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

Robert Welcomes Publication of Storm Overflows Discharge Reduction Plan

Robert has welcomed today's publication of the Storm Overflows Discharge Reduction Plan, which represents the largest infrastructure programme in water company history to tackle sewage pollution. The Plan will revolutionise how water companies tackle the number of discharges of untreated sewage, wh

Noise Camera Trial - Vote for Final Nomination

Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to nominate the area of West Oxfordshire which they think would benefit most from noise camera technology to combat noise pollution from illegally modified vehicles. MPs are able to nominate one area in their constituencies to be considered for a tr

Noise Camera Trial - Nominate Your Area

The Government has announced plans for roadside trials of new noise camera technology to combat noise pollution. Noise pollution from illegally modified vehicles is a source of great distress for many communities across the country and can have serious impacts on health.

Robert Continues to Support Campaign to Reopen Stonesfield Pub

Robert has written to West Oxfordshire District Council to express his continued support for the campaign to reopen the White Horse pub in Stonesfield following the uncertain situation surrounding the future of the pub. The pub closed during the pandemic and, despite an extraordinary effort from th

Robert Welcomes Plans to Tackle Storm Overflows & Transform Sewage System

The Government is today launching its consultation on the Storm Overflows Discharge Reduction Plan, which proposes transformational changes to our sewage system, ensuring a significant reduction in the use of storm overflows. Under the plans, water companies will face strict limits on when they can

Robert Welcomes OFWAT Policy Statement Demanding Action on Sewage Pollution

Robert has welcomed Defra's publication of its Strategic Policy Statement (SPS) which sets out the Government’s priorities for Ofwat’s regulation of the water industry in England. The SPS, which has been formally laid to Parliament this week, states that Ofwat must ensure that water companies do mo

Thames Water Responds to Robert's Letter re. Christmas Sewage Spills

Thames Water's CEO, Sarah Bentley, has responded to Robert's recent letter about sewage spills which took place over the Christmas period in Witney. Robert wrote to Sarah Bentley to express concern at reports that Thames Water had been routinely releasing sewage from Witney Sewage Treatment Wo

Robert Writes to Thames Water CEO to Demand Answers on Christmas Sewage Spills

Robert said: "I am deeply concerned at reports that Thames Water has been routinely releasing sewage from Witney Sewage Treatment Works over the last couple of weeks when we have not experienced any heavy rainfall. "I have therefore written to the Chief Executive of Thames Water to demand an explan