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

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!

I am pleased the Government is taking action to give local communities more say over our high streets. New plans will give councils greater control over new vape shops, betting shops and adult gaming centres, while giving them more powers to tackle problem premises and businesses linked to crime. For the Forest of Dean, this means more power for local councils and communities to shape our town centres and support the good local businesses that keep them thriving. Our high str

Yesterday, I was very generously welcomed to The Princess Royal Bristol Surgical Centre at Southmead Hospital, Bristol, where I had the opportunity to observe Mr Damien Clark, Trauma and Orthopaedic Consultant. I know how many people across the Forest of Dean rely on the incredible hard work of staff at Southmead Hospital, so I was particularly grateful for the opportunity to see first-hand the work taking place there, both day-to-day and as part of the recent developments at

On Tuesday evening, I attended a meeting in Glynchbrook regarding the large settlements outlined in the Local Plan. I have made it clear that I do not support this large settlement, and I, along with residents there, am pleased that the Local Plan will now go back to consultation. It is so important that residents take part in that consultation to ensure the new plan reflects local need. I will continue to keep a close eye on developments and push to have a local plan that de

Gloucestershire Constabulary has seen a significant increase in calls, with more than 11,000 emergency 999 calls in July alone. This means our emergency services are under increasing pressure. Please only call 999 if there is: A crime in progress An immediate threat to life A situation requiring an urgent police response If your issue isn't an emergency, please use 101 or report it online via Gloucestershire Police. This helps keep emergency lines free for those who need them

Please see the table below that outlines when and where closures are taking place during the M48 Severn Bridge resurfacing Trial. Feel free to save this post and share it with anyone who may benefit from having all of the information in one place. I know these closures, alongside the major works on the A40, are having a significant impact on many of you. Please be assured that I am in regular contact with National Highways, raising your concerns and sharing your experiences d

I know how frustrating the roads are currently across the Forest of Dean, with multiple works happening at once. I've been pushing for answers and action on several major issues: Wye Bridge, Tutshill – I met with both Gloucestershire County Council and Monmouthshire County Council this week to press for a clear timeline on repairs and, crucially, when motorists will be able to use the bridge again. I will be sharing the results of that meeting soon. If you're affected, please

If you're facing financial hardship, you may be able to get some help through the Government's new Crisis and Resilience Fund. This support may be available if you're: •Struggling to afford food or other essentials. •Finding it difficult to pay your energy or water bills. •Facing an unexpected emergency or financial crisis. •Worried about keeping your home warm or safe. •In need of short-term support to get back on your feet. Find out more about the fund here: https://www.gov

This week saw a moment to celebrate the community spirit found across Gloucestershire, highlighting our fantastic villages here in the Forest of Dean. The Gloucestershire Village of the Year Awards, hosted by the Gloucestershire Rural Community Council, celebrated the community-focused work being done by villages right across the county. I am very pleased that two of our villages were recognised during the awards and given credit for the great work they do in their communitie

This week, I wrote to National Highways again, reiterating the urgency of your concerns regarding the works at the A40 Over Bridge. In the letter below, I have updated them on your real experiences day to day since these works began, which many of you have told me about yourselves. It’s not okay that emergency services cannot get through, people are having to be put out of pocket so they can attend essential appointments and work commitments, redundancies are being made and b

Earlier this week, the Forest Health Forum, Forest Voluntary Action Forum - FVAF, healthcare professionals and local residents came together for the Big Health Debate to discuss some of the biggest healthcare challenges facing our communities. The discussions highlighted a range of important topics, including mental health and wellbeing, access to NHS dentistry, and GP services. Most importantly, the event gave residents the opportunity to share their experiences, concerns an

I know the disruption caused by the A40 Over Bridge works is having a huge impact on your lives. That's why I've created this WhatsApp Channel—to make sure everyone affected has access to clear, timely updates in one place. By following the channel, you'll receive: Updates on the action I'm taking to press for improvements and reduce the impact on you. The latest information on the works and any expected changes. Important announcements as soon as they're available. I'll use

The summer holidays are about to get cheaper for families! Until the 1st of September, VAT on children's attractions is dropping from 20% to 5%. And that means saving money on attractions in the Forest of Dean and beyond! Across the country, from theme parks and soft play to cinema and children’s meals in restaurants, Labour is cutting the cost of a day out this summer. Every child aged 5 to 15 in England will be able to benefit from free bus travel all summer, too. I want to

Last week, I attended the David Vaisey Awards, which recognises the great work being done to promote reading and literacy across Gloucestershire. It was great to see both Forest of Dean Libraries and Newnham St Peter's C of E Primary School shortlisted. Their commitment to encouraging reading and supporting learning is making a real difference in our communities. The winners will be announced later this year at the Cheltenham Literature Festival. A huge congratulations to eve

This weekend is Super Sign-Up Saturday for the Summer Reading Challenge 2026! I'm encouraging families across the Forest of Dean to get down to your local library and find out what's going on for this year's Read to the Beat! Summer Reading Challenge. It's completely free to take part and a brilliant way to help children keep reading over the summer holidays, discover fantastic books and build a lifelong love of reading. Find your local library and sign up today: summerreadin

Does your child want to send a letter of support to the 2026 FIFA World Cup England Squad? Royal Mail are running their “From Classroom to Kick-Off” project, which connects children and young adults aged 4-18 with their football heroes. It’s simple to take part: • Write a letter to the England team - or your favourite player • Share why you love football, what the team means to you, or cheer them on for their next match • Add your own personal touch - drawings, colours, or a

Two years ago, I was elected as your Member of Parliament. Since then, it has been a privilege to represent the Forest of Dean and champion the people, businesses and communities that make our area so special. Over the past two years, I've worked hard to ensure the voices of the Forest of Dean have been heard—whether that's standing up for better SEND provision, launching my annual Mock Parliament programme to empower local students, supporting action to tackle violence again

Today marked a significant milestone in Hollie Gazzard's legacy. I was honoured to attend the opening of Hollie's at Bridge Training Ltd, a new training salon in Gloucester that will ensure Hollie's legacy continues to make a real difference to the lives of young people. It was great to see Nick Gazzard OBE, Jane Harvey, CEO of the Hollie Gazzard Trust, and her family, alongside the Mayor of Gloucester City Council, Adrian Graham, and to meet students Alesha and Lexi. This in