It is vital that when we discuss issues affecting past, present, and future victims, our language must be accurate.
When a case goes to court, victims’ welfare should always be at the heart of all decisions and processes.
Victims must come first—and our language should always reflect that.
Today I welcomed students from across the Forest of Dean’s six secondary schools to the District Council chamber for the final preparation session ahead of my Mock Parliament final debate event next week.
I’m very much looking forward to seeing them in action at the final debate next week!
Take a read of my latest column in The Forester about what this Labour government is doing to improve day-to-day life for people here in the Forest of Dean 👇
www.theforester.co.uk/opinion/the-...
Yesterday I asked the Health Secretary, Rt Hon Wes Streeting MP, what his department is doing to better support women following childbirth.
I will continue to follow this closely and support this vital work to ensure women receive the care they need after childbirth.
youtu.be/C53rKc6M3oo
A big uplift in workers’ rights as a number of new measures from the Employment Rights Act come into force!
Fantastic news for the Forest of Dean!
I am very pleased to announce that the Forest of Dean will receive a major £858,000 investment from the Environment Agency, awarded by DEFRA, to support flood resilience across the Forest of Dean.
I was really pleased to be invited to see the 40 new affordable homes at Chapel Gate in Newent, built by Platform Housing in partnership with AQUA Construction. These properties allow new families to move into homes that are high-quality, energy-efficient, and, crucially, affordable.
Wishing everyone a very Happy Easter! 💛
This morning, I attended a sunrise service led by Rev Mike Barnsley for the Cinderford Benefice, which was a lovely way to mark the day.
However you’re spending it, I hope you have a restful and enjoyable Easter.
Earlier this week, my team and I received such a warm welcome at Daffodil Court in Newent.
We enjoyed fish and chips together and had a lovely evening.
Thank you to everyone at Daffodil Court for yet another lovely visit!
Come Join Me for a Coffee and a Chat!
If you live in the Redmarley area, come grab coffee and have a chat with me!
Sign up here: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/coffee-mor...
Today, millions of people across the country will see their energy bills fall and their wages rise — thanks to decisions made by this Labour Government.
I know many people here in the Forest are still feeling the pressure of rising costs, but these are important steps to help ease that burden.
The Countryside Alliance has launched a new interactive rural crime map to highlight the reality of crime affecting communities like ours in the Forest of Dean.
If you have experienced rural crime locally, please consider sharing your story here: www.countryside-alliance.org/report-rural...
Hotels must be safe spaces for everyone. That means robust standards, proper oversight, and legislation that ensures incidents like this cannot happen again.
I want to thank all of my constituents who have come forward, many of who have sadly shared similar experiences.
youtu.be/YpiJXj-PRXc
The harrowing realities set out in this video are exactly why the Courts and Tribunals Bill is so vital.
For too long, victims have been asked to navigate a system that can feel overwhelming, retraumatising, and too often unresponsive to their needs.
That cannot continue.
youtu.be/pEpHWt_DLo8
Right now, too many victims question whether they can endure the gruelling processes that exist, especially those victims of sexual assault and rape. That has to change.
This bill is about building a justice system that puts victims at its heart.
youtu.be/7EoEwhU5KyQ
I recently visited Severnbanks Primary School and was pleased to meet with Headteacher, Mrs Bradley.
I was particularly impressed by the school’s approach to SEND, and the clear commitment from staff to ensuring every child is supported to succeed.
Having heard from constituents about tipping across the Forest of Dean, it was important to visit the site at Over and see first-hand how this is affecting the local community. Seeing the scale of this in person brought home just how significant the challenge is.
Over recent months, I’ve had the chance to speak with many residents across the Forest of Dean about the proposed Local Plan, and I’m very grateful to everyone who took the time to share their views.
We do need new homes in the Forest of Dean—but this is not the right way to deliver them.
I recently watched Five Acres students perform in the Shakespeare Schools Festival at the Riverside Theatre in Newport.
Well done to everyone who made it such a great show, and I look forward to seeing more performances in the future.
Thank you for such an enjoyable evening!
Best of luck to The Dean Academy, who have entered this year’s National Reading Championship Quiz, which is being run by the Literacy Trust and ALCS UK.
The quiz is a great opportunity to show what star readers you are and how well you work as a team!
Good luck, and have a great time!
Earlier, I spoke in PMQs to raise concerns about the Travelodge CEO’s refusal to meet with other MPs and me, following a deeply troubling incident that highlighted the urgent need for the industry to enforce stronger measures to protect women, girls, and vulnerable guests.
youtu.be/0ATWThi3Zpk
I had a great visit to the Key Stage 1 class at Redmarley Primary Academy last week.
They’ve been learning about Kings and Queens, and it was great to chat with them about how laws are actually made today.
Big thanks to the staff for having me and showing me the brilliant work going on!
👇 Watch my question to Alex Norris MP, Minister of State for Border Security and Asylum at the Home Office, on how quickly new immigration measures will be implemented.
youtu.be/zhsZH3JXlk4
Last week, I visited Forest Pulse HQ to see the brilliant work they’re doing for our community and their new sensory room.
The team joined my recent SEND event, so it was great to continue those important conversations and hear their valuable insights on SEND support in the Forest of Dean.
I’ve written to the CEO of Travelodge following a disturbing case where a woman was sexually assaulted after a man was reportedly given her room number and a key card by reception staff.
Alongside MPs and Peers from across Parliament, I’ve asked Travelodge to meet with us to explain what happened.
Businesses and institutions have a responsibility to protect the people who trust them with their safety. When that trust is broken, it must be taken seriously, and lessons must be learned.
My thoughts are with the victim, and I commend the courage it takes to speak out.
