Richmond Park News: 22 May 2026

PRIME MINISTER’S QUESTIONS 

On Wednesday I had the opportunity to ask the Prime Minister a question during PMQs where I challenged him on electoral reform following the disproportionate local election results. 

While I was extremely pleased with the results in Kingston and Richmond in the recent local elections, they highlight how ineffective the current first-past-the-post voting system is. I know each of those local councilors will work hard for their local communities, however, nearly half of the electorate in both boroughs will not have the representation they voted for.

I therefore used my question to ask the Prime Minister if he would bring forward electoral reform, and introduce a system of proportional representation to ensure each vote matters equally. I was disappointed with the Prime Minister's response. 

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

DEPARTMENT FOR BUSINESS AND TRADE QUESTIONS

On Thursday morning, in my capacity as Business Spokesperson I asked the government about boosting innovation and entrepreneurship through improving access to government contracts for small and medium enterprises.  I know from speaking to Tech startups in Richmond Park that the process of getting government contracts is slow, risk-averse and structurally biased in its financial viability tests and paperwork towards incumbents and US suppliers. 

I asked the Secretary of State what conversations he is having with his Cabinet Office counterparts to ensure that ambitious homegrown SMEs are not being squeezed out of the competition for public contracts which could provide these firms with the growth opportunities that they and our economy so badly need.

I used my second question to ask about the rumours of supermarket price caps which have been circulating in the press over the past week. With reports in both the FT and The Times, the government has asked supermarket retailers to reduce the prices of essential food items like milk, bread and eggs. I highlighted the necessity of reducing costs to businesses such as business rates, National Insurance contributions and energy prices, which are key reasons driving up prices for everyday goods.

URGENT QUESTION ON RUSSIAN OIL PRODUCTS

The Government has introduced a new set of sanctions on Russian oil products processed in a third country. 

This is a welcome step to put further pressure on Putin’s Russia, supporting our Ukrainian friends, however, it is disappointing to see the Government delay the implementation of these sanctions, citing the ongoing global oil shortage.

I pushed the Minister on their decision to delay the implementation of the sanction, indirectly funding Putin’s war machine. 

SECOND READING OF THE STEEL BILL

On Thursday, in my capacity as Business Spokesperson, I spoke on behalf of the Liberal Democrats in the Second Reading of the Steel Industry (Privatisation) Bill which was announced in the recent King's speech. 

Steelmaking is of vital strategic importance to the UK. We rely on it for essential parts of our national infrastructure - from defence and transport, to clean energy generation and advanced manufacturing.  And it creates tens of thousands of high skilled jobs across the country, helping to power our economy and boost our local communities.

However, in my remarks, I highlighted some concerns with the Bill, mostly related to the lack of parliamentary scrutiny associated with any eventual triggering of the powers enabled under this Bill, especially related to unknown costs. 

I also raised concerns regarding steel tariffs. From 1 July 2026, the Government's new UK Steel and Trade Measure will impose tariffs on imported steel. I highlighted that while we understand the need to temporarily bring in such protections due to disruption caused by US steel tariffs and subsidised Chinese exports, this measure will have a significant impact on manufacturers who depend on steel as a key business input. I asked if the government would commit to re-examining the application of tariffs on certain grades of steel to ensure that they do not inadvertently damage domestic buyers. 

TRANSPORT COMMITTEE REGARDING HS2

I attended the Transport Committee as a guest, in my capacity as a member of the Public Accounts Committee, as we have looked at HS2 on several occasions.

I asked Mark Wild, the Chief Executive of HS2 Ltd who appeared as a witness before the Public Accounts Committee last year and reassured us that it would be relatively easy to negotiate contracts in order to gain some cost savings, what progress had been made.  His response was that the renegotiations are ongoing and they expect to realise savings later this year.

You can find a clip of my question here.

PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE ON LARGE BUSINESS TAX COMPLIANCE

I attended the Public Accounts Committee on Monday, and I tackled HMRC on their approach to settling Loan Charge disputes and also on their plans to ensure that eligible young people claim their Child Trust Fund money.

Young people born between 1st September 2002 and 2nd January 2011 received money to place into a Child Trust fund, maturing on their 18th birthday.  I have been reassured by HMRC that just over 3 million accounts have matured, and of that 2.2 million have been claimed, however this leaves 758,000 accounts unclaimed. 

They have reassured us that action will be taken to locate account holders, ensuring the owners can access their funds. They also advised those who may have unclaimed accounts to go online, and use their National Insurance Number to trace their fund.

If you are aged between 18 and 24, and don’t know if you had a Child Trust Fund, check here to track down your fund:  https://www.gov.uk/child-trust-funds

You can find a clip of my question here.

APPOINTMENT OF NEW MAYORS

On Tuesday evening I was delighted to attend the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames Mayor Making dinner, which followed the Annual Council Meeting, where Cllr Nancy Baldwin was appointed Mayor of Richmond upon Thames.

On Thursday, I attended the Annual Meeting of the Council of the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames, to watch the installation of the new Mayor, Cllr Thay Thayalan.

I’d like to wish both of the new Mayors, and their Deputies, every success for the coming year.

COMMUNITY NEWS

TDRA SUPPLEMENTARY PUBLIC CONSULTATION

Thames Water have announced updated plans for their works on the Teddington Direct River Abstraction (TDRA) project near Burnell Avenue in Ham. They are holding a supplementary consultation period between the 21^st May and 18^th June, in which you can provide feedback regarding their updated plans.

There is an in-person event on the 2^nd June from 2pm to 8pm, and then a further online event on the 8^th June from 12pm to 1pm. I think it is really important that constituents in the surrounding area provide their feedback regarding these plans.

You can find more information about the consultation here.

LONDON RIVERS WEEK

London Rivers Week marks its 10 year anniversary. The week-long annual campaign, co-led by environmental charity Thames 21, helps communities to learn and interact with London’s rivers and the many projects taking place to protect them.  

You can find out more information on London Rivers Week 2026 on the Thames21 website at https://www.thames21.org.uk/events/category/london-rivers-week-2026/ 

EAST SHEEN SUMMER GARDEN 

East Sheen Village is teaming up with The Hare & Hounds to host this year’s Saturday Garden Market. The pop-up market will transform part of the pub's garden into a vibrant hub for local creativity and independent enterprise.   

Come along and enjoy a relaxed browse while discovering a wide range of products from non-high street businesses. Stalls will feature delights such as handmade candles and jewellery, crafts, gifts, clothes, travel, hobbies, artisan foods and kids’ activities - something for everyone. 

 The market provides a valuable platform for non-high street small business owners to showcase their passions, connect with residents, and contribute to the local economy. Entry is free, and everyone is welcome to come along to enjoy the market and support the growing community of local entrepreneurs.