Welcome to this week’s constituency newsletter for residents in Reading West and Mid Berkshire.
It’s been another week where there has been lots going on in the constituency. I visited Stanford Dingley and met with the Chair of the Parish Council and local residents to see for myself the appalling problems are facing with raw sewage as a result of Thames Water’s failure to act. I also took part in a Q&A with students at Little Heath School and visited the fantastic No96 in Tilehurst. And there was a fantastic end to the week, as we were joined by the Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, meeting with residents in Kentwood yesterday morning.
To keep up to date with what I am doing in Parliament and in the constituency, you can follow me on Facebook or Instagram.
Lack of action by Thames Water in Stanford Dingley
On Friday, I met with the Chair of Stanford Dingley Parish Council and local residents to hear about the appalling problem of raw sewage bubbling up from manhole covers and running through people’s gardens and into the River Pang.
The problem is caused by water entering sewage pipes has been going on for more than twenty years. Residents have contacted Thames Water multiple times, but they have failed to act to address residents’ concerns. I am calling on Thames Water, to take action on this appalling problem that should have dealt with a long time ago.
You can see my video on it here.
Thames Water flooding at St Paul’s Primary School
Following my visit last week to St Paul’s Primary School in Tilehurst, earlier this week, I spoke with ITV Meridian about the unacceptable water damage to their playing field caused by runoff from the Thames Water reservoir next door to the school.
Following the story on Meridian, it was good to hear that Thames Water have been in touch with the school and I look forward to the issue being resolved as soon as possible.
Listening to local residents
It was really great on Saturday morning to be joined by the Chancellor Rachel Reeves in Kentwood, where alongside local councillor Glenn Dennis, we met with local residents. We had lots of good conversations about Labour’s action in Kentwood, including tackling dangerous illegal bikes and fly tipping.
Last Saturday I held a drop-in surgery at Sainsbury’s in Calcot. Thanks to everyone who took the time to stop and chat. My next drop-in surgery is this Thursday, 12 February in Tilehurst, between 6.00pm and 7.00pm. If you would like to pop in and have a chat or raise an issue, you can register here.
Q&A with students at Little Heath
It was great to visit Little Heath on Friday and take part in a Q&A session with Year 12 and 13 Politics students, and Year 10 Citizenship students.
I talked about what a typical day is like for me as a Member of Parliament, and there were lots of tough and topical questions! Thank you for having me.
Small Business Spotlight: No96 in Tilehurst
It was great to visit the No 96 Home and Gifts shop in Tilehurst on Friday and speak with owner Neville about running a local small business. We discussed a range of issues affecting small businesses, including concerns about availability of local parking, which I will be following up with the council.
This is a brilliant shop, with all your gifting needs, and I would really encourage any locals to visit and support them. I was delighted to leave with my new Tilehurst mugs and coasters!
Social media use by under-16s: open discussion
Thank you to all of those who have already contacted me to share your thoughts on children’s social media use, and the potential banning of social media for under-16s.
I share the worries of parents. There is no option for inaction on this matter, and the Government is determined to take the appropriate measures to build a great life online for our young people.
However, I know that there are a range of views on this matter – and I am keen to hear directly from local parents, carers, teachers, and residents about their thoughts and concerns. So I am holding an open discussion on the evening of Thursday 5 March, where people can share their perspectives with me as your constituency MP. The points raised at this event will then be fed back to the government’s consultation.
You can register for the event here.
National Cancer Plan
One in two of us will get cancer in our lifetime, and sadly, nearly all of us will be impacted by cancer in some way.
Earlier this week, on World Cancer Day, I was proud to welcome Labour’s National Cancer Plan which will deliver earlier diagnosis, faster treatment and support to live well. The plan includes:
- Investment of £2.3 billion for 9.5 million more tests & scans
- Sending cancer specialists to rural & coastal areas
- Covering travel costs for every child with cancer
- Delivering 500,000 robotic surgeries
- Aiming to help three quarters of patients survive five years after diagnosis
Allergy safety in schools
Every child must be safe in school, without allergies being a barrier.
So I am delighted that earlier this week, the Government confirmed there will shortly be a consultation on plans that from September 2026, schools will be required to follow new mandatory statutory guidance on allergy safety.
Draft guidance will set out that schools must have robust allergy policies in place, access to spare emergency adrenaline auto injectors, and properly trained staff.
Helen Blythe has been championing the need for Benedict’s Law since the tragic loss of her son Benedict and it was an honour to meet with her and other stakeholders this week to discuss the way forward.
Tackling forever chemicals
This week, the Government unveiled the first-ever PFAS Plan, to protect people and the environment from these harmful ‘forever chemicals’.
The plan sets out action to cut PFAS pollution, improve water quality, carry out monitoring, and support safer alternatives to everyday products.
Working with regulators, industry and communities, the goal is clear: protect public health, safeguard nature, and make sure ‘forever chemicals’ aren’t a forever problem
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