It is a great privilege to visit our hard-working health care workers today to wish them a happy Christmas, and to thank them for keeping us safe over the holidays.

This morning, I visited the Royal Berks Hospital to speak with patients and hard-working staff on Christmas Eve, and of course deliver some sweets. It is such an important time to recognise the efforts of our NHS staff in caring for us, our family, and our friends.

Wokingham in Need is a brilliant local charity, providing support for vulnerable residents in Wokingham through volunteer-led projects. The charity received the King's Award for Voluntary Service this year, and I paid tribute to the charity's amazing volunteers and founder Sue Jackson today.

The Lib Dems have been campaigning for years for the UK to rejoin the Erasmus+ scheme, which allows young people to study abroad in Europe. This week the Government has finally listened. But more must be done to restore our relationship with the EU for the sake of our young people and their futures.

Wokingham is the lowest-funded unitary authority in the UK and is facing ever-rising costs for adult social care and children’s services after years of Conservative neglect. I will continue to advocate for Wokingham to ensure our local services receive the funding they deserve.

Last week, the Wokingham Youth Council invited Yuan Yang MP and I to debate brilliant questions submitted by members and pupils of local schools. It was wonderful to speak to young people about the issues that matter to them most, including climate change and displacement caused by global conflicts.

The Cowshed is a brilliant charity providing essential items for those facing hardship in the local area. Their Christmas Present Appeal is providing gifts to approximately 3000 children this year and I was proud to show my support for the project by wrapping up hand-picked presents for children.

As of last week, I have given 200 spoken contributions in Parliament since being elected on the 4th of July 2024. I will continue to raise the concerns of my constituents in the year ahead, so that residents will have their voices heard by our Government.

The Wokingham constituency has a brilliant group of breweries that contribute so much to our local community and economy. Last night, I celebrated Wokingham’s thriving beer and pub sector and I was delighted to meet up with Andy Parker, the owner of Elusive Brewing based in Finchampstead.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer’s flip-flopping on the Budget, various leaks and misleading comments about the state of public finances have resulted in Labour appearing as incompetent as the Conservatives. Labour have let down the public and must be transparent with us all.

Evelyn-Mae, the winner of my Christmas card competition, joined me in Parliament with her family to meet Sir Lindsay Hoyle MP, the Speaker of the House of Commons. Her winning design on the cover of my Christmas card is being posted through thousands of letter boxes this month. Well done Evelyn-Mae!

Last week, I had the pleasure of visiting CLASP, a member-lead charity providing excellent support for adults with learning disabilities in Wokingham. It was a brilliant opportunity to answer members’ questions and to learn more about the great significance of the charity.

Small Business Saturday is a brilliant annual event, celebrating the resilience of small businesses in our community. In Twyford, I had the pleasure of visiting Dolphin Brewery, Glass.Half.Full, La Fontana, H F Newbury and the Rural Pie Company to learn more about the issues that owners are facing.

Small Business Saturday is a brilliant annual event, celebrating the resilience of small businesses in our community. In Wokingham, I visited De Novo Velo, Antique Rose, Phil’s Good Food, the R Young Art Gallery, Stitchery Doo and Peacock Interiors to learn about the issues owners are facing.

Family businesses in Wokingham show remarkable resilience and ambition, and are a vital part of our local economy and community. Last week, during Family Business Week, I attended the Family Business UK reception to hear directly how we can better support these essential businesses and their owners.

CLASP is a self-advocacy group in Wokingham for people with learning disabilities and provides incredible support for members. Today, I asked the Leader of the House to recognise the invaluable role charities like CLASP play in supporting adults with learning disabilities.

This week, the All Party Parliamentary Group on Cancer hosted its Inaugural General Meeting, and I was delighted to join as an officer of the group. Ahead of the National Cancer Plan expected next year, it is imperative that MPs collaborate on improving cancer care for patients and their families.

Every week in the UK, 12 young people die suddenly from a previously undiagnosed heart condition. Cardiac Risk in the Young works to save young lives and prevent avoidable tragedies, and it was a privilege to discuss their work with them this week.

Labour promised change for the British public by delivering a clean break from the Conservatives' mismanagement and chaos. Yesterday, I asked the Minster to acknowledge the damage that has been done to those efforts and what will be done to rectify this.

Moving from sixth form to university or employment is one of the biggest steps young people can take, and interviews are often a daunting prospect. That’s why I took part in the Holt School’s mock interview session yesterday, helping students feel confident to pursue their dream university or career

In 2022, Wokingham bid for 2 SEND schools, and were given them by the Government. But since then, nothing has happened. Today, I called on the Minister of State for Education to confirm when the funding for these schools will finally be released.

Many of my constituents rely on Frimley Park Hospital and are concerned about possible delays to its build, especially with the issue of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete. That's why I urged the Government to confirm that construction on the hospital will begin no later than 2029.

In Westminster, I joined fellow Lib Dems in calling for the axing of the family farm tax ahead of the Autumn Budget. I also called for confirmation from the Government that Frimley Park Hospital construction will begin no later than 2029. Here is what else I have done this week:

Brexit has cost each and every one of us £3,700 a year. But instead of solving the problem, Labour are using Brexit as an excuse to raise your taxes. My message ahead of the Budget: Stop blaming Brexit and start fixing it!

This is the real effect of leaving the EU.

