It has been another warm few days and looks set to continue this way for a while longer.

It is great to see so many people out and about enjoying the good weather and all our towns and villages have to offer in the sunshine. Please do keep an eye out for elderly relatives, friends or neighbours who may find the heat more challenging and need some extra support in the warmer weather. 

Turning to local news, earlier this month there was a welcome announcement those of us who travel on the Chiltern line. I know from commuting most weeks down to Marylebone and back home to Leamington how dates some of the trains are and it is something fellow commuters regularly raise with me. Some of the trains are 47 years old and it is noticeable.  

These 47-year-old Mark 3 carriages will now be replaced with newer Mark 5A trains which will be far more comfortable, have better accessibility, be far greener as they are powered by vegetable oil fuel and there will be onboard improvements including better Wi-Fi, power sockets and bike storage. 

I have met with Chiltern on numerous occasions to raise concerns of local residents and have discussed the need for newer trains. I wrote to the Government last year to make the call for funding for these new trains, so it is great to see this result.  

The new trains will start being rolled out early next year. 

Looking to national news, the Government announced £88 million of funding for youth clubs and after school activities in England. The package aims to give pupils access to sport, outdoor activities, art, music, debating and volunteering. 

The funding aims to offer young people better alternatives to spending time on their smart phones and on computer screens. We often hear people complain about young people spending too much time on social media, their phones or at screens but we must step up and give them decent alternatives. 

Activities that funding like this will provide will have far more impact on helping young people develop the life skills and confidence they need. 

This week, we are marking VJ Day across the constituency and country. 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the day Japan surrendered on 15 August 1945, which ended the Second World War. We remember and honour those who served and gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. 

 Finally, I would like to send my best wishes to all who have received their A-level, T Level, BTEC and Level 3 VTQs results this week and all who will receive their GCSE and Level 1/2 VTQs results next week. Whatever the next steps are for you, congratulations on the hard work you have put in and the very best wishes for the next stage of your education or career. 

As always, please do not hesitate to get in touch if you have any issues or concerns you would like to raise with me. I can be reached at [email protected] or on 01926 882006.