Welcome to this week’s constituency newsletter for residents in Reading West and Mid Berkshire.
It has been a real pleasure to be able to attend events this week in Tilehurst, Purley and at Reading Minster to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day. I am also really excited to be presenting a Ten Minute Rule Bill in Parliament next week on the A34 slip roads.
To keep up to date with what I am doing in Parliament and in the constituency, you can follow me on Facebook, Instagram or Bluesky.
VE Day 80th Anniversary
This week we marked the 80th Anniversary of VE Day and paid tribute to our remarkable Second World War generation who defended the freedoms that we enjoy today. On Monday, it was a privilege to join Purley residents for Project Purley’s wonderful event marking the 80th Anniversary. I enjoyed reading the carefully collated stories of Purley’s WW2 community, saw some fantastic memorabilia and enjoyed talking with the team who put on the event.
Then on Thursday morning I was pleased to be able to mark the Anniversary at a service in Tilehurst with residents and members of the Tilehurst Royal British Legion. Later on, I joined residents from across Reading in a Civic Service of Commemoration at Reading Minster.
I know that there were lots of events to commemorate VE Day around the constituency and I want to thank and congratulate everyone involved in making them a success.
|
Supporting our veterans I am proud of our Armed Forces personnel, veterans and the families who support them, for the contribution they make to our country. Theirs is the ultimate public service which I why I am proud that in the week that we have celebrated the 80th Anniversary of VE Day, the Government is ending the postcode lottery of veteran support, establishing the new UK wide VALOUR system, backed with £50 million of funding, to offer easier access to essential care and support. AWE On Tuesday, I was pleased to meet with Nick Elliott, the Chief Executive of AWE. I am very proud indeed of the work undertaken by thousands of people in Reading West and Mid Berkshire at AWE, to keep our country safe. Nick and I had a good conversation about upcoming investment at Burghfield and Aldermaston and the apprenticeships and outreach AWE offer in our local community. As we approach AWE’s 75th year, I will do all I can to support and champion their crucial work. A34 slip roads I am delighted that next Tuesday I will be presenting the A34 Slip Road Safety (East Ilsley and Beedon) Bill to Parliament. This is a Ten Minute Rule Bill – an effective way to bring the Government’s attention to a specific issue and push for change. I said I would use all legislative levers available to me, and this is one of them. I’m looking forward to the opportunity to share constituents’ concerns in my speech presenting the Bill to the House and my colleagues, but I am looking for your help. If you would be happy for me to potentially talk about your experiences using these dangerous slip roads in my speech, please email me.
|
|
Ending the 8am scramble for GP appointments Earlier this week in Parliament I asked the Health Minister what the Government is doing to increase the availability of GP appointments and end the dreaded 8am scramble for residents across Reading West and Mid Berkshire. I was pleased that in his reply the Minister confirmed that Labour’s record investment in the NHS and much-needed reform is set to bring back the family doctor. So, I was delighted with the news that three GP surgeries in Reading West and Mid Berkshire – in Theale, Compton, and Pangbourne have been chosen to receive a funding boost from the government, enabling them to upgrade and modernise their practices. This comes on top of the additional funding for more GPs for our area, and is yet another step towards more appointments, shorter waiting lists and an improved NHS. Protecting the River Pang I was really pleased this week to meet with stakeholders involved in the River Pang Chalk Streams Flagship Project to hear about the plans to restore the River Pang catchment. It was great to hear about experiences from similar projects elsewhere in the country as well as being able to visit a stretch of the river and discuss the opportunities for restoring habitats and enabling greater access. I want again to pay tribute to all of the volunteers and organisations like Action for the River Kennet (ARK) whose expertise and time is vital in driving this project forward. I will continue to help in every way I can both in the constituency and Parliament to deliver protection for the Pang and our other precious chalk streams. |
Mortimer Post Office
I know that like me, residents in Mortimer will be concerned that the Post Office counter in the Co-op will be closing on 15 May.
During the past week, my team and I have been in contact with both the Post Office and the Co-op regarding the closure and it is welcome that the Post Office have confirmed that, in their assessment, there is still a need for a Post Office in Mortimer and are currently seeking applications to take over the running of services. Additionally, I have met with the Co-op and they have confirmed that the cash machine will remain at the store and they will be providing Paypoint services in store going forward which will allow customers to pay bills and top up.
I’m clear that there needs to be a Post Office in Mortimer and I will continue to engage with both the Post Office and the Co-op to ensure that this vital service is maintained for local residents. If you have any particular concerns about access to banking, payment and postal services in Mortimer or elsewhere in the constituency, please do get in touch.
Support for digital skills
On Friday, I was pleased to be able to meet with local residents and small business people at the Digital Garage event in Padworth which my office helped deliver in partnership with Google.
As well as a day of free, expert digital training and support it was a fantastic opportunity for local businesses to meet and network with fellow entrepreneurs. We have some fantastic small businesses in Reading West and Mid Berkshire and I’m pleased that my office was able to help deliver this event that will help them to develop and grow.
Reading FC
I know that you will be as thrilled as I am that Reading FC is finally under new ownership. I want to pay tribute, in particular, to Sell Before We Dai for their determined efforts to save our club from the brink. They have run a brilliant campaign, alongside STAR and all Reading fans.
I wish the new owner Rob Couhig all the best. There is a lot of work to do to undo the damage of the previous owner, and he will have the support of all of us to do so.
Boosting our economy and bolstering British business
I am really pleased that this week the government has taken action to deliver for working people, boost our economy and bolster British business by signing a trade deal with India and securing and economic prosperity deal with the US.
It is the duty of any government to protect the economy and ensure economic security for working people. The agreement with the US is good news for the thousands of UK exporters, safeguarding jobs, and strengthening our economic security. And, what’s more, the deal with India will unlock new opportunities for every corner of the UK and is expected to increase bilateral trade by £26bn, increase UK GDP by £4.8bn, and boost wages by £2bn each and every year in the long run, delivering on our Plan for Change.
Dates for your Diary
Sunday 8 June -Community Drop-in, Pangbourne – **PLEASE NOTE CHANGE OF DATE**. If you live in Pangbourne and would like to come along for a chat with tea and biscuits between 3.00pm and 4.00pm, please email and my team will confirm the venue a few days in advance of the event.
Best wishes for the week ahead
Olivia