Oliver Dowden, newly elected MP for Hertsmere, has today made his maiden speech on the floor of the House of Commons. Mr Dowden used his maiden speech to praise the hard work and character of the people of Hertsmere, and pledged to protect the greenbelt. Mr Dowden said: “Hertsmere is 80 per cent green belt, it lies at the very southern edge of Hertfordshire… It was during childhood walks through these fields that my love of the English countryside was fostered... and I am absolutely determined to preserve them from soulless urban sprawl, so that our children and grandchildren may enjoy them as I have done. He later continued: “What characterises Hertsmere much more than its landscape or its industry is the character of its people. People who get up early every morning and from Potters Bar, Bushey, Radlett and Borehamwood, cram on to commuter trains, or set off along the M25 or the A1. Men and women, working hard, making sacrifices to provide for themselves, their family and their community, knowing that you don’t get something for nothing in life but that you have to work for it. Hertsmere also has the distinction of being at the heart of the British film industry. So many films - from Star Wars to more recently Paddington Bear the Movie, have been shot at the Elstree studios in Borehamwood. We also play host to BBC Elstree - home to the permanent set of EastEnders.”
I know that many constituents are concerned about the proposed anti-Semitic rally in Golders Green on 4th July. I have received a response to a letter I sent to Hertfordshire Constabulary registering my concerns, and was pleased to hear that both Hertfordshire Constabulary and the Metropolitan Police Service are working closely with the Community Security Trust.
It saddens me that in the twenty first century such demonstrations, driven by both hatred and ignorance are happening on our very door step. I am proud to represent a constituency with a vibrant and growing Jewish community and I will always do what I can to tackle anti-Semitism.
Increased traffic at the Stirling Corner roundabout is a huge inconvenience for many of my constituents. I have written to Mr Leon Daniels, Chief Executive Officer at Transport for London, asking him to look into why the queues have increased so dramatically. I will also be tabling a Parliamentary Question to the Rt. Hon. Patrick McLoughlin MP, Secretary of State for Transport.
On Thursday 28th June, Oliver Dowden met the Bushey Heath Residents Association to receive a petition signed by more than 1,400 people, who object to plans to develop the historic Green Belt site.Residents are opposing resubmitted plans to build four blocks of flats on The Paddock, one of the few undeveloped green spaces in Bushey.Mr Dowden said: “The precious green space that we have around Bushey makes it a beautiful place to live and preserves its distinct character and charm. I know how strongly many residents feel about this development and I am determined that their voice is properly heard.”
It was a great honour to be sworn in as the Member of Parliament for Hertsmere on Wednesday. Having grown up locally, I know what a special place Hertsmere is and I am determined to represent my constituents to the very best of my abilities.
