The campaign to stop parking charges in Richmond and Bushy parks has gone up a gear after the Liberal Democrat Party officially requested a House of Commons debate on the issue.

Liberal Democrat Leader Nick Clegg joined borough MPs Vince Cable and Susan Kramer to try and force the parliamentary debate - in the hope of overturning Culture Minister Margaret Hodge’s decision to charge drivers up to £1 per hour to park in the open spaces.

Ms Kramer said: “I’m sure this move will be supported by all parties, but we have requested the debate in the name of the Liberal Democrat frontbench in order to increase the pressure on the Government.

“I now urge residents to contact Ben Bradshaw MP, the Minister for Culture, Media and Sport to call for these plans to be debated on the floor of the Commons.

“The Government must realise that the huge opposition to the introduction of charges is not going away, and that the battle is not over yet.”

The move came just days after more than 1,000 protestors descended on Richmond Park for a mass rally in opposition to The Royal Parks’ controversial scheme.

Parliamentary candidate for Richmond Park and rally organiser, Zac Goldsmith, was joined by Ms Kramer and Dr Cable at the event on Saturday.

To see what happened click on the video link below. To register your opposition with Mr Bradshaw email bradshawb@parliament.uk or send a letter to Department for Culture Media and Sport, 2-4, Cockspur Street, London, SW1Y 5DH.

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