Supporting the Diverse Local Community

One of our great strengths in Hertsmere is the diversity of our community locally, and one of the great joys of being Hertsmere’s MP has been making a huge range of informative and enjoyable visits with the different communities in the borough. 

I am proud to represent one of the largest Jewish communities in the country. As former chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for British Jews and officer of the Conservative Friends of Israel, I have always been a strong voice in standing up for the community locally and nationally.  I have had the pleasure of making great friends and enjoying a variety of events, including Mitzvah days, Friday night dinners and Menorah lighting. I continue to engage closely with Jewish leaders and remain a staunch friend and ally of the community.    

I also stand firm against the scourge of antisemitism and have made key achievements in this respect, including successfully lobbying ministers to fully ban Hezbollah and Hamas and making key progress in my campaign to ban public bodies from imposing divisive Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) campaigns against foreign countries, which invariably target the state of Israel. 

The events we have seen unfolding in the Middle East since Hamas’s barbaric terror attack on 7 October 2023 are truly horrific. Israel suffered the worst terror attack in its history at the hands of Hamas where innocent civilians were brutally murdered and hundreds taken hostage. This is a difficult and fragile moment for the Middle East. The release of the remaining hostages held by Hamas since the atrocities of 7 October is key to a sustainable end to the conflict in Gaza and to building a better future. I believe the onus is on Hamas, who could agree to release those hostages now and avert an escalation.

We also have a growing Hindu population and a leading Hare Krishna Temple at Bhaktivedanta Manor in Radlett. I have had an excellent time over the years celebrating a range of festivals in Hertsmere, including Diwali, Janmashtami and Ramanavami at the Manor - joyous occasions where I have been generously welcomed. 

I am committed to defending and enhancing community safety and cohesion and ensuring everybody’s voices are heard. From charities and schools to our wonderful local churches, mosques, synagogues and temples, it is a key priority of mine to engage with and listen to the different communities across Hertsmere. 

News

Oliver Speaks at Radlett and Aldenham Lunch Club

Sir Oliver Dowden MP was recently welcomed at the Radlett and Aldenham Lunch Club.The Club meets regularly to discuss numerous topics over lunch. Oliver was invited as a special guest to talk on the topic of “The State of UK Politics- present and future”.

Oliver's contribution on the threat from Iran

Sir Oliver has contributed to the discussion on the threat from Iran.Sir Oliver said: 'Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. The Home Secretary rightly says that the threats from hostile states are complex and intertwined.

Oliver Visits Elstree View Care Home

Sir Oliver Dowden MP recently visited Elstree View Care Home.Oliver gave a short speech and then participated in a question and answer session with residents.The Care Home holds a monthly residents meeting with residents in which they request to participate in an activity or event.

Oliver Pushes for Elimination of Houthis

Sir Oliver Dowden MP has asked a question on the UK Airstrike on a Houthi Military Facility. Sir Oliver asked: 'I welcome this action and join the Defence Secretary in paying tribute to our exemplary armed forces.

Oliver Pays Tribute to Boreham Wood FC in Speech

Sir Oliver has paid tribute to local football club, Boreham Wood FC, in a recent speech in Parliament. He said: "As I have said to this House before, English football is a cherished cultural and soft power that ranks alongside our greatest museums, galleries and stately homes.

Oliver's Column for My News - April 2025

One of the important parts of my role as your Member of Parliament is to work with local stakeholders such as Hertfordshire County Council and Hertsmere Borough Council.I recently convened a meeting with Hertfordshire County Council’s new Chief Executive, Angie Ridgwell, who took over the role at th

Oliver Welcomes Hertfordshire County Council’s New Chief Executive

Sir Oliver Dowden MP recently met with Hertfordshire County Council’s new Chief Executive, Angie Ridgwell.The meeting was convened by Oliver who welcomed Angie Ridgwell to her role.Oliver raised constituents’ concerns about issues for which Hertfordshire County Council are responsible.&nbs

Oliver's Column for My News - February 2025

We have just marked Holocaust Memorial Day on 27 January, the anniversary of the liberation of the former Nazi concentration and death camp Auschwitz-Birkenau.Holocaust Memorial Day is an important opportunity for people from Hertsmere and across the country to mark this historic moment an

Oliver Join Commemorations for Holocaust Memorial Day

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.