📰 In this week's Middy column, I discuss local casework and making a real difference in Mid Sussex. Have a read here: www.sussexexpress.co.uk/community/po...

The government's removal of funding for the IB in state schools is catastrophic. It's catastrophic for delivering a broad education post-16, and it's catastrophic for getting girls into STEM careers. I look forward to hearing what the Minister has to say at our meeting.

Yesterday morning I laid a Remembrance Cross in Parliament's garden of remembrance. We must never forget that freedom is not free, and remember those who gave everything to protect it.

📰 In this week’s Monday Mail, I reflect on the European Convention on Human Rights; what it does, why it's important, and why it must be protected. Read here: prod.cdn.everyaction.com/emails/van/L...

Our thoughts are with all those affected by the awful attack near Huntingdon. We’re wishing those injured a full recovery and thank the passengers and emergency services who stepped in to help those in need.

I met with South East Water last Thursday to discuss the current situation with our water supply. Levels in Ardingly Reservoir and the Ouse are now much improved. However, you can sign up for extra support, and check your eligibility, here: www.southeastwater.co.uk/help/priorit...

The government has decided to withdraw funding that enables state colleges like Varndean to teach the International Baccalaureate. Today Varndean’s Principal Donna-Marie Janson joined me in Parliament to demand that the government reconsider. www.youtube.com/watch?v=7FeD...

Liberal Democrat MPs just defeated Nigel Farage’s Bill in Parliament to tear up people’s rights and withdraw from the ECHR. Farage wants to do away with the Britain Churchill built and turn it into Trump's America. We won't let him.

We just defeated Nigel Farage’s Bill in Parliament to tear up people’s rights and withdraw from the ECHR. Farage wants to do away with the Britain Churchill built and turn it into a version of Trump's America. We stopped him.

I asked a Foreign Office minister what the government is doing about Chinese human rights violations in Hong Kong. She didn't even mention the word 'China' in her answer. The government are more worried about upsetting China, than standing up for the rights of Hong Kongers.

Great to join @groupbstrepsupport.bsky.social for the launch of their report 'Time to Act: Stopping Group B Strep Infections in Newborn Babies'. The number of babies developing GBS in the UK is entirely avoidable. Thanks to the amazing work of the GBSS team, the future is looking brighter.

Following the government's announcement of £80million for children's hospices ahead of my Parliamentary debate, I've written an op-ed for Parliament Politics magazine. You can have a read here: parliamentnews.co.uk/three-year-f...

Farmers in Mid Sussex are essential to our rural community, but the Family Farm Tax continues to burden them. Despite the Chancellor's stance, I will advocate for farmers and urge the government to reconsider. www.sussexexpress.co.uk/news/politic...

Over the past five years, GP appointments in West Sussex with waits of up to 28 days have risen by 159%. Mid Sussex residents often express concerns about seeing their doctors and booking appointments. I urge the government to address this crisis: www.sussexexpress.co.uk/news/politic...

📰 In this week's Middy column, I discuss my week of wins for children's hospices and getting the government to make changes to properly protect children and young carers as part of the Mental Health Bill. Have a read here: www.midsussexlibdems.org.uk/news/article...

Last week was Baby Loss Awareness Week. I shared the story of my constituents who lost their baby due to UHSussex's failings. I will continue to support their request for Donna Ockenden to lead the long-awaited review into Sussex's maternity services. www.sussexexpress.co.uk/news/politic...

📰 In this week’s Monday Mail, I look back on my week of wins and getting the government to do two more good things. Read here: www.midsussexlibdems.org.uk/news/article...

Women going through the menopause deserve to be able to navigate it with the best possible information at their fingertips. But a lack of government guidance means dangerous and unhelpful misinformation scatters the internet and social media - allowing tech giants to profit.

Today the government confirmed it will stop funding the International Baccalaureate. I think this is wrong, entrenching a two-tier system. So I was disappointed the Minister did not accept my invitation to visit Vardean College with me to discuss reversing the decision.

3 months on from Liz Sayce presenting ministers with her review on the Carers Allowance Overpayments Scandal and the government has yet to say what action they are going to take - whilst Carers continue to be hounded by the DWP. Repayments should be paused now.

✉️ My Lib Dem colleagues and I have written to the Education Secretary to reverse the cuts to the LPU funding for 16-19 studies, affecting the International Baccalaureate. Many local students benefit from Varndean's IB programme, which may have to discontinue it due to cuts.

📰 In this week's Middy column, I discuss my recent visit to Grove Garden in Haywards Heath and the power of community and outdoor spaces for combatting loneliness. Have a read here: www.sussexexpress.co.uk/news/politic...

Lib Dems are the winners of by-elections Super Thursday! 💪 Won 7 out of 10 local by-elections ↗️ GAINS from the Conservatives, Labour and the Green Party 🔶 6 from 6 seats in Surrey as what remains of the Blue Wall crumbles away Congratulations to our brilliant campaign teams and new councillors!

🚨 LIB DEM WIN: @alisonebennett.bsky.social has secured changes to the Mental Health Bill, ensuring better support for young carers whose parents have mental illness.

This morning the Government responded to our Liberal Democrat campaign and promised more funding for children's hospices. The announcement came in anticipation of my debate that has just concluded in Parliament. Brilliant news, but there is still more to be done.

