This form is to gather the views and concerns of Warwick and Leamington constituents regarding the proposed changes to the benefits system, as announced in a Green Paper on 18th March 2025.

To mark International Women’s Day 2025, I wanted to take the opportunity to highlight some of the inspirational women in our community and asked women and girls connected to our towns and villages to provide one piece of advice for the next generation of women.

Here is what they say.

Grateful to all for taking their time to share their thoughts and advice.

Our NHS is facing challenges and needs to change to make sure health and care services are fit for the future. To fix these services, the Government needs to learn from your experiences and hear your ideas. Your views, experiences and ideas will shape immediate steps and long-term changes in a new 10 Year Health Plan.

The views and experiences that you share below will be brought together with what people share on other surveys and other events and will be used to shape the 10 Year Health Plan.

Matt Western MP met with Minister Emma Hardy, the lead for the Environment Agency, regarding the ongoing fly and odour problem plaguing Heathcote, Warwick Gates and Whitnash.

He expressed the severity of the situation and the dreadful impact it is having on so many residents lives.

The Minister was alarmed at what Matt shared with her and has asked for further information about the case.

In order to demonstrate the breadth of the problem, Matt has launched a short survey where residents can share their addresses if they have experienced fly and/or odour problems in their homes. This data will then be used to create a picture of the extent of the problem which can be shared with relevant parties.

You can complete the survey below. If you have any issues completing the survey, please email matt.western.mp@parliament.uk with ‘Re: Fly/Odour Survey’ in the subject line.

Today, I cast my vote in favour of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill. Such decisions are difficult and they are binary. Ultimately, they are personal but informed by countless hours over many weeks of discussions with people from all walks of life – legal experts, medical professionals, and individuals with or without lived experience. I have reviewed statistics, read articles, and listened to personal stories – both from supporters and opponents. On balance, I believe it is crucial for this Bill to advance to the next stage in Parliament for thorough consideration.

First and foremost, I want to express my gratitude to everyone who reached out to me regarding the Bill. I am deeply honoured that so many of you trusted me to represent your views. Your letters, filled with your experiences, opinions, and thoughts, have been profoundly moving and thought-provoking. I am especially grateful to those who shared personal experiences with me; your trust is invaluable, and I have carefully considered your stories and will continue to hold them in high regard.

In principle, I believe in the notion of assisted dying. While I understand and respect that others may disagree with me for whatever reasons, this vote is a matter of conscience that I have been entrusted to make.

My vote does not signify unwavering support for the Assisted Dying Bill. Rather, it indicates my support for further exploration and discussion. I believe that assisted dying is an issue that requires deeper consideration. As a nation, we must continue to engage in open and respectful debate, listening to each other and addressing the complexities involved.

Now the Bill has passed, it will progress through the committee stage, report stage, and third reading in both the Commons and the Lords, followed by Royal Assent. I have been interested and persuaded by the argument put forward by Sir David Natzler, a former Clerk of the House, who has suggested that if the Bill were to pass at second reading, the government could then “seek withdrawal or suspension of further proceedings on the bill in return for a public consultation on the issue.” I would like to see consideration of this, so that extra time can be made available for the remaining stages of the Bill. Additionally, I would like to see the House consider authorising a call for oral or written evidence at the committee stage. Given the gravity of this Bill, it is essential that we allocate as much time and consideration as possible and hear from the widest diversity of voices.

In my conversations, I have heard concerns about prognosis, the potential impacts on palliative care, and the implications for the justice system and the NHS. It is important that we fully consider these issues. I strongly support improving palliative care and believe that, if the Bill were to pass, it must coexist with assisted dying. Assisted dying should not be seen as an opposite, but rather as part of a comprehensive approach – alongside palliative care – in determining what the end of life and the choices we face should look like.

I believe the Terminally ill Adults (End of Life) Bill explicitly outlines those it would cover. The person must have an inevitably progressive illness, disease or medical condition that cannot be reversed by treatment. The title and scope would be legally enshrined, ensuring it cannot be expanded. For this reason, I believe the Bill is absolutely robust and will not lead to a ‘slippery slope.’

The substantial merits and impacts of the Bill deserve thorough consideration and assessment. This belief is reflected in my vote, but I respect greatly the views of my colleagues from across the House as I hope you may respect the decision that I have come to. But, as I say, today’s vote will allow further debate and discussion and does not necessarily mean it will make itself into law. Be assured that the stages of parliamentary process – through Bill committee, the Lords and Third Reading – will ensure that the improvements and refinements but Parliament will ultimately decide whether the amended legislation should be added to the statute book.

