December column published by The Hillingdon Herald
This month has been another busy one for me. Following on from my maiden speech, I took the opportunity to contribute to a Westminster Hall Debate where I highlighted the importance of our local heritage pubs, such as the Crown and Treaty in Uxbridge. Built in the early sixteenth century, it is where King Charles I and his Parliamentary opponents held negotiations. Today the pub is restored with a restaurant offering a warm, welcoming place for families and friends.
In the House of Commons Chamber, I had the opportunity to ask the Immigration Minister if we could work together to focus on the unique pressures faced by Hillingdon Council in supporting Asylum Seekers. It is recognised that as a port authority, Hillingdon experiences this pressure more than other local authorities and I was pleased that the Immigration Minister acknowledged the situation and gave a firm commitment to work with me in ensuring that Hillingdon Council is supported.
For UK Parliament week, I visited Hillingdon Manor School, where I met the newly elected Pupil Voice committee along with a visit to Hermitage Primary School, where Student Council elections were taking place. I thoroughly enjoyed visiting both schools and participating in question-and-answer sessions, where I was quizzed on my background, life as an MP and how young people can get involved in politics. My sincere thanks to both schools for inviting me. Additionally, I had the pleasure of visiting Learn Hillingdon – Adult Community Education at their education centre in Uxbridge, where I met adult learners who were broadening their knowledge about democracy. I was happy to share with them the difference between life in parliament and life in the constituency.
The month of December has opened with Small Business Saturday; it was great to be able to celebrate small and local businesses at the networking event held by the Hillingdon Chamber of Commerce. Interesting discussions took place around the topic of businesses using AI and how it can assist in improving efficiency and providing a cost saving. Conversations also focused on the Chancellor’s announcement in the Autumn Statement to freeze the business rates multiplier, which is saving our small businesses an average of £1,650 per shop.
During this month, which is also Disability History month, I have been fortunate to visit to Moorcroft School, where I had the chance to learn about the magnificent work that the SeeAbility charity are doing for children with learning disabilities, autism, and sight loss. I was also fortunate enough that the pupils made me a cup of coffee, led me on a tour and gifted me with some fresh eggs that the school hens had laid!
I recently attended a SEND Football Session organised by Wealdstone Youth FC. These sessions are specifically designed to enable children with Special Educational Needs & Disabilities to have fun and learn new skills in a safe environment. Despite the wet weather, attendance was strong and there were plenty of smiles.
Wealdstone FC continue to make local news with the possibility to build a new stadium on an 18-acre site at Freezeland Way. Though Wealdstone FC need to undertake feasibility studies, including funding availability and planning permission, a new stadium development that enables the club to flourish as a community club is a good news story.
Another good news story is the redevelopment programme at Hillingdon Hospital. On a recent visit, it was great to catch up with the senior team, consisting of the Senior Redevelopment Director, Programme Director, Estates Lead and Clinical Lead to understand how plans are progressing. I also had the opportunity to meet with the Chief Operating Officer and Chief Information Officer to learn more about the introduction of an electronic patient recording system. If you would like to learn more about the Hillingdon Hospital redevelopment project, there is an exciting new virtual tour that you can view online, find it on my website under ‘local news.’
As we approach the festive season, I wish you all a very merry Christmas and a peaceful and happy new year. As always, if you wish to contact me please do get in touch by emailing me: [email protected] or feel free to complete a survey on my website: www.steve-tuckwell.uk/about-you.
