War in Iran

Over the past few weeks, one thing has been on everyone’s mind in Westminster: Iran.

The Americans launched their military campaign with the full support of Kemi Badenoch and Nigel Farage, but not with the support of Ed Davey and the Liberal Democrats.

Since then, with petrol prices now surging, Kemi Badenoch and Nigel Farage are backtracking fast. Trump’s war was clearly illegal, and we are now all paying the price. Our Labour Government has its faults, but I am glad we did not join the military action in the Middle East – action that the Conservatives and Reform would clearly have got us involved in.

The Liberal Democrats have come up with a bold plan to tackle the cost-of-living crisis sparked by Trump’s war, including reducing fuel duty, therefore lowering petrol prices, reducing bus fares to £1 per journey and offering 10% off rail travel.

Excellent local schools

Wokingham’s primary schools provide an excellent start in life for our children, despite the challenges caused by years of underfunding.

I have recently had the pleasure of visiting Walter Infant School and Nursery, St Paul’s Church of England Junior School, St Cecilia’s Primary School and Finchampstead Primary School.

We are incredibly lucky to have so many hardworking teachers across our area, and I will continue working with schools to help them get the support they need from the Government.

I also welcomed The Emmbrook School to Westminster during their recent visit to the Houses of Parliament and took questions from some very bright young people.

Back in Wokingham, I met with nine-year-old Theo Pitts from Farley Hill Primary School, who wrote to me about his safety concerns during his walk to school.

When I met Theo and his father, we walked to a busy junction in Arborfield where a driver narrowly missed hitting Theo after speeding around a stationary bus.

I know our local council is working on plans to make our streets safer, and I look forward to working with Theo and Thames Valley Police to make our roads safer for everyone.

Days of worship

Throughout March and April, I had the honour of observing important religious festivals from different faiths.

On Good Friday, I joined Churches Together in Wokingham for their silent walk through the town, followed by hymns and readings alongside around 200 local Christians. In Westminster, I also attended a celebration for Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan.

I also attended events at King’s Church, Crafting Smiles and Well on Wednesdays.

Wokingham is a diverse community, and I am proud that people of all faiths and backgrounds come together in mutual respect, helping to make our town welcoming for all.

Community groups

I was very pleased to spend time walking with the ‘Men Walking and Talking’ group, who meet on Monday evenings at Cantley Park. We had a lovely walk.

I also attended the 10th anniversary celebration for Wokingham in Need – a very happy celebration of a great local charity.

Cleaning up our streets

While Parliament has been in recess over the Easter period, I have been busy working for residents across Wokingham.

I helped clean up our streets at the Swallowfield Spring Litter Pick alongside members of the local community and Cllr Catherine Glover.

I was pleased to see many other residents taking part in litter picks across Wokingham and the borough.

Speaking to you on your doorstep

During the Easter recess when Parliament hasn’t been sitting, I have spoken with many residents across Wokingham.

It’s heartening that people recognise the good work that the Liberal Democrat-led council is doing, despite reductions in funding from the previous Conservative government, and the £43million taken from Wokingham by the Labour government.

If you have a concern that you would like to discuss with me, my team and I are here to help. Please email me at clive.jones.mp@parliament.uk — together, we can continue building a safer, stronger and more supportive community for everyone in Wokingham.

by Clive Jones MP

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