Brentford's First Black Players and Progress on Hammersmith Bridge

Report back from Andy Slaughter, MP for Hammersmith and Chiswick

Andy Slaughter MP with a panel including Brentford's pioneering black footballers

April 25, 2026

It is now just under two weeks until the local elections in London, and I have been out campaigning hard with the excellent Labour candidates in Chiswick. Chiswick has three wards, and there are three Labour candidates standing in each.

Chiswick Riverside: Amy Croft, Trevor MacFarlane, and Gurminder Randhawa.

Chiswick Gunnersbury: Hanif Khan, Maaria Saroya, and Naeem Ulfat

Chiswick Homefields: Aisha Farah, Fatima Tayyab, and Mohammed Umair

Many in Chiswick Riverside will already be familiar with Cllr Amy Croft, who is also Mayor of Hounslow. Amy is a tireless champion for residents in Chiswick Riverside and across Hounslow. Amy does twice as much casework than her Tory counterparts, even with the added responsibilities as Mayor. I have no doubt that Chiswick will be better represented with some more Labour councillors who can work constructively with me and the council in the years to come.

Local government matters, because councils manage vital services. Speaking to residents across the constituency, people have serious concerns about the cost of living, public services and a desire for more stable politics at a time when the world seems more uncertain and volatile than ever. Labour councillors in Hounslow have built a track record over recent years, and that is not something to ignore. In Hounslow, there are experienced local councillors who deal day in, day out with residents’ concerns, and who have helped drive positive changes.

In Hounslow there is an emphasis on delivery. On neighbourhood safety, the council has already introduced a new Enforcement Team to tackle anti-social behaviour, supported by increased CCTV coverage and improved street lighting, with further work planned to expand coverage and responsiveness.

The introduction of free bulky waste collection and community skip days has helped to cut fly tipping, and street cleaning has been doubled. Housing and regeneration remain central. The Golden Mile programme along the Great West Road is bringing £7.5 billion of investment, with plans for up to 14,000 homes and around 25,000 jobs. This is one of the largest regeneration projects in west London, and work is already underway on key sites.

On the environment, the council has launched a green investment scheme which has already raised around £1 million from residents, funding local climate and sustainability projects.

At a national level, the government has taken steps that support local councils in practical ways. The Renters’ Rights reforms will give councils stronger powers to act against rogue landlords and improve standards in the private rented sector, an issue raised regularly by residents. There has also been tougher action on fly-tipping and environmental crime, giving councils clearer backing to enforce against offenders and keep neighbourhoods clean. Alongside this, continued investment in high streets and town centres is helping councils improve local areas and support small businesses.

On Tuesday, the Commons debated Hammersmith Bridge, which gave the MPs representing constituents affected by the current restrictions a chance to share their concerns with the Transport Minister. The timing of the debate coincided with the government publishing its guidelines for applying to its Structures Fund. The announcement of this potential source of funding for the restoration of the bridge is a step forward.

Last weekend, along with the Leader of H&F Council, Stephen Cowan, I met with residents of Pocklington Lodge following concerns about the proposed sale of the building by the Thomas Pocklington Trust. The lodge provides specialist accommodation for around 50 blind and visually impaired residents, with facilities designed to support independent living.

At the invitation of the Dukes Meadows Trust, I attended the unveiling of a plaque marking the completion of an eight-year, £280,000 restoration of the Promenade Approach and the park’s historic entrance. The project, supported by Hounslow Council, local funding and volunteers, has restored the gates, Pump House and surrounding planting. It is a good example of community groups and the council working together to support one of Chiswick’s most valued green spaces.

With local residents at the Dukes Meadows unveiling

Last week I attended an event in Parliament marking the 30th anniversary of Show Racism the Red Card, alongside an exhibition on Brentford FC’s first Black players. The event brought together speakers from the charity and the club to reflect on the progress made over the past three decades and the work that still needs to be done.

On the 12 th May I will be joining a panel hosted by W4 Youth at the Chiswick Cinema as part of Mental Health Awareness Week. The discussion will focus on loneliness, alongside other speakers including Jeremy Vine. It should be a valuable opportunity to highlight the challenges facing young people locally and the work being done to support them.

Last Thursday, I attended an “Evening with Hugh Pym”, the BBC’s Health Editor, at St Michael & All Angels Church in Chiswick, the latest fundraiser for The Upper Room, of which I'm patron. Hugh spoke about his experience reporting on major events including the financial crash and the Covid-19 pandemic and reflected on the current pressures facing the NHS.

You meet some very interesting people in Parliament and on Tuesday I met Prestur the horse. Prestur, a former Icelandic Horse World Champion, was there to highlight the role animals can play in supporting neurodivergent children and adults, helping to build confidence and emotional connection.

Andy Slaughter with a former Icelandic Horse World Champion

Best wishes,

Andy

Best wishes,

Andy

andy@andyslaughter.com

P.S. I send a regular email newsletter to residents about local and national issues. If you would like to receive it then please email me at andy@andyslaughter.com, click this link.