MP Newsletter #32: Fire Stations, DVLA, Domestic Abuse support, and more!
I hope you’ve been able to enjoy the recent spell of glorious weather, it’s been lovely to spend time here in Wiltshire with the sun shining.
In Westminster, Parliament has now been prorogued, marking the end of my first session as your Member of Parliament. It’s a natural moment to reflect, but also to look ahead - with the King’s Speech coming soon, we’ll begin to see the Government’s priorities for the next parliamentary year take shape.
In the meantime, it gives me a welcome opportunity to spend more time out and about across the constituency. Just today I’ve been hosting a surgery in Rowde, meeting with a local craft and coffee group, and visiting Downland School in Devizes - all great chances to hear directly from residents, students and community groups.
📌 In this edition:
• 🚒 Fire station campaign update
• 🚗 DVLA delays and driving test backlogs
• 💜 Domestic abuse support information
• 🌍 French twinning and international links
• ❤️ Broughton Gifford community tribute
• 🏡 Avonpark retirement village visit
• 🏥 Hospice funding campaign
• 🎥 End of session reflections
🚒 Fire Stations - Standing Up for Bradford-on-Avon
I continue to campaign strongly against the proposed closure of Bradford-on-Avon fire station.
Last weekend, I visited the station and met with local volunteer firefighters to see first-hand the incredible dedication they bring to their roles. We discussed their concerns about the closure and the vital equipment and capabilities they provide not just for Bradford on Avon and surrounding villages, but across the wider county.
This is a station that plays a crucial role in supporting other areas too, including providing volunteer firefighters to assist in Melksham when needed. It simply must remain open.
I will be setting out my final response to the consultation next week and will share it in my next newsletter. In the meantime, I strongly encourage everyone to have their say by using the button below.
🚗 DVLA Delays - Continuing to Push for Change
I recently raised in Parliament the growing number of cases I am seeing involving DVLA delays - particularly where drivers are waiting for licences to be reinstated after being signed off as fit to drive.
Too many people are being left in limbo, unable to work or go about their daily lives. I will continue raising these cases directly with the DVLA and with ministers.
This builds on my ongoing work to tackle long driving test waiting times, which are also causing real frustration locally.
If you are experiencing issues with the DVLA or driving licences, please do get in touch - my office is here to help.
💜 Domestic Abuse — Support Is Available
I recently shared information about domestic abuse support on my social media, and I want to repeat it here.
I have seen an uptick in the number of cases I am dealing with on this topic.
If you, or someone you know, is experiencing domestic abuse, please know that support is available - and you are not alone.
If you feel able, please contact the Police in the first instance. You can also access support through trusted organisations:
- 💜 FearFree – free advice for anyone experiencing domestic abuse
- ☎️ Refuge – 24/7 support line: 0808 2000 247
- 💬 Revival Wiltshire RASAC – specialist counselling support
- 🛡️ Victim Support – help whether or not incidents are reported
- 🏠 Wiltshire Council – housing and tailored support services
For members of the Armed Forces community:
- 🇬🇧 Army Welfare Service
- 🤝SSAFA - Domestic abuse outreach and specialist support for military families.
You can also contact my office at brian.mathew.mp@parliament.uk — my team and I will always do our very best to help. Please do share this information so more people know where to turn.
🌍 French Twinning - Strengthening Community Links
It was a pleasure to join the Bradford-on-Avon French twinning association to welcome visitors from Sully-sur-Loire.
Events like these are a great reminder of the importance of international friendships and cooperation. I spoke about the value of these relationships and my belief that strong ties with our European neighbours benefit us all.
I look forward to joining further twinning events in Devizes in the coming weeks.
❤️ Broughton Gifford - A Powerful Tribute
I was proud to join Amalie and her family in Broughton Gifford for the unveiling of a red bench in her name — a tribute to an incredibly brave young girl.
Born with serious heart defects, Amalie underwent life-saving surgery at just 18 days old. Today, she is thriving — a testament to the NHS and the power of medical research.
Her family’s strength and their efforts raising funds for the British Heart Foundation are truly inspiring. This bench is a simple but powerful reminder of what’s possible.
🏡 Avonpark Retirement Village - A Positive Visit
I was delighted to attend the groundbreaking ceremony at Avonpark Retirement Village in Winsley on a gloriously sunny morning.
It was a real pleasure to speak with residents - not just about the development, but about a wide range of issues as their local MP.
I was reassured to hear that developers are taking steps to minimise disruption during construction, and I have encouraged the residents’ committee to stay in close contact with me to ensure that continues.
🏥 Hospice Funding - Urgent Action Needed
It was good to join the CEO of Julia’s House Children’s Hospice, Martin Edwards, alongside Hospice UK, to call for urgent government action on hospice funding.
This is an issue I have been working on since being elected, particularly around improving funding and visibility for palliative care providers.
Following recent debates on assisted dying in Parliament, this has become an even more pressing issue. Hospices provide extraordinary care and support to families at the most difficult times - they deserve sustainable funding and long-term certainty.
🎥 End of Session - A Moment to Reflect
With Parliament now prorogued, I’ve taken the opportunity to reflect on the past session and to say thank you.
👉 Please do take a moment to watch my short video here:
🏛️ Westminster Round-Up
As always, you can find full details of my work in Parliament — including speeches, written questions and voting record — on my parliamentary website here:
Thank you, as always, for taking the time to read this update. If there is anything I can help with, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Best wishes,
Brian Mathew MP