Celebrating VE Day, Culture House and a Visit to Wandsworth Prison

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Report back from Andy Slaughter, MP for Hammersmith and Chiswick

Andy Slaughter MP with residents at a VE Day party

May 19, 2025

There were many VE Day celebrations the week before last throughout Hammersmith and Chiswick. It was so lovely to see so many residents out in the sunshine to commemorate and celebrate the 80 th anniversary of VE Day.

The celebrations began with a wonderful street party with my neighbours. It was an enjoyable day and a great excuse to gather as a local community to commemorate such a momentous anniversary.

In the lead up to VE Day there were various celebrations and then on the day itself, many people gathered in Lyric Square to watch the beacon lighting. Beacons from across the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man and other UK territories were lit to mark 80 years of peace since the end of WW2.

At the weekend, I then attended the VE Day celebrations in Ravenscourt Park where there were many people who dressed up in historical clothing as well as brilliant food stalls, performances and activities for all ages to enjoy.

Andy Slaughter MP with 'Sir Winston Churchill' in Ravenscourt Park

VE Day celebrations in Ravenscourt Park

At the beacon lighting on VE Day in Lyric Square

I was also delighted to attend the opening of Culture House on Uxbridge Road, it is a new permanent exhibition space, dedicated to celebrating Somali culture. Culture House shares the stories of the British Somali community and aims to create a platform for cultural exchange and understanding.

Andy Slaughter MP at the Culture House opening

Age UK hosted their annual spring barbecue which was very fun and another great opportunity to meet local residents.

There were more school visitors in Parliament last week, on this occasion I was delighted to meet with students from William Morris Sixth Form after they finished their tour of Parliament. It is always lovely to meet young people with such an interest in politics.

On justice related matters, a couple of weeks ago, I visited Wandsworth Prison with the Justice Select Committee. This visit will inform part of our work into rehabilitation of offenders. A Channel 5 documentary aired recently on the issues within the prison, making it an important time for the Committee to visit as we consider the conditions within our prison estate. As ever, I was grateful to the prison staff for giving up their time to show us around.

Andy Slaughter MP visits Wandsworth Prison

On the visit, we heard that the poor reputation of some prisons makes recruitment more difficult. I then asked in the Commons what the Government is doing to improve the recruitment and retention of prison officers.

Last week we had another visit, this time to the Supreme Court. This was a chance to talk with the Justices through a roundtable to discuss the rule of law and the role digitalisation could play in increasing efficiency in our justice system. 

I attended the report stage of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill on Friday. Many constituents have written to me over the last few weeks on both sides of the argument. I appreciate that this is an emotive topic for those who support the Bill, as well as those who oppose it. As many of you will know, I do support the campaign to introduce a law allowing assisted dying in certain circumstances, for example for those who are terminally ill, have capacity and settled intent.  

I am looking forward to another busy week ahead before we break for Whitsun recess on the 22 nd of May.

Best,

Andy

andy@andyslaughter.com

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