Oral Answers to Questions

Munira Wilson Excerpts

Wednesday 4th November 2026 Commons Chamber

[Louise Haigh]

My hon. Friend is absolutely right to raise this issue. There is no place for hatred and violence of any kind in our society, whether on our streets or online. Our action includes investing in stronger protective security for faith communities, using the recommendations of the Bell review to tackle antisemitism in schools and universities, and delivering our social cohesion plan. For the first time, this Government have chaired a National Security Council on tackling antisemitism, to demonstrate our commitment to rooting out that evil. We will always be happy to work with Governments across the UK, including in Scotland, to share best practice, because we all have a role to play in strengthening our society.

[Munira Wilson (Twickenham) (LD)]

Q12. In September, the First Secretary rightly said that “local leaders will have the power and resources they need to invest in the things that matter most to their communities.”—[Official Report, 2 September 2026; Vol. 790, c. 174.]I agree with her; yet this Labour Government are about to slash more than £100 million of funding from Richmond council over the next four years. That is almost 60% of the council’s budget. My vulnerable constituents will suffer the most as a result of those devastating cuts. Will she agree to meet me, the leader of the council and my hon. Friend the Member for Richmond Park (Sarah Olney), so that we can find a sustainable way forward?

[Louise Haigh]

Cuts made over the previous decade severely impacted the most deprived communities, and we inherited an outdated, unfair funding system that no longer reflected where pressures are greatest. The final settlement for Richmond council makes available more than £223 million, but I will ensure that the relevant Minister meets the hon. Lady to discuss how we take this matter forward.