Oxford MP Layla Moran on Israel situation 'growing worse'

I want to start by wishing everyone in Oxfordshire a very Happy Christmas.

I am looking forward to spending time with my family, enjoying some good food, and looking back on the year.

This Christmas will also be clouded with sadness.

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The conflict in Israel and Palestine is causing devastation.

My extended family have been sheltering in a church in Gaza City and the humanitarian situation is only growing worse.

I know that many people in Oxfordshire feel strongly about this conflict and I will never forget the way we came together as a whole community, regardless of heritage, shared in our grief at the Vigil for Peace that took place in Oxford in October.

This year has been challenging for lots of people across our community.

Palestinians inspect the rubble of a house after it was struck by an Israeli air strike in Khan Younis refugee camp Public services are stretched to breaking point, the cost of living crisis is putting real pressure on families’ finances, and it can often feel like there is no one to help when things go wrong.

My team based in Abingdon endeavour to help everyone who comes to us.

We can’t wave a magic wand, but we always do our best to help.

This year we have answered over 15,000 emails and dealt with over 8,000 pieces of casework.

I have been working hard to raise your top priorities in Parliament.

I have spoken about the damage done to our local environment by Thames Water’s sewage dumping, raised the complete lack of NHS dentists, and questioned Ministers over the chronic underfunding of SEND services.

I have urged the government time and time again to repeal the archaic Vagrancy Act which criminalises rough sleepers.

And I challenged the cruel new measures in the Criminal Justice Bill which look set to bring back the Vagrancy Act by stealth.

I have also worked closely with local services and agencies, from speaking to Oxfordshire County Council about the improvements needed to SEND services, working with national highways to tackle the chaos on our roads, and always working together with local Lib Dem councillors.

The highlight of my year was definitely the successful bid to secure funding for Lodge Hill junction.

Upgrading this junction on the A34 with South-facing slip roads will reduce traffic and air pollution in Abingdon town centre, and support new housing developments in the area.

It was thanks to nearly three decades of tireless campaigning from local Lib Dems that the final piece of funding was secured from the government.

This Conservative government is failing the people of Oxfordshire.

They are out of touch, out of ideas, and running out of time.

My hope is that next year brings a general election, and the chance to deliver the change the country needs.

I hope all of my constituents and people across Oxfordshire enjoy this festive season, and are looking forward to a brighter New Year.