Rob Butler, MP

The end of the year is always a time for reflection; as autumn turns to winter and the festive season draws near, one thing we can all agree on is that we have seen much change since I last wrote for Wendover News. Our new Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, has pledged to bring stability back to the government after a tumultuous period, and I feel sure that we would all welcome a period of calm.

As a country, we face many serious challenges, not least with the rise in the cost of living – much of it caused by Russia’s illegal and inhumane invasion of Ukraine. The government has made a significant contribution to assist people through these difficult times, including a minimum £400 grant and an energy price guarantee. There are other national and local schemes to help people who are struggling to cope, and I am always happy to signpost people to sources of assistance.

Locally, I was delighted to reopen the Haddington Playpark — formerly the "Helicopter Park" — recently (with the lease now transferred to Wendover Parish Council). It was fantastic to see the play equipment reinstated following my representations to ministers at the MOD on behalf of many concerned residents. The enthusiasm of local children showed how well-loved this facility is.

I was deeply honoured to lay a wreath at the War Memorial on the Manor Waste on Remembrance Sunday. It is vitally important for us all to commemorate the sacrifice of those servicemen and women who fought for our right to be free from tyranny. This is all the more pertinent when we see what is happening in Ukraine and how it is absolutely imperative to ensure evil cannot triumph.

In conjunction with Bucks Council HS2 lead Cllr Peter Martin and your Buckinghamshire Council Wendover councillors, my office facilitated a meeting with the HS2 Residential and Construction Commissioners. This was extremely beneficial, allowing Wendover Parish Council and the Wendover HS2 Mitigation Action Group to present the concerns of the community to Sir Mark Worthington and Stewart Jackson. I will continue to work with the Parish Council and the Action Group to ensure Wendover’s voice is heard.

As this is the final edition of Wendover News of 2022, I would like to take this opportunity to wish you, and all those close to you, a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.