🎄 Merry Christmas everyone! In my Middy column this week, I talk about everything I have been up to in Mid Sussex during the festive period. Have a read here: www.sussexexpress.co.uk/news/opinion...

🚜 Has Christmas come early for Mid Sussex farmers? Just before Christmas, the government has finally listened, and scaled back plans to hike inheritance tax on farms. A relief for some, but the damage is done. Lib Dems will keep fighting to scrap this unfair tax in full.

Yesterday, Labour asked the Conservatives on West Sussex County Council whether they want another (sixth) year in charge. Today, the Conservatives said yes. Elections shouldn't be cancelled at the whim of the people up for re-election. Sign my petition www.midsussexlibdems.org.uk/campaigns/st...

📰 In this week's Middy column, I chat about mobile signal in our rural areas and invite you to fill in my survey. Have a read here: www.sussexexpress.co.uk/news/opinion...

🏘️ Do you live on a freehold estate? The government has just opened two consultations on improving protections for people and future plans to reduce the prevalence of these estates. Have your say: consult.communities.gov.uk/leasehold-an... consult.communities.gov.uk/leasehold-an...

Labour has asked Conservative led West Sussex County Council whether they would like an extra year in power 🤔 This looks like another anti-democratic stitch up. Elections must go ahead. Sign my petition here: www.midsussexlibdems.org.uk/campaigns/st...

The Labour government has today asked Conservative-led West Sussex County Council to decide if they would like an extra year in power. This looks like another anti-democratic stitch up. Elections must go ahead. Sign my petition here: www.midsussexlibdems.org.uk/campaigns/st...

📰 In last week's Middy column, I discuss a recent event in Parliament by the RNIB and the importance of investing in independence and vision rehabilitation. Have a read here: www.sussexexpress.co.uk/news/politic...

📰 In my final Monday Mail of 2025, I discuss mobile connectivity issues in our rural areas, a recent historic vote in Parliament for a UK-EU Customs Union, and the importance of ensuring Mid Sussex is a good place to live and do business. Read here: www.midsussexlibdems.org.uk/news/article...

I spoke with BBC Sussex this morning about the need to ensure that residents in Haywards Heath and the surrounding villages have a secure water supply, and South East Water's proposal for a temporary pipeline to fill Ardingly Reservoir.

What a bizarre reply from the Health Secretary. All I asked was whether he thought enough was being done to ensure that those who want to be vaccinated at this crucial time, can be... It's a shame he couldn't provide a more constructive answer.

This morning on GB News, I set out why we Liberal Democrats are calling on the government to set up a winter discharge unit to get thousands of people home for Christmas.

Making the most of some December sunshine in Haywards Heath this afternoon delivering Christmas cards with Billah, David, Leila and Julie.

📶 Mobile Signal Survey There wasn't much signal in Albourne this morning, but what's mobile reception like where you are? I want to raise your experiences in Parliament in January, so do let me know by completing this short survey alisonbennett.co.uk/signal Thank you

I was in Hassocks this morning for one of my regular advice surgeries. If you would like to make an appointment for an in person or online meeting, please email [email protected]

On Wednesday morning, I attended the Speaker's Christmas Card competition showcase, to show off the brilliant designs from the winners of my competition in Mid Sussex. Well done again to our winner and runners up- I think Mr Speaker approved! 🧑‍🎄 🎁

Budget reactions, the government cancelling elections, and Christmas card competitions... Tune in to @itvnews.bsky.social tonight at 10:45pm for The Last Word to hear more!

On Tuesday my colleague Dr Al Pinkerton MP brought a Bill before Parliament to bring us back into the Customs Union - and MPs voted in favour! I supported Al’s Bill, which will now move to the next stage. You can read more here: www.sussexexpress.co.uk/news/politic...

CAE in Burgess Hill provide hundreds of high-skilled jobs. They planned to expand, but because of Brexit, they're unable to bring in the employees they need, and instead invested in Vienna. So today I asked a Minister how the govt plans to tackle damaging Brexit re-tape.

Yesterday, Baroness Amos announced her initial reflections on maternity services which are deeply concerning. But her review needs to carried out fairly and carefully and take full account of what has happened and is happening in Sussex. I have written to the Secretary of State

The government's family farm tax is catastrophic, and the recent budget did nothing to help. So yesterday I once again asked a Minister to re-think and act. His answer was far from reassuring.

Reports indicate South East Water may lay an emergency pipeline to Ardingly Reservoir due to dangerously low water levels. Mid Sussex residents need clear and transparent communication about this. So, I have written to South East Water's Chief Executive requesting an urgent meeting.

📰 In this week’s Monday Mail, I discuss my frustration at the government's postponement of the inaugural Sussex mayoral elections and what this will mean for democracy in our area. Read here: www.midsussexlibdems.org.uk/news/article...

On Friday I visited the Princess Royal Hospital in Haywards Heath one of the hospitals in @uhsussex. I had a detailed conversation with the midwifery and obstetric team about their work, before visiting the Emergency Department on a busy December afternoon.

This morning I was amazed to learn that parcel volumes are up 40% on last year at the @royalmailofficial #BurgessHill sorting office. I dropped in this morning with a tub of chocolates to say thank you to all our posties who are working extra hard in the run up to Christmas.

