March news from Freddie van Mierlo
As the days start to get that little bit longer and sunnier, I’m enjoying spending more time on the doorstep talking to constituents. Last month I’ve been in Thame, Henley, Sonning Common, Shiplake, Benson, Crowmarsh, Chinnor and Watlington. Many of you have expressed your absolute dismay at the state of the world and in particular, the damage being inflicted by Trump and JD Vance and their capitulation to Putin. These are worrying times, and as Liberal Democrats we will not be afraid to call out bullying, extortion and corruption when we see it.
Local campaigns
In February I kept up the pressure on the Environment Agency on Marsh Lock Bridge with further meetings with them to demand a plan, and letters to not one, not two, but four government departments calling for action.
Last week I met with the Henley and Goring Ramblers to discuss their work and concerns around countryside access.
Following the closure of the last bank in Thame, I am joining calls by Thame Town Council and the Mayor of Thame to establish a Thame banking hub. My office has written to the Financial Conduct Authority to highlight the lack of services and the impact on older and vulnerable residents.
I also met with Chiltern Rail at Haddenham and Thame Parkway, and was pleased to secure their commitment to increasing carriage provision, as well as restoring lost car parking capacity.
Our campaign on ADHD services in Oxfordshire gathered pace, with a letter signed by all Oxfordshire Liberal Democrat MPs to Wes Streeting. I followed this up with a call with local NHS bosses to challenge them to do more to urgently restore specialist services. I’m now hopeful that some services, particularly for young adults transitioning from CAMHS to adult services will be brought back
In Parliament
From the green benches, I called on the Foreign Secretary to start talks for a customs union with the European Union. It was clear from my meeting with local businesses at the Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce Business Engagement Lunch just how damaging Brexit has been to business. Following on from Trump’s clear isolationist and protectionist policies, now is the time to improve our trading relationship with the EU.
On health, I also asked ministers to clarify that patient data will remain secure and confidential despite the measures in its Data Bill and spoke in the Commons asking health ministers to critically assess NICE methodology to ensure new cancer drugs are not delayed by bureaucracy.
During a statement to parliament by Angela Rayner on local government reorganisation I also stressed the importance of local authority cooperation with NHS Integrated Care Board’s to avoid situations where patients cannot get access to care simply by virtue of being on the border of e.g. Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire.
In the Council chamber
February also saw some important developments in our local council chambers. I have made clear that I am stepping down from my elected councillor positions on Oxfordshire County Council and South Oxfordshire District Council in May this year, but was present to vote on the Lib Dem-led administration budgets for both councils.
Oxfordshire County Council delivered a budget that invests in Henley and Thame; including the Watlington Relief Road and Thame-Haddenham Greenway, while also increasing money for road maintenance to record levels by £50m. At SODC, the council delivered a budget that increased the suite of grants for community and voluntary groups that are so critical for their survival
Around our area
In February I had the pleasure of visiting Thame Citizens Advice and Sharing Life Trust food bank. Both organisations are doing sterling work supporting vulnerable people in Thame and further afield and I was pleased to offer any backing I can.
Thanks also to the Millstream Centre in Benson , Henley business school, Chinnor village centre, Sue Ryder Palliative care hub and Shiplake College for interesting and informative visits.
Many thanks also to Benson Care Home for their kind and warm hospitality offering their facilities for my in-person surgery in February.
Finally, thanks to Stadhampton Parish Council for inviting me to open the brilliant new playground – it was a real highlight of the month and pleasure to see children streaming past me onto the fantastic new equipment as we cut the ribbon.
Next month
In March, I’ll be continuing the campaign for bathing water status in Henley with a debate in Westminster Hall. I’m also holding more of my regular surgeries and responding to residents on individual cases. If you’d like to get in touch, please contact freddie.vanmierlo.mp@parliament.uk
