Summer 2022 Update
I am pleased to bring you my Summer 2022 Update. As ever, if you would like to sign up to my mailing list, you can do so on this page or by emailing [email protected].
Dear Constituent,
It has certainly been an eventful few months.
In May, we had the local elections and whilst it was a mixed picture nationally, it was a tribute to the good work of our local Conservative councillors that they were re-elected, on new ward boundaries, across the constituency.
The Conservatives now lead Harrow Council - this in my mind is a huge step towards helping to improve the quality of local services for residents – and Hillingdon stayed under the leadership of the Conservatives. Both administrations are settling in, and changes are being implemented to best serve residents.
On the subject of change, we are now in the process of electing a new leader of the Conservative Party and Prime Minister, following the resignation of Boris Johnson last month. Residents will be aware of my feelings on the matter and that I welcomed this as the right decision for our country.
I have been arguing for change so that we can continue to deliver on the Government’s legislative agenda – the manifesto I both stood on and was elected on – without it being undermined by the continuous issues coming out of Downing Street. I am hopeful that a change in leadership will reassert our priorities, address the issues gripping us as a nation and will restore integrity in government and confidence in our politicians that so many have lost.
As a member of the 1922 Executive Committee, responsible for organising the parliamentary stages of the leadership election, I have refrained from publicly backing any candidate as to do so, during the parliamentary process, would be inappropriate. We have now been left with two strong contenders, though I can confirm that I am supporting Rishi Sunak as I believe he is the best candidate to take us forward and navigate us through the challenges we face.
Despite all the politics within politics we have been seeing, I have been continuing my work as your Member of Parliament and I am pleased to share some of this with you as we continue into the summer recess.
If you would like to see more of my latest news and updates, please do visit my website here, or my Facebook page here.
London Marathon 2022
Some of you may be aware that I will be running the London Marathon in October. I know this surprised many of my family, friends and colleagues, as I am not a runner, but it is an opportunity to enjoy a different type of challenge, while raising money for important local causes. Though the decision was not easy, I have chosen to fundraise for The William Low Trust and The Paul Strickland Scanner Centre, as I know how valued their work is by constituents.
I am continuing to train over the summer recess and as we head into the next Parliamentary term, and would be grateful for any support that can be afforded to either of the good causes I am raising money for. You can find the links to both pages below:
Paul Strickland Scanner Centre
In the Constituency
Surgeries
Locally, it has been business as usual, and I am pleased to have been out and about in all corners of the constituency. This includes a continuation of my regular surgeries, where I meet with residents to discuss a wide range of national, local and personal issues and to offer my support.
I would like to thank Northwood Hills Library, Vito’s Café in Ruislip, Caffe Pascucci in Hatch End, We Love Coffee in Harefield, Maison du Soleil in Ickenham, Village Express in Northwood, Daisy’s in the Park in Pinner, Bucket List Coffee in Eastcote and a new addition to the list, Al Forno Café in Ruislip, for hosting me over the past few months.
If you are a local business who would be interested in hosting one of my surgeries, please do get in contact with my office. Residents who would like to make an appointment to speak with me should also get in contact with my office via the usual channels.
Speaking with resident Stuart Robertson about Auditory Verbal UK at my surgery in Northwood Hills
Supporting Local Businesses
As the country continues to recover from the pandemic, it is important for me to maintain regular lines of communication with business owners across the constituency and to ensure we are having open and honest conversations about the challenges they are facing, and what I can feedback to colleagues in government.
It was really useful to have a discussion with Emmaline and Joe from the Hop and Vine in Ruislip recently about some of the difficulties they are facing as a small hospitality business, particularly as a result of the increased price of commercial energy. I was talked through the impact these challenges could have on their business and others, as well as the local economy. It was helpful to hear about their experiences first-hand and I will be feeding the concerns raised back to colleagues in September.
For those of you who might not be aware, the Hop and Vine is a local bar in Ruislip with a great selection of wine, beer and speciality spirits and such interesting product knowledge. I am thankful to both Emmaline and Joe for the warm welcome and for their time.
With Emmaline and Joe from the fantastic Hop and Vine in Ruislip, following a discussion about the challenges they and other small businesses are currently facing
I also had a productive conversation with Shof and the team at Beverage Boutique, another excellent addition to the high street in Ruislip. As a retail store specialising in artesian adult beverages, one of their key concerns is with the rise in alcohol duty, and its impact on their business and similar businesses. I will ensure these views are shared with colleagues in September under the new administration.
