A Word From Freddie van Mierlo

Dear Residents of Thame,
 
I’m excited to introduce myself as your newly elected Member of Parliament. The past few months have been a whirlwind, and I’m really grateful for the chance to represent and serve our community. It’s been a busy time getting to grips with the role and meeting so many of you, and I’m looking forward to working together to make a positive difference here in Thame.
 
Reflecting on the experience of my first three months in the job, I’m pleased with where I’ve got to – but I recognise this is very much just the start.
 
Firstly, I’m delighted to share that after a busy summer period of hiring I now have a full team in place, including five caseworkers based in our new Chalgrove office who are working hard on the backlog of emails, and going above and beyond on individual cases. Parliament has already presented me with a great deal of exciting opportunities including joining clubs that offer trips from the US to the Falklands, but I’m clear I’ve been sent to parliament to serve the constituents of Henley and Thame. Whenever the parliamentary schedule allows, I make sure I’m here in the constituency working on the issues that matter most to you.
 
Secondly, I’ve set to work meeting with local stakeholders, particularly in the NHS to build the relationships needed to get results for residents.  MPs don’t hold any ‘power’ to force bodies like the NHS to do anything. Instead we have a convening power to bring people together and find resolutions together. MPs in some ways have less direct ability to demand an action than councillors – and have no access to the civil service – but I’ll be putting my new .parliament.uk email and embossed parliament stationery to good use!
 
Thirdly, I’ve also got to grips with the suite of tools available to backbench opposition MPs. I’m occasionally asked what impact an opposition MP can have – especially when the government has a large majority. It’s a valid question and impact relies on being active, and willing to use everything available to you. I make regular use of the opportunities presented to ask ministers ‘oral questions’, speak in the chamber on a debate, and pose ‘written questions’ to ministers. I’m delighted too that the Liberal Democrat campaign on carers has broken through to the government, who now will increase the earnings threshold for carers allowance.
 
Since the July election, I’ve also been actively involved in local issues. I attended a protest in Thame against the proposed concrete crushing facility at Moorend Lane, which has since been withdrawn. I also had the opportunity to meet with Thame’s Mayor, Councillor Andy Gilbert, to discuss how we can collaborate on shared goals. Additionally, we visited the wonderful Red Kite Family Centre to learn more about the vital work they do in the community.
 
Over the coming months, I will continue to meet with as many residents as possible – and stakeholders like Oxfordshire County Council on the Thame-Haddenham cycleway. If you would like to get in touch, I would love to hear from you.
 
Best wishes
 
Freddie van Mierlo
freddie.vanmierlo.mp@parliament.uk