IT'S been another busy month since I last wrote for this website, with the usual summer mix of fetes and constituency meetings.

I was very impressed, on my recent visit, with the work of the Oasis Partnership, which offers support for those suffering from drug and alcohol addictions in the local area. The dedicated team do an excellent job, and I found my visit both inspiring and enlightening.

I also met recently with the Aylesbury branch of the National Famers’ Union. We discussed the debate surrounding bovine TB and the proposed badger cull, as well as the current round of CAP reforms. Farming is so important to our area, and I always appreciate the opportunity to be briefed by those with firsthand experience of the implications of national policy decisions.

Speaking of national policy, many of you will be aware that the HS2 Preparation Bill will receive its second reading in the House this Wednesday. This is not the major Bill, which will be introduced at a later stage, but it puts forward a series of measures that would allow the Department for Transport to start releasing funds as a preparation for subsequent legislation.

Whilst my opposition to the HS2 project is, I hope, well known, the government say that this Bill would allow for future spending on compensation for those suffering from blight. I will continue to speak out locally against the HS2 proposals and I am in regular contact with the Secretary of State for Transport, Rt Hon Patrick McLoughlin MP, who is very much aware of the views of Buckingham constituency residents with respect to the scheme.

On a lighter note, I have been enjoying the summer fete season very much, and had the honour of opening the Haddenham Summer Fair a few weeks ago. As we wend our way towards the hotter summer months – always assuming, given the famous British climate, these eventually manifest themselves – I am looking forward to seeing many of you on similar such occasions.