October news from Freddie van Mierlo MP

Conference season allows all political parties to gather the party faithful in one place. For Liberal Democrats, our Conference is often abuzz with new policy developments - brought forward by our members. This Conference was no different with a wealth of new policy announced on issues ranging from climate change, access to the countryside and online safety. I’m most proud of our For People For Planet paper, that seeks an equitable and just transition to a more sustainable future.

I also enjoyed spending time at Conference with a charities and advocacy groups, including Leukaemia UK, Humanists UK and Made in Britain.

Campaigns

Plans by Homes England to concrete over Chalgrove Airfield have reared their ugly head again. I’m dismayed that Homes England continue to pursue this idea despite the clear and current threat to the operations of nationally and internationally significant company Martin Baker. I have demanded a meeting with the Ministry of Defence to raise my concerns and will urge them to intervene to halt all plans

This month, I can share news that the design phase is now underway for Marsh Lock Bridge, as reported in the Henley Herald. Meetings with the Environment Agency, Henley Town Council and the Culden Faw Estate have all been fruitful, baby steps but progress nonetheless.

I’ve also been focused on water pollution and nature recovery, attending a protest held by Thame WI, and getting my hands dirty with the River Thame Conversation Trust on one of their brilliant volunteer chalk stream work party days. I learnt more about our precious chalk streams, the geology of our area and why some areas are more prone to flooding

I can also report a ‘win’ for residents of Berrick Salome Parish after their fight lasting more twenty years with Thames Water and what was referred to ‘poo corner’ - work is now underway which will hopefully alleviate the need for tankering

It was good to see first-hand work being done by Airband to bring gigafast broadband to Ewelme. Having previously raised this issue in parliament with Ministers it was pleasing to finally see progress. Too many people are still waiting for faster broadband to reach them and I’m pushing for action across all our communities.

In Parliament

Before Parliament was paused for conference recess, I challenged David Lammy (now in his new role as Justice Secretary) on why the court backlog is so long. Justice delayed is justice denied - and I raised my concerns about the length of time sexual assault cases are taking to be heard in court. Later this month I’m visiting the Crown Court in Oxford to find out for myself the causes of the delay.

I was also delighted to lead a debate in Parliament on the importance of national trails. I used the opportunity to make the case for better access to the countryside and maintenance of the two national trails in our constituency, the Ridgeway and Thames Path. Both have seen neglect in different ways - most noticeably the closure of Marsh Lock bridge in Henley.

After sepsis rocked my family earlier in the year it was inspiring to join campaigners in Westminster for the Sepsis Trust  advocating for greater awareness - early intervention is key.

Around the constituency

A real highlight this month was a visit to Watlington Primary School to see the work local Oxfordshire charity Be Free Young Carers are doing to support young carers. This involved donning my leggings and doing a bit of yoga!

It was also a highlight to meet local residents from across the constituency at the Sonning Common Climate Lobby - my team and I are working hard on the following ups to the brilliant points raised at the meeting. Many thanks to the organisers for bringing so many people and organisations together for such a useful even

In fact, I loved it so much I went back to visit the amazing Eco Soco Repair Cafe at Springwater Church last Saturday - it's a truly inspiring environmental initiative  incorporating the repair cafe with a community vegetable garden and orchard.

Last month it was also useful to have the opportunity to discuss protecting open spaces with the General Secretary of the Open Spaces Society and Policy and Public Affairs Manager of the Ramblers  on a walk around Henley - also great to discover a new dog walk in the process!
It was great to join my fellow Lib Dem colleague Clive Jones MP in support of Parkinson’s UK on their Walk for Parkinsons in Henley - I was very pleased to be able to support a charity that does such excellent work nationally and locally.

Huge thanks this month also go to the Rainbow Corner Nursery in Watlington, the Mayor of Henley for his kind invitation to the Mayor's Civic Service, Goring Parish Council and residents for an enjoyable cycle ride and chat about cycling infrastructure (see top image), and the Thame Catchment Partnership for inviting me to their informative quarterly meeting in Stadhampton.

My family and I also enjoyed a superb day out at the brilliantly organised Henley Farm and Country show - great to catch up with local famers, meet Vicky the cow and enjoy a sheep show.

I'd like to end by thanking residents in Watlington for the invaluable feedback and insights they provided me with on their doorsteps last week - I'm very grateful for their time. 

As always, please don't hesitate to get in touch with me if you have any concerns you wish to raise - you can email me at freddie.vanmierlo.mp@parliament.uk.