On this Remembrance Sunday, we come together to honour those who fought and died so we could live in freedom. To all those who have served in our Armed Forces, those serving today, and their families, we say thank you. I attended the Remembrance Service in Newent earlier today and was pleased to see so many of you there paying your respects. Now and always, we will remember them.

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.

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

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’s Coffee Morning covered a huge range of topics and, as always, many of you came ready to talk about what matters to you most. From education and animal welfare to nuclear energy and foreign affairs. It was great meeting such fantastic people right across our community, from former teachers to animal equality advocates and local campaigners. Thank you to Brockweir Villiage Shop & Café for hosting us and serving fantastic drinks throughout the morning—a lovely commun

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

For over 40 years, Over Farm  has been at the heart of our community, creating memories for families near and far—playing a big part in life here in the Forest of Dean. I had the chance to meet Rees yesterday and see the amazing work he and his team are doing. They provide so much throughout the year, and it’s clear just how much effort and hard work go into creating a place where so many memories can be made. Many of us will have our own Over Farm memories—whether it’s pumpk

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

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.

Calling all Food & Drink Manufacturers in the Forest of Dean! The MP’s Choice: Food and Drink Manufacturer of the Year Award is now open for nominations, and I’m looking for brilliant small and medium-sized businesses playing a vital role in the community and in the food and drink industry. If you run a small or medium-sized food or drink business, this is your chance to showcase what makes you special—from innovation and sustainability to the positive difference you make loc

Yesterday, I asked the Deputy Prime Minister, David Lammy, about the damage caused by 14 years of Tory cuts. This isn’t just about the incident that left so many of us concerned over the weekend. It’s about years of underfunding that have left our prisons overstretched and our communities vulnerable. It’s also important to address claims from opposition members suggesting that the Labour Party “accidentally” released Hadush Kebatu from prison. These comments are simply untrue

UK Parliament Week is just around the corner! I’m encouraging all our local schools to get involved in UK Parliament Week 2025 (24th–30th November). This is a great opportunity to access a wealth of resources that help young people understand what Parliament does and how they can make their voices heard. Last year, Forest of Dean schools engaged brilliantly—we were the top constituency in the South West and ranked among the top 25 in the whole country! This year, we’re alread

I recently had a fantastic meal at the Balti hut coleford —a big thank you to Abu Ali, the co-owner, and Asaddar Ali, their brilliant chef! We are lucky to have such strong hospitality here in the Forest, with plenty on offer. Places like this are a big part of what makes our community so welcoming to all. It’s so important that we get out and support local hospitality, helping businesses like these continue to thrive. Great food, brilliant service, and a warm welcome—right o

Come Join Me for a Coffee and a Chat! If you live in the St Briavels or Brockweir area, come grab coffee and have a chat with me! I’m hosting a drop-in Coffee Morning on Friday 31st October, 10:00am–12:00pm, and I want to hear what matters most to you — both locally and nationally. Sign up here: https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.eventbrite.co.uk%2Fe%2Fcoffee-morning-with-matt-tickets-1856855888949%3Faff%3Doddtdtcreator%26utm-source%3Dwsa%26utm-campaign%3Dsocia

A lot of people ask, “Why vote Labour?” Here’s why… With a Labour Government, Schools Succeed! The Forest of Dean will not be forgotten under Labour. The Secretary of State for Education, the Schools Minister, and I all share a strong belief in the education on offer here in the Forest. We’ve seen the progress—and you’ve felt it. Now, let’s realise our full potential. With Labour on their side, no child is left behind. Here’s what our local secondary schools and further educa