2025: Week 8 - Ukraine and Parking

It’s been a strange week, largely dominated by the situation between the US and Ukraine, and the breakdown of talks between the two.  Trump and Vance behaved like schoolyard bullies in the Oval Office, ambushing President Zelinsky and showing that the US is no longer an ally and is only interested in getting access to Ukraine’s natural resources.  Team Trump have also shown that they cannot be relied upon to support Ukraine or serve as a partner to Europe’s collective security. 

The UK and Europe must now step up or risk losing everything that Ukraine has been fighting for.  We must stand with Ukraine to fill the gap left by Trump withdrawing US military aid.  The Government, together with European partners, must now move quickly to seize the £40 billion worth of frozen Russian assets across the UK and Europe and use this to fund support for Ukraine.   We also need to reverse the Conservative’s staggeringly irresponsible 10,000 troop cut, so that the UK can credibly support collective European security in the absence of US support.

We cannot forget the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, between Israel and Palestine.  Israel’s announcement that it is preventing humanitarian aid entering Gaza is unlawful and wrong. The Government must call for aid routes to be reopened. It’s crucial that the ceasefire is maintained, its conditions respected by all sides and negotiations advanced.

⁠This decision threatens the lives of the Gazans dependent on aid after the destruction of the last 15 months. It’s vital that aid flows into Gaza to alleviate the immense human suffering in the strip, and in line with Israel's obligations under international law.  

All sides must work urgently to negotiate a second phase to the ceasefire. Moving towards a just peace settlement - and, ultimately, towards a two-state solution based on 1967 borders - is essential to providing the dignity and security which Israelis and Palestinians deserve.

Closer to home I am still pushing for an independent parking regulator to oversee the practices of private parking companies and create a fair, transparent and national charging and fine structure.  This will make it easier for customers to know the rules when using private car parks, but more importantly give them a standardised process for appealing fines when they feel they have been unfairly applied.  I have spoken with the AA and they are keen to get on board with this, so it is gathering momentum.

Finally, I tabled a question to the Department for Transport in reference to the brightness of LED headlights after a constituent raised the issue with me, it is true to say that with the advent of LED headlights it does sometimes feel they are brighter than they need to be leaving oncoming motorists temporarily dazzled.   I received a response saying they have noted the increased public concern around this and have commissioned independent research to better understand the root cause of headlamp glare and develop potential countermeasures.  This research is due to be delivered this summer, so watch this space!