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Tag Archives: High Wycombe

My statement on the continued closure of the High Wycombe driving test centre


I understand the frustration the continued closure of the driving test centre is causing. I share that frustration. Constituents are routinely writing to me requesting an update on its planned reopening, illustrating the reasons I believe it is essential we have a functional driving test centre in High Wycombe. As many of my constituents know, we have, of course, been here before. Twice now, I have worked with key stakeholders in our area to save the driving test centre in […]

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Driving Lessons on Motorways


The Government has recently announced that learner drivers will be able to have lessons on motorways in a bid to improve road safety. The change in law will be active from 2018 and learners will be allowed on motorways but with an approved driving instructor in a dual control car. I know this issue will be of particular interest to learner drivers here in Wycombe considering the M40 is on our doorstep and is the important arterial route through our […]

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Publication of the 2017 Cross-Government Drug Strategy


The Government’s 2017 Drug Strategy has now been published, and I know that this plan will be of particular interest to those who work with individuals desperately trying to break away from a destructive cycle of addiction. Charities such as DrugFAM as well as our local NHS teams perform this critically important work in Wycombe often in the most difficult of circumstances and I hope this strategy can support our local providers and charities. You can read more about the Government’s Strategy via this […]

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Remarks on the unveiling of the renovated Red Lion in High Wycombe, where Disraeli and Churchill spoke


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Yesterday, local people met in High Wycombe town centre for the unveiling of our historic Red Lion after its renovation. I was absolutely delighted to see it in such magnificent condition. I truncated my remarks a little but here is my intended speech: We meet today on St George’s Day, the traditional birthday of Shakespeare, to unveil a statue which reminds us that Wycombe is an important historic place in the life of our country. This is a place of Disraeli […]

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Parliamentary question about Business Rates retention


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On 16th January 2017, I raised the important issue of business rates with the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government during Communities and Local Government questions in the Chamber: Mr Steve Baker (Wycombe) (Con): What progress he has made on enabling local authorities to retain 100% of business rates.   The Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government (Sajid Javid): Councils have long campaigned for 100% business rate retention. Last week, we introduced the Local Government Finance Bill, which […]

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Discover the place of Christmas in the drama of God’s plan to set the world right


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This morning at Speen Church, we focussed on Tearfund’s Silent Night Carols. It was a moving reminder of the astonishing peace which broke out during the Great War at Christmas a century ago. We also had time to remember the appalling suffering in Syria today, to pray for people there and to give in support of Tearfund’s work. Great political, economic and social forces are at work in the world. Humanity suffers violence, pestilence and poverty. The Economist summarises the year’s news here. Ukraine, Crimea and Russia’s […]

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Counter-terrorism arrests today – courage not cowardice will win


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As we approach Remembrance Day, police have made counter-terrorism arrests in London and High Wycombe (Bucks Free Press, Telegraph). There is speculation that this weekend’s commemorations were the target of attacks. On this centenary of the start of the Great War, we remember that the men and women of our armed forces fought and died in a just cause: the preservation of democracy and the rule of law against injustice and tyranny. Today, a tiny minority are betraying the rest of us with […]

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An evening with Major General Tim Cross – 3 Oct, 19:30, the King’s Centre


I chose to attend the King’s Church High Wycombe this morning as an individual, for no particular reason. It was their Vision Sunday, when the Church sets out its plan for the year ahead. I wouldn’t have blogged about it but for this event with Major General Tim Cross on Wednesday 3 Oct at 19:30 at the King’s Centre: Tim Cross is a retired British Army officer and military logistics expert. He has commanded at every level in various countries and was […]

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John Hampden Grammar School receives lottery funding


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John Hampden Grammar School has been awarded a grant of £44,800 by the Heritage Lottery Fund for a student-led project on the history of the school and its role in providing education in High Wycombe since 1893. My researcher, Tim Hewish, is a former pupil of the school and is especially looking forward to seeing the final result. In the Palace of Westminster, on the right as you enter Central Lobby from Westminster Hall, there is a statue of John Hampden […]

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Tonight: 90th Birthday Celebration Dinner, High Wycombe Royal British Legion


Tonight, we’ll be celebrating the 90th Birthday of High Wycombe and District Royal British Legion Ex-Servicemen’s Club with our President, Mr Monty Seymour, who has held the office since 1967. The Royal British Legion and its Clubs matter. Here’s why:

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