This week in Wokingham, Cllr Lou Timlin and I met with Thames Water to discuss the ongoing disruption on Evendons Lane. In Parliament, I joined fellow Lib Dems in calling for VAT cuts for hospitality businesses. Here is what else I did this week:

Brain Tumour Research report that 1 in 3 people are likely to know someone with a brain tumour – a cruel disease, with drug development and research stagnating. I called for a debate in Government time on the investment needed to improve brain tumour research and improve outcomes.

Twyford village is overwhelmed by commuters relying on Twyford Train Station to travel into London or nearby towns, many of whom struggle to find parking. That’s why I asked the Minister to meet with me to update me on plans for improving local travel links to put a stop to this issue.

Donald Trump is gunning for the BBC, and Farage is cheering him on. Want to know why? Follow the money…

Today, I met with Hugh Adams from Brain Tumour Research, a charity with the mission of increasing UK investment in research into brain tumours. We spoke about how I can best support them and their vision of finding a cure for all types of brain tumours for the sake of patients.

Slashing VAT for hospitality venues will make dining out much more affordable for residents, and will help save struggling pubs and restaurants. Ahead of next week’s Autumn Budget, I am proud to stand alongside my Lib Dem colleagues in support of our vital highstreets throughout the UK.

Wokingham has a very strong Hong Kong community, many of whom have told me their concerns about Chinese espionage and its influence in British politics. Yesterday, I asked the Minister of State at the Home Office what he is doing to protect the Hong Kong community, especially my constituents.

Due to organised shoplifting, local businesses have had to create a text warning system to notify each other when known offenders are in the area. That’s why today, I urged for the reversal of the Conservative Government’s policing cuts to protect local residents and businesses in Wokingham.

In Parliament this week, I raised the concerns of constituents about shoplifting and poor treatment by housing providers directly to the Government. I also hosted a surgery in Wokingham and met with many residents to discuss local issues. Here is what I else I did this week:

The BBC belongs to Britain, but Trump wants to tear it down. We can’t allow the Trumpification of our politics or our media.

Many families in Wokingham have told me about the difficulties they’ve faced in securing appropriate SEND provision for their children. That’s why I urged the Government to introduce measures including fast-track training pathways and guaranteed minimum SEND training for all teaching staff.

Yesterday, the Lib Dems announced our plan to put £270 back into your pockets by cutting energy bills and a 5% VAT cut for pubs, restaurants and hospitality. We are asking major banks to pay more via a windfall tax, half of which will go towards this plan and help tackle the cost-of-living crisis.

The Western Rail approach to Heathrow will save passengers time, money and effort, providing a much more suitable alternative than having to travel into London or via bus. The Liberal Democrats have been calling for this line for many years, which the Government must deliver soon

Last week Westminster's Remembrance Garden, I was proud to plant a cross in honour of Christopher George Brean who is remembered on the war memorial at Arborfield Cross, alongside Andy Bailey, the Parish Councillor for Arborfield & Newlands and his wife, Anita Bailey.

We must never forget those who fought for the freedoms we all enjoy today, and I was proud to stand alongside those outside of Wokingham Town Hall during the two-minute silence. The men and women that we honour today gave the ultimate sacrifice for us all and they will always be remembered.

I was honoured to attend local Remembrance services today alongside residents across Wokingham, paying tribute to those who gave everything for our freedom. I also continued to help raise donations for the Royal British Legion. Here’s what else I did this week:

Evidence Week in Parliament is in full swing, and on Tuesday I had the brilliant opportunity to speak with Professor Sian Taylor Philips about health screening. Her insights were on population screening programmes for cancer, during pregnancies and for newborns were invaluable.

55% of cancer deaths in the UK are from rare and less common cancers, that’s why charity coalitions like Cancer52 are vital in addressing the underrepresentation of these cancers. These inequalities in research and funding must be addressed for the sake of patients and their families.

Last week, I attended The Royal College of Pathologists’ reception, which outlined the importance of including pathology in the NHS 10-year health plan. I spoke with Tim Bennett from Illumina and Dr Sian Morgan, the Head of Laboratory at NHS Wales, about vital genomic testing and lung cancer.

It was a pleasure to attend and speak at the ‘Next Ten: Accelerating Ambition in Cancer Care’ event in Parliament, which set out what cancer care must look like in the coming decade. Earlier diagnosis, improved access to medicine and accessible clinical trials are vital in the future of cancer care.

Last week, Leader of the Wokingham Borough Council, Stephen Conway, Deputy Chief Executive and Chief Finance Officer at the Council, Graham Ebers, and I met with the Funding Floor Group. We discussed how to support the Constituency and Council being impacted by funding shortfalls.

I had a busy week helping collect donations for the Wokingham Poppy Appeal and joining a march before the Wokingham Lions' fireworks display. I also urged the Prime Minister to meet the 62-day treatment target under the National Cancer Plan. Here’s what else I did this week:

In Wokingham, many mainstream schools are declaring that they are unable to meet the needs of children with SEND. Every child deserves a place at school, that’s why I called for a debate to radically improve the availability of specialist provision for children with SEND.

Yesterday, I attended the Tackling the Erosion of Hong Kong’s Autonomy roundtable in Parliament to mark the launch of Hong Kong Watch’s report. Academic, legal and activist experts came together to discuss important topics including Hong Kong’s increasingly diminished political autonomy since 2020.

1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men will experience domestic abuse in their lives, that’s why it is vital to understand the signs of abusive relationships. @loosewomen.bsky.social’s ‘Facing It Together’ campaign is highlighting the key signs that friends and family can spot to support their loved ones.