Joseph Gaunt says too many businesses and families across Harrow and Hillingdon are being “punished” with sky-high bills, expensive food shops and squeezed budgets.

The Liberal Democrats are calling on the Government to negotiate a new Growth and Defence Partnership with the EU, as proposed by party leader Ed Davey, that would turbocharge local economic growth and bring real relief to hard-pressed residents.

The plans would see the UK join the EU single market and a customs union, tearing down trade barriers and boosting economic growth. It would reverse damage from the Conservatives' botched Brexit deal, which cost the country an estimated £90 billion in lost tax revenue in 2025 alone.

Joseph Gaunt is also calling for deeper defence ties with European partners, to keep Britain safe and counter growing threats from Vladimir Putin and an unreliable Donald Trump.

Liberal Democrat Campaigner Joseph Gaunt said:

“It’s time to talk about the elephant in the room. 10 years on, there is no denying that Nigel Farage and Boris Johnson’s Brexit experiment has been a failure. It did real damage to our local economy and worsened the cost-of-living crisis - the effects of which are being felt by families, traders and businesses across Harrow and Hillingdon

“Now the same politicians who got us into this mess are telling us that it doesn’t matter how bad it gets, local people just have to live with the terrible deal they left us. 

“The Conservative Brexit deal has meant money taken away from our local schools and hospitals, and out of our pockets in higher taxes in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis.

“The Liberal Democrats say that enough is enough, we need to move on. That’s why we are calling on the Labour government to take the bold action that is needed to help people and businesses Harrow and Hillingdon now. 

“There must be no more dither and delay in growing our economy, tackling the cost of living and keeping our communities safe, and that starts with rebuilding our relationship with Europe."

STATEMENT ON THE PROPOSED DATA CENTRE AT WESTERHILL

Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to email me and/or complete my survey about the proposed Apatura Energy data centre and the associated Battery Energy Storage System in the Westerhill Regeneration area.

There is a huge level of concern in our community and questions which need to be answered about this proposal, and the vast majority of respondents tell me they oppose the proposal.

The SNP Scottish Government has, so far, failed to define exactly what “green data centres” are although they are encouraging them as part of NPF4 as National Development.

Our local MSP Adam Harley and I join our Lib Dem colleagues in Holyrood calling for a national moratorium on hyperscale data centre developments until the Scottish Government clearly defines “green data centres” and answers questions about energy supply and environmental concerns.

Susan Murray MP

Mid Dunbartonshire

Duryard & St James Liberal Democrat councillors are raising serious concerns about a planning application submitted for the redevelopment of the former garage site on Victoria Street. The proposal includes the demolition of existing buildings, the removal of mature trees, and the construction of a range of buildings from three to six‑storeys that could house over 100 people.

Councillors Tammy Palmer and Kevin Mitchell are formally opposing the scheme and are encouraging residents to submit their views before the consultation deadline on 9 August 2026.

Councillors have many concerns with these plans, including:

Protecting the Character of St James

 The proposal would see the demolition of the current garage buildings and a detached Victorian villa. Planning documents indicate that all 22 trees on the site would be removed, along with the wildlife habitat they support. The planned six‑storey block would significantly alter the character of St James, dominating the local skyline and directly overlooking homes on Prospect Park, Victoria Street, and South View Terrace.

Housing Affordability

Councillors note that similar developments in Exeter are being rented for £2,350 per month, excluding bills. Even the limited number of “affordable” units in the proposal are expected to cost up to £1,800 per month, excluding bills—levels far beyond what many local residents and families can reasonably afford.

Community Balance

The application states that the development is primarily aimed at younger residents. St James already has a high proportion of people under 25. Councillors argue that the neighbourhood needs a balanced mix of housing suitable for key workers, families, young professionals, and older residents looking to downsize—supporting long‑term residency and a stable, thriving community.

A Better Alternative

Councillors Palmer and Mitchell acknowledge that the site is likely to be redeveloped. They state that they would welcome a scheme that delivers genuinely affordable homes and a diverse mix of housing types that reflect the needs of the St James community. They believe the current proposal does not meet these needs, prompting them to speak out.

Statements from Councillors

Cllr Tammy Palmer said:

This proposal is completely wrong for St James. A six‑storey building is not in keeping with the surrounding Victorian homes and would permanently damage the character of our neighbourhood. It could house more than 100 residents in an area that is already densely populated, putting further pressure on local streets and community spaces. St James deserves better‑quality development that protects its heritage and respects the residents who live here.

Cllr Kevin Mitchell said:

“Residents have been clear for years: St James needs genuinely affordable homes and a mix of housing that supports long‑term community life. This application delivers none of that. We need family homes in St James, and this development will not meet local needs. We are standing up for a better alternative—one that strengthens our community by providing a greater balance of residents and homes local people can actually afford.”

Cllr Michael Mitchell, who sits on the planning committee, remains neutral on planning applications in accordance with committee requirements.