On March 24, I welcomed Stephen Morgan MP, the Minister for Early Education and School Buildings, to SGS Forest High School in Cinderford. This visit was an opportunity to highlight the urgent need for a new school building and to discuss the challenges faced due to the current state of the school building.

I was pleased to attend the Forest of Dean’s Your School Games ‘Give it a Go’ Day at Newent School. This was an inspiring event, with around 130 SEND pupils from local schools coming together for a day full of fun and sports! From powerchair football to swimming, the event gave every child the chance to try new activities and to get active. It was also great to chat with some of the students, staff, and volunteers and hear about the positive impact these games have on both the pupils and their families.

I have also hosted several surgeries in Coleford and Westbury on Severn. Topics discussed included EDF Saltmarsh, issues with the Valuation Office, and a farmer's perspective on changes to Agricultural Property Relief. It’s always helpful to hear directly from my constituents, and I encourage anyone with concerns to book a slot at one of my upcoming surgeries.

In the past two weeks, I’ve had the pleasure of visiting local schools, as well as hosting them in Parliament. I visited Berry Hill Primary School in Coleford, where I got to chat with members of their own ‘Pupil Parliament’. It was encouraging to see them learning about how the UK Government works, as well as having debates and making democratic decisions. It was also great to meet with Berry Hill’s own Prime Minister and Deputies!

As well as visiting the students at Berry Hill Primary, it was amazing to welcome the students of Five Acres High School to Westminster, where they toured the building and took part in a Q&A session with me. Whilst in Parliament this week, I was able to attend two important receptions. One of these was hosted by The National Association of Retired Police Officers (NARPO), who are campaigning for reform to police pension rules. Currently, widows, widowers, and surviving partners of police officers in England and Wales lose their pensions if they remarry or cohabit. I met with several surviving partners, some of which are from The Forest of Dean, to discuss the ongoing challenges they face due to these unfair rules, and I fully support NARPO’s campaign to ensure families are treated fairly. I also attended the South Western Ambulance Service (SWAST) Parliamentary Reception, where I had the opportunity to meet the committed paramedics, technicians, and volunteers who deliver essential emergency care across the South West. SWAST operates across 10,000 square miles, serving more than 5.5 million residents and millions of visitors. Last year, I saw firsthand the crucial work they do while spending a 12-hour shift with the Community First Responders. Next month, I’ll be joining an ambulance shift to gain a deeper understanding of the work they carry out. Earlier this month, the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Liz Kendall MP, introduced proposals for welfare reforms in the form of a Green Paper, which is currently open for consultation. This is an opportunity for the public to provide input before any legislation is finalised.

It is clear to me that the current welfare system is failing those who depend on it. The welfare system must meet the needs of those who cannot work due to illness or disability, support those who are able to work but are currently unemployed, and create an environment where work is meaningful, pays well, and provides stability. I want to assure you that I am committed to ensuring that the welfare system is fair, supportive, and works for those who need it most. I encourage anyone who wants their voices to be heard to take part in the consultation, which can be found on the Government website. Finally, my office has moved to a new location at the Forest of Dean District Council, High Street, Coleford. We’re working on getting a new phone line set up and will update you when drop-in appointments resume.