I would also like to thank the team for showing me around the shop and to see the well-stocked speciality spirits, wines, craft beers and cocktails. There is also the tasting room, where cocktail masterclasses and spirit tastings are hosted on a weekly basis. I would certainly encourage residents to pay a visit if they have not done so already.
Admiring the range of products on offer at Beverage Boutique in Ruislip, following a productive conversation about alcohol duty with Shof and the team
Education
I have been grateful for the opportunity to visit some of the local schools over the past few months and to see how education is continuing its recovery post-Covid.
Following the Easter break, I met with the 'Plastic Destroyers' recycling group at Warrender Primary School in Ruislip. We had an interesting discussion about plastic waste and pressing local and national environmental concerns, and I am grateful to all for their time.
I was also delighted to accept an invitation to visit Reddiford School in Pinner to meet with Year 6 pupils who had been undertaking a module on the British constitution.
The children had a variety of interesting and thoughtful questions for me about my role as a Member of Parliament, important local and national policy issues, particularly matters around climate change and the environment, as well as our wider political makeup in the UK. They also shared their views on the confidence vote and what should happen next.
Answering a variety of interesting questions from Year 6 pupils at Reddiford School in Pinner
Following their successful bid for the Department for Education’s Condition Improvement Fund (CIF) 2022-23, I was glad to visit Haydon School to meet with Headteacher, Rob Jones.
We had a useful discussion about the plans for the future of the school, importantly on ensuring a big push towards sustainability, and I look forward to keeping abreast of developments.
I was also pleased to learn that attendance for summer exams was high, and I wish all students who sat these exams the best of luck with their results this week.
Speaking with Haydon School Headteacher, Rob Jones, on one of the hottest days of the year
On a recent visit to Pentland Field School in Ickenham, I met with the team from SeeAbility, a charity providing sight tests for children with profound disabilities. As one of the highest risk groups for having a sight problem but who often miss out on going for regular eye tests, the charity has been campaigning to highlight the value of regular eye tests in early childhood, particularly for those with SEND.
The team have been using an NHS contract to be able to carry out these tests in special schools across London, but concerns have been raised about a potential reneging on the commitment for the contract to be long-term.
I did raise these concerns with the Minister, Will Quince, and will continue to do so with his predecessor under the new Prime Minister in September, to gain assurances that already established services in day special schools are able to continue and will not taken away from pupils who need it most.
Seeing the SeeAbility team in action at Pentland Field School in Ickenham
Now that Parliament has fully reopened, it has been a pleasure to continue to welcome local schools to Westminster. Over the past number of months this has included pupils from Hatch End High School and Reddiford School, and it has been great to see such enthusiasm and engagement in UK democracy.
If you are a school who may be interested in visiting parliament, please get in touch with my office via the usual channels.
Sport
We are fortunate to have many excellent grassroots sports clubs in Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner, and I have had the pleasure of watching both Northwood FC and Harefield United play this year.
In May, I was joined by Ruislip Councillors - Philip Corthorne, John Riley and newly-elected Peter Smallwood - to meet with Steve Roche, who is the Club Secretary at Ruislip Rangers, at the King’s College Playing Fields in Ruislip.
Ruislip Rangers are the largest Youth Football Club in Middlesex, and I was interested to learn that, in addition to male and female teams, there is also an Under 23s team and an expanding disability section. It was wonderful to hear about such far-reaching inclusivity.
The success of Ruislip Rangers, alongside other grassroots sports teams, demonstrates the vital role they play within our community, and I look forward to seeing all sides of the club develop and progress in the future.
Discussing Ruislip Rangers with Club Secretary Steve Roche, alongside Councillors Philip Corthorne, Peter Smallwood and John Riley
This ties into some of the activity that has been going on in Westminster with the APPG for football. At a recent drop-in, I was interested to learn about the bespoke Local Authority Football Plans, which have been created for each local authority in England to map our grassroots facilities needed, and the investment plans and projects in the pipeline for Hillingdon and Harrow.
One of these potential projects is at the Northwood Recreation Ground, where I recently met with Cllr Henry Higgins to discuss plans for improvement. This fantastic open space hosts allotments, a variety of sports facilities, and children’s playgrounds in addition to being a pleasant park with well-maintained flowerbeds. Many users would benefit from some improvements to the parking and multi-use facilities for sports clubs, and along with local councillors and existing users, I am keen to see how we can work together to bring about improvements using funding from various sources.
