Police Station Counter Closures and a Chiswick Post Office Update
Report back from Andy Slaughter, MP for Hammersmith and Chiswick
Andy Slaughter MP
July 25, 2025
As a select committee chair, I am also a member of the Liaison Committee, and during our session this week I had my first opportunity to join in the detailed questioning of the Prime Minister.
I pursued two lines of questioning on domestic justice policy, the first on the previous government's cuts to legal aid and their effect on access to justice, the second dealt with the work the government needs to do to reduce reoffending by ensuring that prisoners and those released from prison receive proper rehabilitation.
I was also able to ask a series of questions as to why the government has not taken stronger action on the horrific situation in Gaza. Following that meeting I was also able to raise this with the Foreign Secretary during his statement on the Middle East.
On Monday I was delighted to welcome a group of young Saharawi refugees to Parliament. These children were born in refugee camps in Algeria following the displacement of their parents and grandparents from Western Sahara and were visiting the UK as part of a programme organised by the charity Sandblast, which works to support and advocate on behalf of the indigenous people of Western Sahara.
The children spoke to me about their lives in the refugee camp and were full of questions about life in the UK and my work as an MP. The group were so polite and engaged, and I was very humbled to receive gifts of tea and other items from their home.
Locally, residents may have been alerted to plans by the Met to close police station front counters, including the one at Hammersmith. I am disappointed by this news as this will leave Charing Cross as the only police station in central London with a 24/7 front desk service. Acton Police Station will maintain a 24/7 front desk service, which is convenient for some residents in Chiswick and Shepherd's Bush.
The reasons for the closures are partly financial, but the Police argue that only 5% of crimes are reported at front counters, with the overwhelming majority of incidents being reported by phone or online. Given this, the Met has taken the decision to prioritise having officers out patrolling the streets rather than staffing front desks.
Finally, I met with Post Office Ltd again this week as part of our weekly meetings. I recognise the delays to reopening are frustrating and affecting constituents. I am continuously reassured by the Post Office that they are still committed to reopening the office, and that the business is viable. Constituents can be assured I am doing all I can to push for a solution as quickly as possible.
The House of Commons is now in recess until Monday 1st September. I will be continuing my duties in the constituency, but my work in Parliament will now resume in the AutumnBest wishes,
Andy
andy@andyslaughter.com
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