I had the opportunity yesterday to meet with many charities, groups and organisations making a huge difference on a national level and local level. It was brilliant meeting with Centre for Care, the MCS foundation, the Royal College of Radiologists and the Lib Dem Friends of Hong Kong.

Small local businesses in Wokingham are the backbone of our local economy, and the story is no different throughout the UK. It is essential that we help small businesses to cope with energy costs and shortages so they can continue to contribute greatly to our community.

Nearly one in three people with dementia in the UK are living undiagnosed – a dreadful statistic. Early diagnosis is so vital, yet so difficult. That’s why I met with Alzheimer’s Research UK to learn more about their fight for more accessible and less invasive early diagnosis.

Yesterday was a great opening day at the Lib Dem Conference, especially as it started off with Ed Davey’s impressive band marching skills! I made speeches on hospitality, highlighting many local businesses. I also spoke about the RBH & met with the End Violence Against Women Coalition.

In my role as chair of the Thames Valley APPG, business across Berkshire have warned me of Britain’s skills shortage. We must improve the connection between education providers and employers, and we Liberal Democrats must continue to consider ourselves as the party of education.

It’s the first morning of Conference 2025, which I began by giving a speech on saving emergency care in our hospitals. The RBH’s A&E department isn’t built to deal with the huge number of patients it sees every day – this must stop. We need our new RBH sooner rather than later.

This week, I called on the Government to urgently reform the SEND system and to invest more into arts education in the UK. I also celebrated the inspiring local nominees and winners of BBC Berkshire’s Make a Difference Awards. Here are some of the other things I’ve done this week:

Last night, I had the privilege to join the Royal Berkshire Hospital’s Annual General Meeting. The resolve and dedication of its brilliant staff in the face of such difficult conditions never fails to amaze me, and I will keep fighting for the hospital’s rebuild for its patients and staff.

LFW is an iconic staple in the UK’s creative industry, inspiring trends not only in style, but in sustainability too. But there would be no LFW without creatives, that’s why we need investment in creative education so we can continue to promote UK businesses and the arts on a global scale. 1/3

Every child deserves to be supported and empowered to grow and thrive. In Wokingham, many children with Education, Health and Care Plans are out of school due to the lack of schools able or willing to meet their needs. That’s why I called for vital reforms to the SEND system.

I had a very busy week in Westminster; I urged the Government to address the ongoing famine and killing in Gaza, and to give fairer funding to councils. In Wokingham, I attended a charity fundraiser and visited local businesses. Here are some of the other things I did this week:

Pratham UK is a brilliant charity focusing on innovative solutions to address the gaps in India’s education system, especially for women and girls. That’s why I visited local business YunikuLondon’s charity fundraiser for Pratham UK last night for education equality worldwide.

Behind every statistic is a person living with blood cancer.  It takes listening to those with lived experience to understand the challenges and to shape better care.  This #BloodCancerAwarenessMonth, I’m proud to stand with Blood Cancer UK and those affected and call for urgent action.

It was great to tour Siren Craft Brew yesterday with owner Darron Anley, who founded the local Finchampstead business over a decade ago. It’s growing dynamic business like Siren that bring so much to the local community and I will continue to urge the government to support local owners.

The Russian drones seen over Poland on Tuesday were a clear sign that Putin is testing NATO. Starmer must urge Trump and G7 members to seize $300bn in frozen Russian assets held in their countries and funnel it into Zelensky’s defence efforts – exactly what I’ve called for.

The Lib Dems have repeatedly called on the government to place further sanctions on Israeli ministers, Prime Minister Netanyahu and his cabinet. Today, I asked if Foreign Office Minister Hamish Falconer MP would deem them responsible for the famine and continuing killings in Gaza.

Brain cancer is more deadly among children and adults under 40 than any other cancer but receives just 1% of funding. As a member of the APPG on brain tumours, I attended a Brain Tumour Justice event and met with patients, families and advocates of a widely neglected cancer.

The local Kimel Cafe is doing amazing work hiring neurodivergent young people and including them in the community. That’s why I urged the Government to provide more support to excellent businesses that support neurodiverse people and to encourage other businesses to follow suit.

I was delighted to attend the Hewlett Packard Pension Association and Pre-97 Pension Justice Alliance event in Parliament today. It was great meeting the event’s organiser, Patricia Kennedy, and speaking with the many pensioners fighting for their pensions to rise with inflation.

Many important UK companies have become cyberattack victims, including Jaguar Land Rover and major supermarkets. That’s why I called on the Government to restore public and international trust in the UK’s cyber security networks and to identify if these attacks are from overseas.

Business owners across Wokingham deserve better. Labour’s increase to NI Contributions is devastating the profits of local businesses and inhibiting their growth. That’s why I asked Ministers what steps the Government will take to show that they will support essential businesses.

Last week was another busy week, where I urged the Govt to reverse cuts to the Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund. I also gave speeches on reforming the UK’s voting system and resident’s concerns about Gaza. Here are some of the other things I have done recently:

The Govt’s cuts to the Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund are failing children, young adults and their families. I pushed the Govt to reverse the changes to the ASGSF and allow families to access the therapeutic support they need for their children grow and thrive.

AI can help our NHS workforce diagnose cancer more quickly, but many hospital systems aren’t ready to start using AI tech. That’s why I urged the Govt to allow time to for us to form a framework that hospitals can adopt to implement AI diagnostics efficiently, helping save lives.

