19th November 2025
“The news that the CCP is waging a campaign to infiltrate our Parliament is deeply offensive to our sovereignty … The attempts to corrupt our democracy and Government must be rooted out.” LibDem Lisa Smart 18th November 2025
On 24 June 2025, she asked the Foreign Secretary what assurances he could give that Russia would be made to “pay for its crimes and war crimes,” referring to her visits to Kyiv and Chernihiv and hearing from Ukrainians about war crimes. LibDem MP Lisa Smart.
Romiley residents have accused their local MP, Lisa Smart, of “failing to act” over the ongoing deterioration of the W1-designated woodland and protected amenity land, which locals say has been subjected to heavy damage for more than 15 months.
The site, valued by nearby households for its wildlife, trees and open space, has seen repeated disturbance during this period. Residents say they have raised the issue multiple times with Stockport Council, local councillors and Ms Smart’s office, but claim no effective intervention has been made by their Member of Parliament or the councillors.
One resident told the Gazette: “We’ve been asking for help for well over a year. This land is supposed to be protected, yet it’s been torn up again and again. Lisa Smart is the local MP — we expected her to stand up for the site, but nothing has happened.”
Another added: “She has time to speak in Parliament about China and Ukraine, but not a single word about what’s happening on our doorstep. We’re deeply disappointed.”
MP’s Recent Comments in Parliament
Ms Smart has recently spoken in the House of Commons on international issues, including national security concerns relating to the Chinese Communist Party and the ongoing situation in Ukraine. Her speeches, while focused on geopolitical matters, have drawn criticism locally, with some residents arguing that domestic environmental issues have been neglected.
Hansard records show that Ms Smart has criticised what she describes as attempts by the Chinese state to interfere with UK democracy and has urged stronger action to protect institutions from foreign influence. She also continues to raise concerns about the treatment of Ukrainian civilians during the ongoing conflict.
However, the Romiley Gazette could find no record of Ms Smart mentioning the W1 woodland in Parliament, nor any public statement addressing the 15-month deterioration of the site.
Calls for Action
Local campaigners are now urging Ms Smart to visit the site, meet affected residents and raise the issue formally with the authorities. They say they want to see clear steps taken to halt further damage and ensure the land receives the protection its designation provides.
At the time of going to press, Ms Smart’s office had not issued a statement responding to residents’ concerns.
