What's happening

Liberal Democrats should be immensely proud of what they have achieved in the little over two months since the Government was formed, as well as the huge influence the party has on the Coalition and its agenda.

Many residents have contacted me since the election about the new Liberal Democrat-Conservative Coalition Government. Most have been delighted that two parties can set aside their differences and work together in the national interest. A few have expressed concerns - whilst recognising it is now up to the Government to prove itself. No-one doubts that we are witnessing a new kind of politics.

“When our troops are in Afghanistan to fight the terrorist threat, it is a betrayal of their sacrifice to slash the diplomatic budget crucial to crushing the very source of that threat," said the Liberal Democrat Shadow Foreign Secretary, Edward Davey.

Local Liberal Democrat MP, Edward Davey is outraged that Labour has failed 1,830 local pensioners who are missing out on Cold Weather Payments due to making a complicated tax system. Edward Davey MP is hoping local pensioners who believe they could qualify for Cold Weather Payments to contact him.

Campaign wins new bus for Chessington & Hook pupils of Hinchley Wood School

Families across Chessington and Hook are celebrating the success of a three year campaign for a new school bus to take local pupils to Hinchley Wood School. This will reduce traffic on the road and provide a quicker, safer route to school for many local children.

Best wishes to everyone for a very happy Christmas and a good New Year.

“It took 9 months from denial to £8.2 million”

The campaign to expand Kingston’s primary schools had a huge boost this week when Kingston won a better-than-expected capital funding allocation of £8.2 million. Kingston and Surbiton’s Liberal Democrat MP, Edward Davey, has led this London-wide campaign for over a year and reacted with delight.

Kingston Hospital’s new rating as London’s top District General Hospital has been described as “well deserved” by Kingston and Surbiton’s Liberal Democrat MP, Edward Davey.

The rating comes in the newly-released Dr Foster’s 2009 Hospital Guide.

“The Minister is taking our campaign seriously”

Last week Sir Christopher Kelly produced his report into MPs' expenses and allowances. The report has 60 different recommendations for Parliament to consider but I believe they should be seen as a package and implemented in full as soon as possible to try to help restore trust in what MPs stand for and the work they do.

Like most MPs, I have received a letter from Sir Thomas Legg about expenses. It says:

"In your case, having examined the records in the light of my interpretation of the rules and standards in force at the time, I have not identified any payments made to you under the ACA (Additional Costs Allowance) during the review period which I consider call for any repayment or further supporting evidence."

Kingston town centre businesses have delivered a huge boost to the town by backing BID2 - the successor to Kingston’s original Business Improvement District (BID).

Despite the recession, local firms voted to pay a business rate supplement because this goes to a local business-led organisation, Kingstonfirst, and not Government.

New schools in Kingston remain a top priority.

A campaign by local parents, councillors and Edward Davey MP, for a new school bus is at last being fully considered by Transport for London (TfL).

The Rose Theatre is now showing real dividends for the investment that residents made in the project.

The Borough’s school children are benefiting, with thousands of tickets going to our schools. The Autumn season has included “We’re Going on a Bearhunt” for the little ones through to “Miss Julie” for sixth formers. The theatre also saw Kingston’s first ever International Youth Arts festival and has now set up The Rose Youth Groups to involve local children and young people from 11 – 25 in drama.