It will come as no surprise to readers that one of the issues continuing to dominate my mailbox is the Mayor’s expansion of the Ultra-Low Emission Zone to include Hillingdon and Harrow. I have been continuing to voice the concerns of residents and collaborating with colleagues locally and in Westminster to challenge this unpopular decision. This includes working to support an amendment tabled in the House of Lords that would give local authorities the final say, in line with their legal duties on air quality. I will endeavour to keep residents abreast of any developments.
In other Westminster news, I am encouraged by the Prime Minister’s agreement with the European Union on a post-Brexit deal for Northern Ireland. This has been a source of political contention since our departure from the bloc, and so I am pleased that the ‘Windsor Framework’ will act to remedy the ongoing issues, delivering free-flowing trade within the whole of the United Kingdom and safeguarding Northern Ireland’s place in our Union.
The agreement has already been welcomed by many in Parliament across the UK for the stability it will bring, and for a number of constituents, will relieve the economic impacts caused by the ongoing disruption of trade between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. I am confident this economic growth will be reflected across the whole of the UK and will only work to strengthen our relationship with European neighbours. I am encouraged by this development and look forward to the framework being brought to the House of Commons in due course.
A central part of my role as MP is to raise the concerns shared at a local level with Ministerial colleagues in Parliament. An example of this was in the recent Education Questions, where I was able to press the Secretary of State on regular eye testing in SEND schools, after its importance was illustrated to me in a recent visit to Eden Park Academy. In her response, Gillian Keegan MP was quick to highlight existing availability for children of school age, while committing to ensure that the NHS maintains support in schools.
I look forward to continuing my work locally and in Parliament over the coming month. As ever, if you would like to discuss any issues or concerns with me, please do get in touch via [email protected] or 0203 545 2462.
First published: My Local News, March 2023