Another of the potential projects is at the Hatch End Playing Fields, where I visited recently with newly-elected Councillor Matthew Goodwin-Freeman and staff from Harrow Council. A useful discussion took place about the wide range of sports and events the Playing Fields are used for, alongside suggestions of potential new activities.
On the same day, we also visited Everyone Active Hatch End Swimming Pool, where I was shown the new heat pumps that have recently been installed in the improved pump room. I understand that this is one of the first sites in the Harrow Borough to have had this development and I am hopeful it will pave the way for future environmental improvements.
In the improved heat pump room at Everyone Active Hatch End Swimming Pool
Homes for Ukraine
Residents will no doubt be aware that the Government has launched a Homes for Ukraine scheme, allowing the British public to open their homes to Ukrainian nationals. My office has been working hard to assist with applications and I take heart in the outpouring of support and generosity from residents. As such, it was a pleasure to meet with Ukrainians who have settled in the constituency, and their hosts.
The meeting was both fascinating and moving, and I was interested to learn about their different backgrounds and life in Ukraine, as well as their experiences in coming over and resettling in the local area. The support from residents has been fantastic and they are doing everything they can to help those who have left everything they know and love behind.
It is important to help those fleeing Ukraine to feel at home and I understand that local councils have an important role to play in offering a warm welcome. As such, I have written to the leaders of the council at both Hillingdon and Harrow for their assurances that the appropriate guidance is being provided, and to offer my support as MP to ensure this.
Meeting with Ukrainians and their hosts at Daisy's in the Park in Pinner
Re-Shaping Planning Policy
I know that many residents will be concerned about the impact of planning applications on the constituency and its surrounding areas.
In May, I joined my colleague and neighbouring MP for Beaconsfield, Joy Morrissey, at the Colne Valley Regional Park in Denham. Although this sits just outside of Hillingdon, much like the contentious former Master Brewer site, plans for development would have a substantial impact on residents.
Colne Valley contains large portions of agricultural greenbelt land used for farming, aims to increase biodiversity in our woodlands and waterways, and protects wildlife. As the only green separation between London and South Bucks, this is a park that needs to be protected and preserved for future generations.
Infrastructure projects such as HS2 and Heathrow have already eroded the greenbelt footprint within the park, though have failed to provide any direct benefit to residents. That is why we must see reforms to the planning system to ensure that planners are looking at the cumulative impact of development on the character of a wider region, not just each application in isolation.
This ties into the work I have been doing in my role as Chair of the APPG on Housing and Planning and the contributions I have been making on behalf of residents to ongoing conversations about our national planning system.
In a Westminster Hall Debate on how we can better protect our most precious habitats, I raised the concept of a ‘Wildbelt’, an idea brought forward by the Wildlife Trust. Whilst details would need to be worked on some more, I argued that the classification which can work in addition to the green belt would very much suit somewhere like Colne Valley. Not only would it protect this valued site for future generations, but it would also preserve the unique habitats for wildlife.
I have since met with my colleague Claire Coutinho, MP for East Surrey, to discuss ways in which we can progress the idea of a ‘Wildbelt’ with the Secretary of State in future planning legislation. I maintain that this would benefit somewhere like Colne Valley and will continue to make the argument for the park to be a test case.
At the Colne Valley Regional Park with MP for Beaconsfield, Joy Morrissey, to discuss the impact of planning applications on the local area
Crime
While there are low levels of crime in the constituency, I recognise residents’ concerns about catalytic converter thefts, particularly those of an increasingly violent nature, and drug dealing.
I had a useful catch-up with the Borough Commander for the West Area, Chief Superintendent Sean Wilson, at Uxbridge Police Station, where I was told that there are a number of ongoing operations on gangs who are behind many of these crimes, which I hope offers some reassurance to constituents.
We also discussed matters around police recruitment and deployment and what I can feedback to government to ensure that it responds accordingly to the ever-changing police demand.
Work is underway to tackle crime locally, but we both recognise that more needs to be done in order to prevent crimes from taking place, and I will ensure regular contact is maintained between our offices to ensure that we are doing as much as possible to make our area as safe as possible.
