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 visits local family farm to discuss the Agriculture Bill

Robert said, "Thank you to Mike and team for taking the time to show me around the farm and discuss the upcoming Agriculture Bill over a cup of tea.  This is one of the key pieces of legislation that will set up how our country will be once we leave the European Union.  It is very importan

Robert visits P D Hook Hatcheries

Robert said, "It was great to meet the team and see them in action.  Hook is largest independent hatchery company in the UK, and is based right here in Cote.  I would like to thank the team for taking the time to speak with me and show me around." Find out more here.

Robert meet with West Oxfordshire farmers and the NFU

Robert said, "It was great to catch up with local farmers and the NFU to discuss the current issues they are facing.  Farming and agriculture is one of the sectors that will be most affected by the UK's withdrawal from the EU, so although there is some uncertainty, this gives the UK a fantastic

Robert backs Rural Crime reporting line

Robert today joined the National Farmers' Union at the launch of their new anonymous rural crime reporting line, in partnerships with CrimeStoppers.   Robert said, "Rural crime is on the rise, and it is a serious issue for farmers, businesses and those who live in the countryside.

Robert speaks up on the Offensive Weapons Bill

Robert said, "All of us on both sides of the House wish to see action taken to combat the scourge of violent crime, but a great many of my constituents have written to me expressing concerns about the inadvertent impact of the Bill particularly on rural sports, and the Home Secretary has h

Robert asks Education Minister about funding for rural schools

Robert said, "Hard-working teachers in small rural schools in places like west Oxfordshire are ingenious in wringing every last penny of value out of their budgets, but what are Ministers doing to ensure those schools have the funding they need to thrive?" Schools Minister, Nick Gibb, replied, "Our

Robert and family visit the Abingdon & Witney College Country Fair

Robert said, "Abingdon & Witney College held a Country Fair at their Common Leys Farm campus over the weekend: great to meet the students who run the entire event, to see local crafts and trades - and to introduce the range of animals that they have to my family!"

Robert raises the issue of rural crime

Robert said, "My hon. Friend describes her rural area, and of course, west Oxfordshire is also rural. We too are afflicted by the horrors of hare coursing, as well as by rural thefts and, more recently, by some well-publicised violent ATM thefts.