February news from Freddie van Mierlo MP

World affairs are seemingly a total bin fire - in no small part thanks to the occupant of the White House. However, I’ll focus here in this newsletter on national and local issues. If you would like to get in touch with me on international issues, please do so!

Campaigns

Across December and January, a number of my key campaigns have nudged forwards. I joined Henley Town Council and the Environment Agency (EA) for a meeting at Henley Town Hall to discuss Marsh Lock Bridge. The EA remains on track to deliver its outline designs by end of March, which will then be put to the public.

On ADHD wait times and treatment, I’ve continued to press local health bosses, who now promise agreements are being reached with local GPs to unlock ‘shared care’ (where treatment is overseen jointly by GPs and specialists).

I also attended the public meeting in Henley on the proposed closure of the fire station, arguing that leaving Henley without a fire station at all leaves it dangerously exposed to high response times. I also met with Thame’s on-call fire fighters, as well as the Town Council, to discuss concerns there about the suggested loss of one fire engine - particularly in light of cross border closures in Buckinghamshire and the vital role the station has in covering the M40 down to Wycombe. I’m in no doubt that the current  proposals should not go ahead in their current form.

I also held my monthly update with Oxfordshire County Council on the Thame-Haddenham Greenway - they reassured us that Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire County Councils are regularly liaising with each other to deliver the project.

I also checked in with campaigners on progress on a route between Goring and Wallingford - thanks to their work, brilliant progress is being made on making the route a reality.

Last but not least, I challenged the Chief Executive of Oxfordshire County Council, Martin Reeves on the delivery of the Watlington Relief Road, unequivocally stating that the project is a matter of urgent critical importance and that any further delay is unacceptable.

In Westminster

I’m continuing to enjoy being part of the Science, Innovation and Technology select committee. Over December and January we grilled Baroness Lloyd (Under-Secretary of State for the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology) on full fibre broadband rollout and 5G connectivity. Using public data, I was able to show how the government is on track to miss its target of 99% full fibre by 2032, and that rural areas like ours will be the worst off. I followed that up with meeting with the minister, and continue to press for more investment in Oxfordshire.

I also spoke to the Minister for Employment Rights and Minister for Transformation to discuss the Parental Leave Review - highlighting the importance of a fair and timely offer being provided to all parents.

I was delighted also to host an incredible event in Parliament - A Taste of Oxfordshire. The event celebrated growers, producers and food and drink retailers from across Oxfordshire. It was also an opportunity for these brilliant businesses to put to MPs and Lords what needs to change to help them grow. I'm especially grateful to Tutu Chocolates of Watlington who really brought their A-game with a stunning display, as well as the now legendary Imma Bakery of Stoke Row who brought with them Britain's Best Loaf. Honeys of Henley completed the brilliant representation from our constituency, sharing their amazing locally produced honeys with MPs. On the same day, a debate in Parliament on wine gave the perfect opportunity to celebrate the still and sparkling wines produced here.

Ahead of Storm Goretti, I asked Energy and Net Zero Secretary Ed Milliband what he was doing to stop rural black outs from happening time and time again. As climate change worsens, we need to be making power networks more resilient.

On the theme of storms, I spoke in a debate on Thames Water, highlighting continuing storm overflows into our rivers, and the impact of ‘tankering’ of waste water at pumping stations on communities.

It was a delight also to welcome groups from Langtree School and Lord Bill's to Westminster and answer questions. The groups were a credit to their schools, asking tough questions - including on social media, votes at 16, and Trump’s impact of geopolitics.

Finally, I’m pleased to have been selected to join a Bill Committee on Cyber Security. Bill committees are an important stage of legislation in the Commons where MPs examine the proposals ‘line by line’ and vote on amendments.

I was proud to sign the Holocaust Educational Trust's Book of Commitment, honouring the six million Jewish men, women and children murdered during the Holocaust. This year's theme for the commemorations to mark Holocaust Memorial Day was 'Bridging Generations' resonated strongly with me; an important reminder to us of the need to pass on the knowledge of history.

Around the constituency

It was good also to visit Whitchurch-on-Thames and speak to the team fighting to fund essential repairs to St Mary's Church. I’m incredibly grateful to all local volunteer groups who work hard to protect our local heritage in the face of challenging circumstances.

I also attended a very special event at the Kenton in Henley organised by Compassion in Politics on the issue of declining trust in politics(ians).

Many thanks to the Thame HGV Campaign Group for inviting me to see first hand how large lorry movements are affecting the safety of the town - I'll be following up with Oxfordshire County Council  and local businesses to see what practical solutions are available to improve safety. 

It was also brilliant to get out and about delivering our Winter surveys in Berinsfield last week. Thank you for taking the time to complete and return the surveys - we have received a great response and are in the process of reading and compiling your feedback, I look forward to sharing the results!

This month I have also held several online and in person surgeries in Benson - If you would like a slot at a future surgery do please contact me as I'm always here to help if needed - you can reach me at freddie.vanmierlo.mp@parliament.uk.