Rob Butler, MP

It has been a busy return to Westminster for MPs, with important legislation coming before Parliament over the last few weeks. I’ve already had several opportunities to speak with Government ministers about pressing local and national issues that need action in 2023, including reducing traffic congestion, getting better access to GPs, and growing our local economy.

As I wrote in my last article, as a nation, we continue to face many serious challenges. The rise in the cost of living is understandably uppermost in many people’s minds, and I’m pleased that Government help is available to those who need it. Details can be found online.

My office continues to have extensive engagement with HS2 on issues affecting Wendover. Just before the Christmas break, I met Sir Mark Worthington and Lord Jackson, the HS2 construction and residents’ commissioners, and outlined my frustration with HS2 Ltd’s lack of serious, meaningful engagement on mitigation for the village.

I stressed this again when I met senior HS2 Ltd representatives in the House of Commons in January. I told them bluntly that the concerns of the local community must be listened to and, when HS2 or its contractors can't act, it is essential that detailed reasons are given. Too often we are left in limbo, with half answers provided to legitimate questions; this must stop.

Concerns over the threat to the aquifer remain, and I have asked the Environment Agency for a meeting to discuss the regulatory duty to ensure our natural environment is protected, and that the risk to the Stoke Brook and Weston Turville SSSI is reduced. I am also scheduled to meet the new Rail Minister, Huw Merriman, in the coming weeks, and I will be putting this to him in person.

As usual, I've been visiting many Buckinghamshire organisations in recent weeks: highlights have included Aylesbury fire station, the newlyreopened Bledlow Household Recycling Centre and Aylesbury Life Skills Centre. I’ve also been knocking on doors around the constituency to hear people’s views about the issues that matter most: this really helps me ensure I can raise the appropriate topics in Parliament – whether on the floor of the House of Commons, in committees, or face to face with ministers.

If you would like to raise any issues with me, you can contact me at rob.butler.mp@parliament.uk