Latest newsletter of local MP Munira Wilson:

I wanted to write to provide you with useful information and update you on what I am doing as your MP at this difficult time.

Community toilet scheme

As of last weekend, all the toilets in Richmond council-controlled parks opened again. The Council is also encouraging businesses to reopen their toilets so the public can use them again.

Richmond foodbank appeal

During the pandemic, Richmond Foodbank has seen demand for emergency food packs rising whilst the main sources of donations have been in decline. To help the five foodbanks meet increased demand, the Rotary Club of Kew Gardens has launched a fund-raising campaign.

They aim to help 80 families with Rotary matching the first £3600.

If you have had Covid-19 – consider donating your plasma now!

Residents who have recovered from Covid-19 are urged to consider being a plasma donor – and help save the lives of others! NHS Blood and Transplant has opened a new 'pop-up' COVID-19 convalescent plasma donor centre at the Harlequin's Rugby ground - Twickenham Stoop.

The NHS is urgently trying to collect plasma and are asking people from London who live near a donor centre and who have recovered from COVID-19 to get in touch on 0300 123 23 23 or register their interest via the NHSBT website as they may be able to donate too.

Get "Lost in Music" with the return of Rockin' the Lockin'!

On Saturday June 27th, 15 fabulous local musicians will perform a live musical extravaganza, to raise money for Twickenham based music therapy charity, the Otakar Kraus Music Trust (OKMT).

Click here to see the show streamed live on Facebook on Saturday June 27th from 2pm to 10.30pm.

Space Rocket Challenges

The National Physical Laboratory (NPL), in partnership with the UK Space Agency (UKSA), is launching a new STEM initiative, Space Rocket Challenges. The challenges, taking place between 16-30 June, are open to all ages and include, a Space Rocket design competition, Launch and Land challenge – as part of NPL's regular Measurement at Home series and a space-themed quiz. To find out more visit this link.

Challenges with social distancing for the blind & partially-sighted

Social distancing has been tricky for all of us to navigate but imagine trying to do this while being blind or partially sighted.

Standing up for your concerns

Reopening schools safely

I'm pleased to be leading a parliamentary motion pressing the Government to urgently create a plan for children to safely return to school in September. Local parents and headteachers are very concerned over the lack of preparations so far. There is no time to waste. Headteachers and schools need to be able to plan ahead now.

Standing up for student nurses

Student nurses have been working incredibly hard on the Covid-19 frontline. With reports their placements may be cut short, which would leave some facing hardship, I asked Matt Hancock to clarify if this is the case. I'm delighted these students will not be made redundant.

Demanding answers on why experts have been dropped from daily briefings

I am concerned by the worrying trend of the Government moving away from expert advice and transparency at daily press conferences. Now, more than ever, maintaining public trust in measures the Government is taking is key.

Brexit

I asked Michael Gove what guidance will be provided to regulated industries and farmers who wish to continue exporting from mainland Britain to Northern Ireland in the event of a No Deal Brexit. The Northern Ireland protocol will mean that NI remains part of the UK but subject to EU rules.

Marcus Rashford's call to extend free school meals into the summer

I welcome the announcement that free school meals will be extended into the summer. Thank you to Marcus Rashford for pressing the government on this.

No child in this country in 2020 should have to go hungry. And it shouldn't take a footballer to convince the Government of that.

Question time

I really enjoyed representing my constituents and the Liberal Democrats on BBC Question Time for the first time last Thursday.

Last time I was there I was aged 17, studying politics A-level and an audience member. Never in my wildest dreams did I think my next visit would be as a panellist some 25 years later!

If you need to get in touch, please email me on [email protected] - Please do not reply to this email.

Please do forward on this newsletter to local friends and family and encourage them to sign up to my mailing list here.

Read my full newsletter with all the useful links here

Kind Regards,

Munira Wilson MP

49 Church Lane,

TW11 8PA

Member of Parliament for Twickenham, Teddington, the Hamptons, St Margarets, Strawberry Hill and Whitton.