\| I'm standing for parliament to ensure the voice of rural communities is heard in Westminster.

Full statement

Growing up in rural England is a privilege that has also helped me to understand the challenges that come with the territory.



As your member of parliament, I will:



· Press for a review of business rates that are killing our high streets, and support local businesses to thrive and grow.



· Campaign for increased funding for rural schools, so that our children can receive an excellent education where they live.



· Fight to bring back NHS dentistry to our towns, with mobile units for our villages, because access to dental care shouldn't be a privilege.



· Work to improve public transport connections, helping people to get around our widespread region and opening up job opportunities.



· Push for financial support for our farmers, who have been harmed by Brexit, protecting local agriculture and our food supply.



· Support policies that will help to secure our national future, such as increasing NATO spending and backing British steel.



· Strongly advocate for an Online Harms Bill that tackles internet safety issues head-on and gives police the tools to make young people safer in the digital world.



I aim to champion rural communities like ours and challenge the government to make things better for all of us, whether we are in towns, villages, or the countryside.



Vote Ben Cox Labour and Co-operative for a better future for rural communities.