All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for the Thames Valley

All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for the Thames Valley – 21/04

Meeting Minutes

Members of Parliament in Attendance:	Businesses in Attendance
Clive Jones, MP, Wokingham Jack Rankin, MP, Windsor Ben Wallace, Office of Clive Jones Anna Robinson, Office of Jack Rankin	Robert Van de Noort, University of Reading Ruth Bagley, WRLtH Gareth Ralphs, Paul Britton, Pamela Farries, Freya Thomson, TVCC
Apologies:
Peter Swallow, MP, Bracknell Joy Morrissey, MP, Beaconsfield Matt Rodda, MP, Reading Central Anneliese Dodds, MP, Oxford East Joshua Reynolds, MP, Maidenhead Yuan Yang, MP, Earley and Woodley Lord Fox Baroness McGregor-Smith Calum Miller, MP, Bicester and Woodstock Greg Smith, MP, Mid Buckinghamshire

Introductions and Welcome

The Chair of the APPG, Clive Jones MP, welcomed attending MPs and representatives. He provided an update from Westminster, highlighting ongoing uncertainty driven by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, as well as continued debate around mayoral authorities and boundary changes.

Western Rail Link to Heathrow Update

Ruth Bagley, Chair of the Western Rail Link to Heathrow (WRLtH) Working Group, presented an update on the project’s financial case. She outlined a recent meeting with the Department for Transport and HM Treasury, noting mixed levels of support. She also highlighted that further engagement with HM Treasury would take place, particularly in light of private sector interest and alternative funding models.

Ruth emphasised the need for broader political support for the project, both from MPs within and beyond the immediate catchment area. Oxfordshire County Council was noted as having committed funding to the project, and Transport for the South East was identified as a partner for further research.

An updated economic case, including revised figures, was also presented. A proposal was made to organise site visits to the Western Rail Link tunnel, with interest expressed by Jack Rankin MP and Clive Jones MP.

Westminster Reception

Challenges in securing MP attendance at the proposed reception were raised by Clive Jones MP. It was agreed that the event would be rescheduled from 4 June to Wednesday 21st October.

Proposed themes for the reception include the Western Rail Link to Heathrow and an update from Heathrow Airport, alongside a key regional project to showcase.

Value Proposition – Thames Valley Case Studies

Gareth Ralphs outlined plans to develop a series of case studies highlighting examples of best practice across the Thames Valley. These will demonstrate the region’s contribution to GVA and illustrate how local investment supports wider economic growth across the UK.

Political Engagement

Upcoming Political Working Lunches were noted and thanks extended to participants: Jack Rankin MP (24 April), Greg Smith MP (8 May), and Joshua Reynolds MP (26 June). It was agreed that the APPG logo could be used for these events.

Discussion also covered the Parliamentary Question Time event planned for November, including potential attendees, and the next Windsor Debates topic (“Europe and the Commonwealth”), with an ambition to host an MP roundtable alongside the event.

The joint webinar with the APPG for Trade and Investment (24 April) was highlighted as a positive example of external engagement.

Date of Next Meeting(s)

It was noted that the AGM must take place at least four months prior to September. Ben Wallace, the Office of Clive Jones MP, and Freya Thomson (TVCC) agreed to coordinate a new date for the Westminster Reception.

Meeting Close

Clive Jones MP thanked all attendees and formally closed the meeting.