Aware of the shocking statistics on the impact of loneliness and social isolation on health and well-being, Richard joined forces with the Volunteer Centre (VCWB) and Connecting Communities in Berkshire (CCB) to host a conference on how to tackle this issue at Fair Close on Friday 8th February.

Richard Benyon presented the petition - Illegal encampments in Berkshire to Parliament. He said:

Richard Benyon met with Andy Pinkard, Chair of West Berkshire CAMRA, in Parliament this week, following the welcome news in the autumn Budget that duty on beer, cider and spirits has been frozen for another year.

Richard Benyon, Member of Parliament for Newbury, is joining over 500 other MPs to plant trees as part of the Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy, a network of forest conservation initiatives to mark Her Majesty's lifetime of service to the Commonwealth.

Newbury MP, Richard Benyon, has sent his deepest condolences to the staff and young people in their care at Priors Court following the fatal accident on the M4 yesterday.

Richard said:

Richard Benyon MP has welcomed £264,820 for West Berkshire to boost support for rough sleepers, helping them into safe accommodation.

Newbury’s MP, Richard Benyon, has responded to a letter sent by the Chair of West Berkshire liberal Democrats. The letter asked him to support a House of Lords amendment to the EU (Withdrawal) Bill calling for a second referendum on leaving the EU.

On Friday, Network Rail launched a consultation for a new western rail link to Heathrow. This will enable passengers throughout the west to travel to the airport without the need to travel into London.

Following the meeting in January at Westminster organised by local MPs with Roads Minister, Jesse Norman, and Highways England, the Minister has now confirmed that further development work has been authorised on the improvements proposed in the Safety Review.

On Tuesday this week, MPs voted on a new eligibility criteria for free school meals. Under new regulations, the Government estimates that by 2022 around 50,000 more children will benefit from a free school meal, compared to the previous benefits system.