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Championing Investment and Trade
This month, I became the Liberal Democrats’ spokesperson for Investment and Trade.
I’m using this new role in the party to champion businesses in Maidenhead and press the Government to make real change to support trade in our communities, from supporting high street traders to helping local firms grow and succeed.
I’ve been meeting shopkeepers, startups, manufacturers and family-run firms to learn what holds them back and what helps them thrive. I’m also launching a short survey to gather insights from our businesses. I’ll be taking those findings into national conversations to help unlock real opportunities for jobs and investment here at home.
My focus is on listening, practical action and connecting businesses here with the advice, contracts and partners they need. If you run a business in Maidenhead, I’d welcome your views.
Take Joshua Reynolds Business Survey https://maidenheadlibdems.co.uk/business-survey/?emci=9eccf0c5-07a8-f011-8e61-6045bded8ba4&emdi=f3c5e301-b4a9-f011-8e61-6045bded8ba4&ceid=1384072
Speaking up in Parliament
Despite this month’s conference recess, I’ve continued to speak up in Parliament on issues that matter to our community. My contributions include:
Speaking about how better youth services can help reduce problems in our communities, in a debate on antisocial behaviour. I urged ministers to work with the Department for Education and the Treasury to invest in long-term solutions rather than shifting the problem elsewhere.
Challenging ministers to be consistent in their opposition to fire and rehire practices, both nationally and locally, after Labour’s Birmingham administration wanted to fire and rehire bin workers.
Questioning what notice period the Government believes is fair, and whether they have consulted businesses on the impact, to provide clarity on shift cancellation rules. These are important questions for anyone managing work around short-notice changes.
Highlighting the partnership between Furze Platt Senior School and MaidEnergy for installing solar panels, showing how local schools can effectively use their budgets and at the same time set a fantastic example of being environmentally conscious to their students.
Industry Roundtables and Policy
This month, I’ve continued meeting with businesses and industry leaders to make sure local priorities are heard in national conversations.
I joined a roundtable with Jaguar Land Rover suppliers to discuss how we can support manufacturing jobs and strengthen supply chains. I also met with Biogen to talk about innovation in the life sciences sector and what it means for future investment and skills.
Closer to home, I spoke with Thames Hydro about renewable energy opportunities and how we can make the most of local infrastructure. I also sat down with Areli to discuss town centre regeneration and what it could mean for Maidenhead’s future.
At the Business and Trade Committee, I’ve been pushing for policies that back British businesses. I also met with the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders to hear directly from the automotive sector about the challenges they’re facing and the support they need to grow.
In the Media
In Maidenhead
I spoke about the ongoing congestion at Maidenhead station’s forecourt and what improvements could be made. I urged a wider programme of improvements to make the station safer, more accessible, and easier to navigate for everyone.
I raised concerns about delays to Temple Bridge repairs and the dangerous diversion route. It’s good to see that work is finally underway to restore a safe crossing for walkers.
And elsewhere...
I joined Politico’s Westminster Insider podcast to talk about how politics can better connect with Gen Z, and how the Liberal Democrats are working to earn their trust.
Listen here from 14:20.
During President Trump’s recent visit to Windsor, I made clear that while such visits can open important diplomatic conversations, they must not come at the expense of local communities. I asked for full transparency on the cost and impact on Thames Valley Police, because residents deserve to know that their safety and local services remain a top priority.
And finally, I was proud to stand with colleagues at the Liberal Democrat conference to celebrate the values our flag represents: unity, tolerance and compassion.
Lib Dem Conference
This month, I headed to the Liberal Democrats' Autumn Conference, where I joined colleagues to help shape policies that reflect the values and priorities of communities like ours.
Among the announcements were plans for an Energy Security Bank to help households and small businesses invest in renewable energy, and a practical proposal to clear the asylum backlog by creating Nightingale-style processing centres.
Alongside the main conference sessions, I took part in a Business Day roundtable to hear directly from industry leaders about the challenges they’re facing and how we can support growth. I also met with the Financial Conduct Authority to discuss financial regulation and how it can better support businesses, and spoke with Alzheimer’s Research UK about how we can better support families affected by dementia.
Finally, I had the pleasure of meeting the Japanese Deputy Ambassador to talk about UK–Japan trade and support for Seiko and Honda in our constituency.
And finally...
It’s been a real pleasure to get out and about across the constituency again this month.
I popped into the Macmillan Coffee Morning and caught up with residents over coffee and cake after a community walk.
At Holy Trinity School, I answered a range of challenging questions from Year 6 students, and I was delighted to attend Furze Platt Senior School’s open evening. I also attended the Award Ceremony for Young Writers to celebrate the talent of some brilliant young people whose creativity and confidence were truly inspiring.
The Boundary Walk, a visit to Strand Park in Cookham, and a stop at the Coffee Festival were great chances to meet people and hear what’s on your mind. I also spent time with the Cox Green Luncheon Club and visited the Commonwealth War Graves Commission to reflect on the importance of remembrance.
As always, I’m grateful to everyone who takes the time to share their thoughts, stories and ideas. These moments are what make this job so rewarding.
Best wishes,
Joshua Reynolds MP
Your Member of Parliament for Maidenhead
Maidenhead Liberal Democrats
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