Knife Crime, Israel/Palestine and a Visit to Wormwood Scrubs
Report back from Andy Slaughter, MP for Hammersmith and Chiswick
Andy Slaughter (second left) during his recent visit to the prison
February 25, 2025
Parliament was in recess last week, so it has been a bit quieter before we start again this week.
Before recess began, I spoke in the Westminster Hall Debate on knife crime in London, again raising the proposals to phase out pointed kitchen knives. I also spoke in the Westminster Hall debate about the International Court of Justice Advisory Opinion on Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, you can see my full comments in the debate here.
Recently, the Justice Committee, which I chair, has been continuing its evidence gathering for the inquiries into reducing reoffending, drugs in prison and the civil justice system. A private session of the Committee was held the week before last, followed by a visit to HMP Wormwood Scrubs.
The prison was in my constituency prior to the boundary change at the last election, so I have visited on many occasions, but this was my first chance to visit as the Chair of the Justice Committee.
It was a chance to speak with staff and prisoners and learn more about what support is needed to reduce reoffending. We were impressed by the ‘right course’ restaurant run by inmates and the employment opportunities on offer.
Congratulations to new Labour Councillors Callum Nimmo and Lydia Paynter who won the by-elections last week in Hammersmith Broadway and Lillie respectively, I am sure both will do an excellent job. Here you can see the full results of the election in Hammersmith Broadway and Lillie.
The Addison Singers are performing Mendelssohn’s Elijah for their annual Spring Concert on the 29 th of March. I’m sure it will be an excellent evening, and I’d definitely recommend buying a ticket. Further details can be found on their website.
As always, do not hesitate to contact me if there are any issues you wish to discuss or problems that I can assist with on andy@andyslaughter.com.
Best,
Andy
Andy
andy@andyslaughter.com
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