Oliver Dowden, newly elected MP for Hertsmere, has today made his maiden speech on the floor of the House of Commons.

Mr Dowden used his maiden speech to praise the hard work and character of the people of Hertsmere, and pledged to protect the greenbelt.

Mr Dowden said: “Hertsmere is 80 per cent green belt, it lies at the very southern edge of Hertfordshire… It was during childhood walks through these fields that my love of the English countryside was fostered... and I am absolutely determined to preserve them from soulless urban sprawl, so that our children and grandchildren may enjoy them as I have done.

He later continued: “What characterises Hertsmere much more than its landscape or its industry is the character of its people. People who get up early every morning and from Potters Bar, Bushey, Radlett and Borehamwood, cram on to commuter trains, or set off along the M25 or the A1. Men and women, working hard, making sacrifices to provide for themselves, their family and their community, knowing that you don’t get something for nothing in life but that you have to work for it.

Hertsmere also has the distinction of being at the heart of the British film industry. So many films - from Star Wars to more recently Paddington Bear the Movie, have been shot at the Elstree studios in Borehamwood. We also play host to BBC Elstree - home to the permanent set of EastEnders.”