Remembering the Polish Contribution to Cracking the Enigma Code

Report back from Andy Slaughter, MP for Hammersmith and Chiswick

Andy Slaughter MP at the unveiling of the reconstructed Enigma machine at POSK

November 15, 2025

Last Sunday I was very pleased to attend the Chiswick Remembrance Service and lay a wreath at the war memorial. There was also a service in Shepherd's Bush, and I was grateful to my friend, Cllr Wesley Harcourt, who was able to lay a wreath at the Shepherds Bush memorial on my behalf.

I attended POSK Polish Centre to see the unveiling of a reconstructed Enigma machine to mark Polish Independence Day and the vital role of Polish mathematicians in breaking German codes, which saved many lives and shortened WW2.

Last week, I went along to the Friends of Margravine Cemetery AGM where I was delighted to hear of Tom the Peregrine’s recovery. Tom is the resident male Peregrine of Charing Cross Hospital and not so long ago he was found in the cemetery unable to fly. He was taken to South Essex Wildlife Hospital by a concerned member of the public where he received the care he needed to recover. He is now back home and reunited with the female Peregrine of Charing Cross, Azina, and is doing well.

There was some welcome news in my inbox this week that Nationwide bank confirm they will be keeping their branches open in Chiswick, Hammersmith and Shepherd's Bush. I know many constituents have been rightly concerned about bank closures on the high street, but Nationwide have continued to keep their commitment to keeping their branches open. I know that a local high street bank is an important service for many in Hammersmith and Chiswick.

In Justice news, the Justice Committee published another report on rehabilitation and resettlement of offenders. The focus of this inquiry was to look at ways to end the cycle of reoffending. The report has revealed an overcrowded and short-staffed prison estate where the focus on rehabilitation has been lost due to huge pressures that exist just to keep up with the general day-to-day running. My hope is that ministers can look at the recommendations in the report and give greater attention to rehabilitation programmes to help people in prison change their lives and end the cycle of reoffending.

The War Memorial on Turnham Green

Finally, on Friday afternoon it was great to visit Kew House School to speak to A-level students currently studying politics. It is always a pleasure to visit local schools and speak to pupils about the role of an MP. I am always delighted to answer questions about politics and how parliamentary procedure works.

Best wishes,

Andy

andy@andyslaughter.com

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