Every year the Speaker of the House of Commons opens a Garden of Remembrance in Parliament. This week, I’ve placed a cross in the Garden on behalf of the people of Cheltenham. We will remember them.

I was proud to take part in the annual Parliamentary Poppy Ride run by the IPT and the Royal British Legion. The event helps to raise awareness of and support for the Poppy Appeal. Please go to rbl.org.uk to donate and support our Armed Forces community.

Nigel Farage has just flip-flopped on the vague and unrealistic economic plan he had. But the main thing we must all remember is that his last big idea was Brexit and that was a disaster for the economy, as I reminded Sky’s Politics Hub this week.

Thank you to the person who sent me the latest ‘Next PM’ odds. I can let you all into a secret: I’m not a candidate for that job. But it’s reassuring to know that the bookies think I’m more likely to get the public’s support than Liz Truss!

I enjoyed the rare pleasure of some time sitting down at the Margaret Dabbs Cheltenham clinic last week, to mark #BritishBeautyWeek. I’m always keen to support local businesses. While I’m not what you might call a ‘typical’ customer, I was very pleased to be invited along. My feet were pleased too!

I spent an inspiring evening celebrating student successes at Balcarras School. It was an honour to be part of prizegiving evening and to enjoy musical items by students Jasmine Went & Ben Skeet. Thank you to headteacher Dominic Burke for inviting me & a big ‘congratulations’ to the prize winners.

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 will continue to call out racist and hateful speech. It has no place in our country and certainly not in our Parliament.

Huge ‘thanks’ and congratulations to the Allstar Passion cheerleading squad for inviting me to the opening of their new training centre at the Bramery Business Park. Squad leader PK and her coaches are doing a fantastic job. I can tell you from experience that cheerleading gives you a real ‘high’.

🚲 Bike theft has effectively been decriminalised. The British Transport Police have said that bike thefts outside London railway stations will not be investigated if they have been locked for more than two hours! @MaxWilkinson.bsky.social speaks to commuters 🔽

You may know that I’ve joined the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme to ensure I’m doing all I can to be better briefed on matters relating to defence. I learn a huge amount from the scheme. I’m always impressed, but never surprised, by the quality & commitment of the servicemen and women I meet. 1/2

Labour suggestions that 13 year old children should have to have a digital ID card is simply wrong. Home Affairs Spokesperson @MaxWilkinson.bsky.social sets out why Lib Dems will continue to oppose mandatory digital ID.

It was lovely meeting local business owner Jean Grogan at the School House Café. Jean handmakes vintage-style miniature mohair teddy bears that sell all over the world. She shared with me how Brexit & changes to tariffs & trade deals have greatly impacted her business, Little Scruffs. 1/2

A ceasefire in Gaza must be the first step towards a two-state solution and a lasting peace.

I visited the Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice for Hospice Care Week to meet with staff and service users. It was wonderful to hear about the success of their ‘Take a Breath’ pilot course, which helps people receiving care for breathing conditions get more enjoyment from life. 1/3

I met Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust & councillor Tony Oliver in Warden Hill to see its largest sunken rain garden to date. A good job too – it was one of the wettest days we’ve had in a while! More than 10 tonnes of soil were removed, meaning the space can hold back 5,000+ litres of water. 1/2

People like Robert Jenrick and Nigel Farage are increasingly looking at people who are not white and suggesting that they can't be British. That in itself is fundamentally un-British.

People spreading antisemitic hate and inciting violence against Jews are getting away with it. We fear the government’s approach will do nothing to tackle that while undermining the fundamental right to peaceful protest.

The world sometimes feels overwhelmed by division & hatred. In the wake of horrifying & divisive events in the news, it’s ever more important we all recognise & build on our shared humanity. The news rarely tells stories of people casting aside division & instead spreading love, peace & joy. 1/3

Horrified and appalled by the attack outside Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. My thoughts are with the victims, our brave emergency services and the entire Jewish community.

I spoke at an event at Bournside School last week which brought experts and parents together to understand the impact of smartphones on children. Several schools in Cheltenham have put in place a ‘Smartphone Free at KS1, 2, & 3’ initiative to protect childhood by banning smartphones until year 10.

I'm pleased to share I've been promoted to Home Affairs Spokesperson for the @libdems.org.uk, serving in @eddavey.libdems.org.uk's senior team. www.punchline-gloucester.com/articles/aan...

I had the pleasure of meeting Nick Gazzard from the Hollie Gazzard Trust along with representatives from TSB as they launched a partnership with the Hollie Guard safety app. It was inspiring to hear how TSB has partnered with Hollie Guard app to provide free access to its customers. 1/2

Gambling addiction is a public health issue. @MaxWilkinson.bsky.social explains why the Lib Dems are leading calls to protect people, families, and our high streets from gambling addition.

Liberal Democrats have always stood up for people’s freedom and privacy. That’s why we’re saying no to Labour’s plans for mandatory digital IDs. It’s not the kind of country we want to be. Back our petition and tell Keir Starmer you’re saying no to digital ID cards: www.libdems.org.uk/nodigitalid

Lovely to see you too, Donald 😘 www.mirror.co.uk/news/politic...