Discussing important local and national matters with Chief Superintendent Sean Wilson at Uxbridge Police Station
Health Matters
We are now seeing our National Health Service returning to a sense of normality following the pandemic, but the impact has been great, and we must be realistic about the backlog of non-urgent care that we face. From speaking with residents, I am hearing that one of the primary concerns is with accessing face-to-face healthcare at GP practices. It is my understanding that practices should be providing face-to-face appointments, alongside remote appointments, depending on the nature of patients' concerns.
However, I recognise that this is not always reflected in the reality of residents’ experiences. I am continuing to feedback any issues to the North West London CCG and would also like to highlight to residents that the NHS, alongside the DHSC, has published a blueprint for improving access to GP appointments and have provided additional funding. I will continue to follow this very closely.
In relation to this, I have continued to engage with our local GPs on a variety of matters. I met recently with representatives of the Pinn Medical Centre to discuss yet another change of NHS policy, but it is pleasing to continue to receive very good feedback about our local general practice services overall.
In terms of updates on other health-related issues, residents may be aware that work is now underway on the Northwood and Pinner Cottage Hospital. The site has been secured with new perimeter hoardings and interior work has commenced. A planning application has also been submitted for a new Hillingdon Hospital, and my office is in the process of arranging a meeting so that I can be briefed on the plans and to see the model of the hospital at Uxbridge Library.
I have also made visits to local healthcare providers over the past few months. In June, I met with Nick Hunt, Director of Service Development and Site Director; Dervla Russell, Hospital Director and Dr Mark Mason, Medical Director, at Harefield Hospital, where we had a productive conversation about providing care post-pandemic.
We also discussed how I can assist their ongoing plans to develop and improve facilities at the hospital, maintaining their leading role as a heart and lung centre. I have written to the Health Secretary for his assurances on this, and will continue to press the new administration on this issue.
With the team at Harefield Hospital in June to discuss ongoing plans to improve facilities at the hospital
I was pleased to meet with representatives from the BSNA (British Specialist Nutrition Association) at Mount Vernon Hospital to hear about the development of specialist pharmacy services supporting cancer treatment onsite.
I was taken on a tour of the Hospital’s Pharmacy Unit to see the complex systems that are in place to store and administer the wide range of aseptic products used in the treatment or management of a range of diseases, disorders and medical conditions.
It was an insightful visit where I learnt a lot about how BSNA members work with NHS colleagues to ensure residents can have access to the treatments they need.
At Mount Vernon Hospital to discuss specialist pharmacy services to support cancer treatment onsite
After a challenging couple of years for care homes, it was a pleasure to visit Cedar House in Harefield to join in with the ‘Summer Celebration’ in honour of Care Home Week 2022.
It was a wonderful opportunity to welcome back relatives and the local community, to see the house decorated in bright colours and the residents in high spirits. I was also pleased to meet with care home staff and the manager, Patience Sibanda. We discussed what Cedar House has to offer, including their fantastic facilities, activities and services, and how they are recovering after the pandemic.
The event served as an important reminder to the local community that Cedar House is there if they need support, and from the level of attendance it is clear that the feeling is mutual.
With Care Home Manager. Patience Sibandaount, at Cedar House in Harefield to celebrate Care Home Week 2022
HS2
As readers will be aware, progress on HS2 has continued at a steady pace over the past few months. The biggest development has of course been the launch of Daphne, the machine that will construct the Colne Valley viaduct over the coming months.
I recently accepted an invitation to visit HS2’s South Portal site to see the progress of the Colne Valley viaduct that will impact many of my constituents who often drive around the Western most part of my constituency.
This visit was arranged by the team at HS2 who are keen to ensure that we understand any impacts caused by the large infrastructure project. As part of this process, I am mindful that roads will have to be temporarily closed to allow for the safe construction of the viaduct. I was keen to see how Align and HS2 will minimise the impact of the work and cooperate with the community to ensure they have a say in relation to any impact caused.
I was shown the full extent of the site from the Chiltern Tunnels to the temporary pontoons that have been constructed to aid the work being done on the River Colne. I have been assured that while the work may look extensive, the impact of the work on the natural wildlife will be minimal and there is no risk to the quality of the water in the Colne Valley. This is of particular concern to a number of local residents who have raised their concerns with me in the past. This is also reassuring as, along with other local MPs, I am campaigning to ensure that the Colne Valley gains further protections in the future.
The team at the site explained how the work will progress over the coming months and how they have been using local forums to address the many concerns that my constituents have with the project.
