I recently chaired the second meeting of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Emotional Support for Parent Carers of Seriously Ill and Disabled Children, continuing my support for the important work of Harry's Pals and the families at the heart of its campaign. We heard powerful contributions highlighting the urgent need for better mental health support for parent carers. Harry's Pals has been leading the call for parents to be offered free specialised counselling when

I'm pleased that this week we've announced a number of decisions that will help people with the cost of living and make it that little bit easier for businesses across the Forest of Dean. VAT removed from electricity bills from this October. A 20% cut in business rates for pubs, clubs and live music venues next year, helping the businesses at the heart of our communities. A £2 cap on bus fares across England from January 2027, alongside free bus travel for children this Au

One of the first things I did since Andy Burnham became Prime Minister, was to write to him regarding the provisions in the Sentencing Act that allow for the early release of prisoners. I am pleased, and relieved, that the Prime Minister is reconsidering this part of the Act. We cannot allow offenders convicted of crimes against women and girls—including rape, sexual assault, domestic abuse, and child abuse—to be released early. It was for these reasons that I abstained on th

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 Alcohol Awareness Week, I’m supporting Community Alcohol Partnerships and their vital work reducing alcohol harm among young people. Their research tackles a key issue: parents often believe supplying alcohol helps children drink responsibly. Research shows the opposite is true. Let’s change the norm and champion alcohol-free childhoods.

I attended the inaugural Prevention of Violence Against Women and Girls Awards earlier this week. It was inspiring to be in a room with so many dedicated campaigners, charities, survivors, frontline organisations and fellow parliamentarians, all united in the shared commitment to preventing violence against women and girls and supporting survivors. The evening celebrated the incredible people and organisations driving real change across the UK. I am proud to stand alongside t

Every day, I receive correspondence from constituents about online abuse, harassment, scams, harmful content and staying safe online. As a former police officer and now as your Member of Parliament, I've seen the real impact that online abuse, harassment and intimidation can have on individuals and families. That's why I wanted to share some practical advice and trusted sources of support. Whether you're using social media, messaging apps, email, or other online platforms, it

It's been an incredible campaign and one I've been proud to be part of—from day one knocking on doors to the final day yesterday in Makerfield. This is a fantastic win for us all!

I'm proud to be #MadeInStateSchool. This Social Mobility Day, I'm joining the 93% Club's #MadeInStateSchool campaign to celebrate the experiences, opportunities, challenges and people that have shaped my journey. Like 93% of people in the UK, I went to a state school, Lliswerry High School, and it shaped the person I am today. Despite the challenges our school community faced, the teachers created an environment where we felt supported and encouraged. They gave us far more th

The plan is working. We are securing our borders. Net migration = down Asylum hotel use = down Small boats arriving = down Reform talk. Labour delivers.

I hear from parents and families across the Forest of Dean all the time about how difficult it can be to keep up with the online world our children are growing up in. That’s why the Information Commissioner’s Office has launched a really useful new campaign called “Switched on to Privacy” — helping parents and carers have simple conversations with children about staying safe online. The advice focuses on three easy steps: Chat — have regular conversations about online privacy

Last week, I had the opportunity to visit the emergency ambulance call centre in Bristol and see firsthand the incredible work being done there. Spending time alongside staff, listening to live calls and experiencing the pace and pressure of the job was eye-opening. It’s an incredibly fast-moving, high-pressure environment where decisions are made in seconds and every moment counts. Sitting with the team gave me a real hands-on understanding of the challenges they face every

5,232 renters in the Forest of Dean are getting more rights today! • No more bidding wars. It will be illegal to request, encourage or accept offers above the set price. • Landlords will not be able to ask for more than one month’s rent upfront. • No more “no-fault” evictions. All evictions will require valid grounds. • An end to fixed-term tenancies. All tenancies will default to being a monthly rolling contract. • More rights for your pets. Landlords must consider pet reque

A big uplift in workers’ rights as a number of new measures from the Employment Rights Act come into force! • New parents now have access to paternity leave and unpaid parental leave from their very first day at work. • Statutory sick pay now starts from your first day off sick. Not day 4. This means you can take time off to get better, thanks to Labour’s Employment Rights Act. • Safeguards are now in place for workers to call out sexual harassment where they see it. • New ri

Today, millions of people across the country will see their energy bills fall, and their wages rise — thanks to decisions made by this Labour Government. Here are five ways we’re helping tackle the cost-of-living crisis: • Cutting £117 from the average household energy bill • Raising the minimum wage to put more money in people’s pockets across the Forest of Dean • Freezing rail fares for the first time in 30 years • Providing 30 hours of free childcare a week — saving workin

The shocking incident reported at Travelodge highlights a serious failure that cannot be ignored. Hotels must be safe spaces for everyone. That means robust standards, proper oversight, and legislation that ensures incidents like this cannot happen again. I want to thank all of my constituents who have come forward, many of who have sadly shared similar experiences. Your voices matter, and they are being heard. I am committed to securing meaningful change: strengthening prote

This is appalling. Every woman and girl should feel safe wherever they are — especially in places that are meant to provide security and privacy. Incidents like this are a stark reminder that we must continue to do more to tackle violence against women and girls and ensure proper safeguards are in place. It is also hard to understand how a £30 refund could be considered an appropriate response from Travelodge. I am writing to the CEO of Travelodge to request a meeting to unde