September Highlights

September included a variety of events, meetings, and activities, both here in West Berkshire and in Westminster. From the Newbury Show and local festivals to presenting my Private Member’s Bill, there’s been plenty of energy and progress to build on.

Locally, I’ve been out and about meeting with residents, schools, charities, and businesses across the constituency. The Newbury Show was a real highlight, showcasing our rural industries, schools, and community groups. It was a pleasure to join Alistair Carmichael MP for a Q&A with local farmers, hearing first-hand about the challenges facing agriculture and the opportunities for the next generation of rural workers.

I also joined Connecting Communities in Berkshire to talk about rural housing and affordability, and met with SEND providers and St Bart’s, where I saw fantastic examples of inclusive education and support for pupils with additional needs. I also had the chance to visit some of our schools, including Trinity School and Downe House.

Community spirit was on full display at the Wash Common Festival, Creative Commons at Greenham Common, and N-Fest, where it was great to meet local volunteers and see charities like Sport in Mind benefiting from the proceeds. I also visited the Tally Ho pub, which is being successfully run by the local community, and All Angels Vineyard, a brilliant local producer flying the flag for West Berkshire.

In Lambourn, I caught up with Nicky Henderson at his yard to discuss the vital contribution the racing industry makes to our local economy and rural heritage. From stable staff and farriers to feed suppliers and vets, the sector supports hundreds of jobs, and I’ll continue to champion it in Parliament.

Speaking of Parliament, September was also a busy month in Westminster. I introduced my Horse and Rider Safety Bill, which sets out practical steps to make rural roads safer for everyone. We’re continuing to press for better safety on the A34 too, to help prevent further accidents on one of our most dangerous stretches of road.

I also tabled an amendment on the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) to make the system fairer for small, community-led developments. It’s important that those who want to build homes or improve local amenities aren’t hit with disproportionate charges that can hold projects back.

Later in the month, I spoke in a debate on the Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund, calling for long-term, secure funding for adoptive families. Too many families face uncertainty about whether the specialist therapeutic support they rely on will continue, and I’ll keep pressing the Government to provide the stability these children and parents need.

And finally, my thanks go to everyone who came along to the Newbury Job Fair, another great example of partnership working between local employers, the Job Centre, and West Berkshire Council to support people into work.

It’s been a busy month full of inspiring people and ideas, and I’m looking forward to continuing this momentum into autumn, with UK Parliament Week, my Christmas Card Competition, and plenty more to come.

If there’s an issue you’d like to raise, or if you’d like me to visit your organisation, please do get in touch at lee.dillon.mp@parliament.uk.