Matt Western MP is asking for constituents to share their views on the proposed Assisted Dying Bill ahead of a ‘free vote’ later this month.  

A ‘free vote’ means MPs do not have to vote along party lines and are therefore not whipped for the vote.  

The proposed legislation would make it legal for terminally ill adults to be given assistance to end their own life.  

There would be a range of restrictions included in the legislation, such as the adult having to have the mental capacity to make the choice free from coercion or pressure and be expected to die within six months. 

Two doctors must also be satisfied that the person is eligible, and a High Court judge must hear from at least one of the doctors.  

You can read more about the bill here.

The Bill will come before Parliament on 29th November and Matt Western has said he is “keen to hear from as many constituents as possible” on their views on the proposed legislation.  

Commenting on his call to constituents, Matt Western said: 

“I am aware that there is such a wide range of opinions on this issue, and I am grateful to the many constituents who have already been in touch to share their personal views and experiences with regarding to assisted dying, whether for or against.   

Ahead of the Bill coming to Parliament, I am keen to hear from as many constituents as possible. 

Whether you have a little or lot to say, have direct experience of working with terminally ill patients or have looked after a terminally ill loved one, or just have views on the Bill you wish to share with me, please do take a few minutes to communicate these views with me.   

Thank you in advance for sharing your thoughts on this issue. It is so valuable to hear from so many of you.” 

You can share your thoughts on the bill on the form below or here.

Following last week’s decision by the Government to allocate a hotel in Warwick for use as accommodation for asylum seekers there has been understandable discussion. I appreciate that there will be many views around its use, and therefore important to understand the context of the decision and that the facts are established, rather than assumptions.   

I am very aware of the frustration that there was little to no notice around this decision being taken. I have no power over such decisions but, to those in the Home Office, I have already expressed that better and earlier communication is expected.    

Whilst this is the first large hotel to be put to such use in Warwick and Leamington, it is of standard procedure that a list of hotels being used to house those seeking asylum is not made public. The process of appointment is the same across the country.   

The need to continue and to expand the use of hotels for these purposes is because of a massive backlog of asylum cases inherited from the last Government. This is not a statement to place blame, but to set out the reality of the situation.   

Back in 2010, the number of people seeking asylum was around 14,000. Fourteen years later, the number now stands at a staggering 224,000 – a 16 fold increase under the last Government.  

That is what the Government has inherited. However, in recent weeks we have returned more ineligible people than before, organising three of the largest deportation flights ever seen in this country. 

Serious action is at last being taken to address these cases where people are not permitted to stay in the UK. Since the new Government came into office, there has been a marked increase in returns with 9,400 returns have taking place in this time, including a 19% increase in enforced returns and 14% increase in returns of foreign national offenders. There is also work taking place to secure ‘return agreements’ with additional countries, such as Vietnam. Be assured, this is an issue that the Government is tackling head on, but it cannot be resolved overnight.   

It is my understanding that the hotel will house up to 360 people seeking asylum. These are asylum seekers who have arrived in the UK, applied for asylum and are waiting for their application to be processed. They are not “illegal immigrants”. Upon arrival, whether you agree with the method they arrived in the UK or not, they applied for asylum and are legally allowed to remain in the UK while their application is processed. During this process, all have biometrics taken. 

If they arrived here and did not claim asylum or remained here after their application was refused, that would then qualify their status as illegal. These distinctions are important, and we must endeavour to share the facts, not buzz words which stir up anger and fear.  

I recognise that some residents may be surprised or disappointed with the decision to use a local hotel. However, Warwick is not being singled out; we are simply one of many areas across the country where people will be temporarily accommodated while they await processing. The new Government remain committed to ending the use of asylum hotels, but again it is simply impossible to make this happen overnight.  

On the impact to our community here in Warwick, I will raise these concerns with the Home Office to establish what assistance can be provided to address this.  

I am assured that there will always be housing/security staff onsite, both for the benefit of the local community and those being housed at the hotel. In the past fortnight, we have introduced new measures for staff working at hotels being used for this purpose.    

We must have faith in the system that appropriate measures will be taken to keep our communities safe. I welcome hearing from constituents with concerns and when appropriate, will raise them with the relevant authority. If you wish to contact me on this please email me at matt.western.mp@parliament.uk 

Matt Western is organising a community meeting to discuss the proposed Solar Farm in Radford Semele as the developer looks to submit their planning application shortly.

