Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Paul Kohler MP @paulkohlersw19.bsky.social · 3h

Really interesting to chat to Hospice Uk earlier about their work in moving care into the community & enabling personalised support at home.

We discussed the importance of them getting fair funding from the government to support this service.

Paul Kohler MP @paulkohlersw19.bsky.social · 3h

The Tories’ recent pivot calling for UK’s withdrawal from the ECHR prioritises Farage’s nonsense over Churchill’s vision.

I asked the SoS how withdrawal would affect the Good Friday Agreement, Windsor Protocol, New Legacy Framework & NI’s institutions.

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Paul Kohler MP @paulkohlersw19.bsky.social · 8h

I spoke to The Times about Merton School Sports Partnership's decision to ban parents from sporting events👇

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Paul Kohler MP @paulkohlersw19.bsky.social · 2d

As discussed at our London Conference, government isn't doing enough to counter the Chinese threat.

After failing to address alleged spying, we must take a stand by blocking the new giant embassy which'll compromise national security & safety of exiles & Hong Kongers in the UK.

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Paul Kohler MP @paulkohlersw19.bsky.social · 2d

The response from DSIT to my letter on phasing out the use of animal testing in the UK 👇

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Paul Kohler MP @paulkohlersw19.bsky.social · 2d

Further evidence of Labour hypocrisy🤦🏻‍♂️

www.theguardian.com/society/2025...

Revealed: Labour-run council using legal loophole to serve families with no-fault evictions

Exclusive: London council created an arm’s-length body to manage some of its housing stock

www.theguardian.com

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Paul Kohler MP @paulkohlersw19.bsky.social · 2d

Today's release of the remaining living hostages is a moment of joy.

The unacceptable failure to get aid into Gaza must be immediately addressed, whilst UK must now work with our allies to ensure permanent peace by securing progress on a 2 state solution.

www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/cx...

Released hostages reuniting with families as Trump set to address Israeli parliament - follow live

The living hostages are all back in Israel after being freed from two years of captivity in Gaza. Israel has begun releasing hundreds of Palestinians in exchange.

www.bbc.co.uk

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Reposted by Paul Kohler MP

Calum Miller @calummillerld.bsky.social · 5d

It’s good to see the PM finally listening to Liberal Democrat calls to seize the billions in frozen Russian assets tied up here in the UK to help arm Ukraine.

This must now happen rapidly. With our European allies we must use these assets to strengthen Ukraine’s hand and ramp up pressure on Putin.

Joint E3 leaders statement: 10 October 2025

The leaders of France, Germany and the United Kingdom spoke today following the significant developments in the Middle East.

www.gov.uk

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Reposted by Paul Kohler MP

Wimbledon & Merton Lib Dems 🔶 @mertonlibdems.bsky.social · 5d

A message from Mind charity on World Mental Health Day #WMHD2025

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Paul Kohler MP @paulkohlersw19.bsky.social · 6d

Later opening hours will not assist London’s late night economy ‘til the rail & tube network begins providing a service to match.

The last train on many lines is earlier than it was pre-Covid & is particularly poor midweek, when fewer work from home🤦🏻‍♂️

www.theguardian.com/business/202...

Pubs to stay open until early hours in push for UK growth

Exclusive: Plans for England and Wales would help the ailing hospitality sector but have attracted criticism from health experts

www.theguardian.com

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Paul Kohler MP @paulkohlersw19.bsky.social · 7d

I joined Ed Davey & Sarah Olney at Bedelsford school to discuss ICB cuts to care packages for disabled children, which is having a huge impact on these children & their families.

It’s so important that their voices are heard & we will continue to press this issue.

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Paul Kohler MP @paulkohlersw19.bsky.social · 7d

I was delighted to have the opportunity to address politics students at Ewell Castle, my former school.

I loved going down memory lane & answering the engaging questions of current students.

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Paul Kohler MP @paulkohlersw19.bsky.social · 7d

My interview with BBC News, exposing the scandal of asylum contracts, written under the Tories, which enabled private providers to make 8x more profit by keeping asylum applicants in hotels.

