It’s now nearly 9 months since I was elected as Wokingham’s first ever Liberal Democrat MP.
It has been a massive privilege to be doing this job and working hard on behalf of my constituents.
I’ve now made over 100 speeches in Parliament and have covered many topics which I think are important both nationally, locally and important to me and my constituents.
National Cancer Strategy
In October 2024 I secured from the Government a commitment to create a National Cancer Strategy which will help to improve cancer diagnosis and outcomes in the next 10-15 years. I’ve been pushing the Government to recruit more oncologists and radiologists and undertake better workforce planning for the NHS. I’ve also supported the Rare Cancers Bill to ensure that patients with rare cancer can get better access to clinical trials which could lead to life changing treatments.
Royal Berkshire Hospital
Like many constituents I was disappointed that the Government added a further delay to the 7-year delay that the last Conservative government made to start the rebuilding of a new Royal Berkshire Hospital.
I was, however, pleased that now there was proper funding for the new hospital. The Conservatives never put money behind the actual construction of the new hospital – it started as an election stunt for them, and I don’t think they were ever serious about delivering it.
Following my question to the Prime Minister at Prime Ministers Questions at the end of January I was able to meet last week with Health Minister Karin Smyth who is responsible for the new hospital building programme.
Residents and senior members of staff from the RBH were also able to join me at the meeting and highlight to the Minister the significant investment needed to sustain the existing site whilst we wait for the new hospital.
Pensions
The Liberal Democrats introduced in government the Triple Lock on pensions meaning they have to increase every year by the rate of inflation, average earnings or 2.5%, whichever is the highest.
I have continued to support the Triple Lock whilst opposing the Governments cuts to the winter fuel allowance. Too many pensioners over the last few months when it’s been very cold have had to choose whether they heat their home or feed themselves.
Reading Football Club
I spoke in a debate on the Governance of Football highlighting the need to ensure that people like the current owner of Reading Football Club are not allowed to own and mismanage our football clubs.
In the debate I was very pleased to recognise the tremendous contributions of fan groups like Sell Before We Dai and Supporters First at Reading in campaigning for a better future for Reading FC.
The Police
I have met with managers at a number of local shops and supermarkets to talk about the challenges they face with shoplifting and the need for a better police response. I’m pleased that Thames Valley Police are taking some measures in the next few months to support shop owners and managers. This is long overdue.
I’ll also be continuing discussions with senior police officers.
National Insurance Increases for Employers
I’ve spoken many times about the negative effects of the government’s increases in employers’ national insurance contributions and the considerable increases that local charities will be faced with from next month.
These increases in costs will also be affecting doctors surgeries, chemists, dentists and the hospitality industry.
I recognise the government have to fill the huge financial hole of £22 billion left in the country’s finances by the last government. However, I really don’t think the full impact of the employers’ national insurance increase was properly thought through by the government.
Local Government, our High Streets, Banking Hubs and Special Needs Education
I’ve campaigned for better funded provision of Special Needs Education and better support for those who need assistance and help.
I’ve also highlighted the need to fund councils to resurface roads regularly, to prevent ever more money being sucked into repairing potholes. Highlighting the terrible neglect of our roads by the last Conservative government who, in opposition complain about potholes without acknowledging the dire state they left road funding in both in Wokingham and across the country.
Many businesses tell me that excessive business rates are making life very difficult for them. Lib Dems have said for some time that they need urgent reform to help revitalise our high streets.
I’ve also campaigned with former Wokingham Town Mayor Lynn Forbes to get a Banking Hub in Wokingham. Although we haven’t been successful, yet we’ll keep trying to get better local banking services for businesses and residents.
I and my staff continue to be very happy to help and support residents of the Wokingham Parliamentary constituency.
If you need our help, please email; [email protected]
