As only the second female MP to represent Wycombe, and part of a historic Parliament where a record 40% of MPs are women, International Women’s Day is a moment to celebrate the progress we have made in improving representation. I was delighted to speak at a local event last Saturday recognising the fantastic women making a difference across our community.
It is an important time for religious communities as Muslims observe Ramadan and Christians mark Lent. I have enjoyed attending community iftars across the constituency and hearing how people are supporting one another. During a recent visit to the Ark Centre, we discussed Wycombe mosque’s community fridge project, which gives local businesses and residents the chance to share good food that might otherwise go to waste.
Local people often get in touch with me about the issues that matter most to them, including support for their children, rising costs for leaseholders and access to healthcare. I’m pleased that we are making progress on all threeissues.
Labour is ambitious for every child, from those already excelling to those who have been let down by the system. Our new Schools White Paper sets out plans to raise standards and halve the disadvantage gap for children born under this government. Thousands of children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) in Wycombe are also set to benefit, with new legal entitlements to an individual support plan to ensure they receive the tailored support they need. Over the next four years we will work closely with parents and schools to deliver these changes, and I welcome people’s views as we develop the proposals.
The Government has also published its Leasehold Reform bill, which proposes to cap ground rents at £250, an important step towards making the housing system fairer and an issue I have raised on behalf of local residents.
I was pleased to tour the new Primary Care Training Hub at Buckinghamshire New University and hear about how it will improve access to GP, physiotherapy and occupational therapy services. I’m looking forward to visiting Wycombe hospital for the ground breaking of their new building later this month.