The festive season is in full swing here in Harrow, and it has been a
joy to visit some of the wonderful Christmas bazaars and fairs across
the borough. I’m eagerly looking forward to even more of the carol
services and community events that make this time of year so
special. ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏


Dear John,

 

The festive season is in full swing here in Harrow, and it has been a
joy to visit some of the wonderful Christmas bazaars and fairs across
the borough. I’m eagerly looking forward to even more of the carol
services and community events that make this time of year so special.

 

In the weeks ahead, I look forward to connecting with
residents—whether at an advice surgery or one of the many festive
functions happening throughout Harrow. Let’s make this holiday
season a time to celebrate and come together as a community. My update
below will cover some of the work I am doing locally in Harrow, as
well as touching on some of the work I have been doing in Westminster
and Parliament.

Below is my newsletter covering some of my work in Parliament and
locally in Harrow too – As always, through out the month, you can
find regular updates from me on FACEBOOK
[[link removed]], TWITTER
[[link removed]] and INSTAGRAM
[[link removed]], OR IF YOU HAVE AN ISSUE
YOU WOULD LIKE TO RAISE WITH ME, CONTACT ME ON
[email protected] OR 02072194243.

 

TODAY IS SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY

If you’re doing Christmas shopping this weekend or going out for a
meal, please consider shopping locally- it’s been a pleasure to
visit a number of excellent businesses and spotlight on Facebook and
Instagram social media channels this week:
www.facebook.com/GarethThomasMP
[[link removed]]

 

This week, we have announced more measures to support small
businesses, including tackling crimes such as shop theft and
anti-social behaviour and increased regulation around late payments to
small businesses for goods and services. More details specifically on
the removal of the £200 shoplifting threshold below. We are also
working on a Business Growth Service to support small businesses get
all the information they need to help their businesses survive and
thrive. It’s based on similar international examples and the first
elements of the service will launch in the first part of next year. 

 

ACROSS HARROW

CAREERS FAIR 2025

COULD YOU SPEAK ABOUT YOUR CAREER WITH HARROW STUDENTS?

 

My last Careers Fair with Rooks Heath College brought together
hundreds of Harrow pupils with companies and institutions from across
the country, from Channel 4, to Google, to the NHS, Strabag and many
more.

 

On THURSDAY, 23RD JANUARY 2025, we are returning to another in-person
Careers Fair format at Rooks Heath School and would love to hear from
Harrow residents from a variety of occupations. If you or your
business/company are able to speak with students from 9:30AM-430PM, or
even for a few hours in the morning or afternoon – we would love to
hear from you!

E-mail [email protected] with Subject: Careers Fair

MITZVAH DAY IN NORTH HARROW

it was lovely to see different community and faith groups come
together on Sunday 24th November for Mitzvah Day. Planned after the
potential North Harrow rioting over the summer, Reverend Sarah Archer
wanted a riot of good deeds to be celebrated across North Harrow.
Thank you for making it happen and here’s to more community action!

STEP-FREE ACCESS FOR SOUTH HARROW STATION CAMPAIGN

I was pleased to meet with TFL representatives and Krupesh Hirani AM
to help strengthen our case for accessibility improvements at South
Harrow station. For years, the steep steps at South Harrow have
prevented residents from using the Piccadilly Line.

 

Over the summer, my work experience team and I collected hundreds of
signatures in support of the campaign for step-free access here. This
effort was inspired by local resident Majib, who joined us after
supporting our successful campaigns for step-free access at Sudbury
Hill, Harrow on the Hill, and Northolt stations.

 

With a new fleet of Piccadilly Line trains arriving next year, I’m
committed to ensuring ALL residents can benefit from a fully
accessible transport network.

 

Please sign the petition and let’s keep this campaign moving:
[link removed]

 

I have recently written to the Deputy Mayor of London for Transport,
Seb Dance to join Krupesh and I to assess South Harrow station in
person. 

SHOPLIFTING IN SOUTH HARROW AND WEALDSTONE

 

I have been meeting with traders from South Harrow and Wealdstone Town
Centres to tackle the growing issue of shoplifting on our High
Streets. According to the UK’s Office for National Statistics, there
were 469,788 shoplifting offences recorded by the police in the year
ended June 2024 – a 29% increase compared with the prior year.
Underreported incidents are a serious concern for police, traders, and
local residents. I’m committed to creating better reporting and
stronger communication for local businesses in order to tackle retail
crime. My thanks to our neighbourhood police, Krupesh Hirani AM, and
local councillors for joining forces on this and for meeting with
local retailers – there is a lot of work to do that I will be
reporting on. In South Harrow, I’m hoping to be part of a process
for faster High Street-wide communication to tackle shoplifting in the
run-up to Christmas and through 2025.

 

Last week, the Government announced the removal of the £200
shoplifting threshold—a long-overdue step to combat retail crime.
I’m also glad to see the Home Secretary’s commitment of over half
a billion pounds for policing next year as part of the Safer Streets
Mission. These extra resources for neighbourhood policing will be
vital for Harrow.

