Over the last few weeks I held two public meetings to discuss Brexit, the first in Wantage, the second in Didcot, attended by about 250 people in total. Both meetings produced a lively discussion, with representatives on both sides of the debate airing their opinions. The feedback I had helped me consider my position in the run up to Article 50 being triggered, and will continue to inform my views as the Government begins its negotiations on leaving the European Union.
Last month I also hosted a cross-party debate in Parliament on funding for NHS fertility services, which are woefully under-funded in Oxfordshire. Following the debate, the Minister, Nicola Blackwood, said she would tell NHS England that the Government expects all clinical commissioning groups to provide the recommended three cycles of treatment.
While we are on the subject of the NHS, I met with the CEO of Oxfordshire CCG, David Smith, to seek clarity on the priorities of the Oxfordshire Healthcare Transformation Consultation and its implications for residents across my constituency. The first phase of the consultation opened this month, and is due to conclude in April, you can take part here: https://consult.oxfordshireccg.nhs.uk/consult.ti/BigconsultationPhase1/consultationHome
I also raised the issue of capital funding for the expansion of GP’s surgeries in both Wantage and Faringdon, and will lobby the Department of Health and the NHS during the next round of bidding.
There is good progress being made on improving rail services through the constituency. I organised a meeting for a group of MPs, council officers and Local Enterprise Partnerships from Oxfordshire, Wiltshire and Swindon, to discuss the opening of a new rail link from Swindon to Oxford, which would help the case to re-open Grove station. It is still early days, but there is desire from all parties involved to make progress.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any pressing issues that you would like help with. Either myself or one of my team will get back to you as soon as possible and do what we can to assist. You can contact me on any matter at the House of Commons, SW1A 0AA, dicksonce@parliament.uk or 01235 768 888. 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. Details of my activities in Parliament can be read on my website, https://www.vaizey.com. 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 complete the online form at https://bit.ly/EdVaizeyMP.
Yours,
Jon Wilson
Parliamentary Assistant to Rt Hon Ed Vaizey MP
Member of Parliament for Wantage and Didcot
Tel: 0207 219 6350 W: www.vaizey.com