Celebrating The Centenary of the London Buddhist Vihara

Report back from Andy Slaughter, MP for Hammersmith and Chiswick

Andy Slaughter MP meeting the Mayor of London’s Violence Reduction Unit

May 16, 2025

Last weekend I was honoured to be invited to a blessing ceremony to celebrate the centenary of the London Buddhist Vihara. It is always a pleasure to visit and talk with people visiting the temple, especially for such a special occasion.

On Monday afternoon this week the Justice Committee made a visit to the Supreme Court. The visit was to hold a roundtable discussion with the Justices about the rule of law and the role digitalisation could play in helping our justice system to become more efficient.

I was delighted to welcome William Morris Sixth Form children to Parliament this week. They received a tour of Parliament, and I met them in Westminster Hall afterward to answer questions.

I intervened in a debate this week on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for glass packaging. The hospitality industry has raised concerns about this added burden and the financial consequences it can have on businesses. As a local MP with 19 pubs in my constituency, including Fuller’s brewery, I thought it only right to point out that this is another added pressure for pubs who already have tight overheads.

Another Urgent Question was granted in the House this week on the further escalation of violence in Gaza. I raised again my deep concerns about the possibility that forcible displacement of Palestinians was happening in Gaza.

On Wednesday afternoon I attended an important event hosted by the Lib Peck, Director of the Mayor of London’s Violence Reduction Unit. The event was focussed on tackling school exclusions, suspensions and absenteeism. It was a very informative drop-in on an important topic, and I am glad that these conversations are happening in Parliament.

I attended the report stage of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill on Friday. Many constituents have written to me over the last few weeks on both sides of the argument. I appreciate that this is an emotive topic for those who support the Bill, as well as those who oppose it. As many of you will know, I do support the campaign to introduce a law allowing assisted dying in certain circumstances, for example for those who are terminally ill, have capacity and settled intent.  

Best wishes,

Andy

andy@andyslaughter.com

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