English Tourism Week

To mark English Tourism Week, on Wednesday I participated in a roundtable discussion with my Oxfordshire Parliamentary colleagues and some of our local attractions, organised by Experience Oxfordshire. To bring the week to a close, I have spent today out visiting RAF Upper Heyford Heritage where the flying field has been designated as a conservation area and several buildings are now scheduled monuments.

I also visited Bicester Heritage and enjoyed a walk along to Oxfordshire Narrowboats on the canal. We all need to support our local tourist attractions in North Oxfordshire and show that we are here for culture in the months ahead.

Culture Recovery Fund

It has been great to see some of our local attractions benefit from the Culture Recovery Fund which has helped keep businesses afloat as they face unprecedented challenges. Last week I visited the Mill Arts Centre (recipients of both rounds of funding) to hear how they have been getting on.

I was lucky enough to be invited by one of my constituents to a performance of Abba Mania at the Shaftesbury Theatre in London which his entertainment company – another recipient of the Fund - helped stage. In the weeks ahead I will also be visiting OYAP Trust as well.

Virtual School Visits

As Education Visits resume – albeit online – I had the pleasure of speaking to students from Glory Farm Primary School and Dashwood Banbury Academy this week. It was a great opportunity for the children to learn more about Parliament and the work that I do. I was asked some really good questions, from electric scooters to the gender pay gap.

Great British Spring Clean 2021

I hate litter. It affects our wildlife and has a serious impact on our communities. Ever since I was first elected in 2015, I have been proud to champion the Great British Spring Clean – an annual event organised by Keep Britain Tidy. The great clean up returns this year from today, May 28, until the 13 June. I am already looking forward to doing my bit in the constituency. I hope others can be encouraged to do the same. Find out more here  and don’t forget to let me know if you are organising your own litter pick: [email protected].

I am thrilled that in this year’s Queen’s Speech the Government outlined ambitious plans to improve standards of animal welfare and eradicate cruel practices through an Action Plan for Animal Welfare and legislation. The Bills will solidify and enhance the UK’s position as a global leader in protecting animal welfare.