Sunday marked exactly two years since I was elected as your Member of Parliament.

Over that time, I’ve had the privilege of getting to know the fabric of our communities, and I’ve seen what makes the Forest of Dean such a unique and special place.

We are home to outstanding small businesses and world-class employers leading the way in technology, manufacturing, construction and craftmanship. Across the constituency, incredible charities and community groups support older people, children and families, those living with disabilities, people facing financial hardship, those experiencing digital exclusion, and so many others who need a helping hand.

Our primary schools are leading the way with exceptional SEND support, while our secondary schools are achieving fantastic results and providing outstanding opportunities for our young people to thrive.

While it can be easy to focus on the challenges we face, I am constantly reminded that the Forest of Dean's greatest strength is its people.

As your MP, the past two years have been about taking your voice back to Parliament—fighting for our fair share, making sure the Forest of Dean is no longer overlooked, and championing everything that makes our area such a wonderful place to live, work and raise a family.

One of the highlights of the past two years has been launching my Mock Parliament programme. All six secondary schools took part in a six-week programme, culminating in a parliamentary-style debate on AI in the District Council chamber. It was inspiring to see students' confidence grow throughout the programme and to witness the incredible talent and potential of our young people. I'm delighted that Mock Parliament will now become an annual event, giving even more students the chance to develop their confidence and learn about democracy.

Since last August, I've held three SEND events across our area—first with local SENDCos and education professionals, then with parents and carers, and finally a larger session bringing everyone together to share findings and hear updates on the government’s progress. I’m pleased that parent carers and professionals from the Forest have helped shape SEND provision locally and nationally. I remain committed to pushing for SEND provision that is accessible, fair, and genuinely responsive to our children’s needs.

Violence against women and girls is a deeply serious issue, and one I am determined to see real, lasting change on. From working with local organisations and charities, such as the Hollie Gazzard Trust, to pushing nationally for stronger safety measures in hotels, I am committed to driving meaningful improvements both here in the Forest of Dean and in Parliament.

The Local Plan has dominated much of my work this year, and my focus has been on listening to residents and understanding the concerns of local groups affected by the proposed plan. Residents have been clear: we need a better, fairer approach—one that reflects real need and shares development more evenly across the Forest of Dean. We need a Local Plan that is shaped by local need and backed by the right infrastructure—delivering the right homes, in the right places, for the people who need them most.

I know how important transport connectivity is, particularly given the disruption caused by the recent works on the A40. Following my public meeting at the end of 2025, I have remained in regular contact with National Highways, Gloucestershire Highways, and the Department for Transport to press for both immediate improvements and long-term solutions to the transport challenges our communities have faced for far too long.

There's more work to be done, but just like the people of the Forest of Dean, I will rise to the challenge.

I am proud to have helped deliver significant progress in government this year. We have lifted the two-child benefit cap, introduced free breakfast clubs for children, secured a fairer deal for farmers, backed a ban on social media for under-16s, reformed the justice system to put victims first, reduced NHS waiting lists, and significantly cut ambulance response times. Alongside my work here in the Forest of Dean, I am proud to have played a part in delivering meaningful change that improves the lives of my constituents and people across the country.