I spoke in the Commons yesterday on the Mandelson appointment.
Once again, the PM failed to answer the questions put to him - not good enough.
This saga is undermining trust. People want transparency and a Government focused on the issues that matter.
Welcome news that Boeing Defence UK’s Yeovil site will see around 50 jobs supported as part of this new defence investment.
This builds on wider investment in our area, inc. the Leonardo deal supporting around 3,000 jobs, & shows just how important Yeovil is to the UK’s defence & aerospace sector.
A group of men stand talking outside a building on a cloudy day.
I visited the Oscar Mayer site in Chard following fires and reports of antisocial behaviour.
The current state is impacting the local area and putting pressure on emergency services.
I’ll be following up to help move things forward and support a positive future for the site.
A hospital neonatal incubator with monitoring equipment around it.
It’s clear a huge amount of work has gone into making the unit safe and ready - from new equipment to improved spaces for families and staff.
Thank you to all involved. I’ll keep working to ensure safe, high-quality care for families in our area.
A man stands outside a hospital building under a sign for the maternity unit.
I visited the maternity and SCBU at Yeovil Hospital ahead of reopening on 21 April.
I’ve been working closely with the Trust and raising concerns throughout the closure to ensure these vital services return safely for local families. Good to see the progress first-hand.
Two men wearing lanyards stand smiling outside a building on a street.
Fantastic news for Yeovil!
@yeovilcollege.bsky.social is now one of just five Defence Technical Excellence Colleges in England - a huge achievement.
Building on our strong aerospace sector and the recent Leonardo contract, this means more skills, jobs and opportunities for local people.
Donald Trump’s comments on dyslexia are offensive, ignorant and deeply damaging.
As someone with dyslexia, I know it doesn’t limit your potential - it can be a strength.
We should be breaking down stigma, not reinforcing it.
Read more 👇
www.yeovil-libdems.org.uk/news/article...
Following #WorldBookDay, I’ve pressed the Gov on falling reading levels among young people.
As someone with dyslexia, I know reading looks different for everyone. We must support all ways young people engage with reading.
www.yeovil-libdems.org.uk/news/article...
So proud to be at Leonardo today for the official announcement of the NMH Contract with @lukepollard.bsky.social
Pleased to visit Leonardo staff following confirmation of the NMH contract with MD, Nigel Colman.
Huge relief & pride across the site - thousands of skilled jobs secured & real confidence for Yeovil’s future.
Suffice to say, the sun is shining and the mood is positive
I have just come off the phone with the Government, who confirmed that they will award the New Medium Helicopter contract to Leonardo in Yeovil. ⬇️
There has been some positive progress in recent days on the New Medium Helicopter contract ⬇️
Three people sit in green chairs in front of a wall of books, with a small dog sitting in the middle being held by the person in the centre.
Great to have Ethan and Grace from Yeovil College join the team for work experience — they were fantastic.
It’s important to me that young people get a behind-the-scenes look at how Parliament and a constituency office work.
Group of staff and local representatives standing outside The Arrow pub under a “Welcome” sign.
Pubs like this are such an important part of our community. Wishing Louise and the team every success with this exciting new chapter!
Slot machine in the foreground of a pub, with bar stools and beer taps visible behind the counter.
It’s had a real refresh and the facilities look brilliant – a dedicated darts area, pool tables, their much-loved Wednesday and Sunday carvery, and a huge screen that’s perfect for live sport.
Three people stand outside a building called “The Arrow” beneath a large sign, next to a welcome board that reads “Louise and the team welcome you to The Arrow.”
Great to visit the newly renovated The Arrow in Yeovil and see the fantastic upgrade that’s been delivered through the partnership between local owner Louise Goodland and Marston’s.
Rail works on the Heart of Wessex line (Yeovil Pen Mill–Weymouth) from 28 Feb–8 March.
Buses will replace trains on that section while embankments are strengthened to prevent landslips.
