"It feels like only yesterday that I was enjoying the delights of this year’s Charlbury Street Fair, walking into the newly-opened Community Centre for the first time, or cheering on the cyclists who flew through the town as part of the Tour of Britain. So much has happened over the past few months, and I wanted to update you on a few issues which you may not have seen in the national news, as well as those of local interest.
"In October, I was pleased to host a Westminster Hall debate on the Future of Healthcare in Oxfordshire, as local healthcare has been my top priority since being elected. In the debate, I made very clear my disapproval over the lack of proper consultation regarding recent healthcare decisions in West Oxfordshire; I am sure you will agree with me that patients must be involved in the decisions that affect them.
"As many of you raised with me at my Street Surgery in the summer, or when I have been out and about knocking on doors in Charlbury more recently, protecting the natural world is a critical matter for the UK. I absolutely agree, and I hope you will welcome the recent announcement that the Government is looking into ‘reward and return’ recycling schemes as part of our great effort to reduce plastic waste. I also hope you will welcome the ban on ivory sales, as well as the recent reform meaning the maximum sentence for crimes of animal cruelty will be increased from six months to five years.
"I was particularly honoured to speak in the debate on baby loss during Baby Loss Awareness Week. The death of a child is the most devastating loss for a parent and baby loss is too often a hidden subject, even in a community as compassionate as Charlbury; I am sure you will agree that we must do all we can to support those who have felt the pain of losing a child.
"If you would like to have your say on local, national or international issues, please do complete the Charlbury Residents’ Survey which can be found on my website at www.robertcourts.co.uk/surveys. You can also sign up to my fortnightly updates here, and find out how to contact me about the matters you care about most – I would greatly appreciate hearing your views.
"I look forward to reading my purchases from the Corner House after my MP surgery there in October, and I hope to see you in and around Charlbury!"