Welcome to my November e-newsletter.
The terror attacks in Israel and the consequent military conflict have continued to dominate many debates and discussions both in Westminster and Barnet. I have spoken in Parliament and in the national media about the sense of fear felt in the Jewish community as a result of the wholly unacceptable increase in antisemitic hate crime. I believe we should give the police greater powers to stop disruptive and divisive protests where hate crimes are being committed
In Parliament, I co-hosted a meeting of MPs with Adi Efrat who was kidnapped by Hamas on 7th October, but later freed by the IDF.
Media appearances this month included Sky News, and the Today Programme, Today in Parliament, the Westminster Hour, and Any Questions on BBC Radio Four.
At the State Opening of Parliament, I took part in the procession of MPs formally summoned by Black Rod to the House of Lords to hear the first King’s Speech for more than 70 years. I spoke in the Chamber later that day welcoming measures in the new legislative programme, including a ban on live export of animals for slaughter. This ban is something I have backed for many years because of the suffering this trade causes to animals.
The Autumn Statement brought some more big news with £20 billion of tax cuts and inflation halved. When the Government announced funding for pothole repairs, I immediately contacted the Transport Secretary to lobby him to ensure Barnet Council will be given a share of the £235m being allocated to London. He assured me that it would.
With my colleague, Mike Freer MP, I met council officers to hear about Barnet Council’s plans for new bus lanes on the A1000 in Barnet High Street and Whetstone. I will be campaigning against them because of the traffic disruption they would cause. I was dismayed to hear that these proposals could cost as much as £1.6m. This would be better spent on pothole repairs and other important local priorities.
I was delighted to go along to a number of events to celebrate Diwali, the Hindu festival which marks the triumph of light over darkness. That included Diwali in Downing Street and the annual event hosted in Parliament by the Hindu Forum of Britain.
As I have done ever since being elected as MP, I attended Remembrance Day ceremonies to remember the fallen.
Lastly, I was very happy to present a “Points of Light” award from the Prime Minister to my constituent Kitty Nabarro for her inspirational work with the charity she founded called “Nip In The Bud” to help parents, teachers, and others working with children, to spot mental health conditions and understand them better. I would encourage you to click here to find out more about Nip In The Bud.
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
Massive protest against antisemitism
Theresa Villiers, MP for Chipping Barnet, was one of over 100,000 people to take part in a march against antisemitism to show her support for the Jewish community. Ms Villiers is a long-time campaigner against antisemitism and racism. Read more….
Hostage rescued from 7th October attack visits House of Commons
MPs and peers met Adi Efrat in Parliament, at a meeting hosted by Conservative MPs, Theresa Villiers and Mike Freer. Ms Efrat was one of the survivors of the Hamas attacks on 7th October. She told her story to a private meeting of parliamentarians. Read more….
Autumn Statement delivers biggest package of tax cuts since the 80s
Theresa Villiers has welcomed measures in the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement to help small businesses, the economy, and family budgets. Read more….
Villiers welcomes King's speech measures to tackle crime and antisemitism
Commenting on the programme of new laws announced in the King’s Speech, Theresa Villiers said "I welcome these new measures to tackle crime, including empowering courts to compel offenders to attend their sentencing hearing." Read more….
Statement from Theresa Villiers on the conflict between Israel and Hamas
Theresa Villiers has issued the following statement on her support for Israel as it defends its citizens from Hamas terrorism. 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 Saturday 2nd December 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.
