Rugby fixture at Twickenham Stadium – Community Conversation

The RFU has announced it will be hosting the England vs Barbarians match on Sunday 25 October for up to 20,000 spectators, subject to public health measures. You can read further details: here and an FAQs has also been published.

As part of the Richmond Council Community Conversation programme, if you would like more information about events at the RFU, particularly regarding the Covid-19 safety plans, transport and policing, you can attend a virtual discussion via Zoom.

The event will be hosted by Cllr Gareth Roberts (Leader of Richmond Council), with representatives from the RFU, local police and council officers (including the Director of Public Health).

For more information, including how to register for the event, please click HERE

Barclays Bank closures

Over the past few weeks Barclays Bank has announced that it is closing both its Whitton and Teddington branches this autumn - a reflection of the fact that the vast majority of us bank online nowadays.

I have met with Barclays twice now to discuss these announcements, along with our local councillors.

We raised concerns about vulnerable customers, local businesses and the additional pressure the closures will put on the post office, as well as future rentability of these sites. More information on the Teddington closure is HERE

Badge for face covering exemptions

With face coverings required in busy enclosed spaces in England, a number of people are exempt, for reasons which may not be visible to others. Richmond Council has produced a pin badge for those who wish to demonstrate this exemption to others. Details of how to get hold of a badge can be found HERE

Heathrow update

Heathrow airport has informed me that the southern runway is now closed for repairs between 8pm – 7am, Monday to Friday. More information can be found here.

In August the number of daily flight movements at the airport ranged between 400 and 570. Based on Heathrow's latest forecasts, they are expecting to see between 400-580 flight movements a day during September. For more information, please click HERE

Testing in care homes and supported living

I challenged the Health Secretary last week to confirm when regular COVID-19 testing will be available for care homes and supported living, both locally and across the country, especially following concerns raised with me by Richmond Council. I wrote to the Care Minister last month about protecting our most vulnerable local residents but have yet to receive an answer.

Government scraps Public Health England without proper scrutiny

In his first statement to the House of Commons following the summer recess, Matt Hancock did not even bother to reference his announcement over the summer to scrap Public Health England in the middle of a pandemic without any scrutiny.

Depression doubles over COVID period

Incredibly worrying figures have recently been released showing depression has doubled during the pandemic.

The Government urgently needs to devise a plan to address the looming mental health crisis. This cannot wait. The impact of mental health can last a lifetime.