March Highlights

March was jam-packed full of visits, events, and a lot happening in Westminster. I managed to meet with lots of people, hearing your concerns, and pushing for real change on the issues that matter most. From education to farming, healthcare to transport, I’ve been working hard to ensure our community’s voice is heard where it counts.

Supporting Schools & Investing in Young People

Education and SEND provision remain one of my top priorities. This month, I am delighted to feature a piece of artwork created by the children from Curridge Primary School, which beautifully captures their creativity and spirit. My visits and meetings with St Bart’s, Newbury College, Mary Hare, Curridge Primary, Brightwalton Primary, Kennet School, Victoria Park Nursery, and Hungerford Nursery this month have reinforced just how vital it is that our schools get the resources they need.

I’ve been speaking with teachers, students, and parents about the challenges they face—from stretched budgets to recruitment pressures—and I’ve taken these concerns directly to Westminster. Every child in West Berkshire deserves access to a high-quality education, and I’ll continue working to make that a reality.

Celebrating Local Talent in the Arts

This month, I had the pleasure of joining Newbury YoungStars for their fantastic performance of Sister Act Jr., as well as enjoying an evening of incredible music at the Berkshire Music Trust Junior Music Festival. It’s inspiring to see such amazing young talent being nurtured in our community, and I’ll continue to support opportunities for children and young people to take part in the arts.

Backing Our Rural Communities

Farming and the rural economy are the backbone of our constituency, yet too often, policies are made with big cities in mind, leaving rural communities overlooked. This month, I’ve been standing with local farmers, pushing for fairer policies, and calling for investment in rural infrastructure.

In Westminster, I met with some of our local farmers to discuss the challenges facing farmers—from supermarket supply chains to the impact of government policies on agricultural security. Food security and farming go hand in hand, and I’ll continue to lobby for a fair deal for our farmers. At the farmers’ rally in Newbury, it was clear that there’s a growing appetite for stronger action. I’ve made it clear that I stand with our farmers and will keep applying pressure to ensure their voices are heard.

Beyond farming, I’ve also been championing local energy solutions like community solar projects and pushing for better public services in rural areas, including Hungerford’s Family Hub, which plays a crucial role in supporting families.

Fighting for Safer Roads

Improving safety on the A34 remains a major concern, and this month, I joined Olly Glover MP and Olivia Bailey MP in Westminster to step up pressure to find a solution. The A34 has been the site of too many accidents, and while past campaigns have led to some progress, we need urgent action to make the road safer.

This isn’t about party politics—it’s about saving lives. I’ll keep working across party lines to push for the safety upgrades we need. If you use the A34, please share your experiences—every voice strengthens our case.

Protecting Our NHS & Local Health Services

Access to healthcare is another issue that keeps coming up in conversations with residents. Whether it’s delays in seeing a GP, concerns about the future of the Royal Berkshire Hospital, or challenges in social care, it’s clear that our local health services are under strain.

I’ve been continuing to push for more resources for West Berkshire Community Hospital and for faster investment into The Royal Berkshire Hospital plans. We need more investment in mental health services and ensuring that local NHS staff get the support they need. Our healthcare system is stretched to breaking point, and I won’t stop fighting for better funding and long-term solutions.

Holding Thames Water to Account

Thames Water’s mismanagement is hitting Newbury hard—soaring debt, rising bills, and worsening pollution. Our chalk streams and rivers are being poisoned by repeated sewage spills, while vital repairs and investment are ignored. Alongside fellow Liberal Democrats, I’m calling for Thames Water to be put into special administration. We need proper oversight, real investment, and an end to profiteering at the expense of our environment. It’s time for a clean start.

Fixing Housing & Supporting Communities

Too many new-build homes are plagued by poor construction and management issues, leaving homeowners facing endless problems. I’ve spoken out about these failings in Parliament. I have also been hearing from many constituents about difficulties with the service agency Firstport, and I have a meeting booked with them to discuss this. Through my work on the HCLG Select Committee, I’m pushing for stronger protections, better building standards, and real accountability for developers and management companies. Everyone deserves a safe, high-quality home.