Assisted Dying, Questioning Lord Timpson and Sister Mary-Joy's Farewell

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Report back from Andy Slaughter, MP for Hammersmith and Chiswick

Andy Slaughter MP with staff and students at Wendell Park School

December 2, 2024

In Parliament on Friday MPs had the opportunity to debate the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill. I was glad to have had the opportunity to speak in the debate and you can read my full comments here.

I’m glad that the bill has passed its second reading and that it can now progress with nine months of further debate and amendment as the bill passes through both the Commons and the Lords.

The Justice Select Committee had its first public meetings in the last two weeks. In the first we had the opportunity to question the Minister for Prisons, Probation and Reducing Reoffending, Lord Timpson. This was a useful opportunity to hear more from the Minister about his plans for the prison estate and the severe pressure facing prisons and prison staff.

Last week we then questioned Baroness Carr, England's first Lady Chief Justice, on the state of the courts. 

UK Parliament Week began on the 18th of November, and I had the pleasure of meeting many young people from Hammersmith & Chiswick through school visits and when they visited Parliament. Many of our schools signed up and received a pack of resources to teach children more about what Parliament does and how it works. I was able to visit both Brackenbury and Wendell Park Primary Schools and to chat to pupils from St Stephens when they visited Parliament. It is always wonderful to see young people interested in learning more about how parliament works and a pleasure to answer their questions.

I was delighted to be invited to reopen the refurbished Shepherd's Bush branch of Nationwide last week and it was lovely to meet both staff and customers. With so many banks closing the doors of their branches, I am very pleased that Nationwide has committed to keeping every existing branch open until at least 2028. Included in this are three branches in the constituency, in Hammersmith, Shepherd's Bush and Chiswick.

Andy Slaughter cutting the ribbon at the relaunch of Nationwide in Shepherd's Bush

I was grateful to have been able to attend the retirement celebration of Sister Mary-Joy who has now stepped down after 35 years at the helm of Wormwood Scrubs Pony Centre. Sister Mary-Joy and the centre have done amazing work to promote riding for disabled and excluded children. It has been a privilege to see this over the years and I am sure the centre will continue her legacy for many years to come. You can find out more about the centre here.

Andy Slaughter MP (left) with Sister Mary-Joy

It’s that time of year again and if you are looking to get into the festive spirit, there are plenty of events going on in Hammersmith & Chiswick this Christmas season. The Addison Singers are always brilliant, and have their Christmas Oratorio on the 7 December, tickets are still available so get them while you can. Tickets available here.

You can also get your tickets to the Age UK annual Carol Concert at Holy Trinity Church on Wednesday the 11 th of December. It is always a wonderful evening, and will feature a string quartet, fantastic choir, and beautiful carols. Tickets available here.

 

Andy

andy@andyslaughter.com

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