The Environment Agency has declared drought in the Thames Valley. I wrote to CEO of Thames Water to ensure the company is fulfilling its statutory obligations in drought and is prepared going forward.
Freddie van Mierlo MP 🔶
@freddievanmierlomp.bsky.social
Member of Parliament for Henley and Thame | For case work please email freddie.vanmierlo.mp@parliament.uk
I met with Sally and Tony founders of much-loved café 'What's Cooking' in Thame. We discussed the growing pressures of rising costs on independent hospitality businesses. The team always go the extra mile for customers and I have written to HM Treasury to advocate for better support 🍰🥗
I visited Benson Weir to see the £13 million that the Environment Agency has invested in its refurbishment. The weir plays an important role in navigation, water abstraction for drinking water, protecting natural habitats, and helping to manage flood risk.
I responded to Travelodge's independent review into security procedures which is being led by Paul Greany KC - read below for my comments. I encourage anyone with concerns to submit evidence via the email address teresa.pugh@newparkcourt.co.uk www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Travelodge accused by MP of not accepting wrongdoing
MP Freddie Van Mierlo raises concerns after a review is launched into the hotel chain's security.
bbc.co.uk
This year marks the 30th anniversary of Thames Path National Trail. I have written to the new Secretary of State, Dame Angela Eagle, to ensure that reopening the Marsh Lock Horsebridge remains a priority. We have come a long way and I will continue to apply pressure to maintain momentum.
My amendment to hold Thames Water to the same ethical code of conduct as water companies in Scotland and Northern Ireland was supported by more than 30 cross-party MPs. The Government have agreed to consult on this change, and I will be holding them to that promise.
Spend a day with me and local councillors Georgina Heritage and Ed Sadler in Chinnor
I introduced the Home Cooling Bill to Parliament, to provide a zero rating of VAT and consider the implementation of grants for home cooling measures.
My statement on local government reorganisation in Oxfordshire
Britwell Salome Farm Shop reached the finals of the Countryside Alliance Awards in the ‘Best of Local Food and Drink’ category. Well done to all the team! 👏
Enhertu is a drug that could extend thousands of lives, but in 2024 it was rejected by NICE. Since then, many people have missed out on the drug. I have signed a letter, alongside cross-party MPs and Peers, calling on NHS England, NICE and pharmaceutical companies to reach an agreement.
At today’s Babies APPG meeting, I asked the Minister for Early Education to ensure that the rollout of the Best Start Family Hubs gives due consideration to families in rural areas. I also highlighted the need to better support parents with the cost of early years education.
Read here about my visit to Thame to see heat battery boilers in action 👇 www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Heat battery boilers aim to speed cut in fossil fuel use
The latest heat battery boilers use AI technology to access electricity when its cheaper.
bbc.co.uk
I asked the Minister how the Government's social media policy will protect boys and young men from misogynistic content on platforms like YouTube that do not require an account to access.
After many letters and questions, the Minister confirmed that new PSVAR exemptions for school routes will be introduced. These exemptions ensure that children can get to school, while the bus fleet is being updated. I will keep a close eye to make sure arrangements remain secure in the long term.🚌
I asked the Minister what steps she is taking to ensure that smaller settlements in Henley and Thame are properly considered during flooding. Wheatley was previously unable to benefit from grant schemes because the number of properties affected did not meet the threshold required to unlock support.
Wonderful to visit Withymead Nature Reserve with Sheila and Imogen, trustees of this very special place. It was a pleasure to learn about the site’s history, the trust’s vital conservation work and walk the new boardwalk funded by Mend the Gap.🌿🌞🐦
I met with Dr Keaton Jones, Clinical Researcher and Surgeon at the Churchill Hospital, to discuss pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic cancer has a high mortality rate and can progress rapidly. We discussed how his work, alongside that of Pancreatic Cancer UK, is helping to improve diagnosis and care.
Really inspiring to meet with students from Henley College who took part in a competition to redesign the Riverside Counselling Service logo, well done to everyone who participated.
What did the Minister say to me on overseas voters?
Great to meet with a dedicated Citizen Scientist Chris Szweda to discuss our shared work to improve water quality in the River Thames at Henley. We reflected on the progress made so far, and are committed to ensuring the Thames is cleaner, safer, and better protected for everyone.
Alzheimer's and dementia is the biggest killer in the UK. It affects all of us in some way. That's why I'm so proud to be an Alzheimer's champion in parliament and to have hosted Alzheimer's Research UK's event showcasing the incredible research going on right here in the UK.
What can a handful of persistent local residents achieve? Here’s a great example! Benshed is 6 years in the making but small number of locals have finally secured a beautiful space for people to come together to do crafts like woodwork, as well as dress making and textiles. Super!
National Emergency Briefing take: When politicians take action on climate there is often huge push back from vested interests and deniers. Tories have fought measures in Oxfordshire to reduce emissions and increase active travel. So we also need the public to back politicians when they take action.
It’s Men’s Health Week, and I’m showing my support for better paternity leave and football by sporting an ‘Extra Time for Dads’ jersey. Good luck to England today in their first World Cup match!
I recently visited Stoke Mandeville Hospital to meet with Raghuv Bhasin, Chief Executive of Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust, as well as staff from the neighbourhood team and the Cancer Care and Haematology Unit.
Great to join Greener Henley at Henley Town Hall on Monday 8th June for a screening and workshop discussion of the National Emergency Briefing, focused on the urgent climate and nature crises and presenting evidence and calls for immediate action from leading experts🌿🌊
This week marks Cystic Fibrosis Week, I wore yellow in Parliament to raise awareness of the daily realities faced by those living with the condition. No two people have the same experience, but it affects thousands of lives across the UK every day.
I called on the Prime Minister to ensure Thames Water sorts out sewage that continues to spill into my constituent Judy’s garden. Previously, Thames Water said they wouldn’t even look at the issue until 2027. The PM has now confirmed that the Water Minister will take this up.
Today I called on the Minister to improve training for health visitors. Constituents have told me they skipped appointments due to the level of care they received.