Sean Woodcock MP: September Monthly Update
It’s been a very busy month this September, and I’d like to share the things I’ve been up to, representing the people of Banbury and North Oxfordshire.
In Parliament
In Parliament, I was able to meet with certain charities and campaign groups that constituents have told me they would like me to focus on. This has included Animal Free Research UK, Greenpeace UK and a reception with the NFU for Back British Farming Day. I always prioritise meeting with groups that constituents have highlighted to me, so I know I am always representing Banbury’s interests.
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I also attended a ‘How to make GBR truly great’ drop-in. This is in preparation for Great British Railways, which will be fully set up once the previous train contracts have all expired. I look forward to when the companies that service the stations within the constituency, Chiltern Railways, Great Western Railways and Cross Country becoming nationalised over the next couple of years.
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I have also started my training under the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme. Our armed forces are incredibly brave people, protecting our country, & our way of life. I was so proud to spend time with our soldiers, sailors & aviators, being educated about their work. Over the next year, I’ll be gaining a deeper understanding of the challenges in keeping our country safe.
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In the constituency
Whilst the start of this month allowed me to focus on work in Westminster, the conference recess period has given me much more time to engage with local businesses and groups in the Banbury constituency. After immediately reaching out to Tooley’s boatyard following the news of their financial struggles, I went and visited them to understand what I could do to assist. I have agreed to speak to DEFRA about our canals, promote the yard and visitor centre, host a meeting with interested parties in the coming months and will speak to Cherwell District Council about the state of the towpath.
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I have also visited local schools including the North Oxfordshire Academy and the Bloxham Grove Academy, answering questions from students about my role as an MP. I have been very impressed by the range of questions asked and the interests of the students. I hope they have felt inspired that someone who grew up just round the corner from the schools has gone on to champion the area in Parliament.
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I have also been to St Mary’s Primary in Chipping Norton, to see the new government-funded nursery that has recently opened there. I am thrilled that the constituency has one of Labour’s school-based nurseries, investing in the future of our children. I look forward to the scheme expanding to more locations in the future.
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Additionally, I have celebrated National Fitness Day with Spiceball Leisure centre, spoken with the Biodiversity Bloxham group, attended an Alzheimer’s society event, visited Chipping Norton Health Centre, visited local business GoLean and held a business Q&A with the Banbury Chamber of Commerce.
I have also been speaking to lots of local residents and trying to assist in helping with their issues, via holding surgeries and drop-ins in Charlbury, Chipping Norton and Banbury. These are great ways to speak with people directly and understand where my support is needed.
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I have also been supporting people with other casework issues, where they have contacted my office. I have managed to assist in some worthwhile successes this month, such as intervening to allow my constituent’s 16-year-old disabled child to claim Universal Credit, where a backlog in assessments left them unable to, despite being eligible.
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I have also celebrated great investments in the local area – such as a £115,000 investment to the Horton Maternity services – bringing improvements and modernisation for the benefit of local patients.

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Labour conference
I have also spent a few days in Liverpool for the Labour conference. I was able to engage with many different businesses and charities, including the British Heart Foundation, where I was able to learn more about their aims and how to get involved to help their causes.
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I was also delighted to speak as part on a panel regarding farming and rural issues. I spoke in depth with Tom Bradshaw, the president of the National Farmers’ Union, and collaborated on ideas with other 3 other rural MPs on the panel.  It has been crucial to my work to engage with these issues as a rural MP, ensuring I am representing my constituents.
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I will have some more time working in the constituency over the next couple of weeks before returning to Parliament after the recess. As usual, if anyone would like to contact me and gain my support with any issue, please contact me at sean.woodcock.mp@parliament.uk,
Sean

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