Biography

Mark Ashwell has lived in Wokingham for 25 years gaining vital experience through volunteer projects which have made him passionate about the Wokingham community and maintaining its character.

He has served as a governor in Berkshire schools for over 20 years and is currently the President of the Wokingham Chamber of Commerce.  He is also a Chairman of the Wokingham Borough Business Skills and Enterprise Partnership, a Member of the Wokingham Borough Strategic Partnership Board and the Wokingham representative on the Berkshire Economic Strategy Board.

Main Issues

Transport

In the UK a national, integrated transport framework is required which accommodates the demands of the economy, takes account of the environmental issues but puts the needs of people first. In order to reduce car use and traffic congestion, public transport must offer better value for money and improved services.

Education

It is essential that education provide opportunity for everyone, that it is aspirational and aims for the highest levels of academic attainment as well as respecting and supporting those who do not want to be doctors or lawyers, but who seek to contribute to society and to find personal fulfilment from non-academic pursuits.

Enviroment

The environment in which people live has a significant bearing on their sense of well being and their health. We are fortunate to live in a country where there is still a large amount of accessible green space. The increasing demand for housing in the South East is threatening our quality of life and creating genuine concern among current residents. Whilst recognising that people must have somewhere to live, I believe strongly that the needs of the existing population must take priority and any future developments must be scaled appropriately.

Immigration

Whilst our membership of the EU makes it difficult to restrict free movement of people from other member states the current points scheme aimed at controlling non-EU immigration is starting to produce some benefits but needs to be developed further. In today's global business environment where attracting the right talent to work here is key to our economy the message must be clear that Britain positively welcomes those who have the skills and desire to make a positive contribution to our society but that the door will be firmly shut to those who seek merely to take advantage. To reinforce this, our borders must be properly secured to deter those seeking to enter our country illegally.