GENERAL ELECTION 2017 - Conservative Robert Buckland will continue to work hard for South Swindon

Robert Buckland writes...

Now that a cross- party majority in Parliament has voted for a General Election, I wanted to write to ask you to re-elect me as your local MP on 8^th June.

Living in South Swindon with my family, I am the only candidate of the two main parties who lives in the Borough. I am out and about in Swindon each week, and have met thousands of local residents. I work closely my friend and colleague, Justin Tomlinson, providing a joint service to local people with a single phone line and co-ordinated offices.

As your MP, I have held over 135 Advice Surgeries in local supermarkets, community centres, workplaces and street corners and dealt with over 17,000 different items of casework.

As a backbench MP, I helped to lead successful cross-party campaigns in Parliament to change the law on special educational needs, stalking, domestic abuse, child cruelty and carers.

As a Government Minister, I have taken measures through Parliament relating to criminal law, immigration and our security services. He also refers sentences that are far too low to the Court of Appeal.

The record so far:

We are the first Swindon MPs to run a joint service to residents, with a single phone line and co-ordinated offices. I have handled over 17000 items of casework and held over 135 advice surgeries.

I have worked hard to help attract over £169m of investment in local infrastructure, such as improvements to junction 16 which have started.

I have worked closely with both Swindon CCG and local GPs and worked hard to increase local NHS funding.

I have worked to increase local school provision with four new schools in the pipeline so that parents can secure local school places for their children.

I have worked with local charities, volunteers and community groups to secure support and funding.

I am working to improve provision for dementia and other conditions that affect many of our families.

As a fellow local resident, no-one is more determined than me to stand up for Swindon. In the past seven years, we have come a long way. But there is still more to do.

Looking ahead my plan for South Swindon is:

1. Creating Jobs

Keep promoting Swindon as a great place to do business, attracting even more skilled jobs to our town, building on the near 60% reduction in local unemployment since 2010.

2. Championing our Local NHS.

Help to make sure that the 50% increase in Swindon health spending over the next 5 years is spent on a more co-ordinated and expanded service for local residents.

3. Work for even more investment.

Build upon the over £169m investment in local infrastructure that we are receiving by pressing for more improvements to Swindon’s major road network and ensuring that we fully reap the benefits of the ongoing rail electrification.

4. Support our Local Culture and Heritage.

Work with local heritage and culture groups to regenerate our historic buildings and showcase our cultural assets. Robert is Patron of the new Lydiard Park Community Trust.

5. Championing Success in Education.

Work with local schools and colleges, the Council and the Government to further drive up standards and to give young people the skills they need for their future.

6. An Approachable, Hardworking and Influential MP.

To continue to be a hardworking, visible and approachable MP, visiting residents, holding regular Advice surgeries and making our case at the highest level.