November column published by The Hillingdon Herald
Since my last monthly column, the King marked the beginning of a new Parliamentary session on the 7th November 2023 by announcing legislation as part of the Conservative Government’s commitment to deliver the long-term decisions for a brighter future.
I back the new agenda from the Conservative Government as set out in the King’s Speech, on growing the economy, strengthening society, keeping people safe and promoting our national interests. It will safeguard the future prosperity of our country and it will bring benefits to the people across Uxbridge and South Ruislip.
Legislation will focus on four key areas. Firstly, economic growth through introducing Bills that protect our energy and security, securing the benefits of Brexit, and ensuring we have the right framework for tech firms to compete and grow in the UK. I have already seen innovation in this area in Uxbridge and South Ruislip with my recent visit to Mills Ltd based in Cowley where I spoke with Chairman Jerry Mills, on how theirs is the largest independently owned family run business supplying specialist tooling and infrastructure products to both the telecommunications sector and more recently the emerging smart energy sector.
A second key area is strengthening society by protecting the health of young people, supporting private renters and landlords, and eradicating antisemitism everywhere. This includes the Holocaust Memorial Bill - to build a national Holocaust Memorial and Learning Centre in central London. Given recent international affairs, I have continued to keep in close contact with local religious communities in Uxbridge and South Ruislip and recently visited Ruislip Manor Synagogue and Cowley Mosque.
With regards to the NHS long-term plan and investment in mental health, I want to bring awareness to the fact that two services in our area are already benefitting from this investment: Brunel University Medical school and the building of a brand-new Hillingdon Hospital. Recently I had the pleasure of attending a Hillingdon Youth Council event in Uxbridge to hear our young people discuss youth mental health issues and how to access support in the community.
The King’s speech also mentioned the focus of apprenticeship schemes which will help SEND youth to build on their skills for the future. Working more closely with SEND schools is one of my priorities, therefore I was delighted to attend a SEND football session organised by Wealdstone Youth FC to meet with young people and their families who are benefitting from these sessions.
A third key area is keeping people safe by making sure the police have the powers they need, criminals get the punishment they deserve, and society is protected from terrorism. This includes the Sentencing Bill and the Criminal Justice Bill, to give the police more powers to keep us safe. Already, under the Conservative Government, we have delivered our manifesto commitment on recruiting an additional 20,951 officers. We can already see the impact of this on the doorstep of Uxbridge and South Ruislip with 3,666 of those guaranteed police across London.
Part of the King’s Speech announced the Conservative Government’s commitment to safeguard football clubs to benefit communities. An event I recently attended that really brought together the community in Uxbridge and South Ruislip was the Daniella Logun Foundation Charity Match with Uxbridge FC versus Brunel University. As your local voice for Uxbridge and South Ruislip I will endeavour to ensure our community is always supported.
The fourth key area is promoting our national interests by backing our Armed Forces, supporting Ukraine, and leading the way on the challenges of the future: climate change and AI. This brings me to mention my support for Armistice Day on 11th November. Locally I laid a wreath at St. Matthew’s Church in Yiewsley as well as placed a poppy in the Garden of Remembrance in Parliament. Armistice Day is a time for reflection, collaboration, gratitude and peace. We will remember them.
