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
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  • 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 Questions Minister on Local Police Resources

At Home Office Questions, Robert questioned the Minister for Policing, Nick Hurd, on local police resources. Speaking afterwards, Robert said: "Pleased to ask the Police Minister what steps his department is taking to ensure West Oxfordshire's police have the funding and numbers they need. I absol

Robert Introduces Local Government Minister to Innovative Approach

A delegation from West Oxfordshire has presented the case for change, innovation and collaboration to the Minister for Local Government, Rishi Sunak MP. Robert, along with Cllr James Mills, Leader of West Oxfordshire District Council (WODC) and David Neudegg, Managing Director of Publica, met

Robert Attends Rural Vulnerability Day

Robert has attended Rural Vulnerability Day and picked up a copy of a report on rural services.  Robert said: "This report contains some really useful information on broadband & mobile connectivity which, in the modern world, is a vital utility that should be provided for ev

Robert Welcomes Police Funding Boost

Robert has welcomed the passage of the 2019/20 Police Grant in Parliament, which means that funding for the police system will increase by up to £970 million next year - the biggest increase since 2010. He has also welcomed the Home Office’s commitment to fighting serious and organised crime,

Robert's 2018 Highlights in 60 Seconds

2018 was a very busy year indeed with much to celebrate both locally and nationally. Here are just some of my highlights from last year - in 60 seconds! Robert Courts MP

Robert Meets With the Home Secretary to Discuss Local Policing

Robert has met with the Home Secretary, Sajid Javid, to discuss local policing and rural crime. Robert said: "Had a really productive meeting with the Home Secretary.  Discussed the challenge of rural crime and made representations on behalf of Thames Valley Police as we look ahead to the 2019

Robert Raises Safety of Horse Riders in Road Safety Debate

Robert said: "Whilst I welcome the review of the Highway Code, I would like to see greater guidance with regard to the safety of horse riders.  We have a great many horse riders in West Oxfordshire and I am keen to ensure the safety of everyone on our roads - be they a driver, cyclist, or horse

Robert Speaks in Support of the Agriculture Bill

Robert has expressed his strong support for the Government’s Agriculture Bill, which he described as setting out a “bold and ambitious vision” for the future of British farming. Robert was speaking in the House of Commons during the Second Reading of the Bill, which lays down the framework of the G