Aylesbury MP Rob Butler writes exclusively to BFP readers:

The difficult decision to postpone step four of the lockdown roadmap was extremely disappointing for many people and businesses across Bucks.

Whilst I had fervently hoped there would be no need for a delay, local infection rates had started to pick up again and so, unfortunately, there was a risk that the brilliant progress made over recent months could be undermined.

Keeping the last of the restrictions in place for a few more weeks will help ensure vaccinations have been administered to all those who need them. Indeed, in the short period since the Prime Minister’s announcement, vaccination clinics locally have already begun to offer jabs to all those aged over 18, and I’m delighted that more than 636,000 jabs have now been given in Buckinghamshire.

Please do take up the opportunity for a vaccination as soon as you can. Meantime, it has been heartening to see signs of our old way of life returning.

I have thoroughly enjoyed seeing the work of some of our incredibly talented local artists and crafts people during Bucks Art Weeks, and Aylesbury’s WhizzFizz Fest brought a buzz back to the town centre last Saturday.

Many local pubs and restaurants are busy again and I really hope people will spend some of the summer visiting the superb local attractions that are on our doorstep, but which have been closed during the pandemic.

My own area of Aylesbury has lots to do for all members of the family and is well worth a visit during the school holidays.

Back in Westminster, there is still plenty of work going on. I recently held an Adjournment debate in Parliament, calling for the government to approve funding for the Aylesbury spur of East-West Rail: it is a link that is absolutely essential as the town grows, and will benefit not just Aylesbury, but many other parts of the county. As I said in a subsequent question to the Prime Minister – it’s the railway we do want in Bucks, rather than the one we don’t, and I will continue to campaign for it.