A shocking waste of taxpayer money.

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Paul Kohler MP @paulkohlersw19.bsky.social · 8d

Many thanks to the GDST for inviting me to the launch of their report on “Designing the Future of Girls’ Education”.

My 4 daughters all benefitted from attending single sex senior schools & it was lovely to meet the Head of Wimbledon High School, where one of them was a pupil.

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Paul Kohler MP @paulkohlersw19.bsky.social · 8d

I wrote to Rachel Reeves asking for urgent support in the Budget for pubs, bars & their suppliers.

As MP for Wimbledon, Chair of the Night Time Economy APPG, & nearly 20 years running my own bar, I know how vital the hospitality industry is for communities, jobs & businesses.

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Paul Kohler MP @paulkohlersw19.bsky.social · 8d

Response from the Climate Minister to my letter asking for an update on the Government’s Climate Plan, on behalf of a number of constituents 👇

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Paul Kohler MP @paulkohlersw19.bsky.social · 8d

On the 2nd anniversary of Hamas’s murderous attack we remember all those killed & taken hostage.

As we face a deeply troubling rise in antisemitism in the UK, we stand with British Jews, with Israel & with Jewish communities worldwide, against hatred & antisemitism in all forms.

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Paul Kohler MP @paulkohlersw19.bsky.social · 8d

As I told the BBC today, Tory asylum accommodation contracts still allow providers to make obscene profit, earning 8x more by keeping asylum applicants in hotels.

Another scandal, like PPE - although one Labour could solve if they listened to the Liberal Democrats.

www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

Asylum hotel provider makes £180m profit despite claims of inedible food and rationed loo paper

Asylum seekers and charities tell BBC of

www.bbc.co.uk

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Paul Kohler MP @paulkohlersw19.bsky.social · 9d

Sadly Nigel Farage’s nonsense, rather than Winston Churchill’s vision, more important to the Tories.

Joining Russia & Belarus, as only European states outside ECHR, will undermine domestic protections, Good Friday Agreement & our international reputation.

www.theguardian.com/politics/202...

Conservatives would take UK out of ECHR, Badenoch confirms

Leader says move is is necessary ‘to protect our borders, our veterans and our citizens’

www.theguardian.com

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Paul Kohler MP @paulkohlersw19.bsky.social · 9d

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Paul Kohler MP @paulkohlersw19.bsky.social · 9d

Siren voices who said leaving EU would be easy are now saying same about ECHR.

Wolfson has provided Kemi Badenoch with an unconvincing fig leaf, based on extremely narrow interpretation that underestimates the legal obstacles & by its own admission, ignores the political issues.

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Paul Kohler MP @paulkohlersw19.bsky.social · 9d

Deeply concerned by what appears to be another act of terrorism against one of our faith communities.

The silent majority must not allow British values of tolerance to be undermined by illiberal extremists sowing division, hatred & contempt for others.

www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

Peacehaven: Police release photos of mosque arson suspects

The images are of two people in balaclavas seen outside the mosque before the large blaze spread.

www.bbc.co.uk

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Paul Kohler MP @paulkohlersw19.bsky.social · 9d

Concerned by claim CPS dropped charges against 2 alleged Westminster spies because Labour refused to confirm China “enemy” of UK

I’m calling on DPP to address allegation in his response to joint letter from Chairs of my Home Affairs & Justice SCs seeking further info on decision

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Paul Kohler MP @paulkohlersw19.bsky.social · 9d

I visited Wimbledon Synagogue on Saturday to express my support for the local Jewish community & ask Rabbi Adrian Schel what I can do to help calm their fears.

Comforted to see the level of security provided by the local police & synagogue but saddened it’s necessary.

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Paul Kohler MP @paulkohlersw19.bsky.social · 12d

I’m extremely proud, as Wimbledon’s MP, to represent a constituency with such a well informed & learned electorate.

However, I see that one constituent, my fellow Wimbledon resident Kemi Badenoch still has something to learn from the Lib Dem’s new Northern Ireland Shadow 🤦🏻

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