Oliver Dowden

Member of Parliament for Hertsmere

[Oliver Dowden @OliverDowden]

Small businesses are the backbone of our local economy and I will continue raising these concerns with Hertsmere Borough Council while championing policies that help our High Streets thrive. (3/3)

[Oliver Dowden @OliverDowden]

I recently visited a number of fantastic independent businesses on Radlett High Street to hear directly about the opportunities and challenges they face.

👕Injeanious
🥗Vimi’s
🔧Home Needs

While each business is unique, a clear message emerged. (1/3)

[Oliver Dowden @OliverDowden]

Rising business rates, increases in employer National Insurance contributions, and the loss of free parking at Newberries Car Park are placing additional pressure on local traders and affecting footfall. (2/3)

[Oliver Dowden @OliverDowden]

To everyone across Hertsmere who is celebrating Rosh Hashanah, I would like to wish you all a happy and peaceful new year.

I hope you are all able to celebrate with family and friends during this time of reflection, renewal and sweet blessings.

Shana Tova!

[Oliver Dowden @OliverDowden]

Fantastic to be at the UK India Business Council’s Autumn Reception yesterday evening with Conservative Friends of India, Labour Indians and the 1928 Institute.

Lots of discussions celebrating the strength of our brilliant UK-Indian business relationships!

[Oliver Dowden @OliverDowden]

My response to the government’s decision to sanction Israeli settlements.

[Oliver Dowden @OliverDowden]

Great to return to Bhaktivedanta Manor to celebrate Janmashtami with the community.

Thank you to the 1,700 volunteers who make these celebrations possible.

With 55,000 visitors expected, it’s a fantastic example of faith, culture and community in Hertsmere.

Happy Janmashtami!

[Oliver Dowden @OliverDowden]

Wishing everyone across Hertsmere a very happy and blessed Janmashtami! 🪷🙏

May this special occasion bring peace, happiness and prosperity to you, your families and our community.

Happy Janmashtami! ✨

[Oliver Dowden @OliverDowden]

An extract from my interview on BBC Radio 5 Live with Matt Chorley ahead of PMQs tomorrow.

If you want to see the interview in full, please follow this link from 1h8mins: https://t.co/p99T5twH81

[Oliver Dowden @OliverDowden]

Wishing the best of luck to all the students in Hertsmere receiving their GCSE results today.

I know how hard students and teachers alike have worked these past few months.

Good luck in whatever path you decide to take next!

[Oliver Dowden @OliverDowden]

I will continue to rigorously oppose these ill-thought-through changes that will do so much damage to our area. (3/3)

[Oliver Dowden @OliverDowden]

I am very worried about the government’s latest planning reforms published today, which will give a ‘default yes’ for developments near railway stations. (1/3)

[Oliver Dowden @OliverDowden]

Commuter hubs across Hertsmere, including Radlett, Cuffley, Borehamwood, Potters Bar and Bushey sit directly in the firing line of these changes, putting over 200 acres of our precious Green Belt at risk. (2/3)

[CF India @wearecfindia]

Happy Indian Independence Day! Today, we celebrate nearly 80 years of the world’s largest democracy and honour the extraordinary contributions of the British Indian community to British life. 🇬🇧🇮🇳

[Oliver Dowden @OliverDowden]

Brilliant to visit Steve Haslam at the newly reopened The Plough with Cllr Harvey Cohen.

A standout success story when so many other pubs are closing.

Unfortunately, The Plough is facing the same problems as other pubs, with an extra £14,738 due because of Labour's tax rises.

[Oliver Dowden @OliverDowden]

Good luck to Hertsmere students receiving their examination results today.

From meeting many of you this year, I know how hard you have worked and I am sure that these results will reflect this effort and perseverance.

For further guidance, please reach out to the UCAS team.

[Oliver Dowden @OliverDowden]

The character of towns like Potters Bar and Borehamwood is being destroyed by the mass conversion of family homes into HMOs, which are totally unsuitable for our area.

We are standing together with residents to demand real action to protect our local communities.

[Oliver Dowden @OliverDowden]

https://t.co/T2gqI7gKpw (3/3)

[Oliver Dowden @OliverDowden]

The Local Government Reorganisation announcement is something Hertsmere residents never asked for.

While there are arguments for streamlining the delivery of local services, I worry that this announcement is driven by Labour politics, not the best interests of residents. (1/3)

[Oliver Dowden @OliverDowden]

Not only will it cost more in the short term it also means decisions are made further away from residents. Their interests risk being sidelined in matters such as planning, leaving our precious Green Belt vulnerable to development being dumped on it to meet housing targets. (2/3)