Clive Jones MP

Small and local businesses are the backbone of Wokingham’s economy. Yesterday, I spoke on a panel at the Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce’s Growth Conference about the challenges facing local businesses. It was fantastic to hear from business owners about these issues they face.

It was brilliant to meet the staff behind the top five locals in my best pub campaign in Wokingham recently. Over the long weekend, I also showed my support for the many local charities and businesses at the Wokingham Lions' May Fayre. Here is what else I've done this week:

I had the pleasure to meet Lieutenant Colonel Yuri Kochevenko from the Ukrainian Army, the First Deputy Mayor Andriy Moskalenko from Lviv, and Deputy Mayor Valdyslav Skalskyy for Vinnytsia. With US support wavering, the UK must continue to stand fully behind President Zelensky.

On a school visit, staff raised concerns about a Year 6 pupil with significant needs losing support at secondary school despite strong progress. I asked what the Government is doing to ensure children aren’t penalised for success. I look forward to the Minister's response.

A very productive meeting with the Wokingham Primary Headteachers Association yesterday to discuss how I can champion schools in Westminster. Thank you to all who shared your concerns with me, from better SEND support to staff retention. The Government must address these issues.

A really good visit to Reddam House School last week to speak with Jimena about issues that matter to young people. Also thank you very much to Mauro, Dare, Pippa, Hetty and Jimena for raising your local and international concerns, and to Headteacher Rick Cross for welcoming me.

Tomorrow, polling stations across Wokingham Borough will open for the local elections. Since the Lib Dems won the majority of the council, Wokingham is now the second most productive council in the whole of England. Make sure to vote for the Liberal Democrats on May 7.

As your MP, I’m committed to securing the responses you deserve from the Government on your concerns. Despite following up, some constituents have waited over 12 weeks for a reply from the Department for Work and Pensions. I will keep pushing until this is resolved.

At last, the local Conservatives have come clean about misleading Wokingham residents for years about their plans to rebuild the Royal Berks. The leader of the local Conservative Party should apologise to residents for misleading them for the last few years, they deserve better.

This week, I called for an end to the 10% fee park home residents must pay when selling their home, and for better support for SEND pupils moving up to secondary school. I also visited Reddam House School to meet with pupils and staff. Here is what else I've done this week:

The recent attack on the Jewish community in Golders Green this week is abhorrent. There is absolutely no room for antisemitism anywhere in the UK. British Jews deserve to live safely in our country, and this cannot continue.

When park home residents sell their homes, they must handover 10% of the sale price to the site owner. Today, I backed the Park Home Owners Justice Campaign and called for change to end this unfair treatment of homeowners.

Local businesses and residents are facing soaring fuel prices in the face of Donald Trump’s illegal war in Iran. The Liberal Democrats are urging for change from the Government, including a 10p cut to fuel duty which would save you £6.60 when filling up a 55-litre tank.

It was brilliant to welcome Ed Davey back to Wokingham to chat with residents on their doorstep and at Wild Acres Care Home. Thank you to the incredible staff at Wild Acres for your hard work, the Lib Dems will continue fighting for social care to receive the support it deserves.

A fantastic day celebrating the Rams Rugby Club’s recent win at Old Bath Road and meeting the players and support staff. The Rams won by a 20-point landslide in their final match of the English National League 1 Season. A very well earned win. Photo Credit: Paul Curtis

Wokingham has voted for their favourite local! Here are the five pubs with the most votes and are through to the next round of voting. Congratulations to the other fantastic pubs that reached the top ten. Voting re-opens on Friday, make sure you have your voice heard!

This week, I welcomed Ed Davey back to Wokingham and visited the Wild Acres Rest Home to call for better support for social care. I also urged the Government to cut fuel and travel costs to keep residents moving. Here is what else I've done this week:

This week, I wrote an Early Day Motion to be sent to Parliament asking the House to celebrate this fantastic news. Thanks to the hard work of pupils and the high-quality schools in Wokingham, our children have a bright future ahead of them.

Wokingham offers some incredible views of Berkshire’s countryside, and it is a shame that there are not enough places for residents to sit and enjoy them. I’m campaigning for more benches in Dinton Pastures, we all deserve better public places to rest and enjoy of our local area.

This morning, I met with 9-year-old Theo Pitts again to walk him to school and discuss his road safety concerns. This time, however, we were joined by Cllr Adrian Betteridge and many other local families. Thank you again Theo for bravely telling us all about your concerns!