📰 In this week's Middy column, I discuss the recent Budget, and how the Chancellor is looking for money in the wrong places. Have a read here: www.sussexexpress.co.uk/news/politic...

What a shambles! I am furious that Labour has postponed Sussex's mayoral elections until 2028 - wasting public money, council officers' time and throwing away detailed plans. It's blatant incompetence, so this morning I challenged the Minister about it in Parliament.

At last week's #PMQs I pushed the PM to say what his plans are to urgently get people home from hospital but are stuck there because of our failing social care system... ...he had no decent answer

The ASGSF is a lifeline for adoptive children and their families. I pressed a Minister on it's importance. While he agreed that a 5% breakdown rate is too high, he failed to recognise the crucial role the ASGSF plays. I’ll keep pushing the government to reverse its cuts.

Yesterday morning I visited Keymer Hall, a new care home on Kings Way in Burgess Hill. I even got the chance to try out the 'dementia bus', which attempts to replicate the experience of people living with the disease.

I don't want to see the IB stop at Varndean because of short sighted government cuts. The Argus has written up last week's visit to Downing Street where we presented a petition to save the IB. Read more here: www.theargus.co.uk/news/2565538...

📰 In this week’s Monday Mail, I chat about my PMQ, the impact of delayed hospital discharges on locals hospitals, and how Reform now see the Lib Dems as their biggest rival in next year's Sussex mayoral election. Read here: www.midsussexlibdems.org.uk/news/article...

Today is #WorldAIDSDay We all have a role to play in stopping HIV. By raising awareness, supporting prevention, and ensuring access to treatment, we can achieve zero new transmissions. #WorldAIDSDay #EndHIV #HIVAwareness

The tide is turning. Even the Telegraph is now admitting the damage the Brexit deal has done to the economy.

I was in Tesco in #BurgessHill this morning with Mayor Stuart Condie helping with the Fareshare Winter Food Collection for our local foodbanks and the BH Pantry. Thank you to everyone who is doing their bit to help those who won't have enough this winter. Your generosity means so much.

I spent yesterday morning packing boxes with the team at Haywards Heath Town Council for their 'Leave No One Behind at Christmas' campaign. These gifts will be delivered to those in Mid Sussex who need support and a reminder that our community values them.

📰 In this week's Middy column, I talk about UK Parliament Week and some of my recent visits to schools and colleges in Mid Sussex. Have a read here: www.sussexexpress.co.uk/news/politic...

Thank you to Burgess Hill Library for displaying some of the winners and highly commended artwork from my 2025 Christmas card competition. The display has now moved to Haywards Heath Library, where you will be able to visit it from today.

There is an entire hospital's worth of people in beds across University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust who are well enough to go home. But they can't because there is no social care package in place. So, today at PMQs, I asked the PM how he plans to get these people home for Christmas.

Today's #budget must set things right by British farmers. The government has repeatedly dealt blows to those who put food on our tables. I will be listening keenly in the House of Commons today... and will keep pushing hard if the budget doesn't deliver what Farmers deserve.

Every week I send out my 'Monday Mail', an email newsletter that looks at a few highlights from the previous week. If you are interested in finding out more about what I get up to locally and in Parliament as MP for Mid Sussex, please sign up here: www.midsussexlibdems.org.uk/newsletter

📺 My ask for tomorrow's #Budget

I visited the pathology lab at the Royal Sussex County Hospital on Friday, met the team, and learned about their work. Then, I sat down with Andy, Chief Executive of the Trust, to discuss the current situation in our local NHS and what positive changes are being made.

On Friday, I visited CAE to learn more about the great work they are doing in Burgess Hill. CAE's simulators provide training for commercial and private flights, as well as training pilots across the armed forces. I even got to land a plane in one of their simulators!

📰 In this week’s Monday Mail, I discuss the civil war in Sudan and why something must be done, the upcoming Budget and what voters are really thinking about political parties right now. Read here: www.midsussexlibdems.org.uk/news/article...

📰 In last week's Middy column, I discussed the current crisis facing the BBC and what needs to be done to protect it. Have a read here: www.sussexexpress.co.uk/news/politic...

This morning I delivered the 'Save Our IB' petition to the Prime Minister, along with MP colleagues and IB school leaders. The government's decision to cut funding is wrong. The IB is a world-class qualification that everyone should have the opportunity to study. #SavetheIB

Sickness rates amongst drivers on Thameslink services are causing cancellations. Long NHS waiting lists mean that, to tackle this, GTR are having to pay for private healthcare. So I asked a Transport Minister if he thinks this is a good use of ever-increasing rail fares.

On Monday evening I spoke about Parkinson's in Parliament. @parkinsonsuk and it's local branches do fantastic work to alleviate the pains and strains of this terrible disease. But there's more to do, the state of care in the UK is not good enough and the government must act.

Over 1,000 men were screened for prostate cancer at an event in Burgess Hill last week organised by the PCaSO Prostate Cancer Support Organisation and the Burgess Hill Lions. Please get tested and visit your GP if something doesn't seem right: www.sussexexpress.co.uk/community/bu...