Welcome to this week’s constituency newsletter for residents in Reading West and Mid Berkshire.
The Prime Minister is right to condemn Trump’s insulting and appalling comments. I am proud to represent many members of our armed services and wholeheartedly reject any attempt to dismiss their bravery.
I also support the Prime Minister’s statement this week on our position on Greenland. It is absolutely clear that Greenland is part of the Kingdom of Denmark and its future is a matter for the Greenlanders and the Danes.
In the constituency, I have been focused on supporting staff at AWE facing redundancy. I have met with representatives from Prospect, the trade union representing the majority of staff at AWE, and heard the significant concerns they have about the restructuring and redundancy programme and I have shared these concerns with AWE’s Chief Executive.
To keep up to date with what I am doing in Parliament and in the constituency, you can follow me on Facebook or Instagram.
Concern about AWE restructuring and redundancy programme
I have significant concerns about the redundancy and restructuring process being carried out at AWE.
I have met with representatives from Prospect, the trade union representing the majority of staff at AWE, and heard the significant concerns they have about the process and have shared these with Ministers at the MOD. Earlier this week, I met with the Chief Executive of AWE and was clear that there needs to be meaningful engagement with Prospect and that the issues that they have raised on behalf of staff need to be addressed.
I will continue to work with Prospect and with the management at AWE to seek a satisfactory way forward.
Keynote speech at Consortium Conference
I was honoured to make the keynote speech at Consortium’s conference on Friday, reflecting on the Labour Party’s proud history of LGBT+ activism and this government’s plans to make further progress for the community.
I was clear that this Government utterly rejects the politics of division and hate peddled by Reform, and instead work hard to foster trust and make progress on the issues that impact the community every day.
This includes what we’ve already achieved – championing LGBT+ veterans, investing in domestic abuse support and working to make healthcare more accessible. We’re also clear about our ambitions for the future – ending new HIV transmissions, a trans-inclusive ban on conversion practices, and equalising hate crime law.
£1.5 billion investment in cultural spaces
I am thrilled that the Labour Government is investing £1.5 BILLION into the UK’s cultural spaces over the next 5 years.
After more than a decade of underfunding by Conservative governments, this funding means millions of pounds for our favourite museums, libraries, arts venues and heritage buildings – protecting over 1,000 local cultural venues, securing thousands of jobs and making culture accessible to all.
Transforming our water system once and for all
One of the things that I hear time and time again from residents across Reading West and Mid Berkshire is just how fed up people are paying through the nose for poor service from Thames Water. That’s why I am really pleased that the Government’s recently launched Water White Paper sets out a clear plan to overhaul our water system, strengthening regulation and improving services for households.
There will be a new single water regulator with real teeth, surprise inspections for failing water companies, regular health checks on the state of pipes and other infrastructure, tougher powers for the regulator to act when companies fail and the rollout of smart meters to cut waste and lower bills.
Date for your diary
Meet Your MP, Tilehurst, 2.00pm to 3.00pm on Sunday 22 February If you live in Tilehurst and would like to come along for a chat with tea and biscuits between 2.00pm and 3.00pm, you can register here https://oliviabailey.co.uk/tilehurst-meet-your-mp/
Best wishes for the week ahead.
Olivia