April-May column published by The Hillingdon Herald
My thoughts this month centre around the recent London Mayoral election that saw Sadiq Khan win a third term. I am bitterly disappointed at the result that furthers the risk of the whole of London continuing to deteriorate for another four years. Across Uxbridge & South Ruislip, we saw overwhelming support for Susan Hall throughout her campaign and through the election results announced for Hillingdon. For the past eight years, we have seen crime rise, police stations close, police recruitment targets missed, council tax raised by 71%, house building below what is needed, our nighttime economy devastated, bus routes decimated across Hillingdon, the Central Line in chaos and the war on motorists boosted with the expansion of ULEZ to outer London. For eight long and arduous years, the Labour Mayor of London has ignored the residents of Uxbridge & South Ruislip which will now continue for a further four years. Despite political gimmicks, the Labour Mayor has still not confirmed that our Police Station in Uxbridge will remain open with a full custody suite and public front desk. There is also the emerging risk of pay-per-mile charging using the ULEZ camera infrastructure that will further hammer local motorists whether driving electric, diesel or petrol vehicles. As your MP, I will be working with other Conservative MPs across London in ensuring that the Labour Mayor of London is held to account for his decisions that will impact on Londoners. Unfortunately, we have seen how Hillingdon Labour politicians, including Sadiq Khan’s own candidate from Camden, publicly congratulating the Labour Mayor’s recent victory. Clearly, the Hillingdon Labour Group are also willing to ignore local residents and press ahead with policies that will have devastating consequences for the people of Uxbridge & South Ruislip. As your MP and your voice, I will ensure that the Labour Mayor will not be allowed to ignore us anymore.
On a more positive note, the local by-election result for Hillingdon East saw a significant majority for the local Conservative Team with Cllr Kelly Martin joining Hillingdon Council. Kelly will be a great Councillor for his residents.
West Drayton Station and the lack of bus access has been a major inconvenience to local residents. After chasing Network Rail for a commitment to complete the sub-surface repair work, I was pleased to have arranged an on-site meeting with Network Rail and Huw Merriman MP (Minister of State for Transport) where a firm timescale to complete the repair was finally agreed. I am looking forward to buses returning to the forecourt at West Drayton station in the months ahead. This will improve access to travelling residents and reduce the impact of traffic on Yiewsley High Street.
During my time as the MP for Uxbridge & South Ruislip, I have had the privilege of working with many local charities, youth groups, schools and colleges. Many Hillingdon Herald readers will be aware of the Daniella Logun Foundation who do amazing work for children and their families with brain tumours. I had the pleasure of welcoming Angela Logan, Co-Founder, to Parliament for a Brain Tumour UK Charity event. This gave Angela the opportunity to talk with other charities who do similar great work in supporting people through this terrible condition. I have also co-signed a letter to the Health Minister calling for a National Brain Tumour Strategy.
Many of you will know that I started my working life as a postman in Uxbridge. It was great to visit the Royal Mail Delivery Office in Uxbridge which gave me a real sense of nostalgia. Meeting former colleagues brought back some very happy memories, especially catching up with Les who has given 47 years of dedicated service to Royal Mail.
It is always a privilege to serve as your MP for Uxbridge and South Ruislip. As ever, if you wish to contact me, please do so by email: steve.tuckwell.mp@parliament.uk
