Greg Smith: I'll protect Buckinghamshire's Green Belt

After a tireless six-week General Election campaign, I’m delighted to return as the newly elected Member of Parliament for Mid Buckinghamshire.

I want to thank the 20,150 people who voted for me and assure all constituents that I’m here for everyone. During my campaign and previous term, I emphasised being a local voice in Westminster.

Now, I must address a pressing issue: the new Labour government's neglect of farming and rural communities. Their manifesto barely mentioned these topics, with only 87 words, and the King’s Speech lacked any reference to farming.

One of Labour’s first actions was to approve 6,000 acres of solar installations on agricultural land, against official advice. This decision alarms me, particularly regarding the Rosefield proposal in the Claydons. I raised this concern with the Energy Secretary, stressing that we cannot sacrifice our countryside for solar, battery storage, or housing projects.

These developments should occur on brownfield sites and in urban regeneration areas to protect our rural communities and food security. Moreover, the Labour government has failed to commit to increasing the agriculture budget for England, leaving farmers and rural communities in uncertainty.

At a National Farmers’ Union reception, President Tom Bradshaw highlighted farmers' anxiety due to the unclear budget for area-based payments until the autumn spending review. This government oversight threatens our rural economy and is unfair to farmers who must plan their finances with minimal preparation.

The impact extends beyond individual livelihoods, jeopardising our national food supply. The government’s economic policies favour urban areas, ignoring the challenges faced by rural communities.

The King’s Speech focused on urban issues, overlooking farming and rural needs. Locally, I will continue to fight for our farmers and rural communities, regardless of the government’s plans