I have always been keen to raise both my personal concerns and the concerns of those constituents who have contacted me about the Colne Valley work or the West Ruislip site. This is of course ongoing work, but as we near the launch of the Tunnel Boring Machines at West Ruislip, I stand ready to raise local concerns directly with HS2.
At the HS2 portal site to see the progress of the Colne Valley viaduct and to raise residents' concerns
Residents may be aware that I recently visited the Dogs Trust Rehoming Centre in Harefield with my colleague Joy Morrissey. It was a pleasure to meet with the staff and volunteers who work to ensure that dogs are well looked after and how they go above and beyond to match them with their ideal families. We also discussed the charity’s important ongoing national campaign to improve animal welfare legislation.
The visit also provided me with the opportunity to see first-hand the adverse effects caused by the nearby construction of HS2 and following my visit, I raised this with the then Minister, Andrew Stephenson.
The Dogs Trust have continued to provide an exemplary service under extraordinary circumstances as they faced the challenges of the pandemic. However, I explained that the full extent of the damage has become very clear, as the work associated with HS2 is having a detrimental impact on the welfare of dogs in care, resulting in a wing of the rehoming centre having to be closed.
I asked the Minister to work with the charity to mitigate further disturbance so that their work to protect the wellbeing of animals can continue.
I have now received a response with assurances that HS2 are continuing to actively engage with the Dogs Trust in Harefield to identify solutions that are right for them to ensure that disruption is minimised.
I understand that the case now sits with HS2’s Special Cases Panel. Their conclusions have not yet been drawn, and so I will await the outcome. However, I will continue to press HS2 and the new Minister to ensure that this is not simply rhetoric and that we gain some meaningful assurances for the Dogs Trust and other parts of the community impacted by the works.
The Minister's response can be read in full on my website here.
Meeting Bluebell the lurcher puppy and Jo Lloyd, External Affairs Manager, at the Dogs Trust Rehoming Centre in Harefield
Out and About
As a Member of Parliament for a constituency with several miniature railways, I have taken an interest in the APPG for Heritage Rail’s work and the contribution these railways make to our local economy.
I took the opportunity to discuss this with both the Harrow and Wembley Society of Model Engineers and Ickenham & District Society of Model Engineers volunteers on visits to the Roxbourne Park Railway and the Ickenham Miniature Railway. We also discussed the importance of maintaining access to good quality, ideally UK-sourced, coal to keep these and other heritage railways running.
It has been fantastic to see such cherished assets of our local area welcoming back visitors this summer.
At Roxbourne Park Railway to discuss access to UK-sourced coal and being able to fully welcome back visitors this summer
I was glad to show my support for the Tesco Food Collection at Tesco in Pinner Green last month, where I met with James Moss, Store Manager, and volunteers from the Trussell Trust Harrow Foodbank. We had a useful discussion about the the excellent work being carried out in the constituency, as well as the challenges they are currently facing.
Showing my support for the Tesco Food Collection with staff and volunteers at the Pinner Green store
I also had the pleasure of visiting the wonderful family-run Church Gardens in Harefield, alongside my colleague Simon Baynes, Member of Parliament for Clwyd South.
It was fascinating to learn about the incredible hard work that has gone into steadily bringing the gardens back from the brink of dereliction and transforming them into an inspiring, innovative and sustainably productive garden. I was interested to learn about this journey from Kay and her family, as well as to hear about the progress that continues to be made and what plans are in place for the future.
Residents may be interested to know that the gardens are open to the public on specific days - open days and guided tour days - and I would very much recommend a visit to see the beautiful gardens and to sample of the delicious home-made refreshments. You can find out more on the Church Gardens website, which can be accessed here.
Speaking with Kay at Church Gardens in Harefield alongside my Westminster colleague Simon Baynes
Celebrating Local Success
BeYOUtiful by Shelina Janmohamed
I am delighted to share the success of constituent Shelina Janmohamed, author of ‘BeYOUtiful: Radiate confidence, celebrate difference and express yourself’, a book about ‘what it means to be beautiful’.
Shelina was inspired to write this book following a conversation with her daughter, and aims to encourage younger readers to celebrate ‘confidence, difference and everything that makes us feel happy in ourselves’.
Crucially, the role of social media is explored, enabling readers to look critically at images they are shown and form their own opinions. This is very topical, as there has been a lot of talk on this in Parliament recently and it aligns closely with the work my colleague, Dr Luke Evans MP, has been doing recently on body image, which I have supported.
