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

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!

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.

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

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

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

As children return to school this September, I know many parent carers and families will need some support and advice. So, my team and I, alongside SENDIASS, are holding advice sessions, with 1:1 slots available for parent carers, families, or individuals seeking support, guidance, and advice. Please see the details below: Date: Wednesday, 16th September Time: 10:00am – 5:00pm Where: Coleford If you would like to book an appointment, please email my office at: matt.bishop.mp@

It was good to meet with both Monmouthshire and Gloucestershire County Council recently to discuss the current repairs of the Old Wye Bridge in Tutshill/Chepstow. I know many of you are waiting for an update as to when we can expect the bridge to reopen to motorists, as it has been to pedestrians. I raised these questions with both local authorities, and I have been informed that they are currently undertaking further detailed monitoring of the Old Wye Bridge to assess what s

Today, I am launching my Women and Girls’ Health Campaign to listen to your experiences, highlight what is not working, and push for the improvements you need and deserve. I want to hear from women and girls across the Forest of Dean about their experiences of healthcare—from your earliest experiences of seeking support, through the different stages of life and as your health needs change. For too long, our grandmothers, mothers, daughters and all women and girls in our lives

Today, young people across the Forest of Dean are receiving their GCSE results. Whether they’re the results you hoped for or not quite what you expected, there are so many options and opportunities available to help you take your next steps. Over the past year, I’ve spent a lot of time with young people across the Forest, through Mock Parliament, work experience and many other opportunities. Having worked closely with them, I have no doubt that beyond the grades received toda

The impact of the A40 is significant for so many of us—getting to work, attending hospital appointments, getting children to school and college, seeing friends and family, and caring for loved ones. But for the businesses along the A40, things are really tough. I’ve been in regular contact with Rees and Brogan since the roadworks began, and it was good to visit them in person and hear directly how Phase 2—now that the contraflow is in place—is affecting their footfall and ove

A big thank you to Brogan at The Lock Keepers for welcoming me recently to chat about the impact of the A40 works. Rees from Over Farm joined us too, and I'll continue to make sure the significant challenges faced by both Rees and Brogan are shared with decision-makers, so they understand the real impact that major roadworks like these can have on local businesses. Thank you both for taking the time to speak with me. I look forward to seeing you both again soon!

We’re lucky to live in such a beautiful place, and we must protect it while the weather conditions are so dry. A small mistake can cause a devastating fire. Please keep our outdoor spaces safe: Put cigarettes and smoking materials out completely. Never throw cigarette ends on the ground or out of a vehicle window. Do not light anything that could start a fire, including disposable barbecues, firepits, garden incinerators or fireworks. Take bottles, glasses and broken glass ho

A young military family from the Forest of Dean recently got in touch with my team and me after travelling to America and being denied return home due to issues at border control. They were able to travel to stay with family in the Netherlands but still couldn't return home to the UK. My team contacted the UK Ambassador to the Netherlands and worked with Sofie and Ben to secure an emergency travel document, ensuring they could return home safely to the UK. These types of case

A constituent with a learning disability, in supported residential living accommodation, contacted me and my office for help; an ongoing dispute meant that she was facing a potential eviction. After writing to the appropriate authorities, we secured a long-term placement arrangement and resolved this case for the constituent. This is a great result for the constituent, and I was grateful to meet them in person this week. If you, a family member, or a friend need support with