The outdated first-past-the-post voting system ignores the votes of millions of people across the UK, making people feel disconnected from politics. I will keep pushing for reform to our unfair voting system, to give power back to communities and ensure fairer representation.

Great to meet in Parliament with the new owner of Reading Football Club, Rob Couhig. We’ll meet again in a few weeks and I look forward to working productively with him and his team.

People in Wokingham are writing to me in horror at the famine we are witnessing in Gaza and the IDF’s actions, and are frustrated at this Govt’s inaction. We must do more. That is why I made sure to raise residents’ concerns with the Foreign Secretary, calling on him to do more.

Recently, I've had the opportunity to meet with local disability campaigners and take part in a fundraiser for charity. I also had the pleasure of presenting trophies at the Hurst Horticultural Show Awards. Here some of the things I have done over the last few days:

Unlucky yesterday @wokinghamtown.bsky.social, shame to be out the cup but great effort shown by the team to get this far. Games like this remind us of the importance of grassroots, local football clubs in the community. Was great to see so many of you there.

I am proud to join #OneCancerVoice - a coalition of more than 60 charities uniting to urge the Government to deliver a bold, fully funded National Cancer Plan for England to improve diagnosis and treatment helping to save and improve more people’s lives. 1/3

Here, Ed Davey is calling out Nigel Farage once again – something we need to do more of. Farage’s Trumpian policies are not the solution this country needs.

Recently, I have been busy visiting local emergency responders, including the South Central Ambulance Service. I also wrote to ministers in support of local charities. Here are some of the things I’ve done over the last several days:

It has been another busy week in and around Wokingham, meeting with some very important charities, like First Days, and local businesses, like Surelock McGill. Also had the pleasure of speaking with residents. Here are some of the things I have done this week:

This week, I visited Places Leisure’s Carnival Hub to understand how the centre is helping to improve the health of so many in Wokingham, regardless of their ability. As well as a gym, the centre includes a multi-use hall and library – such a valuable space for the community.

This week, I visited Surelock McGill Group’s HQ in Wokingham, meeting with the owner, John McGill, and staff to learn more about the successful business. The group are world leaders in the security sector, with Surelock McGill specialising in bespoke locks for high-value assets.

This week, I met the team at Specsavers in Wokingham, who play an important role in our primary health care, and are the front line in eye health and hearing care. With the right support from Govt. and the NHS, primary care providers like Specsavers can be accessible to everyone.

On Monday, I visited Grilko in Wokingham to meet with the owner, Imad, and to see what the independent business had to offer. Grilko’s quality range of Mediterranean food adds to Wokingham’s growing culinary options, and is a great example of local business thriving in the area.

Last week, I visited the Cowshed to meet with CEO Sally Russell, and to see first-hand the vital service the team provides. The charity provides essentials, like clothing, to people in crisis across Wokingham and Berkshire. The volunteers there are really making a difference.

In the first full week of recess, I have been able to spend much more time in Wokingham, meeting with key charities like The Cowshed, and attending Wokingham Town FC’s 150th anniversary celebration. Here are some of the things I have done this week:

I'm happy to be joining my Liberal Democrat colleagues in Parliament in sending this letter to the Prime Minister. We must recognise the state of Palestine immediately and unconditionally. The PM must also put pressure on Netanyahu and condemn Hamas.

This week, I have been busy attending the final debates and meetings in Parliament before recess started on Wednesday. Speaking at The Wokingham Society’s open meeting was a highlight, answering great questions. Here are some of the things I have done this week:

I am very happy to support my friend and colleague, @joshbabarinde.bsky.social, for Lib Dem Party President.

Come and join my fantastic team! We are looking for a Constituency Assistant and Communications Officer. This role is ideal for a driven and passionate individual who wants to help me make a difference. Please find the details below: www.w4mpjobs.org/JobDetails.a...

It’s been a busy week working on cancer issues and talking about issues which affect local businesses. I was very pleased to be a guest speaker at Wokingham Positive difference. Here are some of the things I have done this week:

Last week was another eventful and insightful week. I had the pleasure of attending important events in Parliament to support cancer charities and patients; in Wokingham, I participated in a key EV engagement event and Pride. Here are some of the things I have done this week:

This week was filled with very important events. In Parliament, I hosted a reception for the charity Breast Cancer Now. In Wokingham, I held a public interview covering my first year as MP, also answering questions from residents. Here are some of the things I have done this week:

I have heard from so many parents in Wokingham that their children cannot get the ADHD medication they desperately need. Today, I made sure the Minister understood that this failure to provide care sets many children up to fail, and tragically a few end up falling into crime.

Friday 4th July marks one year since the General Election, and a year since I was elected by the people of Wokingham to represent them. This Thursday, I am doing a public interview at All Saints Church, to share with people what I have been doing in my first year as the MP for Wokingham.

This week has been filled with more debates and opportunities for me to question the Govt on issues affecting us in Wokingham – like bus services. I also visited residents to speak about issues affecting them in our area. Here are some of the things I have done this week:

This week I met with the Cancer Minister, Ashley Dalton, to discuss key priorities for an effective National Cancer Plan. I’ve long called for vital improvements in cancer care, like a legally binding guarantee to meet the 62-day waiting time target, to ultimately save lives.