Constituency updates - June/July ‘26

What I’ve been up to in the constituency

🎡 West Bletchley Carnival – Had a fantastic afternoon at the West Bletchley Carnival and spoke with residents about what they value most about our town and the changes they would like to see in the years ahead. People highlighted Bletchley's strong community spirit, excellent parks and green spaces, and the people who make the area such a special place to live. Many also shared ideas for improving Queensway, attracting more independent shops, expanding play facilities and delivering more affordable homes for local families.

🎪 Buckingham Primary School Family Fun Day – Stopped by Buckingham Primary School & Nursery's Family Fun Day, organised by the fantastic PTA. There was a brilliant atmosphere with stalls, activities, music and refreshments for families to enjoy. It was also great to catch up with Headteacher Sam Brewer and some of the pupils who visited Parliament earlier this year.

🚲 Visit to Volt Bikes – Visited Volt Bikes at their Buckinghamshire headquarters and met the team behind one of the UK's leading electric bike manufacturers. It was fascinating to hear about the company's growth since its founding in 2011 and their ambitions for the future. Congratulations as well on their recent national award success.

🤖 Vikaso Robotics – Met the team at Vikaso near Quainton and saw first-hand the innovative robotics solutions they are developing for businesses across a range of sectors. We discussed both the opportunities facing advanced manufacturing and the challenges around skills, recruitment and access to funding.

🎖️ Armed Forces Day – Joined Armed Forces Day commemorations in Buckingham to thank serving personnel, veterans, reservists, cadets and military families for their service and sacrifice. Events like this are an important reminder of the contribution the Armed Forces community makes to our country.

⚽ Milton Keynes Dons fixture launch – Attended Milton Keynes Dons' Fixture Launch Brunch and heard about plans for the upcoming season. It was particularly encouraging to hear about the club's commitment to strengthening links with local communities, businesses and civic organisations across Milton Keynes.

🛍️ Willen Hospice Shop, Buckingham – Visited the newly reopened Willen Hospice Shop in Buckingham and saw another fantastic addition to our high street. The shop offers a great range of items while helping raise vital funds for the hospice's important work supporting patients and families.

📚 Independent Bookshop Week – Joined local representatives to celebrate Independent Bookshop Week during Buckingham Literary Festival. We discussed the important role local bookshops play in encouraging a love of reading and serving as valued community hubs.

🛝 Tingewick play area opening– Delighted to officially open the improved play area at Richard Fenemore Playing Field in Tingewick. Funding secured through HS2's Community and Environment Fund has helped deliver excellent new facilities that local children and families will benefit from for many years.

🎉 Buckingham Day – Enjoyed attending Buckingham Day in Bourton Park and meeting residents alongside a wide range of local groups and organisations. The event was a wonderful celebration of community spirit and highlighted the incredible voluntary work taking place across the town.

🏘️ Meeting with Milton Keynes Councillors – Met with local councillors Shazna Muzammil and Krish Pillai to discuss issues affecting residents in Tattenhoe, Kingsmead, Oxley Park, Westcroft and surrounding areas. Topics included infrastructure, road adoption, leasehold concerns and the proposed Shenley Park development.

🧁 Gawcott Festival and Bake Off – Had a brilliant time at Gawcott Festival and was delighted to help judge the Great Gawcott Bake Off. It was also a pleasure to visit local stalls, speak with community organisations and see so much local talent on display.

🏳️‍🌈 Buckingham Pride Week – Joined Buckingham's first Pride Week celebrations and visited the Lost Victorian Voices exhibition at Buckingham Library. The exhibition offered a thought-provoking insight into the experiences of LGBTQ+ residents throughout Buckinghamshire's history and highlighted why inclusion remains so important.

🏛️ Mayor Making Ceremony – Attended Buckingham's annual Mayor Making ceremony, where Councillor Fran Davies was confirmed for a second term as Mayor. These civic events provide an excellent opportunity to recognise the contribution of community groups, volunteers and local organisations.

🏗️ Bletchley Regeneration – Welcomed the announcement of a new Morrisons store on Queensway and continued progress on Bletchley Station's eastern entrance project. Together these developments represent important steps forward in driving investment, regeneration and renewed confidence in Bletchley town centre.

📱 Be Internet Citizens – Visited Sir Thomas Freemantle School in Winslow to meet students taking part in the Be Internet Citizens programme. It was encouraging to see young people developing the digital literacy and citizenship skills needed to thrive online.

💜 MK Act – Met with MK Act to discuss their vital work supporting families affected by domestic abuse. We spoke about the challenges they face, how their services are changing lives and what more can be done nationally to support their work.

📍 Constituency advice surgeries – Held regular constituency advice surgeries in Buckingham, Bletchley and Winslow. These meetings remain one of the most important ways for residents to raise concerns directly and receive help with ongoing issues and casework.

🤝 Milton Keynes Chamber of Commerce – Took part in the Chamber's Meet the Members event alongside Chris Curtis MP. It provided a valuable opportunity to hear directly from local businesses about the economic challenges they face and the support they would like to see from government.

🗣️ Natwest business roundtable - joined a NatWest convened business roundtable with local employers to discuss the challenges facing businesses of all sizes across Milton Keynes and Buckinghamshire. I get that many businesses are clearly feeling pressure right now, but there is also real resilience and ambition — with firms continuing to grow, invest, and deliver the products and services our communities rely on.

🚉 Bletchley Investment Taskforce – Met with the Bletchley Investment Taskforce to discuss next steps following the successful securing of £17 million for Bletchley Station's eastern entrance. We focused on how to maximise the wider economic and regeneration benefits this investment can bring.

🏛️ Buckinghamshire Council – Held my regular catch-up with Buckinghamshire Council to discuss ongoing local issues and key priorities across the constituency. Continued partnership working remains essential to delivering improvements for residents.

🌟 Milton Keynes Community Foundation – Met with Milton Keynes Community Foundation to hear about their exciting future plans and the projects they are supporting across our city. Their work continues to make a real difference to communities and local organisations.