Welcome to this week’s constituency newsletter for residents in Reading West and Mid Berkshire.
I know that many people in Reading West and Mid Berkshire will be concerned about the situation in the Middle East, especially those who may have friends or family in the region. If you are in contact with people living or travelling in the region please do make sure that they are aware of the latest government advice.
Thank you to everyone who came to my discussion on Thursday evening on the government’s consultation on protecting children online. We had some really thoughtful conversations. If you were not able to come but would still like to make a contribution to the consultation, there are more details about what the consultation covers and how to respond below.
To keep up to date with what I am doing in Parliament and in the constituency, you can follow me on Facebook or Instagram.
Protecting children online
The government are asking parents, young people and experts for views on a range of ideas that could keep children in Reading West and Mid Berkshire safe online, from social media to gaming sites including:
- Age limits on social media and AI chatbots
- Restricting addictive features like infinite scrolling and autoplay
- Mandatory overnight curfews
The government will also work with parents to run live pilots with teenagers to test interventions in practice, so decisions are grounded in real-world evidence as well as public views.
If you weren’t able to come to my discussion on Thursday evening, you can get more information about the consultation and how to respond here https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/growing-up-in-the-online-world-a-national-consultation
Dee Estate update from Peabody
Yesterday morning, along with Norcot Councillor Mamuna Naz, I met with staff from Peabody at Dee Space to get an update on issues from the Dee Estate. I was pleased that they said they will make sure residents are getting timely responses on repairs queries and other enquiries. It was also good to hear about their plans for continuing to improve communications with residents and for making sure that Dee Space is available for community use.
Recognition for chalk streams in planning guidance
I am incredibly proud that two of our most important chalk streams, the Rivers Kennet and Pang flow through my constituency of Reading West and Mid Berkshire and last summer I spoke in Parliament calling for increased protection for these precious habitats.
So it’s fantastic news, that for the first time, our precious chalk streams have been recognised in national planning guidance. Alongside the action the government is taking to get tough on polluting water companies, this recognition of the environmental value of chalk streams is a step towards ensuring that rivers like the Pang and the Kennet can thrive.
Ending ‘fleecehold’ for homeowners
Last year I heard from residents living in Tilehurst, about poor maintenance and excessive charges being levied by the estate management companies, Firstport and Homeground. I called for Firstport and Homeground to meet with me and residents, and I am pleased that this meeting recently took place.
But residents shouldn’t have to involve their MP just to get a hearing about what they are being charged for and why maintenance isn’t taking place. That’s why I’m pleased that the Government is delivering on our manifesto pledge to establish greater rights and protections for freeholders and bring the injustice of ‘fleecehold’ private housing estates and unfair maintenance costs to an end.
Labour is making schools safer for children with allergies
It is estimated that there are nearly 700,000 children in England with an allergy. All of them should be safe in school. Many schools are already acting, but we want to ensure strong standards everywhere. That’s why we’re making it a legal requirement for schools to have:
- Spare adrenaline auto-injectors and devices
- Allergy training for all staff
- Allergy safety policies
- Individual Healthcare Plans
We’ve listened to the parents and campaigners who have tirelessly fought for change, including the Benedict Blythe Foundation who have been fighting to ensure that we learn the lessons from Benedict’s tragic death.
Situation in the Middle East
The Prime Minister was absolutely right when he said in Parliament earlier this week that the Iranian regime is a malign and murderous one which poses significant threats not just across the region but also on British soil. What we have seen in recent days is a sustained, reckless campaign of strikes from the Iranian regime, some of which have posed a direct threat to British citizens. That is why UK Armed Forces have been engaged in defensive actions and why the Government has given the US permission to use bases for the specific defensive purpose of destroying the missiles targeting Gulf allies and posing a risk to British nationals in the region.
Take a tour of Parliament
Would you like to explore the Palace of Westminster and step inside some of its most iconic spaces, including the House of Commons, the House of Lords and the oldest building in the Houses of Parliament – Westminster Hall.
My team can help – fill out your details here https://oliviabailey.co.uk/parliamentary-tours/ and we will share with the Parliamentary Visits team.
Dates for your diary
Meet Your MP, Kentwood, 2.00pm to 3.00pm on Sunday 22 March If you live in Kentwood and would like to come along for a chat with tea and biscuits between 1.30pm and 2.30pm, you can register here https://oliviabailey.co.uk/kentwood-meet-your-mp/
SEND Roundtable, 7.00pm to 9.30pm on Friday 30 March. Your opportunity to share your perspectives with me as your constituency MP on the Government’s consultation on SEND. You can register here https://oliviabailey.co.uk/send-roundtable/
Best wishes for the week ahead.
Olivia