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 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. 

I continue to engage closely with Jewish leaders and remain a staunch friend and ally of the community. 

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 Opens Bushey Jubilee Acoustic Festival

Oliver opened Bushey Jubilee Acoustic Festival on Sunday. Returning after a two-year break, Mr Dowden was delighted to once again launch this local event, this time commemorating Her Majesty the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

Oliver Hails Progress Against BDS Campaigns

Oliver has welcomed recent progress in his campaign to ban public bodies from imposing Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) campaigns against foreign countries. 

Oliver's Tribute to Rabbi Lord Sacks

I was truly very sorry to read of the passing of Rabbi Lord Sacks. A great thinker, a great teacher and a great human being – who appealed to Jew and Gentile alike to be and do their very best. 

Holocaust Memorial Parade

Last night, Oliver joined with hundreds of people to pay tribute to the victims of the Holocaust at the annual memorial parade through Bushey.