrades, it is clear that these costs will simply be passed onto passengers. 

The case of economic growth that the Chancellor has insisted will be brought to the UK by expansion of Heathrow remains unconvincing, and I of course will continue to oppose the construction of a third runway.

During the interview, we also discussed the proposed closure of Queen Mary’s Minor Injuries Unit, the progression of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill in the Lords, and my work experience programme, and you can watch the full interview by clicking here.

BBC POLITICS LONDON:

Today, I went onto a pre-recording of BBC Politics London to discuss the Mayor’s commitment to making our rivers clean enough to swim in by 2034, the fair funding review which will impact Richmond and Kingston Council’s spending power significantly, and President Trump’s state visit to the UK.

The programme airs at 10am this Sunday on BBC One, and you can listen to my views on the above matters, as well as those from the other panellists, Bob Blackman MP and Fleur Anderson MP.

MEETING WITH THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH AWARDS REPRESENTATIVE: 

Many teenagers and young adults in Richmond Park benefit from the skills they learn when completing their bronze, silver or gold Duke of Edinburgh Awards. In fact our constituency is in the top 20 for uptake nationally, and last Friday, I met with a policy representative from DofE to discuss youth involvement in the programme. 

A target which DofE had set themselves was to find ways to ensure that participation could be open for all, and to reduce the amount of barriers which prevent disabled individuals from learning the same skills as other young adults by taking part in DofE.  It is especially excellent to hear that they have made strides to ensure that their expeditions can cater to disabled members of society, and you can find out more about the recent reduction in barriers by clicking here.

It was also interesting to discuss youth engagement with civic service and politics, as the DofE representative stated that a recent survey showed that 66% of young adults consider themselves to be politically active, but only 40% of the same case group study vote. I hear by far the least from those aged 18-35 years old, and I am always conscious that I may be under-representing their viewpoints as a result. I would especially encourage those in this age bracket to reach out to me to express any areas that they are passionate or concerned about, and I will make sure to get back to you as soon as possible.

BARNES BUSES CONSULTATION:

TfL are currently holding a consultation regarding changes to bus routes and services in Barnes. 

There are a number of changes proposed in this consultation, including the removal of the 533 service with the 209 route being extended to cover trips to Hammersmith, and changes to the 378 and 485 services.

I have spoken with Barnes Councillors regarding TfL’s proposed changes, and we share concerns about the possibility of there being less services towards Hammersmith with the scrapping of the 533 and only a slight increase in the regularity of the 209 bus, as well the curtailing of the 485 route which previously enabled a direct journey to Putney for Barnes residents. 

I will be submitting my consultation response before it closes on 22 October, and I plan to meet with TfL next month to discuss the issues which will arise if this consultation were to proceed without change. 

In the meantime, I would encourage local residents to attend TfL’s consultation events which I have listed below:

• Tuesday 30 September 2025 from 4pm to 7pm - Rose House (Barnes Community Association), 70 Barnes High Street, SW13 9LD

• Tuesday 7 October 2025, from 4pm to 7pm - St Mary the Virgin Church, Mortlake High Street, SW14 8JA

• Saturday 11 October 2025 from 11am to 2pm - Barnes Methodist Church, Station Road, SW13 0NH

If you wish to learn more about the proposed changes and to submit your own consultation response, you can do so by clicking here, and seeing TfL’s poster, which I have attached below.

COMMUNITY NEWS:

KINGSTON CARERS:

Kingston Carers Network is a local charity that provides vital support, advice, advocacy and information to unpaid carers of all ages across our community. Whether caring for a loved one with disability, illness or additional needs, they ensure carers are not left to cope alone.

Their work helps carers stay connected and supported through wellbeing activities, training and peer-support groups. This service is a lifeline, recognising the hidden contribution carers make every day. 

If you are a carer, or know someone who is, you can reach out to Kingston Carers Network at 020 3031 2751 or visit www.kingstoncarers.org.uk. 

ST RICHARD’S CHURCH RESTORATION APPEAL CONCERT:

On Saturday 11 October at 7:30pm, acclaimed pianist Anthony Adkins BEM will be performing a special concert at St Richard’s CE Primary School, Ashburnham Road, Ham, TW10 7NL. Celebrating his 31st year performing at St Richard’s, Anthony will present a programme of Mozart, Ravel and Chopin.

The concert is in aid of St Richard’s Church Restoration Appeal, raising funds for essential repairs to the church roof, beams and windows. Tickets are £25 including interval refreshments with all proceeds going towards the restoration appeal.

For enquiries, please contact: aadkinsconcerts@aol.com.