March column published by The Hillingdon Herald
February started with a visit from the Secretary for Education, Gillian Keegan MP who joined me at Uxbridge College to celebrate Apprenticeship Week. During our visit, many young people got the opportunity to showcase the work they are doing as part of their studies as they look to gain future employment as apprentices. Apprenticeships are crucial in establishing young people into the working world that encourages learning, supports our communities and creates opportunities for all.
As one of my top priorities, I led a Westminster Hall Debate on SEND provision in Uxbridge and South Ruislip. With senior ministers present, I was able to share the great work across the community such as that being undertaken at Hillingdon Manor School, Moorcroft School, and Wealdstone FC – who have established a SEND section that provides an outstanding facility that is enjoyed by young people and their parents/carers.
In Westminster, I had the pleasure to meet Evie from Orchard Hill College in Uxbridge. I heard all about her hard work in championing disabled people in employment and I am looking forward to visiting this vital SEND education facility very soon. I will continue to work for the SEND children of Uxbridge and South Ruislip to ensure the voices of pupils, parents and carers are heard.
Hillingdon Hospital is where I was born – so it was a pleasure to welcome Victoria Atkins MP (Secretary of State for Health & Social Care) to see first hand the work in progress to rebuild the hospital. During the visit, the Redevelopment Team had the opportunity to present the progress so far and to outline the various stages of development that will result in a state of the art brand new hospital for Uxbridge & South Ruislip.
I had the opportunity to attend a roundtable discussion with other London Conservative MP’s that was also attended by the Home Secretary. Whilst crime across the UK has fallen – the disappointing truth is that crime across London has increased since the Labour Mayor has been in office. London is also the only police force in the UK that has failed to recruit sufficient police officers despite additional funding from Central Government. My campaign to keep Uxbridge Police Station open continues – and must include a 24/7 front counter and fully operational custody suite. I will not allow the people of Uxbridge & South Ruislip to be ignored by the Labour Mayor of London.
Supporting families is a vital service that Hillingdon Council provide. It was therefore a pleasure to welcome Andrea Leadsom (Minister for Public Health) to visit the Uxbridge Family Hub that is in the heart of the Civic Centre. I pay tribute to the wonderful teams who make this facility such a welcoming and valued space for families, young people and parents/carers.
At the time of writing, the Chancellor has just announced the Spring Budget. I am pleased to see a range of measures aimed at supporting hard working families and businesses across Uxbridge & South Ruislip. I wrote to the Chancellor asking for a number of issues to be incorporated in the Budget Statement including a freeze on fuel and alcohol duty.
The Spring Budget also delivers a fairer system for families who wish to work and care for their children by raising the threshold for the High-Income Child Benefit Charge, meaning hard-working parents can keep more of the money they earn.
For small business owners, VAT registration thresholds have been increased which will support our high street economies. Most importantly, all of us will benefit from National Insurance cuts from 10% to 8%, meaning working people are keeping more of their hard-earned money.
As ever, do please get in touch by contacting me at [email protected]
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