Awards, Apprenticeships and the Sad Death of Jesse Jackson

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Report back from Andy Slaughter, MP for Hammersmith and Chiswick

Jesse Jackson (left) with Andy Slaughter MP

February 23, 2026

Parliament was in recess last week but the week leading up to recess was busy as usual.

The Justice Committee held another session on access to justice to inform our new inquiry. We had two separate sessions, firstly with Professor Linda Mulcahy who talked to us about sources of funding for the justice system, and then afterward we heard from providers of legal advice including Liz Bayram, Chief Executive of Advice UK, Dr Philip Drake, Director of Manchester Justice Hub, Dr Lisa Wintersteiger, Chief Executive of Advicenow and Nimrod Ben-Cnaan, Head of Policy and Profile at Law Centres Network.

In other justice news, I also chaired a meeting of the Society of Labour Lawyers on reform of the criminal justice system, I spoke in the Urgent Question on the demise of a court reporting service and met with MPs and Sir Brian Leveson to hear more on the government’s plans for jury reforms.

I was delighted to attend the Silver Social Valentine’s event organised by Cllr Asif Siddique as part of the Council’s Silver Social Series. It was a lovely occasion bringing together older residents from across Hammersmith & Fulham for friendship, music and good conversation. I helped the Mayor cut the Valentine’s cake, and it was clear how much these regular gatherings mean to those who attend. You can learn more about these regular events here. 

Andy Slaughter MP (second left) cutting a Valentine's cake with the Mayor of Hammersmith & Fulham

I also attended the delayed Hammersmith Society AGM and awards evening. It was good to see local residents and Society members come together to reflect on the year and celebrate what makes Hammersmith and Shepherd's Bush special. Awards were presented across a range of categories, including the much-feared Wooden Spoon for the best and worst local developments, and there was a fascinating talk from local sculptor Hywel Pratley. Hywel has recently cast the first public statue of the late Queen and spoke about his aspiration to create a statue of William Morris for the riverside, a project I hope will find strong local support.

I was pleased to attend the London GP Awards at the Commons, hosted by Chelsea & Fulham MP, Ben Coleman. It was an excellent evening, made all the better by the fact that Hammersmith and Chiswick received more awards than any other constituency. Holly Road Surgery in Chiswick won two awards: the London General Practice Safety Award and the London General Practice Non-Clinical Team Award for its outstanding contribution to patient care and team collaboration. The Hammersmith & Fulham Partnership health coaching team was also commended. 

I also took part in the recent Community Concert at Askew Road Methodist Church, an uplifting evening of music and spoken word. The event brought together a range of local performers, including the Askew Road Church Singing Group, the Imperial College Gospel Choir and other talented musicians from across the community. I was even asked to contribute to the event myself, declining to sing but reading some favourite poetry. It was a warm and welcoming occasion, with residents of all ages coming together for an afternoon that celebrated faith, culture and community spirit.

I recently met more students in the constituency when I visited Wetherby Pembridge school at the new Olympia development and had a tour of the impressive facilities. It was great as always to speak with students and answer questions about my role as an MP. I also participated in a podcast with Ecole Francaise Jacques Prevert (in English) about public speaking in the law and Parliament.

There was a fantastic news from TfL last week with an announcement of 157 apprenticeship roles launched across Transport for London this year. The apprenticeships include tram engineering, track engineering and construction site supervision and will provide qualifications ranging from Level 2 up to Level 6 which is equivalent to a degree. These apprenticeships bring very exciting opportunities for young people in Hammersmith and Chiswick and you can see the available roles on the TfL website.

On the subject of apprenticeships, I attended the Hospitality Apprenticeship Showcase event in Parliament just before recess. I met with George who works at the Blue Boat and Hannah from the Bell and Crown – both undertaking an apprenticeship with Fuller, Smith and Turner.

Meeting young apprentices at the Hospitality Apprenticeship Showcase

I also met with L&Q and Guinness Partnership housing associations to discuss the condition of social homes and their plans for new affordable housing. It was a positive meeting with good news on the home refurbishment and house building front. The government announced in the Comprehensive Spending Review that they will be funding around 90% of the Building Safety Fund money housing associations need, meaning that they do not need to take from their own funds for these essential remedial works. This means that the money left over can now be re-invested into existing stock and new homes. This is great news for my constituents who have been waiting for years for proper repairs to their homes.

I am dismayed that the Halifax branch in Hammersmith is due to close on 28 May, removing another face-to-face banking service from our high street. While banks point to the growth of digital services, many older residents still rely on in-person support. In contrast, Nationwide has pledged to keep its local branches, including Hammersmith, open until at least 2030, recognising the continuing importance of accessible banking. I will continue to raise concerns about financial inclusion and access to services for those who depend on them.

As a reminder, the Hammersmith Police Station counter new opening hours are coming in next week. Many will remember that the counter was threatened with closure but thankfully, it remains open. The new opening hours will be Monday to Friday, 10am-10pm, and weekends 9am-7pm from Tuesday 3rd of March.

It is with sadness that we mark the passing of Jesse Jackson. I had the privilege of meeting him in both London and Washington. A towering figure in US politics and an inspirational speaker, he devoted his life to equality and human rights.

His courage, vision, and commitment to justice left a lasting mark, and his message of hope and fairness will continue to inspire generations.

It is with sadness also that we mark the passing of Councillor Dr Aysha Raza, a dedicated public servant and tireless champion for her community in Ealing and beyond.

Aysha was one of the most energetic and inspiring people in London politics and a compassionate advocate for equality, public services, and local residents. She was an energetic and inspiring campaigner, and her warmth, commitment and fierce loyalty were evident to all who worked with her. She brought boundless energy to her work and to the issues she cared deeply about, and she was always a lovely human being.

She will be missed by the thousands she helped, as well as by those who were fortunate to call her a warm and loyal friend. Rest in peace, Aysha.

It’s unusual for Lent and Ramadan to fall at the same time, as their dates shift from year to year. This year, however, the start of both coincided last week and I want to take the opportunity to send my best wishes to everyone observing Lent 2026 or Ramadan 2026.

Both periods are a time for reflection, prayer, fasting, and charitable giving. I hope this season brings peace to all who are observing. 

Best wishes,

Andy

andy@andyslaughter.com

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