September Highlights

As Parliament briefly returned following the summer recess, I continued meeting residents, businesses and community groups across Newbury, both in Westminster and around the constituency.

Thank you to everyone who contacted me about the Assisted Dying Bill. I know this is a deeply personal issue and I was grateful to hear such thoughtful views from constituents on all sides of the debate.

Earlier in the month, I joined the delivery of the PC Harper petition and took part in a Warm Homes roundtable with the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists, discussing how we can improve energy efficiency and reduce household energy bills. I also met with the Environment Agency and joined the screening of the National Emergency Briefing exercise in East Garston.

Water quality and the future of our water services remain major concerns for many residents. During September, I attended discussions on public ownership of water and West Berkshire Council's special meeting on water, where the need for cleaner rivers, greater investment and stronger accountability was a key focus.

Liberal Democrat Conference provided an opportunity to discuss national priorities, including fixing our NHS, supporting local businesses, tackling the cost of living and protecting our environment.

Back in the constituency, I continued my surgery tour, meeting residents across Newbury to discuss the issues that matter most to them. It was also great to host a local jobs fair and meet with organisations including the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust, the Chief Fire Officer, Bikeability, the National Housing Federation, Ebbsfleet FC and Newbury Almshouse.

While I'm still recovering from my knee injury, I was pleased to get out and about a little more this month, visiting Two Saints, Victoria Park Café, Combe Club, Northcroft Leisure Centre, the Jockey Club, Home-Start West Berkshire, Wash Common Community Festival, Greenham Control Tower and Curridge Primary School, among many others.

Constituents continued to contact me about housing, the environment and education, alongside significant correspondence on assisted dying, immigration and the UK's relationship with the European Union. Many residents have shared concerns that our immigration system is not working effectively and want to see a system that is fair, controlled and well managed.

I was also delighted to congratulate Daisy's Coffee Shop in Thatcham after residents voted it their favourite independent coffee shop. Independent businesses play a vital role in our communities and local economy, and it was a pleasure to visit the team and thank them for all they do.

Finally, my annual Christmas Card Competition is now open. I always enjoy seeing the creativity of young people from across the constituency, and I look forward to receiving this year's entries.

As always, thank you to everyone who has taken the time to contact me, attend a surgery, or invite me to visit your organisation. Your views help shape the work I do both locally and in Parliament.

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