As we enter 2025, I want to wish everybody a very happy new year and hope you all had a relaxing break with your family and friends.
Parliament returned from Christmas recess last week and I got straight back into the swing of things by getting stuck in on all the local issues that matter to local people during debates and questions in Westminster.
We’ve got so much work to do this year for Mid Bedfordshire and I’m determined to get off to a strong start.
Wixams GP surgery
At the top of that list remains the ongoing frustration at the failure over many years to deliver a GP surgery for Wixams. It is unacceptable that this has been dragging on for so long and I’m continuing to push hard in Parliament to unblock the issues.
Despite the Health Minister agreeing to meet with me to discuss it, I’m incredibly disappointed the meeting still hasn’t happened and I have now written to her to reiterate the importance of the issue and to try and secure a meeting urgently.
National insurance impact
The impact of the Government’s National Insurance hike is hitting local businesses hard. But it’s not just businesses impacted by Labour’s attack on jobs. It’s our local charities too.
Charities like The Greensand Trust which does amazing work protecting and enhancing our important green spaces in Bedfordshire.
The NI increase will cost them £100,000 extra a year in staffing costs. I also recently met with Keech Hospice Care who will also be facing significant extra costs due to the hike.
Last week I highlighted these concerns during a Westminster Hall debate in Parliament but unfortunately, the Government is ploughing ahead with its plans. I will continue to fight for our local businesses and charities against these reckless decisions.
London Marathon
Speaking of Keech Hospice Care, I will be running the 2025 London Marathon in April to help raise much-needed funds for the incredible work they do for people across Mid Bedfordshire.
On a recent visit to Keech I was able to meet some of the wonderful staff and volunteers who support people and their families at the most difficult time in their lives.
If you are able to spare some money to donate to a fantastic cause please head to justgiving.com.
Constituency surgeries
I hold regular advice surgeries across our Mid Bedfordshire constituency, and you can find all the details on my website. Please just email Blake.Stephenson.MP@parliament.uk to book an appointment.
Stay in touch
You can find me on social media on Facebook, as well as X and Instagram. To receive my regular e-newsletter please head to my website and sign up.
This is a monthly guest column provided by
Blake Stephenson, Conservative MP for Mid Bedfordshire.
It is published unedited and does not
reflect the views of the Bedford Independent.
