My team and I, alongside SENDIASS, are holding more advice sessions next week, with a couple of 1:1 slots available for parent carers, families, or individuals seeking support, guidance, and advice. Please see the details below: Date: Tuesday, 3rd March Time: 9:00am – 5:00pm Where: Coleford If you would like to book an appointment, please email my office at: matt.bishop.mp@parliament.uk

This week I joined International Justice Mission to talk about the horrific issue of livestreamed child sexual abuse and the new AI-driven, on-device detection technology which could help stop it, preventing offenders from harming children and making the internet safer for everyone. I support the International Justice Mission in calling for all devices sold in the UK to include on-device safeguards that can detect and disrupt livestreamed child sexual abuse. Stop it before i

It’s Eating Disorders Awareness Week, and I want to take the opportunity to remind constituents far and wide that they are not alone. This week’s theme is Community because we know how important safe and supportive communities are for those recovering, those caring for someone in recovery, and for those to recognise eating disorders signs and support that person towards the help that they need. Beat will be sharing advice for how to get involved in your community, from how to

It is vital for my constituents, victims, their families, charities, and the organisations I work with that power is held to account. No matter who you are, everyone should be held to the same standard. I will keep pushing to ensure legislation and investigations are carried out in a timely way, so justice is delivered and victims remain at the forefront. It’s the right thing to do. Please watch the video below of my questions to the Rt Hon Darren Jones MP, Chief Secretary to

It's vitally important that children with special education needs get the right support at the right time, and so I welcome the White Paper on SEND, published yesterday by the Department of Education. You can find the white paper here    https://consult.education.gov.uk/.../send-reform-putting.../   It's open to consultation, so we need to hear from you and your family. Make sure to have your say. For those who've booked a slot at my MP's SEND event on Thursday, I look forwar

Great to attend Level Playing Field’s annual ‘Unite for Access’ campaign last week. Hearing such passionate voices in the room speaking about access and inclusion for disabled fans at football matches was incredibly powerful. The campaign encourages clubs across the football pyramid to host a dedicated fixture and engage with disabled supporters to help improve the matchday experience for everyone. I am also working with the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Football’s

Huge congratulations to Five Acres High School, Dene Magna Secondary School, and Primrose Hill C of E Primary Academy – all recognised as being among the top quartile nationally for supporting the achievement of disadvantaged pupils. Their excellent outcomes are a real credit to the dedication of staff, the hard work of pupils, and the support of families. The Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson MP, and I have both written to the headteachers to congratulate them on their

It was great to visit Bream C of E Primary School and see the brilliant work they’re doing through their breakfast club, and the difference it’s making for pupils and families. These clubs help parents manage work, give children a positive start to the day, and make a real difference to their life chances. That’s exactly what our Plan for Change is all about for children in the Forest of Dean, making sure children and their families have support in place that enables them to

Last week I launched a Mock Parliament, bringing together students from all six of our secondary schools. It was fantastic to see young people exploring how Parliament works, debating topics they care about—from AI to climate change—and building confidence to use their voice. We were also joined by the Rt Hon Jonathan Reynolds MP, Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasury (Chief Whip), who held a Q&A with students and explained the role of a whip in government. This was the fir

Last week, I was lucky enough to be able to catch up with Jane and Dave at Dean Radio and chat about a range of topics that matter to constituents in the Forest of Dean and across the country. It’s always great to do local radio and I look forward to chatting with Jane and Dave again soon. Thanks for having me!

A constituent in the Forest of Dean, a victim of domestic abuse, has seen her case listed and relisted multiple times since 2023, with delays repeatedly granted due to medical claims by the defendant. Repeated adjournments risk denying justice for victims, and I am pleased that Sarah Sackman KC MP, Minister of State for Courts and Legal Services, agreed to meet with me to discuss how cases like these can be addressed without further traumatisation.

Yesterday in the Chamber, I raised the need for victims to have real trust in our system’s ability to hold power to account, in a discussion with the Rt Hon Darren Jones MP, Secretary of State.

Really good conversations with residents about the issues that matter most locally — from day-to-day concerns to the bigger picture. Thank you to everyone who took the time to stop and chat. Listening on the doorstep is one of the most important parts of the job, and I’ll keep making sure Lydney’s voice is heard.

I was grateful to stand in the Chamber this week to support the Home Secretary, The Rt Hon Shabana Mahmood MP, and her reforms to policing set out in the White Paper. As a former police officer, I strongly welcome these much-needed reforms, alongside many former colleagues—and many who are still serving—who have also warmly welcomed them. Previous governments have tried and failed to deliver the changes that this Home Secretary is now putting in place. Our Government’s messag

I am proud to say that, alongside Harry’s Pals, yesterday saw the launch of my new All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) focused on securing emotional support for parents and carers of children with life-limiting or life-changing conditions. APPGs bring MPs and Lords from across Parliament together to shine a light on issues that too often fall through the cracks — gathering evidence, listening to experts and families, and pushing for real, lasting change. When a child becomes

Today, we remember the six million Jews murdered in the Holocaust, and all victims of the Nazi regime and of genocides throughout history. As we mark Holocaust Memorial Day, we honour those who were lost, and we recommit to building a brighter future.

Today, I stood with bereaved parents as they handed a letter into No.10 Downing Street, calling for stronger enforcement of online safety laws—action that could have saved their own children’s lives. Their message was powerful and courageous: regulate social media to save lives. They are calling for real technical oversight of social media, stronger powers for Ofcom, and the ability to hold global platforms to account—alongside an Under-16s Social Media Ban to better protect

It was great to attend Age UK’s ‘Ending Long A&E Waits and Corridor Care’ reception this week. They were able to share how A&Es are performing in our local area, and the steps that can be taken to help reduce long A&E waits and eradicate Corridor Care for good. I know so many of you have experienced corridor care and long waiting times, so this was an invaluable discussion that equips me to make real improvements for constituents in our area.

Following recent correspondence from the Police and Crime Commissioner, Chris Nelson, I, Alex McIntyre for Gloucester , and Simon Opher for Stroud  have responded in a joint letter, set out in full below. That correspondence related to proposals for increased police precept flexibility—which would be funded through higher council tax—and a one-off Home Office grant for IT systems. At a time when residents across Gloucestershire continue to face cost-of-living pressures, we do