If you would like to find out more about this book, you can do so here.
‘BeYOUtiful: Radiate confidence, celebrate difference and express yourself' by resident of Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner, Shelina Janmohamed
Resident's Work Displayed at Harrow Arts Centre
I was delighted to meet with local resident Jonathan Hutchins, alongside Cllr Matthew Goodwin-Freeman, at the Harrow Arts Centre in Hatch End, where Jonathan had his impressive work displayed: The Daughters of New Jerusalem and My 20 Years in the Life Class, between June and August. I am grateful to Jonathan for giving us such a thorough and fascinating insight into his work.
Though the exhibition has now finished, residents can still find out about Jonathan's work here.
Admiring resident Jonathan Hutchin's work at Harrow Arts Centre in Hatch End, alongside local Councillor Matthew Goodwin-Freeman
Pinner Village Gardens Nominated for the Fields in Trust UK's Favourite Parks Award - Vote Now!
I am delighted that Pinner Village Gardens has been nominated in the Fields in Trust UK’s Favourite Parks award.
Our local parks and greenspaces are so important, as they provide us with many mental and physical health benefits and have acted as a sanctuary for so many over the course of the pandemic. Now is our chance to celebrate the special spaces on our doorstep.
As well as offering a huge congratulations to the Friends of Pinner Village Gardens, who work tirelessly to ensure that the park is a well-kept space for the community to enjoy, I would like to take the opportunity to celebrate all the wonderful parks across Hillingdon and Harrow and the volunteers who maintain them.
I encourage residents to cast their vote for this wonderful greenspace in our community before voting closes on Thursday 18 August by following this link.
Discussing projects with some of the Friends of Pinner Village Gardens volunteers last November
National Lottery Community Fund
Following a meeting with the National Lottery Community Fund, I would like to make local organisations aware about potential funding opportunities in Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner.
There have been many examples of local success stories and between April 2004 and 2022, the National Lottery Community Fund has awarded funding to over 157 projects across the constituency totalling over £1,667,507.
This year, the Harrow Over-50 Club received funding that will enable them to continue invaluable work in providing social meetings and events for older people, particularly those from ethnic minorities. This is really important, especially given feelings of isolation and loneliness that have increased as a result of the pandemic.
In particular, I would like to highlight the Reaching Communities programme which offers large amounts of funding (over £10,000) for groups that work within their community to help them thrive and make positive changes. Applications are ongoing and so I would encourage those eligible to visit the National Lottery Community Fund website. Further information and details on how to apply can be found here.
In Parliament
With Parliament now in recess, this is a useful time to contemplate the difficult past few months that we have faced. With the announcement of the Prime Minister’s resignation, it has been important that the business of Government and Parliament can continue unhindered.
Away from the headlines, progress has continued in a number of important policy areas as the Parliamentary Party has sought to deliver on manifesto commitments. Since I last updated you, the Government has concluded a number of Bills while it has also brought forward legislation to be debated in the new Parliamentary session.
Over the past few months, I have been privileged to speak in favour and against a number of legislative measures and to raise issues that concern and impact my constituents right across Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner.
The Queen’s Speech
At the outset of this new Parliamentary session, the Prince of Wales delivered the Queen’s speech on behalf of HM the Queen. This speech, written by the Government, sets out Her Majesty’s Government’s objectives for the forthcoming Parliamentary session.
As well as concluding outstanding business from the previous term, the Government has proposed 38 Bills in this year’s Queen Speech to deliver on its manifesto commitments, support our international allies and support constituents up and down the country with the cost of living. The announced legislation includes Bills to settle domestic affairs and bring about the levelling up of the UK. Following a lively few days of debate, I was able to speak in the penultimate day of debate on “Making Britain the Best Place to Grow Up and Grow Old”.
The main point that I wished to make during this speech was on how we can level the playing field when it comes to education in this country; giving every child in England the best start to life. I believe that there is much to welcome in the Government’s upcoming legislation, not least of all the new Schools Bill focusing on state-funded education, which I know is central to the development of children across Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner. Perhaps most importantly, this Bill will contain provisions to enable local authorities to set up multi-academy trusts, which I know from my experience in local government are more effective in improving attainment of struggling schools.
