April Highlights

April brought with it a parliamentary recess, which gave me the chance to spend more time out and about in the constituency—connecting with local groups, listening to concerns, and continuing to champion the issues that matter most to people here in Newbury and West Berkshire.

One of the highlights was joining the Thatcham Memorial Foundation for a special tree planting ceremony, marking 80 years since the end of the Second World War. It was a touching tribute, not just to those who served, but to the enduring strength and generosity of our local community.

I also had the pleasure of visiting Eight Bells for Mental Health, a brilliant local charity that provides a lifeline to so many. Supporting mental health services remains one of my key priorities, and it’s clear we must ensure groups like these are properly funded and recognised for the vital work they do.

It was a busy month for local events. While I wasn’t able to attend GreenFest held at St Bart’s, I am in contact with the organisers and continue to back their inspiring work on sustainability and community climate action. The Newbury Weekly News Best in Business Awards also brought a chance to celebrate the incredible entrepreneurship and resilience of our local businesses. I was honoured to present the award for Best New Business—these are the innovators and job creators who keep our high streets alive.

Speaking of high streets, I popped down to Parkway to welcome the new Primark store to Newbury. Its opening is already having a positive knock-on effect for surrounding businesses. Figures show that for every £10 spent in a store like Primark, around £3.60 is generated elsewhere on the high street—a welcome boost during challenging times.

It was a joy to help celebrate 25 years since the reopening of Greenham Control Tower, and just as joyful to see Paddington Bear return to his spot in the town centre.

Behind the scenes, I’ve also been working hard on issues raised directly by constituents. I receive a lot of casework emails which range from questions about policy through to urgent need for help. I met with FirstPort, the management company for Parkway, to raise ongoing concerns about service charges, repairs, and communication. This isn’t just a Newbury problem—it’s something I’m seeing raised nationally and as a member of the Housing, Communities and Local Government Select Committee.

I met with residents in Marsh Benham about the proposed chicken farm development, and I was pleased to attend the Mayor of Thatcham’s Civic Awards—a fitting way to honour those going above and beyond in our community.

My conversations with local farmers have continued, as we look at the long-term future of British agriculture. Fair treatment, food security, and support for sustainable practices are all at the heart of that discussion.

I am launching a new initiative inviting local schools to submit artwork to display in my constituency office and monthly newsletter. It’s a great way to showcase young talent—if you know a creative student, do encourage them to take part.

Back in Westminster, I met again with National Highways to follow up on our A34 safety campaign. I’m grateful to everyone who’s shared their stories via my survey—the evidence is helping strengthen the case for change, and I’ll continue working cross-party to keep this issue on the national agenda.

I also attended a reception with the Berks, Bucks and Oxon Wildlife Trust, discussing everything from biodiversity to our precious chalk streams. And during the short but intense return to Parliament, I contributed to debates on football governance, the ongoing crisis in Gaza, and supported efforts to protect local health services and tackle mental health waiting times.

Finally, it was a privilege to sign a number of Early Day Motions this month—on issues ranging from support for Ukraine to children’s palliative care, online data protection, and awareness of Multiple Sclerosis and stalking. These may not always make the headlines, but they are an important way of showing solidarity and pushing for policy change.

As ever, if there’s an issue you’d like to raise or something happening in your area you’d like me to see firsthand, please do get in touch. My team and I are here to help—and always happy to listen.

lee.dillon.mp@parliament.uk