I had a lovely morning last week at Grove Garden, where I met Nigel, Judith, and the team. This garden, tucked away behind Clair Park, is a community hub for people to come and spend time. Thank you Grovers for making me feel so welcome. 📸 : Tony Bates

📰 In this week’s Monday Mail, I talk about the recent ceasefire in the Middle East, as well as some positive local highlights from the last week. Read here: www.midsussexlibdems.org.uk/news/article...

With support from Lib Dem colleagues, I've urged the Health Secretary to urgently address the hospice care crisis. We can't accept a diminishing service where care is rationed and fundraising lags. Thousands need relief, and we must do better.

Rising costs and reduced donations since 2022 have led to a £47 million shortfall in the hospice sector. Unless the government properly funds staff costs and reverses NICs increases for hospices, keeping them open will be nearly impossible. www.lbc.co.uk/article/term...

#CarolineWard candidate for HHNW and #BenDempsey LibDem candidate for Sussex Mayor with the LibDem team out in #HaywardsHeath North West meeting residents and answering questions for the by-election next Thursday 23rd October.

My Op-Ed on the hospice crisis was published on LBC this morning. This is an emergency that demands immediate government action. I will be calling for this during my debate on children's hospice funding on Thursday. www.lbc.co.uk/article/if-t...

This afternoon I presented my Hospices and Palliative Care Bill to Parliament. The bill would place a duty on the Secretary of State to ensure the availability and adequacy of hospice services for all people at the end of life. Everyone deserves dignity at the end of life.

I was on LBC this morning talking about the current funding crisis in the hospice sector. Beds are closing, staff are being let go, and people are not being allowed the dignified end-of-life care that they deserve. The government must do better to end this postcode lottery.

Last year I met Itzik Horn, whose two sons were being held captive by Hamas. Yair was released earlier this year and today I am overjoyed that Eitan is also going home. I cannot imagine the trauma their family has suffered, and I pray they can now start to heal and move forward.

Our hospices have been pushed to the brink. This is why I am leading the Lib Dem's 'Save Our Hospices' campaign, and am bringing a debate to Parliament on children's hospices next Thursday. Sign the petition below: www.libdems.org.uk/hospices

On Wednesday, I was thrilled to attend the Hurstpierpoint and District Agricultural Association's annual dinner. Thanks to Nick and his team for organising a lovely evening. Farmers play a crucial role in our food supply and environmental care. We must continue to support them.

📰 In this week’s newsletter, I reflect on how our communities are feeling fragile following the tragic events of last week, and the power of looking away from social media to focus on what's good - and worth cherishing - in our communities. www.midsussexlibdems.org.uk/news/article...

Three big Lib Dem wins in this week's by-elections. Last night in Mel Stride's Devon constituency, Liberal Democrats GAINED a seat from the Conservatives - the Conservatives dropped to just 10% of the vote. And two great wins by our teams in Bath and Hampshire.

Local artist, Kate Harries, and I have chosen the winning entries in my first ever Christmas card competition. I now need your help! Check out my Facebook page tomorrow to vote for the overall winner whose picture will go on the front of my card.

On a recent visit to Arlington Reservoir, South East Water told me that climate change and an ageing pipe network makes Sussex's tap water supply less resilient. I questioned them about rising bills and the persistence of the hosepipe ban, and will keep pressing water companies for answers.

🚜I enjoyed the Hurstpierpoint Ploughing Match, exploring stalls and learning about the history of ploughing. I also spoke with local farmers about the current challenges they are facing due to environmental pressures and government policy. It's crucial to support our farmers.

At Conference, I brought in a new hospices policy that would reverse Labour's punishing NICs rises and end the current palliative care postcode lottery More must urgently be done so later this month I am bringing a debate to the Commons on children's hospices to get answers from the government

🏃‍♀️ In Bournemouth last week, I did a conference Park Run special, organised in collaboration with Sky. It was great to run along the seafront in the good weather, and get the chance to chat to those involved.

📰 In this week's Middy column, I reflect on the government's decision to introduce mandatory digital ID cards. Have a read here: www.sussexexpress.co.uk/news/politic...

Such awful news today. My thoughts are with the victims, their families and the whole Jewish community.

Last week, I had a lovely morning at Beech Hill in Haywards Heath, meeting residents Mark and Catherine, and dedicated staff like Agnieska and Anna. Care workers are unsung heroes deserving more recognition and pay. I will keep fighting for better governmental support for them.

The approval of a second runway at Gatwick by Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander will harm nearby communities, including Mid Sussex. The government ignored our concerns, with financial, environmental, and health costs being too high. Read more here: www.sussexexpress.co.uk/news/politic...

Unlike Farage, we're proud of Britain. Britain has problems that need fixing, but we must never forget our strengths, our people and our values. They are what make this country special.🇬🇧

Care workers deserve fair pay, but funding it through council tax hikes won’t solve the crisis. The government must deliver a long term plan for social care. @AlisonEBennett.bsky.social

I am honoured to be reappointed Lib Dem spokesperson for Care and Carers. Carers, both paid and unpaid, are our society's unsung heroes and deserve better. I will continue to fight for them and advocate for a social care system that works for and supports those who need it.