TERMINALLY ILL ADULTS (END OF LIFE) BILL
Today, Parliament debated the ‘Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill’, a Private Members Bill introduced by Kim Leadbeater, MP for Spen Valley, which would enable those suffering from a terminal illness to choose assisted dying, subject to strict safeguards. The Second Reading passed by 330 votes to 275, and the Bill will now pass to the Committee Stage.
I received a large amount of correspondence from constituents about this Bill and I have read and reflected on them all carefully. I decided today that I would vote against and have set out my reasons here. You can also read the statement on my website here.
PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE - HMRC DELAYS
On Thursday, I joined the Public Accounts Committee's session on the delays experienced by people trying to contact HMRC. Over the past year, the average wait time experienced by a person phoning the Department has risen exponentially until the self assessment phone lines were closed all together in April.
It is not only individuals who are impacted by these delays, during the session, I took the opportunity to raise the case of an innovative tech company in Richmond Park which, after being re-designated as an economic business, lost its Research and Development tax credits. They challenged this re-designation but the delay in a decision from HMRC has forced lay-offs, impacting the viability of the company. Now, no matter what the result of their challenge, this business might have to close its doors forever. I am however pleased that in the wake of my question, the Permanent Secretary to the Treasury has agreed to review their case personally.
To view my full question and Sir Jim Harra's response, click here.
CHILDRENS CANCER CARE IN LONDON AND THE SOUTH EAST
On Monday, I joined MPs from across London and South East England in a meeting with the Secretary of State for Health Wes Streeting. This meeting was a final chance for MPs to raise their concerns over the move of children's cancer services away from the Royal Marsden and St Georges to the Evelina Hospital.
While I have previously challenged this move, and I am still have concerns that the Evelina is not the best site for the region's paediatric cancer services, I believe that the Government has made its decision and any further opposition would simply delay an inevitable move. Given that I agree with the NHS that having services disaggregated across multiple lives puts children at risk, I took the decision not to urge Wes Streeting to delay his decision. Instead, I plan to follow up with the Secretary of State to ensure that he keeps his commitment to improving the Evelina's offering so that children get the best treatment possible.
AMBITIOUS ABOUT AUTISM
I was delighted to attend the Ambitious about Autism event in parliament on Wednesday.
This was a wonderful opportunity to speak with specialists on this topic to learn more about what can be done to support people with Autism. This organisation runs specialist education services, an award-winning employment programme and children and young people.
I was particularly glad to meet with some of my constituents including Lani and her mum who have been such dedicated champions for neuro-divergent young people and hear about their experiences.
RNIB DROP-IN
On Tuesday, I attended an event with the Royal National Institute of Blind People in Parliament. This drop-in provided an excellent opportunity to learn more about what can be done to effectively support people living with sight loss.
It was a thought provoking and insightful event and I heard from many who shared their experiences of daily life, living with sight loss. I appreciated their views on ways we can increase support for partially sighted people, specifically how to make your communications accessible, both online and in person and the chance to experience sighted guiding, learning greeting and guiding techniques.
BARNES BRIDGE BIKE CHANNEL
I am delighted to report that after months of lobbying, SWR have agreed to restore the bike channel on Barnes Bridge. I know how frustrating its removal has been for local residents and it is wonderful to see common sense prevailing. Cycling and active travel should be an integral part of our transport system and this kind of small, but vital, piece of infrastructure is essential to creating a greener London.
I want to particularly thank Cllr. Marjie Millum for her work and the Barnes Common Association for all their support.
HAMMERSMITH BRIDGE
I am pleased to announce that a date has finally been set for the meeting of the Hammersmith Bridge Task Force. Although I was initially informed that this session would take place in the autumn, the date has now been set for January 30th. While this is far from ideal, I know many residents will share my feeling that it is better late than never.
In advance of this meeting, I have asked the Task Force's Chair and Minister for Local Transport Simon Lightwood MP if he would be willing to livestream the task force session, ensuring local people can observe and comment on the proceedings. There has been a serious lack of transparency throughout the Hammersmith Bridge saga and I hope that a publicly available task force meeting will set a precedent for open communication going forward.
KEW RETAIL PARK DEVELOPMENT
Residents of Kew and North Richmond may be interested to know that St George's, the company behind the proposed Kew Retail Park, has decided to maintain as retail space "for the foreseeable future". This means that no plans are in place for a major development of the site which I know will come as a relief to many residents.
I do not have any more information than this at this time, but if you have any specific questions you would like me to raise with the sites owner, please don't hesitate to contact me.
COMMUNITY NEWS
EUPHONIX COMMUNITY CHOIR
Euphonix is a community choir based in Kingston. Every year, they select a charity to support and this year will be donating to Kingston Foodbank. On Wednesday 4th December they will be singing carols and Christmas songs from the stage in Kingston’s Christmas Market Square between 1 and 2pm.
They will also be holding Euphonix end of term concert that will be held in the Rose Theatre Cafe at 11am on Wednesday 11th December. I would highly recommend going along if you have a few minutes to spare.
MENTAL ELF FUN RUN
Richmond Borough Mind are hosting 'Mental Elf' - a festive fun run, taking place on Sunday 1st December at Marble Hill Park in Twickenham. Festive fancy dress is not essential but strongly encouraged!
There will be a prize for the best dressed Elf and participants can choose to walk, run or jog up to 5k. The event is open to all abilities and ages.
Mental Elf is a unique family friendly event that focuses on bringing people together, not only to fundraise for Mind but to raise awareness of mental health and wellbeing. To get involved and learn more click here.
SUPPORT THE COCOON CARE LEAVERS CHRISTMAS DINNER
Local charity Cocoon, Care After Care is calling for help from the local community to create the best Christmas Day ever for around fifty care-leavers.
Each year since 2017, young people age 18-25 from across Richmond, Kingston and Hounslow boroughs are brought together to enjoy a Christmas Day packed with fabulous food, amazing gifts and great fun. Having left the care system, whether foster homes, children’s homes or other supported housing, they now live alone in flats, bedsits, halls of residence or in semi-independent living (hostels). As December nears, the organisers are asking Richmond, Kingston, and Hounslow businesses and residents to help create something magical for those who would otherwise spend Christmas Day alone.
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