May 2026 Newsletter

This month’s newsletter has been put together with the help of Lucas, a 16 year old work experience student who’s been great at suggesting additions and helping to write the newsletter. So thank you Lucas.

The Swindon Drone Hub

Apprenticeships at STARK!

Recently, I met with the heads of two revolutionary tech companies: Grenadyr and MindFoundry. MindFoundry is using AI to develop our defence capabilities and ensure our national security, and Grenadier is a Major player in the modernisation of warfare, currently being tested on the battlefields of Ukraine.

Grenadier is looking to expand its business outward, and I have been Pitching Swindon as a worthy place to invest. I am confident that more companies will choose Swindon as their home, creating many more jobs into the future.

STARK, has just recently opened up to its first cohort of new apprenticeships! This is a really helpful opportunity to those looking to pursue a career in engineering and it was great to join Mike Armstrong to discuss how we get more young people from Swindon into STEM. I look forward to working toward more educational opportunities and apprenticeships in our town moving forward.

Continuity with the Conservatives

This month, I have been putting in a lot of work vouching for investment in swindon with some of the big tech companies currently working to modernise warfare and help improve our national security. and I have recently had an agreement with Gary Sumner that as the new leader of Swindon Borough Council he will continue to support my initiative to bring in more well paid, skilled jobs into the town.

Constituency update

Pride in Penhill Chair Announcement & Board Recruitment

I’m incredibly proud to announce that Charlotte Beckhurst, Headteacher at Swindon Academy, will be taking up the role of Chair for the Pride in Penhill programme.

Having someone as impressive as Charlotte on board to Chair the Pride in Penhill programme gives me incredible confidence in the success of Pride in Penhill delivering what matters most to the residents of Penhill. Charlotte is a strong individual with a track record of delivery throughout her educational career, I know she will listen to people across Penhill and lead the board recruitment and chair it with integrity.

Charlotte also has the strength of character to stand up for the people of Penhill outside of political influence and I look forward to working alongside her and the board as it’s established over the coming weeks. Once the board is established I look forward to robust conversations with the people of Penhill to hear and learn how they want their money spent.

Recruitment has now opened for a new neighbourhood board, which will decide how the £20 million investment is allocated. We’re looking for people who live or work in Penhill, as well as those with strong links to the area. It’s really important to me that decisions aren’t made by politicians but the community. At least 51% of the board has to be local residents and I hope to make sure that the membership truly reflects multiple ages and perspectives.

You can find out more information on the board and how to apply here

Pick, Plant & Pizza Day

We held an event on the 29th of May as part of the Pride in Penhill programme. The initiative was designed to bring together people from the community toward a shared project and hear their ideas about Pride in Penhill. Our aims were to help clean the area by picking litter, planting bulbs, and, of course eating pizza! We will most definitely be putting on more community-building events such as this in the future, as a part of the ‘Pride in Place’ programme so keep an eye out for those.

Swindon-Oxford Train Service

It was great to be there for the launch of the first Swindon-Oxford direct train on the 18th of May. after a lot of campaigning along with Heidi Alexander (of which I was the first to do, quite a few years ago). we are so pleased to have this secured for good.

This will encourage massive growth and allow for easier transit between the 2 areas, with far more efficiency, likely raising the amount of visitation to swindon. the benefits of this are not to be understated! We look forward to seeing the effects of this on the future of swindon.

Parliamentary Update

Great British Summer Savings!

Brilliant news for Swindon residents this summer! The government have announced the ‘great British summer savings’ package of support which will ensure people can maximise their summer whilst the great weather lasts.

The summer of savings package starts 25th June and ends on the 1st September 2026 and encompasses a package of support across a range of areas like:

• VAT to be cut from 20% to 5% on the following

  • Children’s meals served in restaurants for consumption on the premises — defined as meals served from a children’s menu and marketed, presented and priced as children’s meals.

  • Children’s and family tickets for cinema, theatre, exhibitions, shows and concerts

  • Admission tickets — for both children and adults — to attractions such as amusement parks, fairs, circuses, museums, zoos, adventure parks, soft play and observation attractions

• Removed Tariffs on 125 everyday essentials to reduce costs at the supermarket

• Free bus fares for children aged 5 - 15 this August

• Freezing Fuel Duty and uprating the fuel claim rate to 55p a mile, up from 45p.

Disabilities Rights Survey

Disability rights uk have launched the first comprehensive review of PIP, via a survey of people’s experiences with the programme. this is a part of the government’s review by Minister Timms.

If you are a constituent with a disability, please speak up, your voice on this matter is deeply valuable, and your submissions will help build a case on PIP based on what you have actually experienced.

responses are open until the 25th July, your voice deserves to be heard - Complete the Survey here

For any queries please contact us below.

Enjoy the sunny weather!

How to reach out for support:

Thank you again to Lucas for helping me put together this months Newsletter and to get in touch email Will.Stone.MP@Parliament.UK if you need support from me or my office.