 

[link removed]

 

Working with local councillors and police, we have also started the
application funding for addition CCTV in crime hotspots across
Wealdstone.

It was great to meet with some of the hardworking staff of Morrisons
alongside reps of USDAW union at Morrisons in Harrow Town Centre for
National Respect for Shopworkers Week.

 

Everyone has the right to feel safe at work and I support Usdaw
Union's Freedom from Fear campaign, which seeks to prevent violence,
threats and abuse against workers.

 

WE WILL LEGISLATE TO MAKE VIOLENCE AGAINST SHOP WORKERS AN OFFENCE TO
MAKE IT EASIER FOR THE POLICE TO ACT AND WE WILL STEP UP ACTION
AGAINST SHOPLIFTING.

NORTHWICK PARK - NEW REFURBISHED BIRTH CENTRE AND MATERNITY UNIT

 

A delight to join Myleene Klass with her own midwife, Pippa
Nightingale. It is true you don’t forget your midwifes and it was a
joy to join the formal opening of the refurbished birth centre and
maternity triage unit at Northwick Park Hospital. 

 

These improvements mark a significant step toward providing better
care and experiences for every parent and baby.

NHS MUSCULOSKELETAL SERVICE (MSK) PARTNERSHIP

An honour to join the Mayor of Harrow to launch our new
Musculoskeletal Service (MSK) Hub in Harrow Town Centre. This
fantastic initiative is already making a difference to reduce NHS
waiting lists and will be crucial to providing faster access to care
for those in need.

 

This has taken a great deal of work to bring together, with the new
service offering comprehensive support for aches, pains, and issues
with muscles, joints, back, and neck. If you’re 18 or over and
registered with a GP in Harrow, you can self-refer for immediate
access to advice, treatment, and support. You don’t need to go
straight to Northwick Park A&E.

 

💻 SELF-REFERRAL IS EASY – visit:

www.healthshare-digital.org.uk [/www.healthshare-digital.org.uk]

 

📞 Need help with your self-referral? Contact the Patient Care
Advisors:

0203 752 6060 (Mon-Fri, 8am-6pm)

📧 Email: [email protected]

 

This is a great step forward for our healthcare in Harrow—let’s
spread the word.

 

CELEBRATING THE OPENING OF BLOSSOM BABY BANK IN WEALDSTONE

A pleasure to join the opening of the new perinatal Blossom Baby Bank
in the heart of Wealdstone and to present certificates to many of the
incredible maternity champion volunteers who have completed their
training.

 

Blossom aims to be a sanctuary for new parents. It’s a new space
filled with calm, connection, and shared stories, where mothers (and
fathers too) can find strength, build confidence, and access resources
to give their little ones the very best start in life.

 

💡 WORKSHOPS, DROP-INS & GROWTH

From workshops and classes to drop-in sessions, Blossom will support
parents to grow their skills and connect with others in a nurturing
environment.

 

👶 BABY BANK

Blossom Baby Bank is also a lifeline for families, providing essential
items like nappies, baby clothes, prams, and cots. Through a referral
system with midwives, health visitors, and social workers, we ensure
help reaches those who need it most.

 

By easing the financial burden of parenting, Blossom allows families
to focus on what matters most—caring for and nurturing their
children. This is community support at its finest, ensuring every
child has a strong foundation.

 

A huge thank you to everyone who has made this project possible and I
look forward to revisiting in the years ahead.

 

PARLIAMENT

 

HERE ARE A FEW UPDATES FROM PARLIAMENT SINCE MY LAST UPDATE:

 

LAST MONTH,  THE RAIL PUBLIC OWNERSHIP BILL WAS PASSED BY PARLIAMENT
[[link removed]].
THIS IS A MAJOR STEP TOWARDS TRANSFERRING PASSENGER RAIL SERVICES BACK
INTO PUBLIC OWNERSHIP BY CREATING GREAT BRITISH RAILWAYS.

 

LAST WEEK, WE ANNOUNCED NEW MEASURES TO TACKLE VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN
AND GIRLS, INCLUDING STRONGER PROTECTIONS FOR VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC
ABUSE AND MAKING DRINK SPIKING A SPECIFIC CRIMINAL OFFENCE.

 

BRITAIN IS NOW ON THE WAY TO RECEIVING 40,000 EXTRA NHS APPOINTMENTS A
WEEK, 6,500 MORE TEACHERS AS THE FINANCE BILL PASSED THE NEXT STAGE OF
THE HOUSE OF COMMONS. THIS IS LONG OVERDUE AND A SIGNIFICANT PART OF
OUR MANIFESTO COMMITMENT.

 

MPS BACKED PLANS TO TACKLE YOUTH VAPING AND CREATE THE FIRST
SMOKE-FREE GENERATION, IN ONE OF THE MOST SIGNIFICANT PUBLIC HEALTH
INTERVENTIONS IN DECADES.

