Summer 2026 Update
I am pleased to bring you my Summer 2026 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,
Like the Leader of the Opposition, constituents have been asking 'is that it?' in response to Andy Burnham's cost of living measures. Since being crowned Labour Party leader and Prime Minister, there have been a series of policy announcements, including cutting electricity bills by an average of £45/year and a 20% reduction in business rates for pubs, clubs and live music venues, which however well-intentioned, pales in comparison to the tax hikes they have already been hit with under Labour.
What is most concerning, however, is that the Prime Minister has failed to justify how this will all be paid for. Initial claims that funding would come from scrapping plans for Digital ID - which incidentally did not feature in Labour's 2024 manifesto - were quickly unpicked after it emerged that the contentious scheme was itself unfunded.
There is now real worry that the new Prime Minister will decide to raise taxes the country can ill afford to fund his policies. And while he has so far avoided parliamentary scrutiny, he will need to face MPs in September. As the Opposition, the Conservatives will rightly be ensuring the new Prime Minister is held to account.
Elsewhere, I have been continuing my local engagements, including meeting with constituents at regular surgeries. I also encourage residents to respond to the Heathrow Expansion consultation, which you can read more about below.
My monthly newsletter will take a break for the month of August. If you would like to keep up to date on issues, I encourage you to visit my website or Facebook page.
In the Constituency
Surgeries
This month, it was a pleasure to hold surgeries at Bucket List Coffee in Eastcote, Cofix in Northwood and Caffe Pascucci in Hatch End, which has recently expanded into the old Post Office on Uxbridge Road. As ever, I am grateful to all for being excellent hosts.
If you would like to make an appointment to meet with me at a surgery, or are a business who would be interested in hosting, please get in touch via 0203 545 2462 or [email protected].
Northwood and Ruislip United Synagogue
As the ripple effects of heightened global tension take root here in the UK, I have sought to engage comprehensively with local faith networks and this month, it was a pleasure to visit the Northwood & Ruislip United Synagogue.
As a centre for the local Jewish community, the synagogue plays a vital part in the spiritual life of many residents. For over 30 years, the United Synagogue has hosted important life events, regular community services and talks from esteemed guests. I am grateful to the Chair, Alan Moss, for taking the time to show me round the synagogue, explain the role it plays and discuss issues facing the local community.
There has sadly been a rise in antisemitic attacks since the October 7 atrocities, with the security of synagogues quite rightly high on the national agenda. This visit was an important opportunity to offer my personal support for the local Jewish community in Northwood and the surrounding areas.
British Values Day at Whiteheath Junior School
At the start of July, it was a pleasure to be invited back to speak with pupils at Whiteheath Junior School in Ruislip as part of their British Values Day.
I began by speaking about democracy, the role of government - both nationally and locally - and the recent elections in Hillingdon and Harrow. The pupils then had the opportunity to ask questions, and I was pleased to be able to discuss my work as an MP, as well as my thoughts on the incoming Prime Minister.
I am grateful to the pupils and staff for their time, and look forward to visiting the school again in the future.
Hillingdon Hospitals Trust catch-up
This month, I caught up with the leadership team of the Hillingdon Hospitals Trust to discuss the future of local healthcare services.
Residents will be aware that for much of the last 18 months, there has been an ongoing discussion about the future of services at Mount Vernon. Following the closure of the urgent care centre, the trust has recently finished consulting on services at the cancer centre.
It is apparent from our conversation that there are still outstanding areas of uncertainty, but these regular catchups are a useful way to stay updated.
Heathrow Expansion Consultation
Heathrow Airport has attempted to sneak through its expansion consultation over the summer holidays.
Residents will know that I have long been opposed to this expansion, and I am supportive of Hillingdon Council's campaign against the third runway.
The Leader of Hillingdon Council, Cllr Steve Tuckwell, has rightly said that this is the most significant issue facing our borough. I am glad to work with local councillors, the MP for Hayes and Harlington and representatives of the no 3rd runway coalition to respond robustly to the threat of expansion.
Concerns were raised with me on the doorstep during the recent local elections. Residents living under the flight path voiced worries about the potential increase in air traffic in our skies and further, the third runway will devastate the southern end of Hillingdon, removing the historic Heathrow Villages and the community there.
That being said, Heathrow is a vital local economic asset, and I know many constituents will work at, or benefit from, the airport. To that end, whatever your views, I encourage readers to complete the consultation before it closes on 1 September, which you can do here.
In Parliament
Flood Insurance: Reform of Flood Re
Homes in Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner are not immune to flooding or the severe damage it causes.
I am proud of the action taken by previous Conservative governments to address these issues. Some of the measures introduced have provided better protection for 600,000 properties, and between 2015 and 2024, over 900,000 acres of farmland were also protected. Furthermore, shortly after arriving in Parliament in 2019, I welcomed the Government's announcement to double capital funding for flood defences, which rose to £5.6 billion from 2021 to 2027.
