November Highlights

A Month of Reflection and Rural Focus

As the last of the autumn leaves fell and the nights grew darker, November brought with it a real mix of reflection, community, and important national conversations. It’s been one of those months where the pace has been relentless, but the sense of purpose has been stronger than ever. November is a month that encourages reflection, and this year was no different.

Honouring Remembrance

Remembrance was, as ever, a deeply important moment for our community. Taking part in services and parades across the constituency was a privilege, and I was struck, as I always am, by the strength of feeling here, and by the generations who come together to honour those who served.

Road Safety

November was also Road Safety Week, which gave me the chance not only to attend some related drop-in sessions, but to continue behind-the-scenes work on equestrian road safety. With so many riders and yards across Newbury and West Berkshire, this isn’t an abstract issue, it’s about real people, local livelihoods, and a crucial part of our rural economy. This work is an important step, and I’ll keep working with campaigners and the equine sector to ensure rural voices are properly heard.

UK Parliament Week in Local Schools

UK Parliament Week brought a lighter note, and I thoroughly enjoyed visiting local schools to speak with pupils about democracy, representation, and how change happens. The letters I’ve since received from the students have been a real highlight, thoughtful, curious, and full of ideas.

Budget Reflections

The month ended with the Budget, which sadly felt like another missed opportunity for Newbury and West Berkshire. With families, farmers, small businesses, and public services all under pressure, we needed a plan for growth and support. I will continue pressing the Government to deliver something more ambitious and more practical for our communities.

Life in the Constituency

Much of my work happens quietly day-to-day, supporting residents through casework, whether personal challenges, housing concerns, local issues, or business pressures. But November once again included many opportunities to get out, meet people and see first-hand the work taking place across the constituency.

I spent time with the Armed Forces Veterans Hub at Newbury Fire Station, a warm and welcoming space where veterans, families and service organisations come together. Visits also took me to Newbury College, local schools including St Finian’s, Park House and Winchcombe, and businesses ranging from Kennet Crayfish Company to Harry Derham Racing.

Being on the ground at our racing yards is always a privilege. Horseracing is a major employer in this area and forms a core part of our rural identity and economy. Whether speaking with trainers, stable staff or industry bodies, the message is clear: the sector needs stability, strategic support, and recognition of the role it plays both locally and nationally. I will keep making that case in Westminster.

Farming, Food, and Our Countryside

My work with our local farmers has followed a similar thread. Graduating from the NFU Fellowship scheme this month was a genuine milestone. It’s given me a deeper understanding of the pressures facing farming communities, from supply chain volatility to labour shortages and shifting environmental requirements.

Following the Government’s recent missteps on farm taxation, it has never been more important to stand up for the people who keep our countryside thriving. I’ll continue working closely with local farmers to ensure their voices shape policy, not the other way around.

Community Strength and Local Events

Back in the constituency, it was wonderful to see the community come together for events such as the Newbury Christmas lights switch-on and the Tesco Winter Food Collection, which highlighted how stretched many families are at this time of year. I was also inspired by all of the nominees celebrated at the Greenham Trust Charity Awards, an evening that showcased the extraordinary compassion, talent, and generosity within our community.

Westminster: Health, Housing, and Safety

In Westminster, my focus remained firmly on the issues that matter to Newbury: pushing for progress on a new hospital build, raising concerns about SEND provision, meeting housing associations, and contributing to deb

ates on Armed Forces housing, fuel poverty, the Affordable Homes Programme, and the situation of pregnant women in Gaza.

I also met with pharmacists, who are working under incredible pressure and need long-overdue support, and joined the Fireworks Impact Coalition in their call for a sensible review of fireworks legislation to protect both people and animals.

Looking Ahead

It has been a full month, from remembering our past to looking ahead at the challenges and opportunities facing our rural communities. As always, thank you to everyone who stopped for a conversation, wrote in, invited me to visit, or shared their concerns.