My First Month as MP for Newbury
My First Month as MP for Newbury
What a month it has been! Since winning the election in the early hours of July 5th, I've hit the ground running. It's been an incredible honour to be sworn in as your Member of Parliament, and I've been working hard to address the issues that matter to our community.
Tackling the Cost-of-Living Crisis
As promised during my campaign, I've been actively working on the cost-of-living crisis. I’ve met and spoken with so many fantastic organisations including the Soup Kitchen, West Berks Food Bank, Newbury Community Larder, TUXchange, The Waterside Centre, and McCann’s Coffee Shop to see first-hand the incredible work they're doing to support our community. It's been inspiring to meet the dedicated volunteers who are making a real difference to those who need it. There are so many more groups that do such fantastic work and I hope to meet with them in the future.
I joined the Free School Meals campaign, and I’m working on securing a better deal for our children. In my first vote, I proudly supported the motion to scrap the two-child benefit cap—a failed policy trapping hundreds of thousands of children in poverty. I also signed an Early Day Motion (EDM) urging the Chancellor to remove this cap in her first Budget.
Championing Our NHS
I visited the Royal Berkshire Hospital where they highlighted the immense pressures staff are under and I’ve been arranging meetings with local GPs and organisations. I'm coordinating a visit to the West Berkshire Community Hospital to better understand their needs. Additionally, I’m setting up a meeting with the Health Minister to discuss the hospital rebuilding programme, working closely with other local MPs to ensure we secure the necessary funding and support.
Fighting for a Cleaner Environment
The issue of sewage and flooding is a major concern for many of us here in Newbury. I’ve been actively engaging with key stakeholders, including Thames Water, the Environment Agency, DEFRA, and our local council, to discuss the problem and explore potential solutions. This is a complex issue, but I'm determined to push for accountability and stronger protections for our environment and communities. I've joined an EDM addressing Thames Water's proposed price increases and written to OFWAT, DEFRA, and the Environment Agency, demanding accountability and action.
Engaging with the Community
Beyond these key focus areas, I've been immersing myself in our vibrant community. I had the pleasure of attending Newbury Pride, where I met with various charities, organisations, and groups advocating for equality and inclusion. I've also been sorting out the logistics of my new role—setting up offices, arranging surgery sessions, and tackling a significant amount of casework.
It's been a busy and rewarding start, but we're only just getting started. I’ve also sponsored the Peace in Gaza & Israel EDM, delivered a petition to Downing Street backing the Climate and Nature Bill, and joined other EDMs, including those supporting WASPI women and the preservation of Lidos. I also enrolled on the first ever National Farmers’ Union (NFU) Food and Farming Fellowship Scheme. Plus, I managed to visit local landmarks like Shaw House and The Watermill and even took a trip to the Farnborough Airshow to meet key businesses with strong links to Newbury.
Looking Forward
This is just the beginning, and I’m excited to continue working hard on your behalf. I’ve been incredibly impressed by the warmth and welcome I’ve received from everyone I’ve met. Thank you for your continued support and encouragement. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with my office if you have any concerns or questions.
Surgery sessions will generally be held on a Friday afternoon in Newbury. If you’d like an appointment, please contact me by email: lee.dillon.mp@parliament.uk