Over the past year, there has been a 63% increase in the number of households living in temporary accommodation in West Berkshire. I am calling for additional dedicated funding for local authorities to deliver homelessness services, as well as an increase in social housing.
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It was great to attend the Holi Festival celebrations at St. Barts over the weekend with members of Newbury’s Indian community. Lots of great food, wonderful people, and vibrant colours to welcome the arrival of spring. Thank you for inviting me to join the celebrations.
I met with the Housing Minister to demand a fix for the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) "paperwork trap".
The Government admits the 2010 rules shouldn't apply to householders in the same way as big developers.
I'm fighting for a fair exemption for residents.
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I frequently meet and hear of people doing extremely valuable work to improve life in the constituency. This is a fantastic opportunity to recognise the contribution volunteers, fundraisers and community groups are making to the community. Submit your nomination before 31st March: buff.ly/r8Q3X85
A huge thank you to Mrs Hicks’ Year 5 class at St Finian’s for your fantastic letters on plastic pollution.
You’re right, we must do more to reduce single-use plastics and protect our oceans.
Keep speaking up, and I’ll keep pushing for change in Parliament.
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I spoke in Parliament yesterday about turning defence spending into real capability for our Armed Forces.
Today the PM offered little reassurance to families worried about rising energy costs from the escalating events in the Middle East.
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Dispensing GP surgeries like the Downland Practice are a lifeline for rural communities. But underfunding puts their future at risk. After visiting the practice, I have written to the Department for Health and Social Care to highlight the need for greater investment.
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Today is World Book Day!
Reading for pleasure is one of the strongest drivers of social mobility and build children’s confidence and empathy.
Yet fewer young people are reading for fun than at any point in 20 years.
We must rediscover the magic of books.
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Politics simply isn’t working for far too many people.
The Elections Bill contains some welcome reforms but doesn’t go enough to radically alter our creaking system.
We need a cap on political donations and a proportional voting system to restore people’s confidence.
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Growth downgraded. NHS pressures ignored. Rural communities facing higher fuel costs.
In today's Spring Statement, Newbury and West Berkshire needed a real plan to raise living standards. They didn't get one.
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Today is World Wildlife Day.
The natural world underpins our health, our economy and those of the next generation. Yet since 1970, global animal populations have declined by an average of 73%
We must do more to protect the precious natural systems that we all depend on.
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Earlier this month, I wrote to Thames Water requesting an update on the condition and performance of wastewater and stormflow infrastructure in the constituency. I have now received a response.
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The recent report into the state of NHS maternity care is shocking. All families deserve to be cared for in a safe, respectful and supportive environment.
That's why I am calling for funding cuts to be reversed and standards to be raised across all NHS maternity care units. More: buff.ly/EmpMJjJ
I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Year 5 and 6 pupils at Lambourn Primary School about being an MP. Thank you to the teachers and pupils for hosting me and asking some great questions about my job.
I’m looking forward to visiting more schools in the spring and summer terms.
Do you use a Radio Teleswitch electricity meter? Make sure you contact your energy supplier about switching to a smart meter as soon as possible. The RTS service will be phased out by 17 June, putting households at risk of losing access to heating and hot water.
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For so many residents the post isn’t a luxury, it’s a lifeline.
Cutting 2nd Class delivery days risks leaving rural residents waiting even longer for vital letters. I’ll keep fighting for a postal service that works for everyone.
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Endometriosis affects 1 in 10 women, but diagnosis still takes nearly nine years.
We need better GP training and diagnosis times so people receive the care they deserve. I’ve written to the Department of Health seeking answers.
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Newbury: 24 illegal spill days; 8,900+ hours of sewage in 2024. Our precious chalk streams are being treated as open sewers by Thames Water.
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Today the Government agreed to release the Andrew Files following the Liberal Democrat’s Motion.
Nothing should interfere with the ongoing police investigation. But for Epstein’s victims and survivors, we must pursue every avenue to expose the truth and ensure justice is done.
I hear from parents in Newbury & West Berkshire every week about a SEND system that’s slow, complex & draining.
Reform must strengthen support, not water down rights. Children and families can’t afford to lose out.
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As we mark the fourth anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, our message must be clear: we stand with Ukraine, and our support will not waver.
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Today I asked the Secretary of State for Housing what steps he is taking to support leaseholders.
Ground rent caps are welcome but managing agents still lack proper regulation.
I will push for stronger reform, so residents gain real control over their homes.
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Delaying full enforcement of the Decent Homes Standard until 2035 risks leaving renters in unsafe homes for close to another decade.
The Lib Dems will continue to hold the Government to account to make the private rented sector fairer for all.
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Last week’s High Court ruling shows the ban on Palestine Action under terrorism laws was unlawful.
Criminal acts must be prosecuted, but terror laws should be applied to the nation’s gravest threats.
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Following his arrest yesterday, there are understandable questions about former Prince Andrew’s place in the line of succession.
The priority now is allowing the police to investigate without political interference.
No one is above the law, and due process must take its course.
The Government has launched a consultation on children’s online safety, but children, families, and charities need firm timelines and concrete action.
We are calling for film-style rating for under-16s to hold tech giants accountable.
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I back Herbie’s Law: a plan to end animal experiments in UK medical research by 2035 and replace them with humane, reliable scientific methods.
Over 2.6 million animals were used in labs last year. We must do better.
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To all those marking the beginning of Ramadan across Newbury and West Berkshire, I would like to wish you and your family a peaceful and blessed month.
Ramadan Mubarak!
Too many bridleways are poorly maintained, forcing riders onto busy roads.
I’m continuing to raise equestrian road safety in Parliament. Practical fixes will keep everyone safer.
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