I know many of you are rightly concerned that Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has now taken the decision to suspend home births for at least six months. Over the past two weeks, the Trust has carried out a thorough review and risk assessment of the home birth service, and it has concluded that the suspension needs to be extended. I am extremely disappointed that this decision has been made and fully recognise the upset, disappointment, and worry that many of yo

A constituent recently contacted my office regarding concerns about an unkept building and surrounding area near their home. The neglected site was attracting antisocial behaviour and causing disruption for nearby residents. After working closely with Forest of Dean District Council, the Town Council, and BT Openreach, my team and I were able to identify the responsible owners and ensure the necessary action was taken. I’m pleased that we were able to support this constituent

My thoughts are with my constituents who have been affected by flooding in the Forest of Dean overnight and with our neighbours in Monmouthshire who have been badly impacted by Storm Claudia. My thanks go to the emergency services who worked throughout the night, in often difficult conditions. If you’ve been affected by flooding, I would advise you call Floodline at any time on 0345 988 1188 for advice. For those needing updates please visit the Government website:...

Our pubs are the beating heart of life here in the Forest of Dean—they bring people together, support local musicians, and strengthen our local economy. Following the recent Government consultation on how best to support British pubs, I want to hear directly from you: the landlords, customers, and people who know them best. The Government is looking to tear up outdated licensing rules that have been holding back pubs, bars and local events. The shake-up could mean more live m

Forest of Dean Stone Firms been at the heart of the Forest of Dean for as long as many of us and our families can remember, with their Barnhill Quarry located right next to Cannop Ponds. Earlier this week, I met with Tom and Kirk from Forest of Dean Stone Firms, as well as Lucy from the Stone Federation, to discuss the challenges facing the stone industry and how best I can support them. I was lucky enough to have a tour of the quarry and hear about the impressive skills and

I was really keen to meet with students from Coalway Junior School following their trip to Parliament last week! I enjoyed hearing about what they got up to, their highlights, and most importantly, seeing their excitement. Inspiring the next generation and bringing young voices to the forefront is so important. Working with schools and encouraging students’ political engagement will always be a priority for me! Thank you, Coalway Junior School, for having me!

I’m inviting all Forest of Dean constituents to a public meeting to discuss the ongoing issues surrounding our roads and transport. I know how many of you are fed up with the state of our roads and the limited transport options available. I share that frustration. Whether it’s sitting in long queues commuting to work, struggling to reach hospital appointments on time, waiting at endless temporary lights with no visible work taking place, or dealing with potholes that damage y

On this Remembrance Sunday, we come together to honour those who fought and died so we could live in freedom. To all those who have served in our Armed Forces, those serving today, and their families, we say thank you. I attended the Remembrance Service in Newent earlier today and was pleased to see so many of you there paying your respects. Now and always, we will remember them.

Earlier this week, I invited Mary from Puzzlewood  to join me at Downing Street for a meeting with the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves , and I was very pleased to have her there alongside me. Businesses like Puzzlewood play a vital role in our local economy, creating jobs and helping to celebrate the unique character of the Forest of Dean. Before our meeting at No.11, we also had the opportunity to tour Parliament. It was fantastic to have Mary share her experience

Last week’s Coffee Morning covered a huge range of topics and, as always, many of you came ready to talk about what matters to you most. From education and animal welfare to nuclear energy and foreign affairs. It was great meeting such fantastic people right across our community, from former teachers to animal equality advocates and local campaigners. Thank you to Brockweir Villiage Shop & Café for hosting us and serving fantastic drinks throughout the morning—a lovely commun

I was so pleased to have Richard, and his family join me in Parliament this week! I have got to know Richard and his family since being the MP for the Forest of Dean and learnt what true bravery and strength looks like in the face of huge challenges. This part of my job really is a privilege. As many of you will know, Richard was diagnosed with Glioblastoma in 2018, and despite being given 6 months to live, he continues to defy the odds. Being able to play a small part in his

For over 40 years, Over Farm  has been at the heart of our community, creating memories for families near and far—playing a big part in life here in the Forest of Dean. I had the chance to meet Rees yesterday and see the amazing work he and his team are doing. They provide so much throughout the year, and it’s clear just how much effort and hard work go into creating a place where so many memories can be made. Many of us will have our own Over Farm memories—whether it’s pumpk

Calling all Food & Drink Manufacturers in the Forest of Dean! The MP’s Choice: Food and Drink Manufacturer of the Year Award is now open for nominations, and I’m looking for brilliant small and medium-sized businesses playing a vital role in the community and in the food and drink industry. If you run a small or medium-sized food or drink business, this is your chance to showcase what makes you special—from innovation and sustainability to the positive difference you make loc

Yesterday, I asked the Deputy Prime Minister, David Lammy, about the damage caused by 14 years of Tory cuts. This isn’t just about the incident that left so many of us concerned over the weekend. It’s about years of underfunding that have left our prisons overstretched and our communities vulnerable. It’s also important to address claims from opposition members suggesting that the Labour Party “accidentally” released Hadush Kebatu from prison. These comments are simply untrue

I recently had a fantastic meal at the Balti hut coleford —a big thank you to Abu Ali, the co-owner, and Asaddar Ali, their brilliant chef! We are lucky to have such strong hospitality here in the Forest, with plenty on offer. Places like this are a big part of what makes our community so welcoming to all. It’s so important that we get out and support local hospitality, helping businesses like these continue to thrive. Great food, brilliant service, and a warm welcome—right o

Come Join Me for a Coffee and a Chat! If you live in the St Briavels or Brockweir area, come grab coffee and have a chat with me! I’m hosting a drop-in Coffee Morning on Friday 31st October, 10:00am–12:00pm, and I want to hear what matters most to you — both locally and nationally. Sign up here: https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.eventbrite.co.uk%2Fe%2Fcoffee-morning-with-matt-tickets-1856855888949%3Faff%3Doddtdtcreator%26utm-source%3Dwsa%26utm-campaign%3Dsocia

A lot of people ask, “Why vote Labour?” Here’s why… With a Labour Government, Schools Succeed! The Forest of Dean will not be forgotten under Labour. The Secretary of State for Education, the Schools Minister, and I all share a strong belief in the education on offer here in the Forest. We’ve seen the progress—and you’ve felt it. Now, let’s realise our full potential. With Labour on their side, no child is left behind. Here’s what our local secondary schools and further educa

The new V-Levels will open doors to practical, career-focused learning from engineering and digital design to creative industries and more. I’ve heard from young people and employers about the need for education that prioritises skill development and real opportunities into work. I’m pleased that this new qualification will help bridge the gap between young people eager to enter the workforce and businesses needing skilled workers. I’ll be in discussions with education provid

Great to catch up with so many of you at my recent Coffee Morning in Newent! We all sat down together to talk about what matters most locally and share ideas on how we can keep making progress. These relaxed drop-in Coffee Mornings are a brilliant way for me to have proper chats with you, hear your thoughts, and work together on local priorities.  Keep an eye out for future dates—we’re working hard to make them even easier for everyone to get involved and attend. Thanks to ev

If someone you know needs an extra helping hand when it comes to getting online, please encourage them to make the most of the workshops and support available next week! These sessions will: Provide access to digital tools and resources to support day-to-day living. Give the confidence and skillset needed to be online and not be left behind in a digital world. Bridge barriers that prevent digital inclusion. Please do share this with your friends, family and individuals that y