April 2026

Monthly Resident Update

Hi Reader,

News from Vikki Slade MP – April 2026

As April has seen the days get longer and the bluebells start to appear across Dorset, I’ve been reflecting on what a privilege it is to represent such a vibrant corner of the world. This month has been a busy one but it’s the moments in the constituency, like visiting schools or local businesses, that remind me why I do this job.

Whether I’m fighting to protect Upton Heath or standing up in the House of Commons to demand a fairer deal for our fire services, my priority is simple: putting Mid Dorset and North Poole first and making sure our voices are heard.

Behind the scenes, my wonderful team and I have been working hard to keep up with your requests. This month, we’ve tackled over 600 new cases, ranging from complex DWP delays to local water quality concerns at the River Stour. Helping local residents to find solutions is always the highlight of my week.

In this update, you’ll find a mix of what I’ve been up to and also information on the Village Tours that I’m planning for the summer.
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I hope you enjoy the read, and please do share it with anyone who wants to stay in the loop!

Please don’t reply directly to this newsletter – contact vikki.slade.mp@parliament.uk

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In this edition:

• Secured Upton Heath for the community
• Hosted a Farming Round Table in Lytchett for local farmers
• Led a debate in Parliament on reforming the DVLA
• Went on the road with our posties at Royal Mail
• Continued to support the Assisted Dying Bill
• Looking ahead to my Summer Village Tour

Secured Upton Heath

I am thrilled that the public campaign to bring this precious part of Upton Heath into the ownership of Dorset Wildlife Trust has been successful.

Since being made aware of the proposed sale, I have worked closely with Dorset Wildlife Trust, as well as both local authorities and our communities, to raise public awareness and the funds required to purchase the site.

I am pleased to have been able to highlight the fundamental issue of planning rights on protected sites with the Prime Minister and to have brought a parliamentary petition on how we better secure these sites for our communities and for nature going forward.

It is incredible that in just two weeks, people pulled together to show their strength of feeling and to raise such a huge sum. I had people respond to my petition from Wareham, Highcliffe and Blandford and when I was collecting signatures in person on the heath it was amazing to talk to people who visit from beyond Dorset to enjoy the heathland’s beauty.

Although we have successfully secured the sale, we have not yet raised everything we need to cover the full costs and the restoration of the site, which has declined in condition and is at risk from fire and anti-social behaviour. With that in mind, I have written to Defra seeking support from the newly announced Species Recovery Programme.

Hosted a Farming Round Table

It was a privilege to host a Farming Round Table in Lytchett alongside Sarah Dyke MP, the Lib Dems Spokesperson for Rural Affairs, and some of our hard-working local farmers.

We had a wide-ranging discussion on how to support the next generation of farmers, including the relaunch of Wareham Young Farmers and the need for better vocational training. We also tackled the big picture issues, like the rising costs of red diesel and fertiliser and the need for the Environment Agency to work with landowners on river management to prevent the flooding that is devastating local grazing land.

Listening to their stories of resilience was a powerful reminder that we don't just need new policies from Westminster, we need a genuine partnership that uses farmers' lived experiences to protect the heritage and the future of our Dorset countryside.

Led a debate on reforming the DVLA

I was delighted to host a debate in Parliament to raise the experiences that many of my constituents have faced with the DVLA.

Too many have faced extreme delays due to an antiquated service in which their cases have simply stalled. I have had over 40 constituents write to me raising their own experiences of long waiting times for licence renewals, particularly from those who require additional medical clearances to drive.

In this debate, I hurried the government on its commitment to digitise the medical licensing processes, in line with those for standard licence renewals.

There is a real equalities issue here with the difference in processing time and communication when you compare people applying for standard licences, with those who are seeking medical renewals. We would not accept it in any other area of society. If we do not start to see change in the coming months, I will again challenge the government on the commitments they have made for reform.

You can watch my speech here: I hosted a debate on systemic delays at the the DVLA​

Went on the road with Royal Mail

I joined the team at the Wimborne Mail Centre for a 6 a.m. start, following the journey of our mail from the sorting floor right to your front door.

I spent the morning on the rounds with Joe the Postman, delivering parcels across Wimborne. It was a fascinating look at the complex logistics involved and how Royal Mail must adapt as our habits change. Most importantly, it reinforced my belief that our posties must remain at the heart of the business. I will continue to advocate for both postal workers and customers to ensure we all get the service we deserve.

Continued to support the Assisted Dying Bill

On the 24th April the Assisted Dying Bill was blocked from coming to a democratic conclusion following prolonged obstruction in the House of Lords.

While the delay is very disappointing, my time with the Dignity in Dying campaign has only strengthened my resolve to see this vital reform through. We must not mistake this delay for defeat, in fact, the momentum has never been stronger. This Bill is about compassion and humanity, and we must listen to the voices of dying people.

I am incredibly proud to be part of a cross-party group of MPs determined to bring this Bill back in the next session. We owe it to terminally ill people and their families to ensure that this vital choice is no longer denied, and I will continue to fight until we finish what we started.

Upcoming Summer Village Tour

I’ve loved every minute of representing our wonderful towns and villages since July 2024.

I'm always out and about, and now I'm planning my annual Summer Village Tour in the coming months as a way to meet more residents, listen to their concerns and discuss the matters that matter most to them.

Whether you’ve got a specific problem or want to raise a general issue, I’d encourage anyone living locally to come along. You don’t need an appointment, just turn up on the day!

I’m mapping out my route across Mid Dorset and North Poole right now; if you’d like me to stop by your village, let me know by leaving your details here. I hope to see you there!

Out & About in MDNP

Spending time with residents and local organisations is always one of the best parts of this role. Recent highlights include:

Resident Surgeries - I held advice surgeries in Wareham, Holt and Lytchett to help residents with a range of issues including ASB, SEND reform and disability access to local shops.

School Visits - I visited Broadstone First School to speak with local parents about road safety, and Magna Academy to discuss the upcoming Social Media Bill.

St George's Day - I joined a St George's Day Parade with the Lytchett Scout Group

Round-up of some of my other activities