Updates from our MP Richard Benyon

Richard Benyon MP bids Farewell to the Hopson Family 

Following today’s announcement that Camp Hopson, the independent retailer which has been part of Newbury life for 93 years, has been sold to Morleys Stores Limited, a London department store chain, Richard Benyon, Member of Parliament for Newbury, said: “I am sad that the era of the Hopson family owning one of Newbury’s leading landmarks has come to an end.”

He continued: “However, I recognise that the high street is a competitive market place, and this move is good for our town and for all the employees concerned.”

Richard Benyon MP Elected to Defence Select Committee:

Member of Parliament for Newbury, Richard Benyon MP, has been elected by his fellow Members of Parliament to serve on the Defence Select Committee.

The Committee is appointed by the House of Commons to examine the expenditure, administration and policy of the Ministry of Defence and its associated public bodies.

Following his appointment, Richard said: “I am delighted to have been elected to this Committee by my colleagues and look forward to getting to work in holding the Ministry of Defence to account.”

Richard brings particular experience to this role. He served as an Infantry Officer, he was a founder Trustee of the charity Help for Heroes and is a Member of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly. What is more, the Newbury constituency’s largest employer is the Atomic Weapons Establishment at Aldermaston and is home to the Denison Barracks in Hermitage.

Gaza News:

Member of Parliament for Newbury, Richard Benyon, voted in October in favour of the United Kingdom, recognising the state of Palestine.

Speaking after the House of Commons voted 274 to 12 in favour of the motion, Richard said: “Most of those attending my recent public meeting on Gaza will be pleased that they have informed my actions. Now is the time to recognise Palestine and to do so as part of a two-state solution.”