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

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.

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.

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

I’ve heard from constituents across the Forest of Dean who feel their voices haven’t always been listened to when it comes to maternity and neonatal care. This is an important opportunity to change that. Baroness Amos is asking women and families across England to share their experiences as part of the National Maternity and Neonatal Investigation. The evidence gathered will help shape its findings and recommendations for the future. If you or someone close to you has experie

This morning, I attended a really important meeting to discuss the reality of the hospitality sector in the Forest of Dean and beyond. Alongside Phil at The Farmer's Boy Inn , I met with Wayne Childes from The King’s Arms, Newent; Wayne Edge from Flamin Edges at The Yew Tree , Longhope; Mark Terry-Lush from the Wye Valley & Forest of Dean Tourism Board; and Jonathan Lane, the District Council’s Cabinet Member for the Economy. The hospitality sector plays a vital role in commu

A huge thank you to Mrs Burke and the students at Yorkley and Parkend Primary Schools for taking the time to show me around their schools and chat with me last week. From outdoor learning and online safety to shared values and inspiring learning spaces, we talked about so many of the great things happening in these brilliant schools. The hard work, commitment and care shown by all staff is clear in the happiness and confidence of the children. It was fantastic to see not only

So many of you and your families will rely on Lydney Dial-a-Ride’s essential transport service. This week, I was grateful to meet Louise and the team to talk about the incredible work they do across the Forest of Dean, from taking children to school to getting residents to hospital appointments and so much more. We are incredibly lucky to have services like this that provide accessible, door-to-door transport, filling the gaps in our transport links and keeping our communitie

On the 13th of November, I asked landlords and the public across the Forest of Dean to engage with me about the issues they have been experiencing and shared a live survey for them to complete. The survey can be found here: https://www.wixforms.com/f/7394715048662270982 Following this call for engagement, I wrote directly to landlords across the Forest of Dean to encourage further involvement. That letter was sent on the 18th of November and is available below. It's disappoin

MP SEND Event Parent carers, educators, and SEND professionals are invited to my third SEND Event, this time bringing parent carers together with educators, support services and professionals to drive meaningful, practical improvements that matter. The evening will include professionals offering support for parent carers, alongside updates from me on government progress and a continued commitment to provide tangible support and improvements. 26th February 6pm–8pm Central Fore

Great opportunity for young people! National Grid is offering a range of paid apprenticeships across engineering, business, digital and more, with on-the-job training and recognised qualifications. If you or someone you know is looking to build a long-term career in the energy sector, this could be a great opportunity. Find out more and apply here https://jobs.nationalgrid.com/.../early.../apprenticeships

Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service is consulting on its new Community Risk Management Plan (CRMP) for 2026–2030 and wants to hear from local people. This plan sets out how GFRS will identify and manage risks in our communities over the next four years – including fire cover, flooding and wildfires, learning from major national incidents, improving culture within the Service, and making sure resources are used effectively. Your views will help shape how the Service operat

Happy New Year to everyone across the Forest of Dean! As we begin this new year, I’d like to share some of my priorities and what I’ll be working on for the Forest of Dean in the months ahead. You can read my article here: https://www.theforester.co.uk/.../the-view-from ... I am committed to serving the Forest of Dean on the issues that matter most to you, and to making sure our voice is heard in Westminster. I am wishing you all a very Happy New Year.

Just before they broke up for Christmas, I had the opportunity to meet and chat with some sixth form students from Dene Magna. It was brilliant to talk with them about exciting projects ahead and get a real feel for what matters most to them, and to young people more broadly. Visiting schools and engaging with students of all ages is really important to me, and I’m committed to ensuring this only increases as we head into 2026. Thank you to all the staff and students for taki

I would like to wish everyone across the Forest of Dean, and beyond, a very Merry Christmas. I am sending my best wishes for a happy Christmas and a good year ahead. The Forest of Dean’s strength has always been its people, and that’s never clearer than during this festive season. Thinking of you all during this special time—Merry Christmas!