Other services will still run. Please check before you travel.
I have written for Parliament News on the New Medium Helicopter programme and why this decision matters for Yeovil and for UK sovereign capability.
3,000 jobs are at stake. We need clarity and certainty.
Read here:
parliamentnews.co.uk/yeovil-sover...
Three men stand smiling in front of a helicopter inside a factory, with yellow metal stairs and platforms around them.
3,000 Yeovil jobs depend on the ÂŁ1bn New Medium Helicopter contract.
I challenged the Defence Minister in Westminster Hall and secured a promise the decision will not time out.
Now we need action.
Find out more:
www.yeovil-libdems.org.uk/news/article...
After today’s debate on the New Medium Helicopter programme:
It’s welcome the Government says the contract won’t just time out.
But Yeovil needs urgency. Leonardo, our Armed Forces and thousands of local jobs depend on this decision.
Talks must now lead to action. I’ll keep pushing.
Large pothole filled with muddy water on a badly damaged rural road surface.
I’m pleased the Council has now assured me repairs will be carried out imminently, but this should have been dealt with sooner. I’ll keep pressing for proper funding so councils can fix roads properly.
Report potholes here: t.co/cnMjgXaqjI
Close-up of a car wheel with a flat tyre after damage from a pothole on a rural road.
While I was there, I saw a resident with a blown tyre and another driver checking damage under his car. These potholes are damaging vehicles and hurting local businesses, with customers avoiding the road altogether.
Adam Dance MP standing on a pothole-damaged rural road with a local resident, showing standing water and broken tarmac.
I met with Matt from Dinnington Docks today to see the shocking state of the potholes on Fosse Way. They are severe and should never have been allowed to get this bad.
Two men in suits stand side by side indoors, smiling at the camera in a wood-panelled room.
I was pleased to meet Michael Baker-Webber, a UK Parliament Teacher Ambassador and teacher at Preston School in Yeovil.
We discussed the Teacher Ambassador Programme, SEND support in schools, and the pressures teachers face. I will keep raising teachers’ concerns in Parliament.
A man crouches on the floor in a sensory room, looking at a lit interactive light panel with colourful buttons and soft play equipment around him.
I had a really valuable visit to WATCH CIO in Chard and saw the difference they are making for local mental health support.
They have supported people for over 15 years and are a key part of the Open Mental Health network. Charities like this are a lifeline and I will keep supporting their work.
A man stands at a lectern speaking to an audience, with a Next Gen Somerset banner behind him.
I was pleased to attend the Next Gen leadership event with local businesses, employers and educators.
We discussed the skills and confidence young people need and how better links between schools, colleges and employers can support them into work.
Three people stand outside the Ferne Animal Sanctuary rehoming centre, posing in front of the building entrance.
I was pleased to visit Ferne Animal Sanctuary and see the care and dedication that goes into supporting animals in need.
Founded in 1939, Ferne continues to give abandoned and neglected animals a second chance. Thank you to the team for the amazing work you do.
Four people stand side by side in a meeting room, posing in front of colourful abstract artwork on the wall.
This week I visited the Italian Embassy to raise the New Medium Helicopter contract and what delays mean for jobs and skills in Yeovil.
Leonardo is Italian owned, so this matters internationally as well as locally. I was clear that continued delay is a growing concern.
A large group of Scouts, leaders, and community members stand together outside a stone church, some holding flags, posing for a group photo.
Lovely to attend a special service at St Michael’s Church marking 100 years of Scouting at St Michael’s in Yeovil.
A real reminder of the huge impact the Scout Group has had in giving young people skills for life. Huge thanks to all the volunteers and leaders, past and present.
Three people stand smiling in front of pink Walk the Walk banners, holding signs supporting cancer awareness and screening.
On World Cancer Day, I was pleased to meet Walk the Walk in Parliament.
We discussed cancer prevention, early detection, better access to breast screening, and the role walking can play in prevention and recovery.
