April news from Freddie van Mierlo

March signalled the start of the local election campaign, and in Henley we played host to the national launch of the Lib Dem campaign, complete with trademark stunt. Away from the fun, I also focused upon continuing to represent constituents here in Henley and Thame, and in Parliament.

Local campaigns

The Financial Conduct Authority sadly rejected calls for an appeal on the decision not to progress a banking hub for Thame. I’ll be meeting with Thame Town Council to regroup and plan our next steps - we know just how important in-person services are.

I received a more positive response from the Government to a letter on ADHD services, suggesting a reopening of waiting lists for young people aged 18-25. This would be a positive step in the right direction and end the cliff edge of support at 18. I also met with the Chief Executive of Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust to discuss making a new drug for treating duchenne muscular dystrophy available to families in urgent need of it.

We received a refusal from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) to answer my questions on Marsh Lock Bridge and have since followed up, pointing out that Visit England and Visit Britain are DCMS agencies that promote the Thames Path.

I’m also in touch with the office of Greg Smith, the MP for Haddenham - we will be holding a joint meeting with Oxfordshire County Council and Buckinghamshire Council on the Thame-Haddenham Greenway in the coming weeks.

Earlier in March, I met with local residents concerned about the closure of the path through Lambridge Wood - I was happy to offer my support for their campaign.

In Parliament

March proved a quieter month in Parliament for me as I was required to stay in the constituency due to a family illness, during this time my vote was ‘paired’ with Government MPs also absent. Nevertheless, I spoke during a debate on the Government's employment rights bill in support of Lib Dem amendments on paternity leave and pay.

I also spoke during a debate secured by one of my Lib Dem colleagues on bathing water status. I urged the Minister to change the criteria for successful applications to include rowing, paddleboarding and kayaking - not just swimming.

Even before Adolescence became a hit drama, child online safety was a top issue residents have been contacting me about. I was therefore present to debate the safer phones private members bill - and although the bill was not progressed to a vote, I spoke on the dangers of unmoderated and unregulated online spaces including Roblox, and urged the government to raise the digital age of consent to 16.

Around our area

March had very much a business focus - I met with bosses and workers at the MINI Plant in Oxford (along with fellow Lib Dem MPs from our region), and I also visited Lucy Electric in Thame. Both businesses spoke of the need for certainty from the Government to support investment.

I also spoke with smaller local businesses including the Cornfield Bakery in Wheatley, who raised the impact of the rise in national insurance contributions and business rates.

Speaking to a group of business leaders big and small at the Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce in Windsor, I was told yet again of the damage Brexit has caused and the need to reforge a strong relationship with the EU.

Businesses are clear when they talk to me that they want to grow, but need the Government to put in place the conditions for growth, not just point at places on the map and demand growth there. Nor will simply building on green belt or tearing up a climate commitment on Heathrow deliver meaningful growth.

I’d also like to thank Thame Citizens Advice, the Sharing Life Trust in Thame, Turning Point Oxford, Wheatley for Palestine and  the River and Rowing Museum in Henley for informative and welcoming visits.

It was also an honour to be asked to plant an English willow tree at the MP Academy Sports Ground in Thame, part of a brilliant three year project to plant 150 trees on the ground.

Last month, I loved catching up with constituents on the doorstep in Chinnor, Benson, Henley, Woodcote and Sonning Common - thank you for sharing your ideas, concerns and feedback with me.