It’s great to return to Westminster and get back to fighting for our community. But before looking forward, I’ve been reflecting on what a rewarding summer it has been, visiting charities, local organisations, businesses and supporting our community.
One highlight happened just last week when I attended the charity golf day in support of Building for the Future. It’s no secret that I am a big golf fan; I’ve been a member at a local golf club for 40 years. So, the opportunity to support this fantastic local charity that makes a difference to young people in our community while enjoying one of my favourite pastimes was such a privilege. It is also the Mayor’s chosen charity this year, and it deserves all the support we can give.
I also spent time visiting some of the services that keep us safe. At South Central Ambulance, I saw the hard work of their staff and volunteers. I then had the chance to tour the fire service’s impressive new training centre in Whitley, which is already helping firefighters prepare for the wide range of challenges they face.
Local businesses continue to give Wokingham its special buzz. I enjoyed a visit to Grilko in Peach Place, whose food and energy have helped bring life to the town centre on these warm summer days. Community events also made the season memorable, like the Hurst Horticultural Show.
I very much enjoyed the few hours that I spent there talking with local people who had entered their fruit, vegetables, flowers, and drawings into the show which was a great display of local skills.
Football fans had plenty to cheer about too. Wokingham Town enjoyed their best FA Cup run since 2013. I joined the more than 500 people who attended their latest match, unluckily they didn’t get through to the next round of the cup, although they did have a good second half. With attendance booming for all their games, I hope this is the start of a great season for the Sumas.
Of course, one of the most rewarding parts of my role is meeting residents face to face. This summer, I knocked on doors across the constituency, from Wargrave to Emmbrook.
Door knocking is one of the most enjoyable ways to hear directly from people about their concerns, how they feel the government is doing and hear great feedback about the work of local Liberal Democrat councillors. I also joined the Wokingham Society’s open meeting talking about my first year as an MP. They do fantastic work to help protect the character of our town, something that matters deeply to all of us. I also managed to have a few days away to recharge my batteries.
Back in Parliament
We returned to Parliament this week, where the Foreign Secretary gave a statement on Gaza. I told him many of my constituents do not think he is doing enough to stop the famine and the
killing of innocent people in Gaza. Hamas should also release the hostages they took nearly two years ago.
I also spoke in the debate on English Devolution, arguing that elections should be conducted under a fairer voting system, proportional representation. The current first past the post system distorts both local and national politics and disenfranchises so many residents.
In the coming weeks we will be watching very closely to see what happens with Thames Water. The company remains in a difficult financial position, and they continue to pollute our local rivers with raw sewage on far too many occasions.
As I write this article, I am hoping to take part in a debate on the hospitality industry where I will raise concerns that I have heard from many local pubs, cafes, and restaurants. These small businesses are the life blood of our communities, and they need supporting.
Now, as I return to Westminster, please remember you can also contact me and my office.
We are ready to help and support residents in the Wokingham Parliamentary constituency. If you need help or want to raise a concern, please email me at [email protected]
Clive Jones MP
Liberal Democrat MP for Wokingham.
