Clive Jones MP

Family businesses in Wokingham show remarkable resilience and ambition, and are a vital part of our local economy and community.
Last week, during Family Business Week, I attended the Family Business UK reception to hear directly how we can better support these essential businesses and their owners.

CLASP is a self-advocacy group in Wokingham for people with learning disabilities and provides incredible support for members.

Today, I asked the Leader of the House to recognise the invaluable role charities like CLASP play in supporting adults with learning disabilities.

This week, the All Party Parliamentary Group on Cancer hosted its Inaugural General Meeting, and I was delighted to join as an officer of the group.

Ahead of the National Cancer Plan expected next year, it is imperative that MPs collaborate on improving cancer care for patients and their families.

Every week in the UK, 12 young people die suddenly from a previously undiagnosed heart condition.

Cardiac Risk in the Young works to save young lives and prevent avoidable tragedies, and it was a privilege to discuss their work with them this week.

Labour promised change for the British public by delivering a clean break from the Conservatives' mismanagement and chaos.

Yesterday, I asked the Minster to acknowledge the damage that has been done to those efforts and what will be done to rectify this.

Moving from sixth form to university or employment is one of the biggest steps young people can take, and interviews are often a daunting prospect. That’s why I took part in the Holt School’s mock interview session yesterday, helping students feel confident to pursue their dream university or career

In 2022, Wokingham bid for 2 SEND schools, and were given them by the Government. But since then, nothing has happened. Today, I called on the Minister of State for Education to confirm when the funding for these schools will finally be released.

Many of my constituents rely on Frimley Park Hospital and are concerned about possible delays to its build, especially with the issue of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete. That's why I urged the Government to confirm that construction on the hospital will begin no later than 2029.

In Westminster, I joined fellow Lib Dems in calling for the axing of the family farm tax ahead of the Autumn Budget. I also called for confirmation from the Government that Frimley Park Hospital construction will begin no later than 2029. Here is what else I have done this week:

Brexit has cost each and every one of us £3,700 a year.

But instead of solving the problem, Labour are using Brexit as an excuse to raise your taxes.

My message ahead of the Budget: Stop blaming Brexit and start fixing it!

This is the real effect of leaving the EU.

This week in Wokingham, Cllr Lou Timlin and I met with Thames Water to discuss the ongoing disruption on Evendons Lane.

In Parliament, I joined fellow Lib Dems in calling for VAT cuts for hospitality businesses.

Here is what else I did this week:

Brain Tumour Research report that 1 in 3 people are likely to know someone with a brain tumour – a cruel disease, with drug development and research stagnating.

I called for a debate in Government time on the investment needed to improve brain tumour research and improve outcomes.

Twyford village is overwhelmed by commuters relying on Twyford Train Station to travel into London or nearby towns, many of whom struggle to find parking.

That’s why I asked the Minister to meet with me to update me on plans for improving local travel links to put a stop to this issue.

Donald Trump is gunning for the BBC, and Farage is cheering him on. Want to know why? Follow the money…

Today, I met with Hugh Adams from Brain Tumour Research, a charity with the mission of increasing UK investment in research into brain tumours.

We spoke about how I can best support them and their vision of finding a cure for all types of brain tumours for the sake of patients.

Slashing VAT for hospitality venues will make dining out much more affordable for residents, and will help save struggling pubs and restaurants.

Ahead of next week’s Autumn Budget, I am proud to stand alongside my Lib Dem colleagues in support of our vital highstreets throughout the UK.

Wokingham has a very strong Hong Kong community, many of whom have told me their concerns about Chinese espionage and its influence in British politics.

Yesterday, I asked the Minister of State at the Home Office what he is doing to protect the Hong Kong community, especially my constituents.

Due to organised shoplifting, local businesses have had to create a text warning system to notify each other when known offenders are in the area.

That’s why today, I urged for the reversal of the Conservative Government’s policing cuts to protect local residents and businesses in Wokingham.

In Parliament this week, I raised the concerns of constituents about shoplifting and poor treatment by housing providers directly to the Government. I also hosted a surgery in Wokingham and met with many residents to discuss local issues.

Here is what I else I did this week:

The BBC belongs to Britain, but Trump wants to tear it down.

We can’t allow the Trumpification of our politics or our media.

Many families in Wokingham have told me about the difficulties they’ve faced in securing appropriate SEND provision for their children.

That’s why I urged the Government to introduce measures including fast-track training pathways and guaranteed minimum SEND training for all teaching staff.

Yesterday, the Lib Dems announced our plan to put £270 back into your pockets by cutting energy bills and a 5% VAT cut for pubs, restaurants and hospitality.

We are asking major banks to pay more via a windfall tax, half of which will go towards this plan and help tackle the cost-of-living crisis.

The Western Rail approach to Heathrow will save passengers time, money and effort, providing a much more suitable alternative than having to travel into London or via bus.

The Liberal Democrats have been calling for this line for many years, which the Government must deliver soon

Last week Westminster's Remembrance Garden, I was proud to plant a cross in honour of Christopher George Brean who is remembered on the war memorial at Arborfield Cross, alongside Andy Bailey, the Parish Councillor for Arborfield & Newlands and his wife, Anita Bailey.

We must never forget those who fought for the freedoms we all enjoy today, and I was proud to stand alongside those outside of Wokingham Town Hall during the two-minute silence.

The men and women that we honour today gave the ultimate sacrifice for us all and they will always be remembered.

I was honoured to attend local Remembrance services today alongside residents across Wokingham, paying tribute to those who gave everything for our freedom.

I also continued to help raise donations for the Royal British Legion.

Here’s what else I did this week:

Evidence Week in Parliament is in full swing, and on Tuesday I had the brilliant opportunity to speak with Professor Sian Taylor Philips about health screening.

Her insights were on population screening programmes for cancer, during pregnancies and for newborns were invaluable.

55% of cancer deaths in the UK are from rare and less common cancers, that’s why charity coalitions like Cancer52 are vital in addressing the underrepresentation of these cancers.

These inequalities in research and funding must be addressed for the sake of patients and their families.

Last week, I attended The Royal College of Pathologists’ reception, which outlined the importance of including pathology in the NHS 10-year health plan.

I spoke with Tim Bennett from Illumina and Dr Sian Morgan, the Head of Laboratory at NHS Wales, about vital genomic testing and lung cancer.