A MESSAGE FROM SUSAN KRAMER MP ON RICHMOND PARK CAR PARKIN CHARGES

10.23.33pm GMT Wed 10th Mar 2010

"Dear Resident,

I'm sadly writing to let you know that our bid to kill off parking charges in Richmond Park was defeated tonight in the House of Lords.

Unfortunately not enough Conservatives joined with the Lib Dems to defeat the Government and stop the legislation.

The fatal motion was defeated by just 23 votes, 48 peers voting for and 71 against.

I'm pleased my Liberal Democrat colleagues supported the Conservative motion asking the Government to rethink, but we've sadly still lost the chance to kill the charges outright.

I know, like me, you will be disappointed that this opportunity has been lost.

As your MP, I have always seen my job as being your voice in Parliament.

It is a responsibility, I take incredibly seriously.

This has meant voting against the Government to stop Heathrow expansion, the waste of billions of pounds on ID cards, and cuts to local services like our Post Offices.

I have never been more proud than when I managed to defeat the Government on the first reading of my bill to give local people a direct say in the expansion of airports like Heathrow.

More recently still, I joined with Liberal Democrats and Conservatives to defeat Gordon Brown and give heroic Gurkha veterans the right to stay in the country they fought for.

This is an example of what can be achieved when we are ambitious in our role of holding the Government to account.

I will never abdicate that responsibility by taking the easy road out.

Finally, I just want to say that the fight against the introduction of parking charges in Richmond Park is not over.

As your MP I will continue to fight to make sure your voice is heard and the plans are stopped.

Thanks to everyone who has supported the campaign so far, and especially to everyone who came to the protest in Parliament and to watch the debate. The fight is not over yet!"