Flood Re is a joint initiative between the insurance industry and Whitehall. Established by a previous Conservative Government, it provides reinsurance to promote the affordability and availability of insurance for UK households at high flood risk. The Labour Government this month announced reforms to the scheme, which it hopes will keep it operating.
While I welcome these intentions, there are clear warning signs that it might not survive until the envisioned 2039 end date. Responding to a statement, I raised an often over-looked point in the Government's thinking. Residents around the River Pinn are particularly vulnerable to flooding, and I am concerned that the changes announced will be punitive toward properties above council tax bands A and B. The Minister did little to reassure me that this is not just a tax based upon the property’s value.
You can view my question to the Minister here.
Defence Questions: Support for Cadets
In Defence Questions this month, I raised the issue of funding for local cadet groups in Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner.
Organisations like the Ruislip Sea Cadets (TS Pelican) are a vital offering for young people in the constituency. Both from my time as leader for education and children's services and as a father, I understand the importance of cadet groups and similar in providing young people with a different type of extracurricular activity. Being part of a cadet branch gives young people experience in teamwork, leadership, and discipline in a unique environment.
However, there have been concerning reports that this Labour Government is seeking to reduce the funding available for cadet branches. I challenged the Minister, who himself served in the Royal Air Force, to assure my residents that these branches can continue.
I am glad that the Minister outlined his commitment to expand cadet forces by 2035, and I hope the new Prime Minister will maintain this pledge.
You can view my question to the Minister here.
Civil Service Pensions
I am aware that retired civil servants in the constituency are facing lengthy delays and unnecessary complications in accessing their pensions.
Since Capita was awarded the contract to administer the Civil Service Pension Scheme, the number of complaints has skyrocketed. Despite assurances to ministers, it is clear that Capita was far from ready to manage the process, and the promised use of technology to increase efficiencies has not been forthcoming.
Since ministerial intervention, cases are being resolved and the service is improving. However, the backlog of issues is not yet cleared, and retirees are still awaiting responses to their concerns.
MPs are able to raise constituent cases directly with Ministers. This can be done privately in Parliament, by written communication or, on rare occasions, on the floor of the House itself. I used the statement this month to raise one particular case which came to my attention following a recent constituency surgery.
I welcomed the Minister's commitment to investigate the matter, and I hope that his replacement will uphold this promise. You can view the exchange here.
Cross-Party letter to Lloyds Banking Group
In June, I joined colleagues in signing a cross-party letter - coordinated by Graham Stuart MP - calling on Lloyds Banking Group to restore cheque deposit services at Post Office branches and banking hubs.
I am pleased that Lloyds has now responded to that letter and agreed to reverse its decision, asking Post Offices to accept cheque deposits into Lloyds accounts until the end of 2030. The change is subject to the Post Office agreeing acceptable commercial terms with the banking group.
Post Offices and banking hubs have been an important part of the response to an increasing number of bank closures. It is therefore vital that they are able to sufficiently meet customer needs and demands.
Lloyds' decision has been unfairly impacting its customers who rely on Post Office branches across the constituency for local banking services, especially since the closure of the Northwood and Ruislip branches in recent years.
The priority must now be for Lloyds and the Post Office to get the agreement signed. Nevertheless, this commitment is a welcome step forward for those in Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner who still need to deposit cheques locally.
The letter to the Chief Executive of Lloyds Banking Group can be read here. Their response can be read in full here.
Shadow Update
Public Office Disqualification: Terrorism Offences
At the last local elections, we saw a convicted terrorist standing for public office – that is unacceptable and, frankly, shameful. As Shadow Minister, I was glad to take part in a Westminster Hall Debate this month about seeking to prevent individuals who have been charged with a terrorist offence from standing for election.
Being elected to serve as a representative of the people, be it on council or in Parliament, is a privilege bestowed by the constituents of your area. Because it is a privilege, it comes with expectations, namely that you will represent all equally and that you will respect the democratic institutions in which you serve. If you have been found guilty of plotting an attack or aiding terrorists in doing so, I strongly believe that you should not be eligible to stand.
During the debate, we heard passionate speeches from MPs from all sides of the chamber, representing communities across the country. It is clear that MPs are prepared to support the Government in preventing divisive individuals, who seek to harm residents and our democratic institutions, from standing for office.
You can view some of my contribution to the Westminster Hall debate here.
Local Government Association Conference
As Shadow Minister for Local Government, I was delighted to be invited to the Local Government Association’s annual conference in Bournemouth. My constituents will know that I have a long-standing interest in this area from my own extensive service on Hillingdon Council.
At the conference, I had the chance to meet with local government leaders from across the country ahead of the Government's latest announcement on local government reorganisation. It was clear that many remain concerned about the provision of important local services and, indeed, local democracy.
As we await new policy announcements under this new administration, councillors must be supported as they continue to deliver for residents.
As ever, my office is on-hand to support those who need it. If you require any assistance, please do not hesitate to get in contact.
Kind regards,
David
