Ellwood Community Primary School received the Artsmark award last week, embedding creativity across their pupils’ learning. I was pleased to join their morning Celebration assembly and meet all the students and staff, who told me about the brilliant things they’ve been doing as part of their Artsmark celebrations. Their creativity and engagement meant they received a well-deserving Silver Award. I also had the opportunity to present congratulations gifts for the top five stud

I am hosting a drop-in event for all Forest of Dean constituents to come meet and have a chat with me in December. Please join me during this festive period for a warm drink and a mince pie, where I can hear all about your local and national concerns. Register for your ticket here https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/.../mince-pies-with-matt ...

I know many of you are rightly concerned that Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has now taken the decision to suspend home births for at least six months. Over the past two weeks, the Trust has carried out a thorough review and risk assessment of the home birth service, and it has concluded that the suspension needs to be extended. I am extremely disappointed that this decision has been made and fully recognise the upset, disappointment, and worry that many of yo

A constituent recently contacted my office regarding concerns about an unkept building and surrounding area near their home. The neglected site was attracting antisocial behaviour and causing disruption for nearby residents. After working closely with Forest of Dean District Council, the Town Council, and BT Openreach, my team and I were able to identify the responsible owners and ensure the necessary action was taken. I’m pleased that we were able to support this constituent

At last week’s Justice Committee meeting, I had the opportunity to ask Sir Brian Leveson about his recommendation to increase the sentence discount applied to early guilty pleas.

My thoughts are with my constituents who have been affected by flooding in the Forest of Dean overnight and with our neighbours in Monmouthshire who have been badly impacted by Storm Claudia. My thanks go to the emergency services who worked throughout the night, in often difficult conditions. If you’ve been affected by flooding, I would advise you call Floodline at any time on 0345 988 1188 for advice. For those needing updates please visit the Government website:...

Our pubs are the beating heart of life here in the Forest of Dean—they bring people together, support local musicians, and strengthen our local economy. Following the recent Government consultation on how best to support British pubs, I want to hear directly from you: the landlords, customers, and people who know them best. The Government is looking to tear up outdated licensing rules that have been holding back pubs, bars and local events. The shake-up could mean more live m

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

Forest of Dean Stone Firms been at the heart of the Forest of Dean for as long as many of us and our families can remember, with their Barnhill Quarry located right next to Cannop Ponds. Earlier this week, I met with Tom and Kirk from Forest of Dean Stone Firms, as well as Lucy from the Stone Federation, to discuss the challenges facing the stone industry and how best I can support them. I was lucky enough to have a tour of the quarry and hear about the impressive skills and

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.

I was really keen to meet with students from Coalway Junior School following their trip to Parliament last week! I enjoyed hearing about what they got up to, their highlights, and most importantly, seeing their excitement. Inspiring the next generation and bringing young voices to the forefront is so important. Working with schools and encouraging students’ political engagement will always be a priority for me! Thank you, Coalway Junior School, for having me!

I’m inviting all Forest of Dean constituents to a public meeting to discuss the ongoing issues surrounding our roads and transport. I know how many of you are fed up with the state of our roads and the limited transport options available. I share that frustration. Whether it’s sitting in long queues commuting to work, struggling to reach hospital appointments on time, waiting at endless temporary lights with no visible work taking place, or dealing with potholes that damage y

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