February column published by The Hillingdon Herald
In January I celebrated my six months as your local Member of Parliament for Uxbridge and South Ruislip and in this month’s column I share an update that covers both a local and national update.
Under the Conservative Government, small boat crossings are down by over a third, but we must do more. That is why we are pressing ahead with the toughest immigration legislation ever to ensure flights take off to Rwanda, ensuring controlled immigration to ease pressure on our public services. I am glad to announce the Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill passed its third reading in the House of Commons and it is now in the stages of being considered by the House of Lords.
I hosted Uxbridge High School for an educational tour of Parliament, as well as welcomed them to Downing Street before their Lessons at 10. It was great to host Bourne Primary for a political discussion, as well as a visit to Colham Manor Primary. It's only under a Conservative Government that our children are getting the best education possible. Since 2010, 89% of schools are now rated ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’, up from 68% under Labour. This is evident in Uxbridge and South Ruislip, with Ofsted’s most recent inspection which includes Hillingdon Council’s Children Services awarded as outstanding, as well as Ruislip High School. This year, more than ever, apprenticeships are being offered far and wide in the UK. From Google’s $1 billion investment to open a new data centre in Hertfordshire, to the headquarters of Coca Cola in the heart of Uxbridge. I recently had the pleasure of meeting the Vice President Stephen Moorhouse and his team to discuss apprenticeships, as well as sustainability, distribution and cybersecurity.
For eight years the Labour Mayor of London has avoided accountability when it comes to crime. Despite the fact safety and crime in London are responsibilities of the Mayor, yet again, the Government had to intervene. This month the Conservative Government banned zombie knives, to ensure they are off our streets for good. Moreover, under the Conservatives, knife-crime across the UK has fallen by 26% since 2019, and more than 50% since 2010. I support Susan Hall, the Conservative Candidate for the Mayor of London, because if she wins the Mayoral Election on the 2nd of May 2024, she will put an extra £200 million into the Met Police to restore trust and get crime down. If Khan really cared about investing in the police in London, he would have done something about it. Instead, he ignores the safety of my residents, and focuses on demanding a £55 million ULEZ tax-grab.
On brighter news, this month I have championed the significant histories of Uxbridge and South Ruislip, from asking a question to the Tourist Minister Julia Fox, to hosting my own Westminster Hall debate, I have made it clear that protecting our heritage assets are integral for the education and inspiration of our future generations. I believe to save our heritage, we have to first identify, then protect, and finally capitalise.
I also asked a question in the chamber on increasing TV revenue distribution for grassroot football clubs. I am happy the Sports Minister Stuart Andrew responded with support and commitment, which I was pleased to pass on to former MP John Randall when we met up at Uxbridge FC this month.
It is still 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
