Welcome to my December e-newsletter.
My work this month in Barnet and Westminster has had a strong emphasis on transport. I just want my constituents to be able to get to where they want to go, without too much cost and hassle. But TfL and the Mayor of London seem intent on making it more difficult to get around our capital city.
In Parliament I highlighted how anti-driving measures like LTNs are really tough on people with impaired mobility who depend heavily on their cars. I met Andy Lord, Commissioner for TfL, and raised a lengthy list of concerns about Ulez expansion and other unpopular projects such as bus lanes for the A1000. Please click here to sign my online petition against these new bus lanes for Barnet High Street and Whetstone High Road.
Of course the situation in the Middle East continues to be a source of much sadness and concern in my constituency. I have spoken up in support of Israel in a number of interventions in Parliament. I was called by Mr Speaker Lindsay Hoyle to ask the final Prime Minister’s Question of 2023 and I used this to highlight the appalling acts of sexual violence committed by Hamas. This aspect of the Hamas atrocity on 7th October must not be overlooked. I also attended a meeting with the new Foreign Secretary, David Cameron, to discuss the situation.
On a happier note, another point I had the chance to raise in Parliament is the much improved performance of schools in England in the PISA rankings for educational attainment published by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development. Ensuring children and young people in my constituency get the best educational opportunities has been a priority for me throughout my time as MP.
I attended a number of Chanukah events to show my support for the Jewish community including functions hosted by the Board of Deputies and by the Foreign Secretary. I was also delighted to be able to nominate All Saints CofE School, Whetstone, to send a choir to sing at the Number Ten Advent reception. The children and their teacher, Ms Roth, sang beautifully and I sincerely hope they, and their headteacher, Ms Corkhill, enjoyed the visit to Downing Street.
Other meetings and visits I’ve undertaken this month include the Guide Dogs charity; the Police Federation; the Tamil Information Centre; carol-singing with Love Whetstone and the Woodside Park Residents Association; East Barnet Christmas fair; High Barnet Christmas fair; and East Barnet School. I also met a number of small businesses in New Barnet to mark Small Business Saturday.
Further information on my campaigns and activities is available in the links below to articles on my website. Please forward this email to anyone you think would be interested to read it or might like to join this mailing list.
Finally, may I send you my best wishes for a very happy Christmas and New Year?
Rt. Hon. Theresa Villiers
Member of Parliament for Chipping Barnet
Villiers uses PMQs to highlight appalling Hamas sexual violence
Chipping Barnet MP, Theresa Villiers, last week asked the Prime Minister to use international forums to speak out on the issue of Hamas sexual violence. The exchange took place at Parliament’s weekly session of Prime Minister’s Questions. Ms Villiers emphasised how crucial it is that the international community demand immediate humanitarian access to the hostages in Gaza. Read more….
Villiers takes transport concerns to the top
Theresa Villiers MP met Andy Lord, Commissioner for TfL, when he visited Parliament, and she raised a long list of issues of importance to her Barnet constituents. Read more….
Petition launched against A1000 bus lanes
Barnet MP, Theresa Villiers, has launched a petition against plans by Barnet Council and the Mayor of London to put bus lanes in the A1000 in High Barnet and Whetstone. Read more….
Happy Chanukah!
Theresa Villiers MP wished her constituents a Happy Chanukah and Chag Chanukah Sameach at the start of this eight day festival celebrated by Jewish people in Barnet and around the world. Read more….
MP speaks up on roadworks misery
Theresa Villiers MP has protested to Barnet Council about the handling of resurfacing works in Salisbury Road, which meant that an estimated five day closure turned into five weeks. She met residents for a street corner meeting to hear about problems with the resurfacing work necessitated by the wear and tear on the road caused by the 384 bus. Read more….
Fighting Labour's ideologically anti-car approach
To mark the return of the print edition of the Barnet Post, Theresa Villiers MP has written the following opinion article for the paper. In it she sets out her concern about the anti-driver approach taken by Labour in London. Read more….
How to contact Theresa
The best way to get help from Theresa is to email her on [email protected], ring her constituency office on 020 8449 7345, or write to her at 163 High Street, Barnet, Herts, EN5 5SU.
Theresa’s next diarised surgery takes place on Friday 12th January at her constituency office at 163 High Street. Constituents wishing to see Theresa or her staff will need to make an appointment in advance. You will NOT be seen if you turn up without a pre-booked appointment. Bookings for face-to-face meetings or Zoom calls can be made using the contact details set out in the preceding paragraph.
Promoted by Dominic Lowe on behalf of Theresa Villiers both at 163 High Street, Barnet, Herts, EN5 5SU.
