Welcome to my June newsletter!

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Welcome to my June Newsletter!
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This month we have been greeted by typical English summer weather with beaming sunshine one week followed by torrential rain the next! I have been kept busy this month enjoying more visits to local businesses and also in my capacity as a DEFRA Minister. Vaccinations continue to be going well, I had my second dose a couple of weeks ago, and know we are working hard in Oxfordshire to get people fully vaccinated as soon as possible. I remain very hopeful that we will be able to lift restrictions on 19 July.

Victoria

Jacob Douwe Egberts Update
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I know lots of people in Banbury are concerned about the ongoing situation at the JDE site in Ruscote Avenue. The uncertainty of the situation is far from ideal. I would encourage both sides to come to the table as soon as possible to discuss the best way forward for all involved.

I have been keeping my website updated throughout the course of the negotiations. Read more here ([link removed]) .

Proposed Oxfordshire Strategic Rail Freight Interchange
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Plans were announced earlier this month to construct a Strategic Rail Freight Interchange at Ardley. I have had useful meetings with local parish councils as well as the district and county council to discuss this proposal. I cannot see that this is a suitable location for such a development, but will wait to see what mitigation measures are proposed.

In the meantime, I am very interested to hear people’s thoughts on the project so please do share them by emailing (mailto:[email protected]?subject=Proposed%20Oxfordshire%20Strategic%20Rail%20Freight%20Interchange) me. You can find out more about the proposal on my website here ([link removed]) .


Centenary Visit to Banbury Postiche

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I was delighted to visit Banbury Postiche on Friday to mark their centenary. We are really proud to have the UK’s oldest wig making supplies company here in Banbury.

It was brilliant to see how they make wigs of all shapes and sizes, using both real and artificial hair. I saw how the hair is cleaned and drawn, how the wig foundation is made and how the hair is knotted to it. The level of craftmanship was incredible.

East West Rail
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Last month, East-West Rail Company held their second non-statutory consultation on their plans for the Oxford-Cambridge line, including the London Road Crossing. We have been discussing the crossing for a number of years.

While I welcome the proposals put forward by East-West Rail to find a long-term solution, I remain concerned that in practice they may not take us any further forward. Read my full response here ([link removed]) .

Finmere Update
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The increase in complaints from Finmere residents relating to the unacceptable odour at the landfill site over recent weeks has been extremely disappointing given reassurances we had received from the operator about Cell 11.

I have been in touch with the Environment Agency and made it clear that the village expect to see the EA use the regulatory powers it has at its disposal to ensure a resolution to the situation once and for all.

Have Your Say
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The Thames Valley Flood Scheme public consultation is your opportunity to help shape the future approach to managing flood risk in the Thames Valley. For details on how to take part in the consultation click here ([link removed]) .

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Oxfordshire County Council has launched a number of roads and transport online surveys, which are open to the public to comment on. Have your say on highways and transport issues in North Oxfordshire by clicking here ([link removed]) .

Step 4 in the Roadmap delayed to 19 July
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I share my constituents’ disappointment that further easing of restrictions has been moved back to 19 July. The decision to delay was not taken lightly, however by giving ourselves an extra few more weeks, I hope it will allow the NHS sufficient time to make further progress with the vaccination programme.

In North Oxfordshire we have been making significant progress: a total of 180,605 vaccinations have been administered. 75.9 per cent of those aged 18 and above have received a first dose; 55.2 per cent are fully vaccinated. We all want to see an end to restrictions; it is essential that when people are invited, they book their vaccination. It is the best line of defence against coronavirus.

EU Settlement Scheme
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The deadline for EU settlement applications is fast approaching on 30 June. I have seen a spike in constituents getting in touch about applications which means there is still needed outreach.
It is really important that all those who are eligible do so before Wednesday next week, otherwise their right to live, work and access health care in the UK could be at risk.

It is still not too late if you are yet to apply. The Home Office has made it clear that while a decision may not be made by the 30 June deadline, applications will still be considered as long as they have been completed before then.

You can find out more and check eligibility criteria here ([link removed]) .

Boundary Changes
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It has been clear for some time now that the Banbury constituency would need to be looked at carefully during the next round of the boundary reform given the level of growth across North Oxfordshire.

I would encourage all those who wish to have their say to do so via the Boundary Commission’s website ([link removed].) .
Commitees and Debates
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This month I spoke at a Westminster Hall debate relating to the Government’s Action Plan for Animal Welfare. I also appeared in the House of Commons alongside the Secretary of State to take Oral Questions.

I also responded to a debate to mark English Wine Week which concludes today, and visited Brixham, asparagus growers in Worcestershire and the Wensleydale Creamery.

For more information about anything you have read in this newsletter or to find out more about my work, please visit: www.victoriaprentis.com ([link removed])

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