Additionally, the Government has announced its intention to review the current legislation regarding human rights. As a member of the Joint Committee on Human Rights, I know how important it is that we update our human right legislation to tackle modern challenges. I look forward to further proposals being brought forward so that we can effectively deal with cases here in the UK rather than sending them to Strasbourg as we do under current provisions.
Effective Government is rightly what my constituents expect. Restoring trust in our systems must include building on the lessons learned from the pandemic. Following the most profitable and efficient parts of our economy, I used my speech to also call on the Government to build on the trend of working from home allowing taxpayer-funded services to go even further by making sure that people who can work from home most efficiently do so while maintaining face-to-face public services.
If you wish to watch my full contribution to this debate, you can do so here.
Police, Crime, Sentencing, and Courts Act
In my most recent update, I informed readers that the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts (PCSC) Bill was soon to become law. Now this has happened, the Act updates existing legislation to protect the rights of my constituents.
In May, prior to the prorogation of Parliament, royal assent was given to this following its passage through both Houses in Parliament. As readers of my last newsletter will know, this act deals with unduly disruptive noise disturbances, including disruptive protests that unfairly impact my constituents, along with new powers to tackle unauthorised encampments
Despite this Act’s addition to the statute book, further powers are necessary to ensure it delivers on its potential. The recently announced Public Order Bill has been announced to further strengthen the PCSC Act and introduce statutory offence of intentionally or recklessly causing public nuisance and increases the maximum penalty for the offence of wilful obstruction of a highway.
The Public Order Bill is only just beginning its Parliamentary journey and scrutiny, and I look forward to scrutinising the Bill in detail.
Northern Ireland Protocol Bill
The Withdrawal Agreement signed between the United Kingdom and the European Union marked the conclusion of the exit negotiations. As many of you will know, the Northern Ireland protocol, while necessary, has caused friction between Northern Ireland and Great Britain.
In order to rectify the concerns of those in Northern Ireland and in the wider United Kingdom, my colleagues in Government have been negotiating with their European counterparts to ensure our mutual commitment to upholding the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement.
As the Foreign Secretary recently set out in Parliament, the EU has ruled out changing the text of the protocol. Consequently, the Government has brought forward the Northern Ireland Protocol Bill.
Earlier this summer, I had the opportunity to speak during the Bill’s Second Reading in the House of Commons. This is of course a complex issue and I listened with particular interest to the differing perspectives that were brought to the debate by colleagues from Northern Ireland. I stressed the importance of a strong economic relationship between the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland. This is of particular concern in Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner, which despite its distance from Northern Ireland, is enormously interested in matters of internal and international trade.
Much has been made of the Bill’s compliance with international law. Indeed, many of my colleagues raised their concerns with the Bill. While I am persuaded that this Bill should be given the benefit of the doubt, I focused the substance of my speech to express my concerns about the impact of the Bill on our longstanding commitments to international courts of justice.
The complexity of the Bill is clear to everyone and while I await the Bill’s progression through the House, I am keen that we continue to negotiate with our European friends in good faith so that a satisfactory outcome can be achieved for all parties in Northern Ireland.
You can watch my full speech here.
Bill of Rights
As part of the Government’s commitment to continue delivering on its manifesto commitments, the Lord Chancellor recently outlined the new UK Bill of Rights in the House of Commons.
During his statement, I had the opportunity to raise both the experiences of one of my constituents, along with my own recent visit to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), to highlight the importance of adhering to our long-standing commitments to human rights. While in Strasbourg, I listened with interest to the UK judge at the ECHR that the UK continues to have the have the lowest number of cases per capita referred to this court and the lowest number of cases per capita to go against it of any country that is a member of the convention. Knowing that people across Europe can often rely upon the ECHR as a last resort, I am mindful that we must ensure that we continue to live up to our commitments in the convention to ensure the mutual protection of UK citizens across the continent.
With this in mind, I asked the Lord Chancellor whether this new Bill of Rights will ensure that any changes made will mean that the UK continues to uphold the highest possible standards of human rights and to ensure that the UK remains an example to other member states in this field.
I was glad to hear reassurances in his answer that the Deputy PM recognises the importance of the UK’s record and the example we set to many of our European friends while ensuring that the House of Commons will continue to have the final word on issues of national importance.
Children’s Education Recovery and Childcare Costs
As many readers will be aware, over the past few months children across the country have been sitting the first exams held for a number of years. This includes many hundreds of students in Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner who have been sitting important exams from entrance exams to their A Levels and vocational qualifications.
