From your local MP – David Johnston

I’m delighted to have secured a debate in Parliament on the role of developers, housebuilders and management companies. I could talk for hours and hours about the complaints I receive – to the games developers play to outfox the system, to the low-quality of homes that are built and how bad they often are for the environment, to the lack of affordable houses to the extortionate service charges people are paying for communal areas to be maintained. I’ll be covering all of this and more – get in touch if there is something in particular you think should be raised.
Following the success of my pre-COP26 summit for constituents in the summer, I’ve decided to make it an annual event. I’m very pleased that Alok Sharma, who remains President of COP for another year, has agreed to speak at it. I will share further details as and when they’re confirmed in the coming months.
I write this just after the House of Commons has had to vote on so-called Plan B regarding Coronavirus. I share the frustrations of those who don’t want to see restrictions re-introduced but I voted for the measures that were proposed as I believe they are proportionate and sensible. I will be as pleased as anyone if Omicron turns out to be much less of a concern that it is right now, but the Government is right not to take the risk.
The particular controversies were over what were described as ‘vaccine passports’ and the requirement for NHS workers to be vaccinated. Both are sensitive issues, but given you can show a negative lateral flow test (or exemption) instead of proof of vaccine, I do not believe what has been agreed can be described as a vaccine passport as commonly understood. And for decades there has been a requirement for NHS staff, depending on where they work, to have a number of vaccines including MMR, Influenza, BCG and Hepatitis B.
I am a patron of 3 of our local organisations – Play2Give, Secret Santa 365 and Team Mikayla – all of which were out in force over Christmas. I was pleased to deliver presents with the first 2 and visit the fantastic Christmas lights display (30,000+ lights!) of Team Mikayla. Those of you who are familiar with them will know what great work they do – those of you who are not should go and check them out!
Finally, I had another great Christmas Card competition with entries from primary school children right across the constituency. It is always a very tough decision, so I end up with several runners up. Congratulations to Ollie, age 4, from Hagbourne CofE school, who won; Nicholas from Fir Tree Junior School; Avril and Gil from Uffington CofE; and Myah who were runners up. Special mention to Millie from Charlton Primary School, who did a pretty good drawing of the PM!
Here’s to a better 2022 than 2020 or 2021. As ever, if I can help with anything do get in touch via david.johnston.mp@parliament.uk