Welcome to this week’s constituency newsletter for residents in Reading West and Mid Berkshire. It has been another busy week, with lots of events in the constituency and important debates in Parliament including a celebration of LGBT+ History Month and the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill.
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.
A34 Slip Roads
Thank you to the nearly 400 constituents who have filled out my survey about the dangerous A34 slip roads at East Ilsley and Beedon. Many of the stories that people shared were harrowing, from car crashes and near-misses to residents fearing for the lives of their children when using the roads.
96% of residents responding to the survey agreed that the slip roads were dangerous, and 91% had personally experienced issues. Residents were in agreement that the slip roads were too short and had poor visibility, but also shared their concerns regarding the poor road surface at the junctions, the speed of vehicles and a lack of signage for oncoming cars.
This has led to people having to take much longer routes to avoid using the slip roads at busy times, and many families have been telling young drivers in their families to avoid the junctions entirely.
I was proud to be able to raise one of the stories shared with me in Parliament this week, and I’m pleased to have secured a meeting with the Roads Minister, Lilian Greenwood MP and National Highways as well as securing a site visit. I will be sharing a summary of residents’ views and experiences from the survey with ministers, National Highways and the media.
Waiting lists are down for the fourth month in a row
One of this government’s main commitments was to bring down the waiting lists, and it’s brilliant news that we’re already making progress. Government data published this week shows that waiting lists are down for the fourth month in a row, putting us on track to end hospital backlogs by the end of this parliament.
I was so pleased to run an event on the NHS last week where I heard lots of fantastic ideas for reform. I’m pleased that along with the investment we need, this government are listening to the views of patients in areas like Reading West and Mid Berkshire so that we can reform the NHS so that it works for patients.
Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill
Earlier this week, in Parliament, I spoke in support of the Government’s Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill.
Reading West and Mid Berkshire is a diverse and welcoming place. We have a long and proud history of welcoming migrants from around the world coming to work and contribute to our community. And we have a proud history of welcoming refugees fleeing persecution and abuse.
But when the Tories lost control of our borders, it risked lives, undermined our national security, and meant millions were being spent unnecessarily when our public services were on their knees. However, instead of engaging with the actual problem, the Tories thought they could get away with simply dialling up the rhetoric. Their strategy was to distract the British public with sound and fury and to take them for fools. Reform are following the same playbook. Furious words with no substance which will fuel anger, not solve the problem.
The Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill will create new terror-style offences so we can use every tool possible to dismantle the vile criminal gangs who operate small boats crossings. We’re giving the enforcement agencies the powers they need to seize devices, check biometrics and share data – and we are boosting the role of our new border security commander.
We are building the relationships we need to regain control. We have turbocharged our asylum system to get on with the job of returning people with no right to be here – and to allow those granted asylum to work and contribute to our country.
That’s a real plan. Not empty rhetoric from the Tories or Reform, but an intelligence-led, grown-up approach to border security.
LGBT+ History Month
I’ve spoken in the House of Commons many times since I became an MP, but my speech on Thursday was a particularly special occasion as we marked LGBT+ History Month. As a teenager, I would have never thought I’d be standing in the Commons chamber as a proud lesbian MP, celebrating all the progress we have made as a country.
One of the reasons I wanted to be an MP was because I’ve seen personally how politics can transform lives, and it was an honour and a privilege to pay tribute to the LGBT+ people throughout history who have fought for our rights – while also acknowledging the work we have yet to do.
My story is just one of many, but I hope that it will go some way to give young people in Reading West and Mid Berkshire the confidence to be themselves and keep striving for progress.
Tilehurst Parish Council Youth Club
On Thursday evening, I visited the Youth Club at the Calcot Centre with Cllr Clive Taylor. Clive has been the driving force in establishing this youth club, which is funded by Tilehurst Parish Council and run by Berkshire Youth. In between activities, I had the chance to chat with some of the young people as well as helping run the tuckshop!
It was great to hear from Clive, as well as from Sarah and Jess from Berkshire Youth about how the Club has given young people in the area the opportunity to socialise in a safe and welcoming space.
National Apprenticeship Week
Apprenticeships are a brilliant way for young people in our community to build the skills they need for the future. That’s why I was pleased to meet with Lee Probert, the Principal of Newbury College on Friday to discuss the fantastic opportunities they offer.
I was also pleased that the government announced this National Apprenticeship Week that we are removing the red tape that prevents many people from accessing these vital opportunities.
We are giving employers more flexibility around the length of apprenticeships they offer, as well as the English and Maths criteria that lock many out of apprenticeships. Up to 10,000 more apprentices will be able to qualify each year, boosting skills in the UK and giving more young people the opportunity to earn and learn.
Building more affordable and social homes
I know how many people in Reading West and Mid Berkshire dream of having a place to call home, but have been let down by the lack of affordable housing in this country.
That’s why I was delighted this week to see that the government are boosting the Affordable Homes Programme with a £300m injection, meaning that thousands more people will benefit from affordable and social homes.
This will further deliver on Labour’s commitment to get Britain building, delivering the 1.5 million homes this country needs and boosting rates of home ownership.
Dates for your diary
Sunday 2nd March, Community Drop-in, Theale – If you live in Theale 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