It was great to welcome business owners and entrepreneurs to another meeting of my Cheltenham MP and Business Network. We discussed concerns over the upcoming budget on the 26th November and the need for the Government to make changes that actively support business and employment. 1/2

The gambling industry has had a free pass for too long. Today, Liberal Democrats have passed bold new policy to put public health at the heart of gambling regulation, read more from @maxwilkinson.bsky.social www.libdems.org.uk/news/article...

I hosted a Parliamentary reception for some of the brilliant people working hard to build on the success of Cheltenham’s biggest sector: cyber security and tech. We heard from two students on vocationally focused cyber security degree courses. 1/2

There's currently a funding gap of £70million for the junction 10 project, due to inflation caused by delays. I will continue pressuring Ministers from across different departments to prioritise this project, particularly as the Golden Valley development is of national significance.

The arrest of four people after this incident is an outrageous affront to the freedom of expression enjoyed by UK citizens. It is a human right we all enjoy and is protected in law. 1/2

I joined members of the local community & Parish Councillors to officially ‘open’ new exercise & play equipment at Salisbury Avenue Park. It was great to see what the investment means to local people of all ages & to hear how students at Bournside School were involved in choosing the equipment. 1/2

"Farage said Brexit would fix our borders — instead, it’s made things worse.” @MaxWilkinson.bsky.social

It was wonderful to host so many Cheltonians in Parliament this week as part of my Unlocking Democracy Tours. Visitors enjoyed a Parliament tour before sitting in Westminster Hall to discuss flooding, planning, the state of Cheltenham’s roads and the economy. Thank you to everyone who came along.

I spoke to BBC Gloucestershire about the positive impact of the proposed Midlands Rail Hub. Hundreds of new services will mean easier access to the midlands from Cheltenham. Before the spending review I joined cross party efforts to keep the project on the agenda. I’m delighted it will progress.

I was invited to officially open the new Tourist Information Centre in Cavendish House. I wish it every success in helping visitors and locals alike enjoy their time in our beautiful town. Thank you to all the volunteers for all the work they are doing. www.punchline-gloucester.com/articles/aan...

I’ve written to Ofcom urging them to review the BBC’s coverage of Nigel Farage and Reform to see if it is line with broadcast guidance. The disproportionate coverage of Farage is damaging to the BBC’s reputation as well as our democracy. 1/2

The BBC must balance their political news so it doesn’t boost Nigel Farage’s dangerous, divisive politics.

I am concerned and disappointed to hear news that the Aveta Birth Centre at Cheltenham Hospital will remain closed, with no date for reopening. It closed 'temporarily' in 2022 due to staffing recruitment and retention levels, which is a problem facing the whole country.

I was invited for a first look at the new tarmac that’s been laid as part of the A417 Missing Link project. It was interesting to see the project taking shape and to take a closer look at this huge feat of engineering. 1/2

The hypocrisy displayed by Nigel Farage in the US this week is as blatant as it is dangerous. He makes laughable allegations that the UK is like North Korea while his own Reform councillors move to ban journalists in Nottinghamshire. 1/2 www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/poli....

I rolled up my sleeves to help tidy up our town centre with the team from Cheltenham BID. From litter picking to cleaning graffiti, we all got stuck in. While I’m always sad this kind of work is necessary, I’m also thankful we have volunteers who take it on and I was happy to do my bit. 1/2

I’m supporting the Making Space for Water campaign. The ongoing sewage scandal means water pollution continues to damage our rivers. Only a third of UK rivers are in good ecological health and we have some of the unhealthiest rivers in Europe. Find out more here: theriverstrust.org/making-space...

"Reform councillors refusing to talk to press, I think is a bit of a betrayal of British values." @MaxWilkinson.bsky.social

🙋🏻‍♀️🙋🏻🙋🏻‍♂️ Do you have a specific issue you’d like to discuss? Or perhaps you’d simply like to meet? I will be in the Up Hatherley area between 2pm and 5pm on Friday, 12th September. Appointments are limited. Please email [email protected] to book.

I’m calling out Nigel Farage for putting MAGA jet-setting above his duties in Parliament. Choosing to play truant on the first days of the autumn term so he can go on another MAGA trip tells you everything you need to know about the man. 1/2

🎙️Thanks to Mark Owen at Punchline for inviting me to discuss local and national events, including migration, AI, development, business and the economy. Great to chat with Julie from Cheltenham Lido, Greg from Stroud Brewery and Glenn from Hazlewoods. m.youtube.com/watch?v=015S...

I’m calling for a freeze on rail fares. A price hike of 5.8% is looming, which will cost Cheltenham residents commuting to London an extra £787.41 a year for a season ticket. www.punchline-gloucester.com/articles/aan...

As part of my Unlocking Democracy Tours, I'll be welcoming more of my constituents to Westminster on Monday 8th September. There are still a few places left to book, so if you are a Cheltenham resident and would like to join, please email [email protected] for more information.

Congratulations to everyone receiving their GCSE results! 🎉 Whatever the outcome, you should be proud of the hard work and determination you’ve shown.