I begin my first article since the General Election by stating what a privilege it is to have been re-elected to represent Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner. I am incredibly grateful to be able to continue my work on behalf of residents, however they voted, both locally and in Westminster.
The work has already begun on this, as it has been back to business in parliament. Speaking in the chamber, I raised concerns about the local impact of some policies outlined in the King’s Speech, such as the introduction of new taxes on education and plans to deregulate the green belt.
Questions about the future of local health projects have also emerged following Labour’s first few weeks in government. Following efforts to secure funding for the redevelopment of Hillingdon Hospital, we saw shovels in the ground ahead of this year’s election. However, the Chancellor’s statement on public spending has raised uncertainty about the future of the project and when I questioned her on the availability of funding, no reassurance was offered. I have picked this up as a matter of urgency, inviting neighbouring MPs to work cross-party to ensure that funding remains available so the work that is already underway can and will continue.
Uncertainty also hovers over the Northwood and Pinner Cottage Hospital site. The project was finally given the greenlight on this long-standing issue last year. However, since the election, it has become clear that, despite reassurances from the NHS that funding is available, the contracts being signed and work already having got underway to prepare for construction, further bureaucratic delays have occurred. I have written to the Health Secretary urging him to ensure this project is put back on track as a matter of urgency. Given the years of hard work that have gone into this, we cannot afford any further setbacks to the delivery of this vital healthcare hub.
On a lighter note, it was a pleasure to join the Queen’s Head in Pinner for their summer BBQ and to celebrate the opening of their new and very impressive garden space. I was delighted to hear from proprietor Sean just how many job and apprenticeship opportunities this project, supported by our Conservative councillors in Pinner, has created locally. It was also fantastic to see the collaboration of local businesses, with the catering having been supplied by Meat Like It Used to Be.
First published: My Local News, August 2024
