October news from Freddie van Mierlo MP
September involved a quick two weeks of Parliament and then a return to recess for Conference season. I learnt recently that the fact we go back at all for 2 weeks after summer recess is a Nick Clegg/Coalition invention. Previously Parliament would be in recess from July - October! Think what you will of that!
In Westminster
MPs were chomping at the bit to ask questions of our new PM after a summer of announcements. I used the opportunity to follow up on many of my summer tour surgeries, asking Ministers to think again before ploughing ahead with ‘Greater Oxford’. Lo and behold a week later Minister Angela Rayner announced a pause. Coincidence? - almost certainly, but I’ll take credit where I can!
I also asked Government Ministers to consider the role of town and parish councils and local communities in preparedness for climate change, including wildfires. I learned from my summer tour that households in rural areas could take some simple steps, like clearing vegetation from directly around the house, to reduce risk to property and life.
It was good to deliver on a promise I'd made to the partners and family members caring for people living with dementia who I met at the Thame Memory Cafe and Friendship Group by asking a question in the Commons highlighting their concerns. Important to also mark World Alzheimer's Day joining others in Westminster to call upon the Government to act so the NHS is ready for the next generation of dementia tests and treatment.
The Terminally Ill Adults Bill (assisted dying) Bill also returned to the Commons last month. I’m thankful to the many constituents who have again been in touch with me to share their views. I voted in favour of the Bill for a third time, but it failed to pass further. At the end of the debate I moved my Home Cooling Bill, which would zero-VAT on home cooling measures but there was no time for debate (as was fully expected).
Campaigns
I’m delighted a banking hub will soon open in Henley. The temporary home will be the Library, thanks to the support of the County Council, while a permanent home is found. Cash Access UK is hosting an open day in Henley Library this Thursday 8th October between10am and 2pm to learn more. I’m also continuing conversations with Thame Town Council and LINK to try to secure one for Thame.
I attended a well supported protest in Thame organised by Thame WI to clean up the River Thame (see top photo) This was the second year in a row the protest has been held and I suspect it won’t be the last. I do very much welcome however positive noises from the Prime Minister on tackling Thames Water finally. The cross-party discussion with Labour and Tory MPs at the River Summit last month in Henley gave me a welcome opportunity to try to find common ground.
In a meeting with Chris Wycherley of the Fire Brigades Union at Henley Fire Station, we celebrated the saving of the fire station and planned how we can work together to improve working conditions for fire fighters and seek the investment needed for better equipment and increased capacity in order to improve fire resilience, particularly after our recent summer.
Around the constituency
During the recess it’s been great to be out and about. It was an honour to be invited to be a keynote speaker that Riverside Counselling’s AGM, alongside rugby legend Josh Lewsey on board the New Orleans in Henley.
I was very happy too to be able to raise some money for the Sharing Life Trust in Thame with an evening talking about myself at the Thame Players Theatre. Local panto legend Tony Long very ably made that feel much less awkward than it sounds, and apparently it was quite entertaining!
In Benson I met with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) to learn more about their work. There are over 30 commemorations in Benson cemetery, part of 1.7 million that are looked after by the CWGC worldwide.
In Nettlebed I met with residents to discuss its historic brick kiln and explore options around Oxfordshire County Council’s proposals to permanently remove its ‘top hat’.
Back down in Henley it was brilliant to join the Regatta for the Disabled for the third year in my role as a patron of the event (thanks go to all the local businesses and town council that provide financial support).
Hot-footing it back to Thame, I met with Lord Bill’s Headteacher to discuss how I can continue to support the school and welcomed the construction of a perimeter fence to enhance student safety.
With thanks also to Woodcote School for an informative meeting, See Saw Grief Support Young Ambassadors for their time in Westminster, the OUH Leadership team for their useful update on improvements to maternity care following the Amos Report earlier this year and evenEco for an interesting catch up on decarbonisation strategies for residential and business properties. Additional thanks to the Police Crime Prevention Initiatives team for their time discussing hotel security standards. Good also to meet with a constituent in Westminster to discuss access to innovative brain cancer treatment.
As always, I am here to help - don't hesitate to contact me at Freddie.vanmierlo.mp@parliament.uk should you have any concerns or issues you wish to raise.