Would you know what to do in a flood? Around 6.3 million homes and businesses in England are in areas at risk of flooding. Don't assume it won't happen to you. Are you flood ready, or not? Check your flood risk and prepare for flooding https://floodaction.campaign.gov.uk/?utm_campaign=faw26...

Today is World Mental Health Day, a chance to raise awareness of mental health and the importance of making sure people can access the support they need. Mental health affects people in all walks of life, and it’s important that we continue to encourage open conversations and look out for one another. I’ve shared a graphic with details of local mental health support services and contact numbers. Please take a look, save it for future reference, and share it with others who ma

So many young people are giving up hope of ever owning their own home. 'Your First Home Scheme' will make that first step on the housing ladder possible again. This equity loan scheme will be open to first-time buyers with just a 2.5% deposit. It will provide a 20% equity loan to help first-time buyers buy a new-build home, with an initial interest-free period to ensure housing costs are affordable. Placing the dream of owning your own home within reach.

This week saw an unforgettable Labour Party Conference, wrapped in a real sense of optimism. Not because the challenges facing our country have disappeared, or because the work ahead will be easy, but because there was a clear belief that things can be different. One message was consistent: power must belong to the people and communities it affects. That came through clearly in the Prime Minister’s speech, which set out some significant announcements for the years ahead: A Na

Earlier this week, during the Labour Party Conference, I joined a panel discussion on how unresolved legal issues affect constituents, businesses and public services. I was pleased to be joined by the Rt Hon Justine Greening, Sarah Sackman MP, David Haynes and Jay Prosser. We discussed how we can empower communities to access local services that provide timely, appropriate advice and tailored support. From raising awareness and improving education to strengthening collaborati

I have been lucky enough, since becoming MP, to have spent a lot of time with young people in the Forest of Dean. Mock Parliament showcases just how talented, impressive and confident our young people are. They deserve every opportunity. And that includes technical education, too. Vocational GCSEs will sit alongside traditional GCSEs and replace existing Technical Awards, helping create pathways to A, V and T Levels, and employment, apprenticeships and university - ending the

Suffering a bereavement or the loss of a pregnancy is one of the most painful experiences a family can go through. Just a couple of weeks ago, at my women and girls' health event, I heard firsthand how unsupported families feel in these unimaginable moments. For too long, people have had to fight for the opportunity to grieve. Labour’s changing things, with new legal rights to allow you to take the time you need to deal with loss.

Safety tools to support yourself and loved ones: 1. Ask for Angela — a discreet way to ask venue staff for help if you feel unsafe. 2. Silent 999 — if you cannot speak during an emergency call, press 55 when prompted. 3. Hollie Guard App — personal safety features to help you feel safer when travelling or out alone. Save this post and share it with someone who may need it.

Survivors of rape and serious sexual offences deserve a justice system that is focused on their needs, with greater certainty, support and timely access to justice. That is why specialist rape and serious sexual offence courtrooms are being rolled out across every Crown Court in England and Wales. Cases will be prioritised, with stronger support for victims throughout the process. The changes include: Dedicated specialist courtrooms Private waiting rooms and entrances for v

This week is Organ Donation Week, and I'd like to encourage as many of you as I can to click the link below. More than 8,700 people across the UK are waiting for a lifesaving transplant. If you would accept a lifesaving organ, please consider saying yes to becoming an organ donor and, importantly, talk to your loved ones about your decision. It takes just two minutes to confirm your decision, and it could help save up to nine lives. Please take a moment to find out more and s

Sepsis is a medical emergency that affects over 245,000 people every year in the UK. But knowing the signs–and acting fast–can save lives. If you’re worried about someone right now, use the UK Sepsis Trust’s Sepsis Assessment Tool for guidance on what to do next You can find it here: https://sepsis-assessment.onlinegp.co/

Safety tools to support yourself and loved ones: 1. Ask for Angela — a discreet way to ask venue staff for help if you feel unsafe. 2. Silent 999 — if you cannot speak during an emergency call, press 55 when prompted. 3. Hollie Guard App — personal safety features to help you feel safer when travelling or out alone. Save this post and share it with someone who may need it.

Today is 999 Day, and an opportunity to say a big thank you to everyone who works and volunteers across our emergency services. From paramedics and firefighters to police officers, NHS staff and volunteers, millions of people work tirelessly to keep us safe and support our communities. Thank you for everything you do, today and every day.

Today we remember all those killed in the 9/11 attacks, including 67 British nationals. 25 years on, the UK stands with the United States in remembrance, solidarity and shared resolve. We will never forget.

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.

I welcome the Government’s decision to end the early release scheme for certain serious offenders. Including those responsible for the appalling killing of PC Harper. I wrote to the Prime Minister recently regarding the early release scheme, specifically asking for the prevention of releasing those responsible for PC Harper’s death early. I am pleased this was acted upon, and the right decision was made. Decisions like these send a clear message to our police force that we va

Yesterday, I asked the Prime Minister whether our police officers have the Government's backing, including the proper funding they need to keep our communities safe. I was pleased to hear his clear recognition of those who put themselves at risk to protect us. Having served alongside them, I know the courage and dedication our officers show every day. They deserve our full support, and I’ll continue to champion it.

Since being elected, I’ve heard from residents across the Forest of Dean who’ve been affected by cowboy builders. Getting work done to your home should be straightforward. Too many of you have faced the devastating consequences of rogue operators leaving their homes unsafe or disappearing with upfront payments before completing the work. After calling for more action to protect local people, I’m pleased the Government is taking action with: A new Trading Standards approved co

I've heard time and time again from constituents in the Forest of Dean about how frustrating it is to hold a bus pass that doesn't work when you actually need it. Whether it's getting to work, college, or a hospital appointment, a disabled bus pass should be an enabler, not a barrier. This change means 6,082 disabled people in Gloucestershire will finally have unlimited free bus travel 24/7.