The meeting will take place on Wednesday 16th October at 8pm at the Radford Semele Community Hall.

Please RSVP using the form below. Due to security reasons, only those who have RSVP’d will be able to attend the meeting.

If you have any issues with the form, please email matt.western.mp@parliament.uk with ‘Radford Semele Solar Farm Meeting’ in the subject line.

About the inquiry 

The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Council Housing has launched an inquiry into the current and future demands for council homes.  

We are inviting members of the public to have their say. You could be a council tenant, councillor, council employee, trade unionist, housing campaigner or on a housing waiting list. All views are welcome. 

We are particularly interested to receive your views on some or all of the following: 

• How important is council housing, in addressing local/general housing need? 
• Does your area still have directly-owned council housing? If not, do you think new/acquired council homes are needed? Please say why. 
• If your area has council housing, what condition is it in, what investment is needed, and what is stopping that investment? 
• What is your experience of stock transfer, PFI, ALMO, SPVs or other alternative mechanisms to build and manage council (or former council) housing? 
• What do you think we need to do to secure a new generation of good-quality council homes? 

How to respond 

The deadline for email and written submissions is 5th January 2024. You can respond in as much detail as you like. 

By email to matt.western.mp@parliament.uk  

By post to Council Housing Inquiry c/o DCH PO Box 33519 London E2 9WW 

Organising a local evidence session 

Can you meet up with people who live and work in council housing (or wish they did), other tenants, councillors, trade unions and housing campaigns to give their views and experience on the current situation and what is needed?   

Let us know if you are organising a local event.  Here’s a checklist that might be useful: 

1. Do other key groups want to organise this jointly? 
2. Agree date and venue (or online host) 
3. Let us know the date, if you want MP’s and other support 
4. Invite all who might want to contribute  
5. Keep a record of all who attend, and record all evidence 
6. Send all evidence and the list of attendees to matt.western.mp@parliament.uk  

Initial report

The APPG produced an initial report to launch the inquiry, covering what we already know about current and future demands for council homes. 

You can download the report here. 

A final report, drawing on all the evidence collected as part of the inquiry, will be published in Spring 2024. 

MP Matt Western has launched a petition against fracking as fears of gas and oil extraction in Warwickshire are reignited.

The Warwick and Leamington MP has warned companies could return with plans to extract in the county now the Government has reversed its 2019 ban.

His petition calls for regional councils to rule out future fracking or underground coal gasification (UCG), for which there were previous plans in Warwickshire.

The British Geological Survey has classified a 128 square mile area, subsuming a vast swathe of the county, as suitable for UCG.

The petition entitled ‘Keep your FRACKING hands of Warwickshire’ also demands the Government reintroduces a national ban on fracking.

It has already gained nearly 3,000 signatures in less than 2 weeks.

Mr Western said: “Fracking and UCG will not help reduce energy prices nor will they increase supply in any notable way.

“They will, however, damage the environment and local communities – and fracking is also known to cause earthquakes.

“Instead of extracting fossil fuels, the Government should be investing in wind, particularly onshore, and solar energy – which are the cheapest and cleanest forms available to us and would significantly reduce domestic bills.

“Fracking is dirty, damaging and undemocratic. UCG is similarly worrying to environmental experts.

“No doubt I’ll be the only Warwickshire MP to oppose these practices.”

Hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, is a method of extracting gas and oil from shale rock which involves drilling into the earth to release gas.

It is controversial with environmental organisations because it risks water contamination, damages the natural environment and is a risk to public health according to medical experts.

UCG which involves similar methods of drilling to release gases is also criticised due to the risk of polluting water supplies and huge carbon emissions.

Mr Western shared an image of an area of countryside between Rugby and Leamington which was the subject of an application for a UCG license in 2013.

He fears previously defeated plans like this could now be resurrected.

He has also called on Warwickshire’s four Conservative MPs to ‘take a principled stand’ and speak out against fracking in the county but also across the country.

Mr Western challenged the Energy Secretary Jacob Rees Mogg about the merits of fracking in Parliament yesterday (September 23).

He suggested Warwickshire was one of the only counties in the UK with no windfarm – and urged the Government to back wind and solar power.

To sign the petition, and for more information on fracking and UCG, please visit the following link: https://mattwestern.org/campaign/keep-your-fracking-hands-off-warwickshire/#wpcf7-f164-p13952-o1