This week is Organ Donation Week, and I'd like to encourage as many of you as I can to click the link below. More than 8,700 people across the UK are waiting for a lifesaving transplant. If you would accept a lifesaving organ, please consider saying yes to becoming an organ donor and, importantly, talk to your loved ones about your decision. It takes just two minutes to confirm your decision, and it could help save up to nine lives. Please take a moment to find out more and s

In the week before schools returned, my office received emails from a number of concerned parents regarding transport arrangements for their children. Parents had received notification that their children’s bus arrangements were due to end immediately, leaving them with only a few days to arrange alternative transport. My team and I worked closely and quickly with the relevant stakeholders to resolve the issue. I am pleased that all affected young people had their transport a

Since the contraflow was implemented on the A40, I have heard from many of you about the huge amounts of traffic you are sitting in when leaving Gloucester. I have been relaying this to National Highways, and I am pleased that today they said they are looking to deploy temporary traffic lights on the Over roundabout at peak times to ease the heavy traffic you are all experiencing when leaving Gloucester. I will continue to engage with National Highways while they monitor the

Last night saw the launch of my Women and Girls’ Health Campaign in the Forest of Dean. Bringing women and girls from across the Forest together for an open and honest conversation about their experiences of healthcare. We heard powerful stories about maternity care, menopause, endometriosis, misdiagnosis, feeling unheard, difficulties accessing specialist services and much more. Thank you to everyone who came along and shared their experiences, and to the gynaecologists who

I’m pleased to confirm that a Gloucestershire Consultant Gynaecologist will be joining me this Thursday for my Women and Girls’ Health Campaign event. She has a wide range of experience and interest in women’s health issues, ranging from gynaecological issues affecting children to period problems, pelvic pain, prolapse, urinary incontinence and menopausal symptoms. We’ll be listening to women and girls across the Forest of Dean about their experiences of healthcare — what’s w

Sepsis is a medical emergency that affects over 245,000 people every year in the UK. But knowing the signs–and acting fast–can save lives. If you’re worried about someone right now, use the UK Sepsis Trust’s Sepsis Assessment Tool for guidance on what to do next You can find it here: https://sepsis-assessment.onlinegp.co/

Great news for the Forest of Dean - from this autumn, you'll be able to get on-the-spot treatment for migraines, acne, ear infections, rhinitis and scabies at participating local pharmacies. No GP appointment needed. This builds on Pharmacy First, which has already delivered 14 million consultations across England since 2024. It means quicker, easier care closer to home - and it helps take pressure off GPs and A&E this winter. Pharmacies across the Forest are already part of

Last week, I held a Coffee Morning in Cinderford, and it was great to meet so many of you. We discussed a wide range of issues, from immigration and local education to cancer research and support with personal casework. It was brilliant to be in Cinderford, hearing about both national issues and the local concerns that matter most to you. Keep an eye out for more Coffee Mornings like these near you!

Today is 999 Day, and an opportunity to say a big thank you to everyone who works and volunteers across our emergency services. From paramedics and firefighters to police officers, NHS staff and volunteers, millions of people work tirelessly to keep us safe and support our communities. Thank you for everything you do, today and every day.

Today we remember all those killed in the 9/11 attacks, including 67 British nationals. 25 years on, the UK stands with the United States in remembrance, solidarity and shared resolve. We will never forget.

I am pleased to hear today's announcement that local government reorganisation in Gloucestershire has been postponed, a decision I believe is the right one for the Forest of Dean. Following legal advice, the government has decided to postpone reorganisation in Gloucestershire, among other areas, to ensure plans are robust, compliant with the law, and aligned with this Government's priorities. Though I support devolution and bringing power back into the hands of local people,

No family should be priced out by uniform costs. I know it can be difficult to make money stretch to cover the cost of branded uniforms. I speak to families and parent carers all the time, and I hear how challenging it can be to make it all work within the family budget. That's why Labour is cracking down on school uniform costs and capping the number of branded items parents have to buy.

I welcome the Government’s decision to end the early release scheme for certain serious offenders. Including those responsible for the appalling killing of PC Harper. I wrote to the Prime Minister recently regarding the early release scheme, specifically asking for the prevention of releasing those responsible for PC Harper’s death early. I am pleased this was acted upon, and the right decision was made. Decisions like these send a clear message to our police force that we va

Come Join Me for a Coffee and a Chat in CINDERFORD! If you live in or near Cinderford, come grab a coffee and have a chat with me! I’m hosting a drop-in Coffee Morning on Saturday, 5th September, 10:00 am–12:00 pm, and I want to hear what matters most to you—both locally and nationally. Sign up here https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/.../coffee-morning-with-matt... Or contact my office at 01594 540534 or matt.bishop.mp@parliament.uk, and we’ll add you manually. For clarity: Specifi

Yesterday, I asked the Prime Minister whether our police officers have the Government's backing, including the proper funding they need to keep our communities safe. I was pleased to hear his clear recognition of those who put themselves at risk to protect us. Having served alongside them, I know the courage and dedication our officers show every day. They deserve our full support, and I’ll continue to champion it.

This week’s column reflects on some of the important casework I’ve been able to support recently, and most importantly, the people behind those cases. It was great to meet Sofie, Ben, and their son recently, after my team helped their family return safely to the UK following difficulties while travelling abroad. It was nice to finally meet them in person after working with them on their case. I was also pleased to meet another constituent recently who had been facing uncertai

Since being elected, I’ve heard from residents across the Forest of Dean who’ve been affected by cowboy builders. Getting work done to your home should be straightforward. Too many of you have faced the devastating consequences of rogue operators leaving their homes unsafe or disappearing with upfront payments before completing the work. After calling for more action to protect local people, I’m pleased the Government is taking action with: A new Trading Standards approved co

I recently visited the Victoria Centre in Lydney to meet the team and hear about all the community-focused work they are doing to support older people across the Forest of Dean. Nearly 50 years after the management committee received the keys in 1977, the Victoria Centre is a powerful example of what community partnership and volunteer commitment can achieve. The Centre offers a warm, welcoming and friendly space, providing meals and social contact for the local elderly commu

My team and I have spoken with National Highways today and raised the concerns regarding the temporary traffic lights many of you reported earlier this week. National Highways has confirmed that any temporary traffic lights currently being seen alongside the A40 bridge works are not their responsibility. However, it is worth noting that utility companies do have the ability and authority to introduce temporary traffic lights where necessary, particularly when they need to att