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 Major Investigation into Illegal Sewage Spills

Robert has welcomed the news that the Environment Agency (EA) and Ofwat have launched a major investigation into sewage treatment works, after new government-imposed checks led to water companies admitting that they could be releasing unpermitted sewage discharges into rivers and watercourses. This

Government Announces New Legal Duty on Water Companies to Reduce Storm Overflows

The Government has announced that a new amendment will be tabled to the Environment Bill, enshrining in law a duty on water companies to secure a progressive reduction in the adverse impacts of discharges from storm overflows. The new amendment will further strengthen the Environment Bill, which al

Robert Appears on BBC Radio Oxford to Demand Action From Thames Water

Robert joined BBC Radio Oxford this morning to discuss the CEO of Thames Water's recent appearance before Parliament's Environmental Audit Committee. Speaking afterwards, Robert said: "What we heard from Thames Water yesterday was a lot of warm words but what the people of West Oxfordshire wan

Robert Welcomes New Riverbank Tree Planting Project to Improve Water Quality

Robert has warmly welcomed the announcement by the Government that over 3,000 hectares of new woodlands are set to be planted along England’s rivers and watercourses with backing from the country’s leading environmental organisations. Planting trees on and around riverbanks, or allowing them to gro

Robert Visits Bruern Farms Estate

Robert said: "It was a pleasure to visit the beautiful Bruern Estate recently to discuss their commitment to sustainable farming and learn about how they are promoting biodiversity gain at the farm. Thank you for the enjoyable visit and interesting discussion."