Richmond Park News: 9 February 2021

Since the vaccine rollout began I have heard from a number of constituents asking how to register relatives who have been displaced by Covid-19 with a local GP. Our Southwest London Clinical Commissioning Group asked me to let constituents know that everyone is entitled to a GP whether they are a permanent resident of the UK or not. If a GP refuses to register someone, the Southwest London CCG can intervene and place them with a GP surgery.

I'm also concerned about constituents whose immigration applications are still in the system. The Institute for Public Policy Research recently released a new report, ‘Beyond the Hostile Environment’, which exposes the human cost of harsh immigration policies. I have heard from many constituents about the damage done to innocent lives by these policies. Families often live in extreme poverty while they wait years for their cases to be decided, because while they wait they are neither entitled to work nor entitled to public funds.

I am glad that at least the NHS is there for those who are caught in the immigration system. If you know of anyone who has been unable to register for a GP and needs assistance, please ask them to contact my office.

SMALL BUSINESS SURGERIES

I will be holding a Brexit-focused small business surgery this Friday. The session will give business owners the opportunity to share their experiences and obtain useful information on what assistance is available. This is an incredibly difficult time for small businesses, and I’m committed to helping people understand exactly what they can do to support themselves. If you’d like to attend, please email me at office@saraholney.com.

REGISTER NOW TO VOTE IN LONDON ELECTIONS IN MAY

The Government recently announced that the Mayor of London and London Assembly elections will go ahead on Thursday 6 May 2021. I want to encourage all Richmond Park constituents to register to vote, and to consider applying for a postal vote in this election.

On 6 May you will have a chance to vote for the Mayor of London and for the holder of the constituency seat shared by Richmond, Kingston and Hounslow in the London Assembly. You will also have your say on the additional London-wide Assembly Members, who are allocated by proportional representation.

I hope lockdown rules will be eased by May 6, but given the many uncertainties we are facing I would strongly recommend applying for a postal ballot. No one needs to risk their health in order to exercise their right to vote. Your vote counts the same, whether you cast it by post or at a polling station. Voting by post also reduces the risk of infection for your family, poll workers and fellow voters.

For more information about the London elections, please visit the London Elects website.

You can register to vote on the government website here: register to vote.

Richmond residents can find out about registering for a postal vote here: voting by post