 

FREE SCHOOL MEALS FOR EVERY PRIMARY SCHOOL:

Last week, APPLICATIONS OPENED FOR 750 SCHOOLS TO JOIN THE ‘EARLY
ADOPTER’ ROLLOUT OF OUR FREE BREAKFAST CLUBS
[[link removed]]. This
is a landmark opportunity for schools to be in the vanguard of change
and a long-term priority for this Labour Government, as we build back
the foundations of an education system that breaks the link between
children’s background, and the opportunities they have in life. 

 

Set to launch from April 2025, free breakfast clubs will break down
the barriers to opportunity by ensuring that no child starts school
hungry, as well as providing families with access to 30 minutes of
free quality childcare at the start of the school day. 

 

Not only does this help keep money in people’s pockets, but it
assists working parents with flexible childcare. 

 

Schools can apply by completing an EXPRESSION OF INTEREST FORM
[[link removed]]. 


 

 

TERMINALLY ILL ADULTS (END OF LIFE) BILL:

 

 

Last week, MPs had the first opportunity to debate the Terminally Ill
Adults (End of Life) Bill in the House of Commons.

 

I recognise that this is a complex and emotive issue, and I am
grateful to the hundreds of Harrow residents who have written to me to
outline their experiences and thoughts on this proposed change in the
law.

 

It has also been valuable to spend time meeting and speaking with
residents, local medical practitioners and religious leaders, for whom
this Bill is an area they feel especially passionately about.

 

Although I have engaged in many important discussions and written
correspondence about this Bill, I was clear in advance that I would
not be able to attend the debate due to a longstanding commitment as a
Minister in the Department for Business and Trade.

 

On the Friday of the vote, I attended the 32nd Pontignano Conference
in Rome, the flagship annual UK-Italy bilateral event, crucial to
maintaining the UK’s strong diplomatic relations with Italy,
something that is now more important than ever as we seek to reset
relationships with the EU. Whilst this was a difficult decision,
having committed to attending this event prior to the scheduling of
this Bill, I felt it right to honour that commitment and attend the
Conference to promote exports and investment between the UK and Italy
– our 9th largest trading partner – and to help generate new
export opportunities for UK businesses.

 

It is important to note that last week’s debate in Parliament was
only the first step in the legislative process. The Bill will be
further scrutinised, with amendments considered, in the coming months
both in the House of Commons and the House of Lords, before it could
potentially become law. This process will enable more thorough
detailed examination of this issue.

 

As many residents have noted, the Bill has only very recently been
published and I think it is important that there is time for a full
and detailed debate both within Parliament and in the country more
widely.

 

I share the concerns of many about how vulnerable people, especially
disabled people, would be protected from potential coercion. Having
read the Bill in detail, I have found some reassurance in the
safeguards contained within the Bill, for example the Bill introduces
a new offence of coercion with a 14-year jail sentence. As a long-time
advocate for disabled people, I want to ensure no one is pressured
into choosing assisted dying and I will continue to watch this very
closely as the Bill moves to the next step of the legislative process.

 

It is also very important to me that assisted dying should not become
an alternative to high-quality palliative and end of life care. People
deserve dignity in dying, and each person nearing the end of their
life should feel reassured and safe in the knowledge they will receive
the very best care.  I have been deeply moved and concerned by the
stories many residents have shared with me about the end of life care
experienced by their loved ones.

 

I know that there continue to be strongly held ethical and moral
positions on both sides of this debate and I want to thank every one
of the hundreds of people who have contacted me to share their views
– Please do continue to send me your thoughts on this important
debate by emailing: [email protected]

 

I can assure all residents that I will be carefully considering the
points raised with me as I continue to think through this Bill as it
is considered further in Parliament.

SUPPORT OVER THE HOLIDAYS

At a time when many of the services that we all rely on are closed or
operate shorter opening hours.

 

Hestia’s Harrow Cove, located in South Harrow can provide immediate
support for adults struggling with their mental health. It’s free to
attend and no appointment or referral is necessary – you can simply
turn up. And perhaps most importantly, it’s open 365 days a year
including Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.

 

WHERE: CARRAMEA CENTRE, 27 NORTHOLT ROAD, SOUTH HARROW, LONDON, HA2
0LH

WHEN: OPEN 2PM TO 10PM, 7 DAYS A WEEK, 365 DAYS A YEAR.

EMAIL: [email protected]

PHONE: 07407305206

WEB: HESTIA.ORG/HARROW-COVE
[[link removed]]

 

Promoted by David Evans on behalf of the Labour Party, Labour Central
Kings Manor, Newcastle, NE1 6PA, United Kingdom

UNSUBSCRIBE
[[link removed]]



Promoted by Hollie Ridley on behalf of the Labour Party, Labour Central Kings Manor, Newcastle, NE1 6PA, United Kingdom
[link removed]