All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for the Thames Valley – Tuesday 2nd December 2025 – 11:00-12:00, Room 391, Portcullis House
Meeting Minutes
Introductions and Welcome
Welcoming fellow MPs, and representatives, APPG Chair, Clive Jones, MP outlined the history of the group, and key milestones since inauguration.
Paul Britton (Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce [TVCC]), the APPG Secretariat, invited the business sponsors to briefly make their introductions – Honda, PWC, University of the Built Environment and University of Reading.
Research Project Proposal
Gareth Murfitt (PWC) outlined the research proposal aimed at redefining the Thames Valley’s value proposition.
The work will map the region’s strengths and provide robust, data-driven insight to support MPs in making the case for the Thames Valley more effectively within HMG.
Members outlined suggested focus/priorities to include Skills (Chris Fox); Infrastructure (Tan Dhesi; Peter Swallow); clear differential/distinctiveness of the Thames Valley (Jack Rankin); Ambition (various) and essential to create a route for a thriving TV/thriving UK (various).
Agreed: All APPG Members agreed to support the proposal and invite the business partners to advance the research with a view to reporting back by end of March 2026.
Members of Parliament (or representatives from MPs offices) in Attendance
- Clive Jones, MP for Wokingham (LD) (+ rep)
- Callum Anderson, MP for Buckingham, and Bletchley (Lab)
- Tan Dhesi, MP, Slough (Lab)
- Lord Christopher Fox (LD)
- (rep of) Joy Morrisey, MP for Beaconsfield (Con)
- Jack Rankin, MP for Windsor (Con) (+ rep)
- Josh Reynolds, MP for Maidenhead (LD)
- Greg Smith, MP for Mid Buckinghamshire (Con)
- (rep of) Will Stone, MP for Swindon North (Lab)
- Peter Swallow, MP for Bracknell (Lab)
Businesses in Attendance
- Nik Pearson, Honda
- Gareth Murfitt, PWC
- Paul Britton and Gareth Ralphs, Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce
- Ashley Wheaton, University of the Built Environment
- Robert Van de Noort, University of Reading
Apologies (MPs and Business)
- Charlie Maynard, MP for Witney (LD)
- Freddie Van Mierlo, MP for Henley, and Thame (LD)
- Lee Dillon, MP for Newbury (LD)
- Baroness Ruby McGregor-Smith (C)
- Yuan Yang, MP for Earley, and Woodley (L)
- Lesley-Bernadette Mukenge, Heathrow
Western Rail Link to London Heathrow (WRLtH) Update
Gareth Ralphs (TVCC) provided a brief update on the economic refresh study for the scheme. TVCC to prepare a press statement updating its earlier statement from November 2025.
TVCC/Tan Dhesi, MP invited APPG Members continued support for progressing the scheme.
Agreed: All APPG Members to receive a short summary of the redacted report/key headlines. Consider joint meetings of this, and the WRLtH APPG, in the future.
Any Other Business
Business Manifesto: APPG Members were invited to note the publication (28th/11) of the TVCC Business Manifesto for 2026, setting out its priorities for the year ahead. The APPG is highlighted. A copy had been shared with All APPG Members, in an email sent 01st/12. It is available to view HERE1 (APPG showcased).
Political Working Lunch programme (2026): TVCC programme of constituency ‘PWLs’ includes, to date, five confirmed events. This includes Sarah Green, MP for Chesham and Amersham (6th/03); Jack Rankin, MP for Windsor (24th/04); Greg Smith, MP for Mid-Buckinghamshire (08th/05); Josh Reynolds, MP for Maidenhead (26th/06), and; Callum Anderson, MP for Buckingham and Bletchley (02nd/10).
Parliamentary Question Time (2026): TVCC’s most recent PQT was held last month. Our next event will take place on Friday 20th November 2026. Josh Reynolds, MP confirmed as one of our PQT panellist (representation from other Parties / Oxon / Bucks welcome please).
APPG Website ‘live’ – https://www.thamesvalleyappg.co.uk/
Quarterly Economic Survey Briefing: Our next scheduled briefing will be held 17th/04/26. Yuan Yang, MP confirmed as our Parliamentarian. October date TBC – MP welcome.
Date of Next Meeting/s
Agreed, next meeting of the APPG to be scheduled for end of March 2026.
Meeting Closed
Clive Jones, MP thanks all attendees and closed the meeting.