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Happy New Year to everyone across the Forest of Dean! As we begin this new year, I’d like to share some of my priorities and what I’ll be working on for the Forest of Dean in the months ahead. You can read my article here: https://www.theforester.co.uk/.../the-view-from ... I am committed to serving the Forest of Dean on the issues that matter most to you, and to making sure our voice is heard in Westminster. I am wishing you all a very Happy New Year.

I would like to wish everyone across the Forest of Dean, and beyond, a very Merry Christmas. I am sending my best wishes for a happy Christmas and a good year ahead. The Forest of Dean’s strength has always been its people, and that’s never clearer than during this festive season. Thinking of you all during this special time—Merry Christmas!

Today I’ve written to the Home Secretary to express my full support for the government’s plans to strengthen the response to violence against women and girls. I know how vital it is that rape and sexual offence cases are handled by specialist, properly trained teams — and I strongly welcome the commitment to establish dedicated investigation teams in every police force. I also welcome the significant investment being made to support victims at every stage of their journey thr

I am excited to announce that the Winner and Runners-up for my Christmas Card Competition this year are… Winner: WILLOUGHBY from Huntley C of E Primary School Runners-up: RHYS from Heart of the Forest Community Special School , & RONNIE from Coalway Junior School   Congratulations to our fantastic winner and runners-up! Their designs are fantastic—creative, colourful and full of Christmas spirit. These designs will be seen across the forest, the country and in Parliament! I w

Today I wrote to the Secretary of State for Justice to express my full support for the Government’s response to Sir Brian Leveson’s Review into Criminal Courts. Victims in the Forest of Dean — and across the country — are waiting far too long for justice. Some are being told their trials may not be heard for years. That is simply unacceptable. The reforms announced this week will:  Put victims at the centre of the justice system  Cut the courts backlog  Stop people “gaming th

I fully support Labour’s plans to abolish Police & Crime Commissioners. For more than a decade, PCCs have added an extra political layer to policing without delivering the clear accountability that communities were promised. In many areas, including ours, the system has led to confusion about who is responsible for what, and whether these roles genuinely improve local policing. Labour’s plan is about restoring clarity, improving leadership, and ensuring the public get the eff

Today, we pause to remember all those who have died in service of our country and expresses gratitude to the brave personnel who continue to serve. We will never forget the sacrifice and service of those who defended our country and fought for our freedom.

This week brings the opportunity to shine a well-deserved spotlight on Trustees—both near and far! I want to thank all the amazing Trustees across the Forest of Dean for their time, commitment, and dedication. Your efforts help charities thrive and continue delivering amazing work for our community. I’m proud to serve as a Trustee for a local early years educational setting, supporting them as they continue to deliver great work for families in the Forest. 📣I’d like to take

It was an absolute honour to meet Hayley and Harry yesterday to discuss the formation of a new All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) to support parent carers. Harry’s story is a powerful reminder of why change is so urgently needed. The lack of emotional and statutory support for parents like Hayley is something most of us never think about—until it happens to us. Research shows the toll is devastating: 55% of parent carers felt their lives were not worth living, 47% had thoug

I am proud to be standing alongside Harry's Pals Charity  in their campaign for support for parent carers of children with severe illness or disability. At the Labour Party Conference, I met Harry’s mum, Hayley, and members of Harry’s Pals—and it took just one conversation to understand how vital their cause is. When the unimaginable happens and a child becomes severely unwell, parents and carers often find themselves in crisis. It’s something none of us want to think about—y

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

A huge step forward in protecting children and mothers from abuse. This morning, I stood outside Parliament with fellow MPs who have campaigned tirelessly to protect vulnerable children, and I am proud see the government listen to the brave voices of victims who have come forward to make this vital change happen. We joined members of the public who have been instrumental in championing important changes to the Victims and Courts Bill. Under the new amendments, anyone convicte

I have co-signed a letter to the Secretary of State for Business and Trade in support of the Its Never You campaign for Hugh’s Law. This campaign goes to the heart of what our welfare state must provide: a safety net families can rely on when the worst happens. Currently, there is no bespoke provision for families facing long term or life-threatening childhood illness. We are putting that right! This is a landmark moment and a significant step forward in delivering vital pare

Four years ago today, we lost Sir David Amess — a kind, compassionate man who dedicated his life to helping others. His warmth, humour, and sense of duty touched everyone who knew him, and his loss is still deeply felt across Parliament and beyond. There can be no place for violence, hatred, or intimidation in our politics. Sir David’s legacy reminds us of the importance of kindness, respect, and safety in public life — values we must all continue to uphold. We remember him w

I’ve co-signed this letter to the Chancellor to highlight just how important the hospitality sector is — both nationally and here in the Forest of Dean. Our local pubs, cafés, restaurants, and B&Bs are more than just businesses. They provide jobs and apprenticeships, support local suppliers, and offer spaces for people to come together. Like many sectors, hospitality has faced real challenges in recent years, from rising costs to staff shortages, but it remains one of the UK’

This week, I join families, charities, and campaigners across the UK in marking Baby Loss Awareness Week (9–15 October) — a time to...

In september, I attended The Labour Party  Conference in Liverpool. It was inspiring to be with colleagues, campaigners, trade unionists...

Some issues rise above politics. They’re not about party lines, political point scoring, or personal benefit – they’re about doing what...

This morning’s horrifying attack in Manchester — outside a synagogue on Yom Kippur — is a devastating reminder of the scourge of...