Last week was a real highlight—I had the pleasure of welcoming the Minister of State for Skills, The Rt Honourable Baroness Jacqui Smith, to the Forest of Dean for a visit to Hartpury University’s brand-new University Learning Hub.

Huge congratulations to everyone at Hartpury University on this incredible milestone achievement.

It was great to welcome The Rt Honourable Baroness Jacqui Smith to see the fantastic facilities we have here in the Forest of Dean, and to highlight the brilliant opportunities Hartpury University is providing to young people near and far.

The new Learning Hub is a modern, flexible, and inspiring space that brings staff and students together through collaborative zones designed to bridge traditional barriers and foster meaningful connections. Alongside these shared learning areas, the Hub includes a library and dedicated exam spaces, creating an environment that supports collaboration, learning, and community.

It was clear that this is a thriving, vibrant place to study—not just somewhere to gain qualifications, but somewhere young people genuinely enjoy being.

The celebration and enthusiasm for this space said everything about the quality of education at Hartpury and why investment in skills and further education matters.

I want to pay tribute to Andy Collop, Stuart Emmerson, and the entire Hartpury team. Their hard work and vision have created not just a building but a pathway to opportunity — a route to achievement for young people across the Forest of Dean and beyond.

I’m grateful to The Rt Honourable Baroness Jacqui Smith for taking the time to visit and speak with me, the team at Hartpury, and the students. Securing this visit mattered because I want the Forest's voice heard clearly in Westminster. When decisions are made about skills, funding, and the future of further education, our needs and our successes must be front and centre. The Forest of Dean cannot be left behind, and this visit showed that we have the ambition, skills and vision to deliver meaningful and important infrastructure and opportunities.

Education is one of my top priorities for the Forest of Dean. I want every young person—whether they choose university, apprenticeships, technical and creative training, or work—to have the best possible start. Hartpury University & College is a shining example of what hard work can achieve, and I will continue championing it at every level.

Having recently hosted Mock Parliament 2026, I saw firsthand the immense potential our young people have. We must provide them the opportunities to succeed, and I am proud that Hartpury are doing just that.

Can I also take this opportunity to thank so many of you for getting behind my campaign to save Forest High School, and for all the businesses that have kindly put up posters.

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