Drones in Prison and Retrieving My Ice Bucket from Turnham Green

Report back from Andy Slaughter, MP for Hammersmith and Chiswick

Andy Slaughter MP

January 17, 2025

This week the Justice Committee held an evidence session with the Attorney and Solicitor General. It was a very informative session discussing the role of the Law Officers in Government - how they support Ministers, uphold the rule of law, ensure we meet our human rights obligations around the world and superintend Government agencies like the Serious Fraud Office.

On Tuesday there was an urgent question on drone activity in prisons. I raised the maintenance backlog with the Minister and that a significant contributing factor of drones gaining access is due to protective measures such as netting and CCTV falling into disrepair and no longer being fit for purpose. The current maintenance backlog across the prison estate is £1.8 billion, which has doubled over the last 4 years. You can read my question and the Minister’s answer here.  

On Friday I visited Chiswick Business Park for a guided tour. I have visited a couple of businesses on the estate since becoming MP for Chiswick, but it was great to be shown around the whole area and meet some of the team who manage the estate.  

I returned to the repair cafe at Christ Church Turnham Green this weekend to pick up my ice bucket. You may remember a few weeks ago I attended the 2-year anniversary of the repair cafe and came along with an ice bucket which had been unusable for some time due to a hole. I am pleased to report that it is all mended and in working order and I am very grateful to Kate for the repair.  

We have more visits with the Justice Committee coming next week so there will be no evidence session but lots of other business in the House to keep me busy.  

Best wishes,

Andy

andy@andyslaughter.com

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