Campaigns

Research done by CAMRA (the Campaign for Real Ale) shows that 13 pubs permanently close each week across the UK. Closer to home, we have lost a quarter of all Wandsworth pubs since 1997.

I believe that education is critical to the future of our country and is the only way to ensure we can simultaneously achieve sustainable economic growth and social justice.

With London's population continuing to grow over the coming decade we need to start planning now to ensure we are able to meet future travel demand. Yet with South London's roads already near to full utilisation, growth in Tooting's transport capacity will most likely come from enhancements to the public transport and cycling options.

Our area is packed full of history, but in the face of high property prices and frequent development threats, we will need to rally together when sites are at risk. To than end I'm involved with several projects which are protecting important parts of Tooting's heritage:

Tooting has a large community of small businesses and self-employed workers. As a successful entrepreneur in Earlsfield, I understand the challenges that these local businesses face and will take action to ensure they are successful too.

Those of us who use Earlsfield station in the morning and evening rush-hours are all too aware of the extreme over-crowding on the platform and in the carriages at these times. While 8-carriage trains may have been sufficient many years ago, the popularity of Earlsfield and the rise in local population have meant that 10-carriage trains are now a necessity. Looking at the experience of nearby Balham, where 10-carriage trains were introduced a few years ago, I have seen the positive impact that an extra 25% capacity at peak times can bring.

Local Conservatives have long been campaigning to improve Earlsfield Station. With a business in Earlsfield, Dan knows exactly how important great local transport is for local businesses and restaurants. Dan comments "Working in Earlsfield, I see on a daily basis the great work that has happened recently to improve Earlsfield Station. All of the residents I've spoken to are delighted with the station improvements. The old stairs were difficult for parents with young children, the elderly and disabled, so the lifts have really improved the stations accessibility."

As your MP I would work hard to support existing voluntary groups and to help residents start up new ones, so that we can improve our environment, help vulnerable people, and build some new skills too.

Through the articles posted on the Campaigns page of this website, you can see the specific initiatives I've been championing, as well as my priorities for the future. But I also think it's important that you understand more about me as an individual, so I've written below a few comments about the kind of person I am .