In her first Westminster column of the year, Beaconsfield MP Joy Morrissey talks about the threat of 'devastation' from a proposed motorway service area. 

“With this being my first column of 2024, I hope everyone across Beaconsfield, Marlow and the South Bucks villages had a wonderful Christmas and enjoyable New Year's celebrations with family and friends. So far, January has been busy with constituency matters and Parliament returning after recess. In this column, I want to talk about my priorities for the year ahead and what I have been up to this month.

"In January, many of our towns and villages across the constituency have been impacted by flooding. I have been in Farnham Common, speaking to residents about the recent flooding in the area. Over this period, I remained in close contact with the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs, Thames Water, and other local authorities regarding the changing flood risk in our local area. I am pleased that the flood risk has now subsided.

"Within the constituency, I have enjoyed speaking with many residents in my local surgery appointments. I have been working hard to resolve constituents' concerns regarding social care, health care and education. If you have any concerns you would like to raise with me, please contact my office, and I would be more than happy to assist you.

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"As your Member of Parliament, one of my key priorities is to protect our beautiful Green Belt – from Beaconsfield to Iver. This month, I visited the Iver Environment Centre, a community wildlife garden that offers fun activities and is a brilliant place to learn about nature. Despite its value to our local area, the centre faces potential devastation due to a proposed Motorway Service Area. I have written to the Secretary of State, urging the rejection of the application. Not only would it have a devastating impact on those who attend this fantastic community site, but also on our Green Belt in the Ivers.

"It has been a busy time in Parliament since we returned after recess, and as the Government Defence Whip, I have been assisting the Defence Secretary in organising Defence questions. With the ongoing situation in the Middle East and Ukraine and concerns over national security, our defence could not be more important.

"Later this month, we will observe Holocaust Memorial Day. I was honoured to mark this by signing the Holocaust Educational Trust's Book of Commitment, pledging my commitment to honouring the individuals murdered during the Holocaust. I also paid tribute to the survivors who work tirelessly to educate people, young and old, about the horrors that occurred. We must persevere in our fight against hate and antisemitism wherever it manifests in society.

"Looking at the year ahead, I will work hard to deliver on your priorities. This includes improving access to GP appointments and better local health services, enhancing transport links for residents and businesses, garnering a safer community, investing in education, and protecting our Green Belt. These priorities will remain central to my work as your Member of Parliament this year.

"Thank you for taking the time to read my first column of the year. Your priorities are my priorities. In 2024, I will continue championing the issues that matter most to residents."

-Joy Morrissey MP