Richmond Park News: 3 October 2025

Parliament remains in recess until 13 October, and following a busy time at Party Conference, I have taken the opportunity to address some of the pressing local issues in our constituency. 

My next newsletter will be delivered in 2 weeks time, at which point I will return to producing weekly editions. 

MEETING REGARDING QUEEN MARY’S HOSPITAL’S ENHANCED PRIMARY CARE HUB:

Last week, I met with the Managing Director of St George’s University Hospital Trust, Kate Slemeck, to discuss the importance of maintaining Queen Mary’s Hospital’s Enhanced Primary Care Hub (formerly known as Queen Mary’s Minor Injuries Unit). 

Fellow MPs, Paul Kohler and Fleur Anderson, were also present in the meeting to highlight how the closure of the unit would impact their own constituencies. 

I am delighted to announce that the St George’s Trust’s leadership team have listened to our calls for the hub to remain open, as they ruled out its closure. In addition, the Trust are exploring the possibility of returning the unit to a drop-in centre, meaning that people who suffer minor injuries will not have to wait until the next day to book an appointment, as has been the practice since the pandemic, or attend an A&E department as an alternative.

I am sure that the Trust’s review of their proposal to close the unit was in large part due to the civic engagement of many of my constituents, and I would like to thank everyone who played their role in preventing the closure.

TEDDINGTON DIRECT RIVER ABSTRACTION ACTION DAY:

The Teddington Direct River Abstraction proposal is a scheme that would enable treated effluent to be pumped into the river above Teddington Lock during periods of drought. Not only would this add chemicals to our river, but it would cost Thames Water close to half a billion pounds to do so.

Last Friday, myself, Ed Davey MP and Munira Wilson MP led the protests to this proposal alongside over 50 activists from the local area and the Save Our Land And Rivers group. Many of these activists, including the Teddington Bluetits, use the river for swimming or other water activities, and, like me, they have serious concerns about the addition of more polyfluoroalkyl substances in the river. 

In fact, Earthwatch’s latest ‘Great UK Water Blitz’ research found that, of the 35 samples the group took between Sunbury Lock and Kew Bridge in September, 31 showed ‘poor’ ecological status based on nitrate and phosphorus levels.

During the protest, I reiterated that Thames Water should stop their dangerous practice of dumping sewage into our rivers instead of spending exorbitant amounts of money on a project that would add to the problem.

You can watch clips of myself and Ed Davey discussing this issue by clicking on the following link. You can also find out more about my continuing opposition to this project, and my recent response to Thames Water’s consultation, here.

CANBURY CAR PARK DEVELOPMENT UPDATE:

Over the past year, many constituents have written to me to express their concerns with the proposed new development at the Canbury Car Park site in North Kingston. However, following repeated representations from myself and the Council, TfL has concluded that the proposed development would significantly impact bus reliability and traffic in Kingston - and have rejected the current proposal.

Earlier this year I wrote to TfL to convey my concerns regarding the serious implications that the development plans would have on local traffic, and I am pleased that TfL has now concurred with this assessment in their latest report.

I would like to thank my constituents who helped convey the impact that this proposal would have on our roads network, including the Canbury and Riverside Association (CARA), the Kingston Cycling Campaign (KCC) and Kingston’s local Councillors, who fought against the proposal.   

MEETING AT ST PAUL’S SCHOOL:

It is always a pleasure to visit St Paul’s School in Barnes, and I am always grateful for the hospitality that they show towards me. 

Last week, I met with the school’s High Master, their Strategic Director of Development and Engagement and Lowther Primary School’s Head Master, to discuss the impact of the addition of VAT on private school fees and the current issues facing our local schools.

Unfortunately, it is unsurprising to hear that many private schools are struggling as a result of the government’s tax change, and the lack of time that the schools have had to adapt to this change has been a contributing factor for schools and parents alike.

However, it was pleasing to hear that private and public schools are working collaboratively in the borough to support each other. With schools across the UK facing a number of challenges, such as falling enrolment rates, it is important that resources and facilities are shared, and that schools see themselves as a community, not as competitors.

ORCHARD WALK IMPROVEMENTS:

In May earlier this year, I met with Kingston Gate’s Local Ward Councillors to discuss anti-social behaviour and littering along Orchard Walk in North Kingston. 

As the Councillors pointed out, the fencing along the alleyway was damaged in areas, and it was too short to discourage pedestrians from discarding their rubbish over it. After bringing this to the attention of Network Rail, the company acted to enhance the fencing, and I hope that this will serve to prevent future littering in the area.

You can see the improved fencing in the image below, centre, of myself pictured with Councillor Anne Owen and Councillor Farshid Sadr-Hashemi. 

CELEBRATING COMMUNITY CENTRE WEEK:

Last Friday, I took part in a vintage London bus tour, which started off in Richmond Town Centre and finished in Mortlake Community Centre. This event takes place annually, as it aims to shine a light on the excellent work that community centres undertake. 

At Mortlake Community Centre, I enjoyed tea and magnificent baked goods that were provided by The Avenue Club, as well as live music performed by the Teddington Ukulele Players, whose fantastic repertoire got everyone up singing and dancing! 

I would like to thank the Mortlake Community Association (MCA) for helping to organise this event and for their kind invitation. You can learn more about the work that the MCA does locally by clicking on the following link.

COMMUNITY NEWS:

RICHMOND SUSTAINABILITY FORUM:

Richmond Council have organised a presentation and open meeting to discuss the borough’s local nature and biodiversity. 

The forum will be led via a presentation from Habitats and Heritage, which will discuss Richmond's new Biodiversity Action Plan and local volunteering opportunities.

If you wish to find out more about this event, you can do so by clicking here. 

EAST SHEEN LITTER PICK:

On Sunday 12 October, volunteers will be taking part in a litter pick around Sheen Common.

The event has been organised by the Friends of Sheen Common and Habitats & Heritage, and the clean-up will run between 9:30-11:30am, although volunteers are welcome to join at any point during these two hours. 

All equipment will be provided and there will be refreshments served afterwards.

If you wish to take part in the litter pick, please contact cleansheen@habitatsandheritage.org.uk

MOMENTUM CHILDREN’S CHARITY COMEDY NIGHT:

On 16 October, BBC Radio’s Erich McElroy is hosting a comedy night at Kingston College to fundraise for Momentum Children’s Charity. 

The charity supports families across the South-West of London whose children are facing life altering illnesses or injuries, and they can be a life-line to many parents and children who are overwhelmed by such a change.

The night includes performances from Lucy Porter, Mark Thomas and Harriet Kemsley, with tickets costing £20 each. If you are interested in attending, you can purchase tickets via the following link.