December 2025 Newsletter

Christmas Message

As we approach the end of 2025, I want to take a moment to thank everyone across Swindon for your support, kindness, and community spirit this year. Christmas is a time to reflect on what we’ve achieved together and what we have to look forward to moving into 2026!

This year has brought real progress for our town. From new jobs and investment in advanced industries, to regeneration projects that will make Swindon greener, fairer, and better for everyone. I’ve been proud to stand up in Parliament for local people, whether on housing, veterans rights, or animal rights issues.

But most of all, I’ve been inspired by the everyday acts of generosity I see in our community. Neighbours looking out for one another, volunteers giving their time, and local organisations working tirelessly to support those in need. That spirit is what makes Swindon special.

As we celebrate with family and friends, let’s also remember those who may be struggling, and commit ourselves to building a town where everyone feels secure and supported.

I wish you and your loved ones a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Constituency update

TEKEVER and STARK setting up in Swindon:

This year has seen the establishment of TEKEVER, STARK, Flyby Technologies and Munin Dynamics in Swindon. I promised in my election that I would bring jobs back to our town and I meant it. That’s why i’m really pleased to see over 1,000 advanced manufacturing roles coming into the town as a result of the work I’ve been doing to build Swindon into a centre of drone excellence. I will continue to work to bring in more jobs in 2026 and expand the work to include greater apprenticeship and educational opportunities.

Oxford - Swindon Railway

I’ve been campaigning to establish direct trains between both Oxford and Swindon, creating a daily route between our two areas. This route will be great for passengers and businesses, improving access to goods and services and educational opportunities between Oxford and Swindon. I’m excited to see this delivery progress next year.

Progress on the Swindon Plan:

This year, as a part of the £6.5 million scheme, we saw major progress. There will be more than 100 council homes upgraded in Swindon to improve energy efficiency, which will be a win-win for the environment and the people living in these houses to save on energy costs.

There was also progress in the Greener Swindon plan, with thousands of trees being planted across the borough- boosting sustainability and green spaces throughout our town.

Investments secured for Swindon

Over the last year I’ve been working flat out to secure investment in Swindon, not only from the Private Sector but also through government and am proud that over this last year we’ve secured millions of pounds worth of individual direct investment into our town, including £20m for the Penhill Pride in Place project which I look forward to working on further in 2026. We’ve also received investment through the funds Swindon Borough Council have received from central government, as well the regional bonuses we’re a part of, for example the extra GP’s funded across the BANES ICB, or other pot funds.

Parliamentary Update

This past year has been one of meaningful action and real progress, delivering change where it matters most. From housing and employment to education and the cost of living, we are putting fairness, security, and opportunity at the heart of government.

Housing:

The Renters Rights Act has banned all no-fault evictions as well as bringing new protections for renters. On top of this, the end of fixed-term tenancies mean that renters will have more flexibility and more security in their living situation. Landlords also have to comply with the Warms Home Standards, meet Awaabs law obligations to repair dangerous homes within a fixed timeframe and must provide reasonable reasoning behind restricting a pet in a property. All rents now have to be advertised openly and landlords are no longer able to accept offers that exceed this specified rent, which grants further protections to renters.

Employment:

The Employment Rights Act will end exploitative zero-hour contracts by introducing rights to guaranteed hours, payments for short-notice cancellation of shifts and making sure people receive reasonable notice of shifts. We are strengthening statutory sick pay and introducing new protections against the unfair dismissal reducing the timeframe on this from two years to six months. To secure these things, we are establishing the Fair Work Agency which will include powers to investigate a wider range of cases of labour abuse, issue penalties, and bring cases to the employment tribunal on the behalf of workers.

Education:

Phase one of the nursery capital grant had already created up to 6000 new nursery places when it was introduced, and phase two is expanding this grant to at least 300 new or expanded school-based nurseries, creating even more places for the 26/27 academic year.

We’ve also invested a further £80 million to onboard approximately 2000 more schools in the free breakfast club scheme. These free 30 minute breakfast clubs ensure that pupils are ready everyday to learn, which in turn improves behaviour, attendance, and attainment.

Cost of Living:

Our Child Poverty Strategy also set out measures which will boost family incomes, reduce the cost of essentials, and ensure stronger local support.

We are scrapping the two benefit cap. This means that extra benefit payments for third and subsequent children will no longer be stopped. This change will lift 450,000 children out of poverty by the end of parliament.

How to reach out for support:

Email me and my team on Will.Stone.MP@Parliament.UK if you need support from me or my office.

That’s it for 2025’s final newsletter, it’s covered a few of the major things I and the Labour Government have been up to over the last year. I look forward to keeping everyone updated in the future and would appreciate any comments on content you enjoyed/would like to see more of.

I hope you have a fantastic Christmas and a great 2026!