Callum’s Catch Up 13.01.25
Update on Lace Hill Medical Centre
Every week is busy when you are an MP, but this week has felt especially so! Christmas already feels like a distant memory doesn’t it? There’s lots happening locally and nationally, and this is why I recorded a short video summarising what I’ve been up to since Parliament resumed - do have a watch (and if anyone has any ideas for more office artwork, please let me know…)
Undoubtedly of interest to many, last week I caught up with the Chief Medical Officer of the BOB ICB (Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire & West Berkshire Integrated Care Board) where I stressed the importance of building the long-promised Lace Hill Medical Centre for our community. I campaigned on getting Lace Hill built, and I will do everything I can to get this project over the line. You can read a full update of my actions and next steps here.
It’s worth spending some time in this newsletter to cover the Children’s Wellbeing & Schools Bill. I would like to stress that I voted in favour of striking down an amendment on the Bill because it was in its second reading. The way parliamentary procedure works is if the amendment had passed the entire piece of legislation would have fallen.
Voting in favour of the amendment would have been a vote against driving high and rising school standards, cutting costs for parents and stopping vulnerable children falling through the cracks. This was something I am not prepared to do, and I don’t believe in playing politics with our children’s safety.
On other news, I’d like to remind readers that East West Rail's consultation is still ongoing. An in-person event is being hosted at the Bletchley Masonic Centre this Wednesday between 2-7pm. Do pop along if you’d like to share your views.
Personally I am really excited about the project and the greater connectivity it’s going to bring to our area, as well as the economic opportunities that will arise from this. I can’t wait to get out and about in the constituency by train!
Local visits
Elsewhere in the constituency this week I:
Visited F H Pullin & Sons in Shalstone to discuss the challenges facing farmers and the rural economy in north Buckinghamshire (pictured). We had a robust but constructive chat on key issues including farming budgets, local infrastructure, and Agricultural Property Relief.
Joined pupils for a ‘Meet your MP’ session at Buckingham Primary School.
Held my first constituency advice surgery of the year in Buckingham Library.
Popped by the Buckingham Repair Cafe - an excellent demonstration of the community spirit that we have locally.
Spoke to local people in central Buckingham on the provision of local health services, climate change and the local environment — as well as car parking!
In Westminster
Back in Westminster I:
Met with FirstPort alongside dozens of other MPs to discuss grave concerns about their standards of service and conduct towards residents. More to come on this soon…
Spoke with the Quoted Companies Alliance on how to make the regulatory environment easier for growing companies.
Chatted with East West Rail on how their consultation is progressing, and opportunities to maximise job opportunities for local residents.