These students have faced unprecedented challenges to their education and it has been important that the Government has acted to ensure that programmes are in place to mitigate the impact of the pandemic and help schools recover.
What is clear is that schools across the country are seeing more than adequate funding going towards maintained schools right across the country. In a recent debate, I outlined that we have seen an increase in the revenue balances held by schools while the levels of deficits in maintained schools have gone down. As shown in Governmental figures, the average balance held by maintained schools has risen over the last few years.
In an often overlooked fact, individual schools are well resourced allowing them to utilise funding in a way that suits each school’s specific needs.
Knowing this fact, I choose to focus my substantive remarks in my speech on the benefits of early education, which are often overlooked. At this stage, schools can already determine how a child will perform in their later primary education. Therefore, I urged the Government to provide greater funding for this sector to ensure the best possible outcomes for children.
I believe that these targeted measures exemplify what Conservatives in government do best: ensure that we deliver value for money for the taxpayer and exemplary outcomes for our children.
If you want to watch my full speech, you can do so here.
Oral Questions
As a number of you will know, Oral Questions are regularly held sessions in the House of Commons that allow backbenchers like myself to scrutinise Government Ministers and their departments. While I am unable to ask a questions of every Minister that comes to the House, I endeavour to use the times when I do to raise areas of great local concern.
One such example is a question to the Minister responsible for protecting green spaces, such as the Colne Valley. This followed my visit to the regional park along with neighbouring MP, Joy Morrissey. The Minister’s response was much welcomed as she outlined that the Government is already looking to work with the National Association of Areas of Outstanding National Beauty to better reflect their significance and they have already allocated additional funding this year to support this work.
More recently, I was glad to have the opportunity to push Ministers at the Cabinet Office to deliver greater savings for taxpayers by looking to the example set by both Hillingdon and Harrow Council in the field of efficiency.
Beyond raising the wider concerns that affect my constituents, I am also able to raise the pressing and urgent needs of residents. I was able to do this most recently during questions to the Deputy Prime Minister where I was able to press him about supporting me on seeking justice for one of my constituents who has sadly had his children abducted.
I always ensure to publish what I am asking in Parliament, and I would encourage you to keep an eye on my social media platforms and website to stay up-to-date.
Parliamentary Events
As well as speaking debates, I have also attended a host of events in Westminster over the past number of months.
I have encouraged residents to take part in the Reading Agency’s 2022 Summer Reading Challenge, celebrated the work of the Canal & River Trust at their tenth anniversary, demonstrated my support for the protection and strengthening of animal welfare legislation at Battersea’s Parliamentary reception and discussed plans to improve local football facilities with the Football Foundation at the APPG for Football’s drop-in.
I also joined the National Farmers’ Union to meet with British producers and food exporters to discuss and sample some of the great British food already exported around the world today, and to hear about how they are exploring opportunities to export even more.
I know that many businesses in the constituency are seeing opportunities in this area, and I look forward to seeing growth in the food export industry locally and nationally.
Joining the NFU at their Westminster event alongside my colleague Mark Eastwood, MP for Dewsbury, to learn about exporting achievements and opportunities
APPG on Migration Trip to Calais
Channel crossings are a really important issue that many of my constituents feel strongly about. In June, I was pleased to join a cross-party delegation of Parliamentarians to visit France in order to speak to asylum seekers, officials and politicians. We discussed how the United Kingdom and France can work together to halt the boat crossings and stop the tragic deaths in the Channel.
I was pleased to meet the Mayor of Calais and the MP for Calais, who both agreed that a closer working relationship between our nations would be integral to solving this issue. I have always been very clear that in order to solve the Channel crossings, we need safe and legal routes to ensure that people fleeing persecution are able to seek asylum and settle in the UK but we must also take steps to ensure that those who do not have a right to be in this country are not able to take advantage of the asylum system.
I will continue to engage with my colleagues in Parliament, Ministers in Government and counterparts in France to ensure that we can make progress on this vital issue.
With APPG on Migration colleagues and both the Mayor and MP for Calais
And Finally...
After a turbulent time in politics, I look forward to returning to the House in September and to fully concentrate on continuing to deliver manifesto commitments and manage the challenges that grip us as a nation.
In the meantime, I hope that residents have a wonderful summer break and I look forward to meeting with more of you over the coming months.
Kind regards,
David
