Political Opinion: Tell me what you think my 2026 priorities should be for Mid Bedfordshire
Monthly Column by Conservative MP for Mid Bedfordshire Blake Stephenson.
Happy New Year! As we enter 2026, I’m really keen to listen to local people about the issues that matter most to you. Whether that’s specific to Mid Bedfordshire or issues on the national agenda, I want to hear from you.
In 2025, we had some successes by helping to force the Government into a partial u-turn on the Family Farm Tax which put our local farmers and food security at risk. Unfortunately for some too little, too late and does not go far another, but it is at least a move in the right direction. And we also saw a win in our campaign to reverse the cuts to Winter Fuel Payments for vulnerable local pensioners. But if we had a functioning Government, we wouldn’t have needed u-turns in the first place.
Flooding has been a big problem right across Mid Beds and I’ve been working to ensure better measures are in place to reduce the impact on local people when we see heavy rainfall. I presented a Bill to Parliament which would give councils tougher powers on sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) and a presumption against development where one of the lead local flood authority, Environment Agency (EA), or the IDB consider that development would increase flood risk for existing properties. Unfortunately, despite the Bill not being political in nature, the Government did not accept it. We have another opportunity later this year and I will continue pushing.
And of course, I have to mention the hugely exciting news that the brand new Universal Studios theme park in Mid Bedfordshire has officially been given the go-ahead. This is a hugely exciting opportunity for our area, and beyond, which will bring massive economic benefits. But I also know there remain a number of concerns about the impact on local people and I will continue working with local people, Universal and councillors to make sure local voices are heard.
And as a new year begins, you can let me know what you think my priorities should be in Mid Bedfordshire and for the whole county in my survey on my website.
Head to blakestephenson.uk and take part in my Sixty Second Survey for 2026.