Oliver Dowden is MP for Hertsmere

My contribution to the discussion on the threat from Iran and the need to support our security services

My intervention today on the situation in Gaza.

Today marks 80 years since the end of the Second World War in Europe.

Eight decades on, we remember and pay tribute to a generation who fought and gave their lives to defend Britain and defeat tyranny. [1/2]

My concerns about the proposed new football regulator https://www.thetimes.com/article/81bafdf4-d941-4d4f-9683-f8ca3a9a0051

No wonder President Trump is jealous of the success of our brilliant film industry in Borehamwood. What it needs now is relief from business rates - point I made in the Commons today

Welcome progress with conclusion of UK-India FTA. I remember firsthand Jonathan Reynolds’s commitment to the relationship from our cross-party delegation to India!

Builds on significant progress made by previous Conservative government.

Free trade is a win-win for both nations

Enjoyed meeting residents and staff at Elstree View Care Home this morning.

As part of their monthly residents meeting, requests were made for having a discussion with their local MP.

I happily obliged and took questions on solar farms, cyber security and the use of cash.

Great to return to Boreham Wood Football Club and catch up with the indefatigable Chairman, Danny Hunter, Manager Luke Garrard, and the team ahead of their play-off push.

It is essential that we tackle the tentacles of Iran through all its proxies, in the Houthis, Hamas or Hezbollah that do so much damage to Israel, the wider Middle East and the Palestinian people.

Paying tribute to Boreham Wood FC in the Second Reading of the Football Governance Bill.

Fantastic morning in the sunshine campaigning for Lucy Selby in Borehamwood South.

Make sure you go out and vote on Thursday May 1st for our brilliant Conservative Candidates across Hertfordshire!

Great to visit the JobsPlus Centre in Borehamwood with @CsthatWork and Clarion Housing.

A good discussion on how local residents are being supported into meaningful work through targeted, community-based employment support.

I welcome the announcement of a third runway at Heathrow Airport but the government needs to see it through.

On Holocaust Memorial Day, we remember all those lost to the evil that was the nazi genocide of the Jewish people.

80 years on from the liberation of Auschwitz we will never forget the horror of the Holocaust and this year we pray for the return of the hostages. Bring Them Home.

No convincing answer from the Chancellor of the Exchequer to my question about how the government will fund the reported £9 billion bill for the continued use of Diego Garcia to the Mauritians.

A pleasure to visit Crown Pharmacy in Shenley and meet with its owner, Dilesh, and representatives from Community Pharmacy Hertfordshire.

Our local pharmacies work incredibly hard and provide invaluable support to residents. (1/2)

There has been lots of damage done to roads in Hertsmere this winter.

Potholes and flooding constitute not only an inconvenience, but also a real risk to local residents trying to go about their lives. (1/3)

My intervention on today’s debate on the ceasefire deal. Bring Them Home.

Very welcome developments on the ceasefire deal. Full and final details need to be scrutinised. As ever, the message remains: Bring Them Home.

Extraordinary reports that the government are offering to frontload a £9 billion payment to Mauritius over the Chagos Islands just days before the Trump administration comes in, which is likely to take a very different view on the negotiations.

Great to begin the year with a local advice surgery in Shenley!

Cllr Natalie Susman and I spoke with local residents about a number of important issues, including:

🚨Crime and Policing
🏡Planning
⚠️Potholes and Road Surfaces

(1/2)

It was great to meet with the East of England Ambulance Service recently and receive an update on their vital work. 
 
I am grateful for all they do and for their constant efforts to improve ambulance services and health outcomes in our community.

Thrilled to visit Oakmoor Lodge Care Home in Bushey this morning to judge their cake baking competition for the Quantum Care Challenge.

They were all fantastic, however I must say Christine was the worthy winner with her delicious chocolate cake!

With the publication of the revised National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) today, please see my reaction in Parliament.

Many small businesses in Hertsmere are worried sick about National Insurance Contribution rises. Here is my challenge to the Government on this.

My interventions in today's debate on Labour's policy to charge VAT on school fees.

Labour’s destructive decision to charge VAT on school fees has, together with their other misguided policies, forced the closure of Immanuel Prep in Bushey. (1/2)

Welcome progress on projects I kicked off when Deputy Prime Minister around the largest British trade delegation ever to the country.

Another victim of Labour’s private school tax raid. Bushey, Hertsmere and the wider north London Jewish community will pay the price for this misguided attack on aspiration.

Glad to have voted against Labour’s plans to hike NI and impose unfair taxes on family farms during the Second Reading and Opposition Day debates this week.

These unfair proposals will destroy businesses and is yet another step in their betrayal of hard working people.

It was a pleasure to meet with Hertsmere’s new Chief Inspector Ashleigh Hair recently.

We discussed domestic burglary, vehicle theft and fears of antisemitic behaviour. I was pleased to learn that the intelligence-based approach in operation is leading to results. (1/2)

Challenging Labour in the House of Commons on the destruction of the Green Belt in Borehamwood, Potters Bar, Cuffley, Bushey and Radlett.

I welcome this announcement, which I championed in Government. It is right that we follow the model of countries like 🇨🇦 and 🇦🇺 to leverage our investment potential, including in domestic priorities.

This Remembrance Sunday, I had the privilege of joining local veterans and residents at a service in Potters Bar.
 
We must never forget those who made such immense sacrifices in defence of our values and our freedom. Today and forever, we will remember them.

Following boundary changes that came into effect at the election, I am proud to represent a new ward in Northaw and Cuffley.

I was very pleased to have attended Cuffley Camp as a child and today I visited the now Cuffley Active Learning Centre. (1/3)

Wishing everyone who is celebrating in Hertsmere a bright and joyous #Diwali.

May this Festival of Lights bring love, laughter, and of course, delicious mithai sweets shared with family and friends!

An honour to join @chiefrabbi and @RishiSunak yesterday evening in Bushey.

Extraordinary stories from survivors of courage and bravery in the face of an appalling terrorist onslaught. May we stand together against hatred and in the pursuit of peace.

A year on from the barbaric terrorist atrocities of 7 October, I was proud to join many constituents in Borehamwood on Saturday evening for the weekly vigil held for those still suffering in captivity.

Our message today, as on every day since 7 October - BRING THEM HOME.

It was great to visit BBC Elstree Centre again last week and meet with its new operators, Oxygen Studios.

I have always been clear that the centre forms a vital part of the UK Film and TV Industry and can have an exciting future if invested in properly. (1/3)

As we approach Rosh Hashanah, I would like to wish everyone celebrating a sweet new year. Shana Tova!

Honoured to take part in the @HolocaustUK event at conference, and hear the inspiring testimony of survivor Mala Tribich.

We must never forget the lessons of the past.

Important debate yesterday with @antisempolicy at @Conservatives conference.

Jewish lives matter and we must remain vigilant against the scourge of antisemitism.

#CPC24

Great to meet with residents at my local advice surgery today in Radlett.

Discussed a number of important issues, including:

📈Apprenticeships
🏥Carers
👮🏻‍♂️Law & Order
🏠Housing

As always, do get in touch if you have any concerns. You can contact me at oliver@oliverdowden.com

More evidence today of the actual economic legacy left by the Conservatives 👇