As the General Election looms I have been reflecting on what an honour it has been to serve the Wantage and Didcot constituency over the past ten years. One of the most fantastic aspects of my role as your MP is meeting so many dedicated volunteers and getting involved in some of the many great causes in the constituency.
I am incredibly proud to have become president of SUDEP Action, a charity based in Wantage, which is working towards the prevention of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy. This charity was set up by local resident Jane Hanna and provides information and a support network for the bereaved. Last month there was an important Parliamentary debate which called on the Government to address major issues facing people with epilepsy and resulted in a commitment from the Government and MP’s to do all they could to raise awareness of the risks associated with epilepsy by “red-flagging” those at increased risk of fatality. They also pledged to try to reduce avoidable epilepsy related deaths.
Friends of OSCAR is a national charity, based in Didcot, of which I am also a recent patron. This charity helps children, and their families, when they are diagnosed with brain or spinal tumours. I recently attended the launch of a bag of essential items, such as toothpaste and overnight necessities, given to parents when they arrive at hospital often without time to pack. This is one of the many ways the charity supports families at such a traumatic time.
Another very worthy cause that I have recently become involved in is Mission Motorsport. The aim of this national charity, based near Wantage is to aid the recovery and rehabilitation of those affected by military operations, by providing opportunities through Motorsport. Not only do they provide a support network but focus on training and direct vocational skills to help those affected to get back into the workplace.
These are just a few examples of the many good causes I have encountered and I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who volunteers and helps to make this constituency such a wonderful place to live.
This month I have received letters and emails on a wide range of topics including protecting the wildlife, dementia and beer duty. However, the issue I received most correspondence on, some 100 plus emails, relates to concerns over the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP). I believe the agreement does not carry the risks that some have put forward, and I am reassured that as Parliament will scrutinise the proposals and ultimately has the final veto power, a final agreement will only be reached if it is in the United Kingdom’s interests.
As ever please feel free to contact me on any matter at the House of Commons, SW1A 0AA, 020 7219 6350 or vaizeye@parliament.uk. Email is the quickest and most reliable way to get in touch, as I keep a very close eye on my emails and can reply very quickly. I also send out occasional general interest emails about developments in the Wantage and Didcot Constituency. If you would like to be added to the distribution list, please do email me at vaizeye@parliament.uk or sign up at www.vaizey.com.
Ed Vaizey MP