A Visit to an Animal Hospital and Vampires at the Lyric
Report back from Andy Slaughter, MP for Hammersmith and Chiswick
Andy Slaughter MP visits Blue Cross Animal Hospital
September 21, 2025
I hope all my constituents in Hammersmith and Chiswick had a lovely summer. I have had a busy few weeks in Parliament following summer recess and before we break for conference recess.
In parliamentary news, a couple of weeks ago the Justice Committee had an evidence session on the use of pre-recorded cross examination.
Committee heard evidence from a distinguished panel of experts, along with the Ministry of Justice minister for victims. The session was very informative, and the evidence will form part of an incomplete inquiry undertaken by the previous Justice Committee prior to the General Election last year.
Last week I asked the newly appointed Lord Chancellor, David Lammy, about how the government plans to fill the recently reported shortage of 10,000 probation officers.
On the last day before conference recess, we had the second reading of the government’s new Sentencing Bill. As Chair of the Justice Committee, my speech welcomed the reforms in the Bill needed to curb reoffending and deal with the prison population crisis. The legislation will be the biggest shake up in punishment and rehabilitation of offenders for 30 years. However, I would have liked to see some provision for IPP prisoners in the Bill and I hope that as it progresses through the House, there will be an opportunity to do this through amendments.
During summer recess it was wonderful to have the opportunity to visit the Blue Cross animal hospital in Hammersmith. It was great to see all of the important work they do, providing affordable vet care. While it was lovely to meet staff and speak about their brilliant work, they also highlighted the financial pressures facing charity veterinary services. If you would like to make a donation and support Blue Cross, you can find out more here.
Last week I had the pleasure of attending the 70 th anniversary celebration of the William Morris Society. The ‘Practically Magic: William Morris at Home in Hammersmith’ exhibition is brilliant and focuses on local history. Do go along and see the exhibition if you can!
I also had the opportunity last Wednesday to be at the opening night of Dracula at the Lyric Theatre in Hammersmith, it was a brilliant performance and I would recommend anyone who is interested to get a ticket if you can, you can find out more here.
Parliament is now in recess for the conference period and will return on the 13 th of October.
Best wishes,
Andy
andy@andyslaughter.com
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