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36 Phonebox Magazine | June 2025For those of you who read my column last month, where I mentioned the London Marathon, I%u2019m very pleased to share that I completed it in 4 hours and 16 minutes, raising over %u00a34,000 for Willen Hospice. I%u2019m incredibly proud to support the vital work they do and deeply grateful to everyone who donated and encouraged me along the way.80 Years Since Victory in Europe %u2013 A Time to Reflect and RememberIn May, we marked the 80th anniversary of VE Day, one of the most signifi cant days in our shared history. It was a moment to refl ect on the day peace returned to Europe, and the freedoms we enjoy today were secured by a truly remarkable generation.It is a time not only to remember the immense sacrifi ces made by those who fought for our liberty but also to ensure their legacy lives on, not just in our hearts, but in our actions.I was incredibly proud to see our city commemorate this historic milestone with such dignity and spirit. I had the honour of attending the lighting of the beacon at Milton Keynes Museum, a moving tribute to the men and women who gave so much for our future. It was a deeply emotional moment that reminded us all of the power of unity and the enduring value of freedom. Being part of a community that came together to remember, and to celebrate peace and resilience, meant so much.Cracking Down on Fly-Tipping in our CommunitiesIn May, the Government announced tough new powers to tackle waste criminals and fly-tippers, a persistent problem that has blighted too many of our neighbourhoods for too long.Under the new legislation, vehicles used in fl y-tipping will be seized and crushed. Drones and mobile CCTV will be used to help identify off enders, who could face prison sentences of up to fi ve years.Milton Keynes City Council can now work alongside the police to track, seize, and destroy vehicles used for illegal dumping. Until now, councils have borne the cost of storing seized vehicles, but this new approach shifts the burden onto the perpetrators, saving money for councils and taxpayers.Chris Curtis MP for MiltonKeynes NorthMy message to waste criminals is clear: we will not tolerate fl y-tipping in our city, towns, or villages. We are actively pursuing those who damage our communities, and when we catch you, your vehicles will be seized and crushed to protect our residents.If you spot fl y-tipping in your area, please report it directly via the Milton Keynes City Council website or get in touch with my offi ce. If you%u2019re experiencing persistent problems, let us know so we can raise the issue with the Council or police as needed. Together, we can keep our neighbourhoods clean and safe.The Curious Case of the Newport Pagnell HumSome of you have been talking about that mysterious humming noise in Newport Pagnell, a strange drone that%u2019s been puzzling residents late at night. I%u2019ve raised these concerns with Milton Keynes City Council, and they%u2019re investigating possible sources. It%u2019s a reminder that local issues, big and small, matter. I%u2019ll keep you posted on what we uncover.Good Luck to StudentsTo all students sitting exams this term, I extend my heartfelt best wishes. As someone who attended Ousedale School myself, walking the same halls and taking my GCSEs and A-levels there, I understand the late-night revision sessions, the nerves as you enter the exam halls, and the relief afterwards. Success comes from steady eff ort: break your study into manageable chunks, take short breaks, and get enough rest. Exams measure knowledge but not your creativity, kindness, or resilience. Whatever the outcome, your teachers, families, and I are cheering you on. Trust your preparation, stay calm, and tackle each paper with confidence. You%u2019ve got this!Moving Forward TogetherWhether it%u2019s honouring our history, restoring order to our streets or supporting our young people, I remain committed to being a strong voice for our community. Together, we can build a future that%u2019s worthy of those who gave everything for our freedom 80 years ago.Let%u2019s move forward with resolve and never forget the debt we owe to those who made it all possible.If you would like to get in touch with me or attend one of my surgeries, please feel free to email me at chris.curtis.mp@parliament.ukAs always, please follow my Facebook page (@ChrisCurtisLabour) for frequent news and updates from both Westminster and our constituency.