Richmond Park News: 21 November 2025

SERGE LOURIE BENCH UNVEILING:

Just over a year ago, we mourned the death of Serge Lourie. Serge was the former Leader of Richmond Council, but, far more than that, he was a much-loved member of the community who brought a smile to so many people’s faces. Serge was a good friend of mine, and members of my team would always look forward to him popping into my Mortlake office to have a chat.

To commemorate Serge’s life and the work he did for our community, money was raised for a bench to be placed in the centre of Kew Village. While this will make sure that generations to come know of Serge’s name, he will live on in mine and hundreds of others’ memories for his kindness and the joy that he brought just with his presence.

WESTMINSTER HALL DEBATE TACKLING THE STIGMA TOWARDS SUICIDE:

On Wednesday, I led a debate in Westminster Hall regarding the importance of tackling the stigma towards suicide. This debate occurred on International Men’s Day, and the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Wes Streeting MP, had announced the UK’s first ‘Men’s Health Strategy’ earlier that morning, making it an even more symbolic time to discuss this important topic.

During this debate, I called upon the government to launch a public health campaign to tackle the stigma that still exists around the issue of suicide. This idea was brought to me by my constituent, Philip Pirie, who tragically lost his son Tom to suicide over 5 years ago, and who has since been working to improve our medical and societal understanding of how we should identify and help those who may be experiencing suicidal thoughts.

Only 1 in 4 people who take their lives are in contact with medical professionals regarding their thoughts, while the suicide rate amongst both genders is on the rise, as last year, the suicide rate for women under 24 saw the steepest increase since records began, while suicide is the biggest killer of men under 50.

It is clear that more needs to be done to break down barriers surrounding talking about suicide, as reaching out to a friend or loved one about how you’re feeling, or talking openly with someone you think may be struggling, could save thousands of lives. I urged the Minister, Stephen Kinnock MP, to meet with myself and Philip to discuss his proposal for a public health campaign in greater detail, and I will be following up with the government to push this matter.

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

Following the debate, myself and Philip spoke with Wes Streeting MP to discuss the importance of this matter and to talk briefly about the launch of his Men’s Health Strategy, see picture below.

PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE - FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY OF CHILDREN’S CARE HOMES:

On Monday, I attended a Public Accounts Committee session which examined the financial sustainability of children’s care homes and the rising number of vulnerable children being placed in unsuitable or unregistered accommodation. The meeting was attended by sector experts and senior representatives from the Department for Education.

The National Audit Office has highlighted that between 2020/21 and 2023/24, the number of children reported to Ofsted as living in unregistered homes increased from 147 to 982. As of March this year, almost half of children in residential homes were placed more than 20 miles from their family home, and 14% experienced three or more different placements within a single year.

Much of this stems from a residential care market led by private providers, where local authorities are competing for too few suitable places while fees continue to rise. This system simply isn’t working for children, families, or councils.

During the session, I asked what more can be done to ensure that children’s care homes are being created where they are needed in London with increased capacity near children’s home authority.

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

MEETING REGARDING THE LENDING STANDARDS BOARD:

After months of pushing the government for a meeting, this week, I met with the Economic Secretary to the Treasury, Lucy Rigby MP, to discuss the closure of the Lending Standards Board and the impact this will have on the ethnicity code.

This matter is especially important to me as the founder and co-chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Ethnic Minority Business Owners. I was delighted to be joined by the secretariat for this group, Diana Chrouch, at this meeting. 

The Lending Standards Board (LSB) closed at the end of last month, just ahead of the launch of their ‘Ethnicity Code.’ This was planned to be a ground-breaking step towards tackling the barriers ethnic minority business owners face in accessing financial support.

I asked the minister what steps the government would take to ensure the ethnicity code is implemented, and I was glad that she provided assurances that the code will be upheld, and I will follow-up on this to ensure this is implemented.

RADIO JACKIE:

Last Friday, I spoke to Radio Jackie about my expectations for the Chancellor’s budget, which will be announced on Wednesday, while also commenting on some local issues.

The past two weeks have been rife with rumours about what will be included in the budget, and much of what has been suggested leaves me with more fear than hope. There remains the question as to whether the Chancellor will break Labour’s manifesto pledge and hike taxes on working people, although this rumour was walked back on recently. 

While it can be difficult to comment on what I believe will be in the budget, as I’m in no way certain that even the Chancellor has finalised her plans yet, I spoke to what I would like to see included. This includes cutting the Green Levy to reduce household energy bills, reducing VAT on hospitality businesses, and supplying local stores with financial support for CCTV to help disincentivise the rise in shoplifting.

Other topics discussed in the interview included the UK Power Network works in Kingston and the status of the Employment Rights Bill. You can listen to my full interview by clicking here.

COMMUNITY NEWS:

On Saturday 13 December between 12:00-1500, Shine Bright UK are putting on a Festive Fayre at the Hawker Centre in North Kingston.

Shine Bright UK is a non-profit charity located in Kingston which seeks to promote mental health and well-being by organising social and community events, which includes workshops and courses which are usually hosted within the Royal Borough of Kingston-upon-Thames.

Entry to the Fayre is free, and you can learn more about this event by clicking on the following link.

SHINE BRIGHT UK FESTIVE FAYRE:

ARMY BAND:

On Saturday 6 December at 14:30, members of St Mary Magdalen Church are putting on a community event which encourages everyone to celebrate music and sing together. 

The army band are all suited in their red uniform, and they perform a set of orchestral music which is always a spectacle.

The event takes place at St Mary Magdalene Church (TW9 1SN), and while attendance is free, the church will be collecting donations to help them put on their Christmas events. You can see full details of the event in the below flyer.