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

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.

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.

Great to meet with Niall from Fair Game UK  last week to chat about how I can support their mission for a fairer future for football. Fair Game wants to ensure football is a force for good, putting clubs at the heart of the communities they serve. For communities like ours in the Forest of Dean, grassroots football is vital for so many children, young people and adults—bringing people together and fostering a community spirit that unites and inspires. I’m really looking forwa

Yesterday, I attended a drop-in event in support of Hugh's Law, part of the Parents Deserve Better campaign by It’s Never You , which is fighting to ensure parent carers get the support they need when their child becomes seriously ill. The campaign calls for reforms that recognise the family as a unit of care—including protected, paid leave from day one; early mental health support for both parents; recognition and support for siblings; and a system that prevents families rea

Today, in the chamber, I asked the Under-Secretary for Health and Social Care, Ashley Dalton MP, to consider a dedicated national support pathway for parent carers, including better access to counselling and respite. I am setting up an APPG (All-Party Parliamentary Group) alongside Harry’s Pals to work together to bring about the support parent carers need and deserve when their child has a life-threatening or life-limiting illness. I am really pleased that the Under-Secretar

Last week, I joined MPs and representatives from the children’s palliative care sector at an important APPG event. The £80m committed to children’s hospices is a brilliant step forward for palliative care, but many challenges still remain. I look forward to working with Together for Short Lives, alongside my role with Harry’s Pals, to address the challenges families face across the country, and right here at home, in the Forest of Dean.

At last week’s Justice Committee meeting, I had the opportunity to ask Sir Brian Leveson about his recommendation to increase the sentence discount applied to early guilty pleas.

I was really pleased to attend the drop in event this week for Access to Disability Equipment. Across the UK, the system for providing community and medical equipment is in need of attention to ensure disabled children and adults receive the equipment and support they need. This drop-in event marked the launch of a new APPG report on barriers to accessing lifesaving disability equipment and I was proud to be there in support.

Please apply here   https://www.w4mpjobs.org/JobDetails.aspx?jobid=97853

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, I was proud to be standing with the Government as they took an important step forward in protecting children by repealing the statutory presumption of parental involvement in the Victims and Courts Bill. At the Justice Select Committee, I had the chance to ask the Chief Executive of CAFCASS, the Domestic Abuse Commissioner for England and Wales, and the Chief Executive of the Nuffield Family Justice Observatory how they believe these changes will make a difference

I’m pleased to have been appointed as the Backbench Departmental Chair for the Cabinet Office. In this role, I’ll be working closely with ministers, senior officials, and colleagues across Parliament to ensure that backbench voices are heard, valued, and represented effectively. This is an important opportunity to help shape constructive dialogue between ministers and Parliament, ensuring policy decisions are informed by the wide range of experiences and perspectives that bac

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

Earlier this week, I spoke in the Victims and Courts Bill Report Stage—making the case for a justice system that delivers fairness, dignity and respect for victims. I want to thank Justice for Victims  for their tireless campaigning and the difference they make for so many people across the country. I fully support all the causes they champion and will keep pushing for stronger rights and real accountability.