As Parliament returns after the summer recess and a new term begins, I remain as committed to delivering for the people of Hertsmere and ensuring your priorities are heard in Westminster.

First, congratulations to all students on their GCSE and A-Level results. I hope your hard work has paid off and wish you every success in the next chapter.

Just like students returning to the classroom, MPs are heading back to Westminster with renewed energy. I’ll be using this time to push forward on the issues that matter most to our community.

As Hertsmere’s Member of Parliament, I am proud to represent one of the largest Jewish communities in the country, with which I engage extremely closely. I will continue to stand up for them as I have done recently, challenging unacceptable comments by  James O’Brien’s on LBC and offensive BBC broadcasts, including coverage of Bob Vylan's Glastonbury performance. These incidents caused considerable hurt and anger, particularly at a time when antisemitism is worryingly on the rise. I will keep fighting against the poison of antisemitism as your local MP. 

Hertsmere has been inundated with applications that simply seek to rebrand the green belt as the grey belt. As I had predicted at the election, grey belt is being used as an excuse to tarmac over our precious green belt land. I have grave concerns about this and I will continue to work with your local Conservative councillors to ensure that large swathes of Radlett/ Bushey do not succumb to urban sprawl.

Unfortunately, we have seen a rise in crimes such as burglary, robbery and car theft. We have also seen an increase in excessive arrests for ‘offensive’ online posts. Fair expression should never be punished. I will be working with Hertfordshire Constabulary to ensure that the police are solving real crimes and focusing on the public’s actual concerns.

As students across Hertsmere head back to school with a sense of purpose, I’m beginning this new Parliamentary term ready to serve our community and deliver results.