Welcome to my January e-newsletter. May I pass on my best wishes for the New Year?
Like many others, I’ve been grappling with a nasty cold, but my local campaigning has continued despite that. I’ve been out in Whetstone High Road collecting signatures on my petition to stop new bus lanes. It has now been signed by over 2000 people. Please click here if you would like to add you name. I’ve also backed efforts by residents to try to save the Prince of Wales pub in East Barnet from closure.
I’m determined to ensure that constituents can access the new free childcare entitlement that the Government is introducing. When fully implemented next year, this will give 30 hours free childcare to working parents of children from the age of nine months to when they start school. It is being implemented in stages starting in April and September, and in Parliament last week I called on Ministers to make sure it is delivered on time.
Along with a group of London MPs, I met the Chancellor of the Exchequer to discuss the budget. I emphasised the need to continue to tackle inflation (which is now halved since its peak) and reduce taxes so people have more money to spend. In Parliament I’ve emphasised the importance of ensuring the whole country benefits from the Government’s continuing programme of cost of living support.
On Friday I took part in some very helpful briefing calls with NHS leaders from the Royal Free Hospital Trust (who run Barnet Hospital) and the North Central London Integrated Care Board NCL ICB (who oversee GP and community health care services).
It was good to hear from the Royal Free that the expansion of the emergency department at Barnet Hospital is on track. I know that the department has been very crowded over this winter period, leading to long waits. But staff numbers are increasing, contractors have been appointed, and the enlargement of the building is on schedule for delivery by the end of this year.
The ICB updated me on the new expanded diagnostics centre at Finchley Memorial Hospital which is a one-stop-shop to help people get the tests they need and speed up diagnosis. The ICB also passed on the good news that there are now 150,000 primary care appointments available per quarter in the five boroughs they serve – more than ever before and a 15% increase compared to before the pandemic. 63% of appointments are face-to-face.
That said, the NHS remains under great pressure. Continuing strikes are lengthening waiting times and it is vital that these disputes are resolved.
Before Parliament returned from its Christmas recess, I visited Israel as part of a delegation of MPs hosted by the group Conservative Friends of Israel.
We met survivors of the 7th October terror attacks and others who risked their lives to rescue people. We went to the Kfar Aza kibbutz to witness the devastation caused by Hamas violence. We also met relatives of the hostages still held in Gaza. It was at times harrowing, but it has informed the contributions in Parliament which I have continued to make on the conflict over the past weeks since my last e-newsletter.
Other meetings and events have included celebrating the Pongal Harvest Festival with Tamil constituents; attending the launch of the annual World Watch List of the top 100 most difficult places to be a Christian; hosting a traditional Cypriot New Year Vasilopita cake cutting ceremony in Parliament; meeting groups from schools such as Church Hill primary. I also took part in various events connected to Holocaust Memorial Day. These included signing the Book of Commitment to ensure that the Shoa is never forgotten, speaking in the debate in Parliament, and attending the borough’s commemoration service at Middlesex University.
Lastly, I was honoured to attend a celebration of the life of the late Brian Salinger. Many of you will have known Brian who sadly passed away just before Christmas. He was a member of Barnet Council from 1986 to 2018 and served his ward residents diligently for all that time. His outstanding service to the community, and the kindness and support he gave to so many, was evidenced by the massive turn-out at the memorial event in Hendon Town Hall on 14th January.
It was an honour to have known Brian. He had a hugely positive impact on Barnet politics and public life for more than 30 years, and I know he will be much missed.
Best wishes
Rt. Hon. Theresa Villiers
Member of Parliament for Chipping Barnet
Villiers backs East Barnet campaign to save Prince of Wales pub
Theresa Villiers MP has expressed her strong support for the community campaign to save the Prince of Wales pub in East Barnet Village. This is earmarked for closure in mid February, apparently because its owner, Stonegate, is experiencing financial difficulties. Theresa joined members of the East Barnet Residents Association (EBRA) last Tuesday outside the pub in a show of support from local people gathering to try to save this important local facility. Read more….
OPINION: We must not lose sight of why Israel is engaged in war in Gaza
The Jewish News published this opinion article written by Theresa Villiers MP on her recent visit to Israel: “As I walked through kibbutz Kfar Aza last Thursday, it was chilling to be told once again of the atrocities perpetrated there.” Read more….
Cut police red tape!
Following a meeting with the Police Federation, Theresa Villiers, MP for Barnet, has a joined a group of MPs calling for data protection reforms to ensure police can spend more time on the beat, rather than redacting case-files. Read more….
Victory in campaign to save the green belt in Mays Lane
Your local MP has welcomed the decision by Barnet Council to turn down a planning application to build a caravan park on green belt land next to Mays Lane.
This is a field currently used for grazing horses and over a thousand people objected to the proposal to convert into a site for residential use by caravans. Theresa has long campaigned to protect the green belt in Barnet and fully backed the campaign to save the field from development. Read more….
Supporting British farmers
A campaign for a ‘Buy British’ section in supermarkets’ online stores supported by Theresa Villiers, has had its first major success as Morrisons launch a British button in their website. Read more….
Cautious welcome for planning reforms to empower local communities
Theresa Villiers MP issued the following comment on changes to planning rules set out in the new National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF):
“For the first time, the NPPF will explicitly state that top-down housing targets are advisory not mandatory. This is a significant reform. The obligation to maintain a rolling five year land supply will be removed for councils with an up-to-date Local Plan. Councils will not be obliged to review green belt boundaries, and they will also have greater protection against being forced to build at high densities which are significantly out of character with the surrounding area.” Read more….
Live export ban moves a step closer
In a debate in Parliament, Theresa Villiers MP expressed her strong support for a ban on the live export of animals for slaughter. This is a cause she has championed for over two decades. 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 3rd February 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.
