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

It was fantastic to meet Julie Doyle, CEO of Amplius, and the brilliant team from Harry's Pals Charity and Harry’s Pledge at Portcullis House in Westminster yesterday. I’m really proud to be working with them to set up a new All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) to campaign for free counselling for parents who receive the devastating news that their child has a life-threatening or severely life-limiting condition. Every parent deserves support, compassion and understanding at

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

Great to catch up with so many of you at my recent Coffee Morning in Newent! We all sat down together to talk about what matters most locally and share ideas on how we can keep making progress. These relaxed drop-in Coffee Mornings are a brilliant way for me to have proper chats with you, hear your thoughts, and work together on local priorities.  Keep an eye out for future dates—we’re working hard to make them even easier for everyone to get involved and attend. Thanks to ev

If someone you know needs an extra helping hand when it comes to getting online, please encourage them to make the most of the workshops and support available next week! These sessions will: Provide access to digital tools and resources to support day-to-day living. Give the confidence and skillset needed to be online and not be left behind in a digital world. Bridge barriers that prevent digital inclusion. Please do share this with your friends, family and individuals that y

I’m really pleased to share that, after working closely with government departments, I was able to secure a £30,000 reimbursement for one of our most vulnerable constituents. A big thank you to Dosh, who reached out to my office on behalf of the individual they support with money management. These are real successes for real people here in the Forest of Dean, and my team and I are working hard every day to deliver results like these. If you or someone you know needs my suppor