Championing the voices of those who are often unheard is at the heart of my work as your MP.

Since being elected, it has always been my commitment to ensure your views are represented, both locally and nationally. This column—and all the other ways I continue to connect with you—is about a two-way conversation. I want to bring your concerns to the forefront and work together to make a real difference here in the Forest of Dean.

That’s why I am committing to a weekly column, providing you with an insight into the work I am doing on your behalf, and giving you the opportunity to write to me about what matters to you most.

There are many sections of our community that deserve strong advocacy, and my recent work in Parliament addresses gaps in protecting children and mothers.

Last week, I was proud to stand with the government as they took significant steps forward in protecting children and mothers from abuse.

Following huge campaigns from colleagues and members of the public, the presumption of parental involvement will be repealed in the Victims and Courts Bill. Under the new amendments, anyone convicted of a serious sexual offence against a child—including offences resulting in conception—will automatically lose parental responsibility.

This means a parent will no longer take active steps in their child’s life, including making decisions over their schooling, medical care, or trips abroad.

Every child deserves to grow up safe and protected. These reforms ensure we are safeguarding the most vulnerable in our society, and I will continue to do my part to ensure children across the Forest are protected.

I am also pleased to be standing alongside Harry’s Pals Charity in their campaign for statutory support for parent carers of children with severe illness or disability.

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—yet it could happen to any one of us. It was an honour to meet Harry and his Mum, Hayley, last week to discuss the formation of a new All-Party Parliamentary Group to fight for support for parent carers in the forest and across the country.

I was shocked to learn that 55% of parent carers felt their lives were not worth living, 47% had thought about taking their own life, and 1 in 10 had attempted it. I want every parent carer in the Forest of Dean to receive the emotional and financial support they need when their child faces serious illness.

Every parent carer, now and in the future, depends on what we do today.