As we move further into the year, I am encouraged by the progress we are making in addressing the issues that matter most to the Forest of Dean.

While there is still much work to be done, we are making meaningful strides in improving our community and ensuring that the needs of all residents are heard and acted upon. I remain committed to representing my constituents, and I am optimistic about the positive changes we are beginning to see. That said, challenges remain that require our attention.

One such concern is access to essential services, particularly post offices. I have raised these issues directly with the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, emphasising the critical importance of maintaining post office services in rural communities. It is vital that these areas are not left behind in accessing crucial services, and I will continue to advocate for measures that ensure the long-term sustainability of post office services for those who rely on them.

I am also pleased to provide an update on the proposed saltmarsh near Rodley. Since first learning of these plans last year, I have worked hard to ensure that the concerns of local residents have been heard. EDF has now confirmed that the project has been halted, and affected residents will receive official notification in due course. EDF has expressed strong confidence that recent advancements in AFD technology will eliminate the need for a saltmarsh. And, even if the AFD trials are unsuccessful, EDF has assured that a saltmarsh—particularly on the scale originally proposed— would not be seen as a proportionate solution. Should the issue arise again in the future, their approach will be significantly different, with any further work proceeding only with the explicit agreement of the local community. This outcome is a direct result of the determination of local residents, who worked tirelessly to ensure their voices were heard, and I am pleased to see the project halted.

I was also privileged to attend a dedication ceremony at Forest View Primary School, where students have been working with the 6.25 Foundation, a charity that supports schools linked to Korean War veterans. The students have been learning about Mr Roy Mills, the last surviving member of the Glorious Glosters who fought on Hill 235 (now Gloster Hill) in 1951. Sadly, Mr Mills passed away last year. In recognition of the sacrifices made by the Royal Gloucestershire Regiment during the Korean War, Forest View Primary has dedicated its library to Mr Mills and the 400 Glorious Glosters. Representatives from the 6.25 Foundation visited the UK to donate over £4,000 to support the school’s library. It was an honour to meet members of Mr Mills' family, as well as representatives from the South Korean Embassy, the Royal British Legion, and the Gloucestershire Regimental Association. In Parliament, I had the pleasure of welcoming students from Dene Magna School. It was a privilege to provide them with a tour of the historic Palace of Westminster and host a Q&A session. Engaging with young people and offering them insights into the workings of Parliament is always a rewarding experience.

Finally, I want to reaffirm the United Kingdom’s steadfast support for Ukraine in the face of continued aggression from Russia. It was heartening to witness President Zelensky’s recent visit to the UK, and I remain fully committed to supporting efforts to provide Ukraine with the assistance it needs to defend its sovereignty. I am pleased that the Prime Minister has announced an increase in our defence budget from 2.3% of GDP to 2.5% by 2027, with a pathway to 3% in the years ahead. This sends a clear message: this Labour government stands ready to protect the British people and support our allies. Many constituents have called for increased defence spending—not only in response to the situation in Ukraine but also to secure Britain’s long-term safety. This renewed commitment to our armed forces, intelligence capabilities, and industrial base strikes the right balance between meeting our defence needs and supporting jobs across Gloucestershire. As always, if you would like to contact me, please email [email protected].

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