Championing Rural Issues in Parliament

As a representative in Parliament for a largely rural constituency, I am acutely aware of a wide variety of issues and concerns which come with modern, rural living.  Be that transport links, mobile signal, internet connections and rural schools and shops, and of course wider issues for those who work in the agriculture sector.

I have met with many of the parish councils in our rural villages and hamlets to discuss their concerns, and raised several matters with Ministers in Parliament.  Although there is welcome progress on some issues, such as the super-fast broadband roll-out across West Oxfordshire, there is still more to be done.

I am also in regular contact with many of the farmers who live and work in West Oxfordshire, and have done for generations.  Agriculture is one sector most effected by the UK's withdrawal from the EU, and I will work hard to ensure that West Oxfordshire is able to thrive from this opportunity.

Rural Communities Survey

  • Rural Communities Survey
  • National Issues
  • Get involved
  • Your details
1.1 Which are the biggest issues facing your rural community?
1.2 What do you perceive as the most common type of crime in your rural community?
1.3 On rural crime, have you witnessed any of the following in the past twelve months?
1.4 On internet connectivity, how reliable is your broadband connection?
1.5 How would you rate the bus service in your community?

News

Letter to Thames Water's Director

As part of my local campaign to hold Thames Water’s feet to the fire, I recently wrote to the Director of Thames Water, Alistair Cochran. I have yet again made clear how unacceptable the levels of sewage discharged into our waterways in recent weeks are, conveying to him the anger many in West Oxfo

Success for the Buy British Campaign

Excellent progress made for the ‘Buy British’ campaign I have been supporting as Morrisons have now launched a ‘British’ section online and Aldi and have launched a ‘Best of British Tab’ for click-and-collect orders. I am delighted to be supporting this campaign to help get ‘Buy British’ sections u

The NFU Launch their 2024 Manifesto in Parliament

Pleased to attend a recent event hosted by the National Farmers Union (NFU) in Parliament, where they launched their new manifesto ahead of the next general election. As the MP for West Oxfordshire, I will always back our hard-working farmers and do what I can to support farmers to continue to supp

Back British Farming Day

On Back British Farming Day, I am delighted that the Government has announced new plans to boost British produce by backing the buy British Button. The Government has today announced a package of measures to help and encourage people in the UK to buy British produce, whilst also providing farmers w

Visit to Hook Hatcheries during local business week

On day two of my local business week, I was off to Hook Hatcheries to learn more about the poultry business for which PD Hook plays an important role in providing top-quality produce to West Oxfordshire and across the UK. It was fascinating to learn more about the industry and to meet all of the ha

Farming Minister visits West Oxfordshire

I was delighted to welcome the Minister for Food, Farming & Fisheries, Mark Spencer MP to West Oxfordshire recently to meet with local farmers. Farmers provide our food and our countryside’s future.

Park Homes Rally

It was good to attend a packed Park Homes Rally recently to speak up for West Oxfordshire Park Home residents and highlight some of the unscrupulous practices within the sector.

Robert Welcomes Plans to Increase Fines for Illegal Sewage Spills by 1,000-Fold

Robert has welcomed plans announced by the new Environment Secretary to raise the civil penalty for water companies who pollute the environment by 1,000-fold - from £250,000 to up to £250 million. The move comes as part of the Government’s ongoing action to push for water companies to invest more i