|
June 2025
Monthly resident update
Hi Reader
News from Vikki Slade MP – June 2025 Issue
This monthly newsletter is designed to keep you in touch with what I’m doing for Mid Dorset and North Poole.
I hope you enjoy the read, and feel free to share it with a friend or neighbour!
Please don’t reply directly to this newsletter – contact vikki.slade.mp@parliament.uk
Why not follow me on my socials
Facebook | Instagram | BlueSky
In this edition:
- Speaking up for children with SEND at Prime Minister’s questions
- My vote on Assisted Dying
- Standing with the LGBTQ+ community during Pride Month
- In Parliament – from fire funding to GP services
- Featuring on Dorset View's Podcast
- Out and about in the Constituency
|
|
|
Speaking up for children with SEND at PMQs
Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) remains one of the most urgent concerns raised by local families — and this month, I took their voices straight to the top.
During Prime Minister’s Questions, I raised the case of Axel, a young constituent, who lost his school place last year and has been left without any alternative provision. Axel is one of over 600 children with SEND across the country currently without a school place.
The Government needs to urgently fund schools to ensure there are sufficient Teaching Assistants, and nurture support so that children can come out of class when it’s too overwhelming but ultimately stay in school.
This was covered by ITV [Watch here] and BBC [Watch here]
|
|
|
Assisted Dying: A vote of conscience |
|
|
This month, Parliament debated the Assisted Dying Bill — and it was the most important vote I’ve faced as your MP.
I heard from hundreds of constituents on both sides of the issue. I want to thank everyone who shared their views with me — your stories were thoughtful, moving, and deeply personal.
After careful consideration, I voted in favour of the bill. The legislation includes strong safeguards and would only apply to those with a terminal diagnosis, who meet strict criteria and go through rigorous medical and legal checks.
This debate is not about choosing between assisted dying and palliative care — both must be available and excellent. But for those facing unbearable suffering, I believe choice and dignity are important too.
You can read my full statement on this issue on my [Website].
|
|
|
Representing your concerns in Westminster is one of my most important responsibilities. Recent actions include:
- Spoken multiple times on the ongoing conflict in Gaza, calling for urgent Government action – [Watch here]. I also met Louis Theroux in Parliament to hear about his new documentary, The Settlers, which explores the situation on the ground.
- Raised rural transport issues in Dorset during the Disadvantaged Communities debate – [Watch here]
- Highlighted the challenges facing GPs by visiting surgeries in Wimborne and Wareham – [Watch here]
- Urged Ministers to support rural policing, which is currently overstretched – [Watch here]
- Challenged the Government on why local nurseries are missing out on vital business relief – [Watch here]
You can view more of my speeches and questions on my [Website] or by searching my name in [Hansard].
|
|
|
🌈 Pride Month: Standing with the LGBTQ+ community |
|
|
June was Pride Month — and while we celebrate how far we’ve come, it’s also a moment to reflect on the challenges that remain for LGBTQ+ people across the UK.
This month, I:
- Attended a Pride Reception hosted by Amnesty International UK
- Joined a Parliamentary event on LGBTQ+ education
- Met with local residents from the Trans community to hear their experiences and concerns
- Shared resources from Shelter and Stonewall Housing, which support LGBTQ+ people facing discrimination in the housing system
Now more than ever, it’s vital we stand up for equality, dignity, and inclusion — not just in June, but all year round. I’m proud to stand in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community.
|
|
|
This month, I joined Dorset View’s podcast for a wide-ranging conversation about politics, local campaigns, and my personal journey. We talked about my unusual route into politics — from running a café with no university degree to being elected as your MP — and reflected on the difference between local and national politics. I also discussed the Canford Magna incinerator, and the case for banning disposable barbecues in wildfire risks areas.
You can listen to the full episode via [here] or your favourite podcast platform
|
|
|
Out and about
I travel widely across the constituency attending events and visits, here are a couple of highlights from June.
🚂 Railway 200 at Wareham Station
This month, I joined the community to celebrate 200 years since the birth of the railways, and 178 years since they reached Wareham! It was a fantastic day of music, local history, and even a few Victorian costumes.
🎶 Wimborne Folk Festival
Rain didn’t dampen spirits at the Wimborne Folk Festival, one of our area’s best-loved community events. From the parade to the live music, it was a joyful reminder of the power of arts and culture to bring people together.
|
|
|
Continuing our work experience programme |
|
|
In addition to working with my team in Wimborne, the brilliant students that have joined us from local schools have also had the opportunity to visit Westminster. It’s been a pleasure getting to know them. Offering work experience is so important, as it helps young people gain insight into potential career paths and develop valuable skills. |
|
|
|
|
|
Round-up of some of my other activities
- Called for more investment in dementia research and better support for carers in Parliament
- In the Defence Review debate, I asked the Minister what more can be done to attract young people to the military
- Met the financial services compensation scheme to talk about how I can support constituents who have been victims of financial services failures
- Visited four fantastic schools – Beaucroft School and College, Pamphill, Millie College and St James - meeting students, staff and answering questions
- Hosted a surgery in Broadstone Library
- In response to the Winter Fuel Allowance U-turn, I asked what is being offered to those who rely on oil and liquefied gas for heating
- Joined residents at the Upton and Lytchett Minster Picnic in the Park, enjoying the entertainment and VE Day displays
- Attended APPG for Water Safety calling for better access to lifesaving equipment at rivers and lakes
- Met Dorset’s Police Chief Superintendent to discuss concerns, including knife crime, anti-social behaviour, and police response in our communities
- Questioned the Dept for Work & Pensions about failures in the Child Maintenance Service to handle disputes in a timely fashion
- Raised concerns about the impact of conflict on children globally, but especially in Gaza and the wider Occupied Palestinian Territories
- Raised local government funding concerns in Westminster and the impact on social care, and other vital services
- Attended a coffee morning at The White House School to meet with parents, pupils, and dedicated staff
|
|
- Met Dorset Wildlife Trust CEO on Upton Heath to talk about their work across MDNP and incorporating nature in development
- Met Centrepoint to discuss youth homelessness and supporting young adults into independent living
- Joined the APPG for Tidy Britain to help tackle litter, plastic pollution and promote cleaner public spaces
- Enjoyed the vibrant costumes and floats at Corfe Mullen Carnival
- Joined a private briefing with the Palestinian Ambassador to the UK
- Raised nursery small business rate relief with the Secretary of State, following concerns from providers across the constituency
- Questioned the Foreign Secretary on the heightened risks faced by UK military in the region due to the Iran Israel conflict
- Joined Commando Forces in Plymouth as part of the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme, gaining first-hand insight into Commando training and operations
- Joined waste reduction charity Win on Waste, who provide a vital community recycling services
- Joined this year’s Parliamentary Get Together in memory of Jo Cox, celebrating kindness, respect, and cross-party community spirit
- Discussed concerns raised by various constituents about the NHS with the Chair of NHS Dorset and Chief Exec of Dorset Healthcare Trust
- Attended the funeral of More Bus Managing Director, Andrew Wickham MBE – a true public servant and lovely man
- Attended Parliamentary drop-ins on phasing out animal testing and supporting the rights of those undergoing fertility treatment
|
|
|
|
My resident surgeries
|
|
I run a number of surgeries each month at various locations across Mid Dorset & North Poole. To attend, I'm afraid you do need an appointment so if you want to come and speak to me, please email me on
vikki.slade.mp@parliament.uk
and my team be in touch
|
That's it for this month! I'll keep in touch with updates on all things MDNP.
Regards
{ address }}
Unsubscribe · Preferences
|
|
|
