Local MP Munira Wilson confronted the new Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, about the future of playing fields in Teddington, which have lain derelict for over a decade, at the PM's Questions on Wednesday (14 October).

The owner of Udney Park playing fields, Mr Wu, purchased the land for £35 million in 2022, but was sanctioned in the UK and arrested in Japan in July for being tied to Cambodian criminal conglomerate the Prince Group.

The Udney Park Community Fields Foundation, which wishes to buy the unused fields, has taken a keen interest in the status of the man due to his ownership of "important community playing fields in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames", said Chair of Udney Park Community Fields Foundation, Jonathan Dunn.

At the PM's Questions on Wednesday, Munira Wilson MP said: "Despite the desperate need for pitch space in my constituency, Udney Park playing fields in Teddington have lain derelict for over a decade.

"The most recent owner, a Chinese businessman, has now been sanctioned by the British government and had his assets frozen.

"So, given the Prime Minister has made clear that he wants communities to take back control of precious sites like Udney Park, will he work with me to ensure these playing fields are put back in the hands of the community right where they belong?"

In response, the PM said: "I'm a complete champion for green space and physical activity and I'm concerned to hear about the situation her constituents are in.

"I've just had a commitment from the Secretary of State for digital culture media and sports to meet her to get this situation unlocked and I hope that's helpful to him."

Download our Nub News App!

- It’s FREE and available now
- Breaking news notifications
- Your Town in Your Pocket

Speaking about the local MP's speech, Dunn told Nub News: "I am hugely encouraged by this political intervention as there was a complete impasse at a local level.

"Amassive thank you is due to our MP, Munira Wilson, for elevating this at PMQ's.

"The scenario whereby the playing fields remained in the ownership of Mr Wu, a sanctioned criminal, for an indefinite period is not palatable to anyone.

"This is particularly important at a time when playing fields in the borough are so scarce, and available outdoor space is so critical to physical and mental health."

Last year, Munira Wilson MP urged the government to purchase Udney Park playing fields.

The Foundation previously sought to purchase the fields from Mr Wu, but held off due to the owner's criminal connections, and has since urged Richmond Council to purchase the fields.