Welcome to my February e-newsletter.
National Apprenticeship Week took place earlier this month, and I was involved with a series of events to promote apprenticeships as a great career option for young people. I very much enjoyed meeting nurse apprentices training at Middlesex University and Barnet Hospital.
It has been a busy month for me in the media, including appearances on the Westminster Hour, PM, the Today Programme, Politics Live and Politics London on the BBC. I was also interviewed on LBC, Times Radio, Sky, Politics Home and GB News. Various issues were covered, such as Brexit, the war in Ukraine, restoring power-sharing in Northern Ireland, supporting local high streets, and my campaign against ULEZ expansion. Please sign my petition here to stop the Mayor’s plan to impose this new daily £12.50 charge.
In Parliament, I highlighted the importance of combating antisemitism in football. I also spoke out against human rights abuses in Iran, calling for tougher sanctions and the closure of the Islamic Centre of Maida Vale. This organisation is closely linked to Iran’s Supreme leader. I was alerted to the problems it is causing by a British Iranian constituent.
I also continued my campaign for nature recovery. Attending the statement announcing the Government’s latest Environmental Improvement Plan, I emphasised how important it is for this to be implemented effectively, for example by delivering on promises made on tree planting.
In another question in the Chamber, I raised the plight of Christian minorities around the world facing unfair treatment and attacks because of their faith.
I gave speech in Parliament on planning and housing targets and took part in a public meeting hosted by the Barnet Society to discuss how we deliver the homes we need in a way that does not damage the environment or harm the suburban character of our neighbourhood.
As ever, the NHS has been a big priority for me over this past month. I met the NHS North Central London Integrated Care Board who run primary care services in Barnet to discuss how we improve access to GP appointments. In Parliament, I called for the Government’s Urgent and Emergency Care plan to tackle crowding in A&E to be implemented as quickly as possible. This plan will deliver more ambulances, more beds, more staff and more money.
Lastly, I was part of a panel organised by the RUSI thinktank to talk about the report published by the Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC) on Extreme Right Wing Terrorism. I am member of the ISC, but because of the highly sensitive nature of the confidential material we see, there are very strict limits on what members can say publicly. This was a rare opportunity to speak about the work that we do. You can read the report here.
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.
All the best
Rt. Hon. Theresa Villiers
Member of Parliament for Chipping Barnet
Villiers asks the Mayor for more police for Barnet
MP Theresa Villiers has written to the London Mayor asking for more police officers in Barnet, following a meeting where local people said they felt unsafe due to rising crime levels. Theresa attended a virtual meeting of the High Barnet Safer Neighbourhood Team Community Action Panel to listen to constituents’ concerns. Read more….
Villiers responds to Gove planning consultation
Chipping Barnet MP Theresa Villiers has submitted her response to a Government consultation published because of an amendment she tabled to a Bill in Parliament last year on planning. In this 16-page document, the MP sets out how she wants the updated National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) to give people to have a greater say in what is built in their area. Read more….
Government steps in to bail-out the Mayor and TfL
Former Transport Minister Theresa Villiers has published an article on TfL finances: “I know how crucial good public transport is for my constituents. For hundreds of years, the transport system has shaped Barnet as a community, from the coach traffic of the eighteenth century to the birth of the modern suburb with expansion of the railways in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.” Read more….
Update on campaign against ULEZ expansion
Theresa Villiers has published this article, updating her constituents on the campaign against ULEZ expansion in the suburbs: “Introducing these new taxes on driving during a cost of living crisis is unjustifiable and inexcusable. I am urging Mayor Khan to reconsider his misguided ULEZ decision. I am deeply concerned about the impact that expansion will have on my constituents and local businesses.” Read more….
Villiers champions apprenticeships in Barnet
MP Theresa Villiers has undertaken a series of events locally, and in Parliament, to support National Apprenticeship Week, including meeting young people undertaking nursing training at Barnet Hospital and Middlesex University. Read more….
Help for hedgerows!
Chipping Barnet MP Theresa Villiers has welcomed further Government measures to protect wildlife, and improve water and air quality, following the publication of 2023’s Environmental Improvement Plan. The former Environment Secretary said the Defra plan builds on the Environment Bill she presented to Parliament and which has now become law. Read more….
Start-up cash for small businesses in Barnet welcomed
More than £2 million in Government backed start-up loans for hundreds of businesses across the Chipping Barnet constituency has been welcomed by MP Theresa Villiers. Read more….
MP calls for action to root out the 'Y-word' from football
Chipping Barnet MP Theresa Villiers has highlighted antisemitism in football. Speaking in Parliament, Theresa told MPs: “Following the disgraceful antisemitic abuse directed at the football fan Kate Price earlier this month, may we have a debate on the so-called Y-word, so that the House can send the clear message that this is a vile racist slur which has no place in football or in wider society?” Read more….
Barnet MPs urge Barnet Council to reject ULEZ expansion
Barnet's three Conservative MPs have written to the leader of Barnet Council, Barry Rawlings, to urge him to reject Labour's new tax on driving in the suburbs. Read more….
Villiers calls for rapid delivery of NHS Urgent Care Plan
Chipping Barnet MP Theresa Villiers has urged the Government to deliver its Urgent and Emergency Care Recovery Plan on the ground as quickly as possible. 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 from 1030 to 1200 on Saturday 4th March 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.
