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Labour's first Budget in 14 years
In 1998, I travelled to Parliament to hear the first Labour Budget after 18 years. It was a huge moment that heralded great change....
Oct 30, 20242 min read


Change NHS: help build a health service fit for the future
In my role Labour’s Health Minister, I recently visited Southmead Hospital to see some of the cutting-edge treatment being provided to...
Oct 24, 20242 min read


Updating Parliament on Labour's plans for the NHS
Since being appointed a Health Minister in the new Labour Government in July, I’ve been working to tackle some of the biggest challenges...
Oct 17, 20242 min read


Labour Party Conference 2024
It was an inspiring few days at Labour Party conference; the first conference that Labour has held as the party of government in 15...
Sep 28, 20241 min read


Celebrating with teachers and students
It was a real privilege to join students and staff from E-ACT Venturers' Academy at Bristol Beacon this week, to celebrate the school...
Sep 20, 20241 min read


Lord Darzi Review: Building an NHS fit for the future
This week, Professor Lord Darzi published his independent investigation into the state of the NHS. Â The report provided a raw and honest...
Sep 13, 20241 min read


Back to School Update
The new term is now underway in schools and colleges across south Bristol. After a well-earned summer break, I’d like to personally...
Sep 10, 20241 min read


Meeting our Police & Crime Commissioner
I recently met with Clare Moody, Labour's Police and Crime Commissioner for Avon and Somerset, to discuss some of the ongoing challenges...
Sep 9, 20241 min read


The week in Parliament; 6th September 2024
The work of the new Labour government continued over summer, but this week Parliament returned in Westminster. Three significant pieces...
Sep 6, 20241 min read


Serving as Minister of State for Health
I’m honoured to have been asked to serve as Minister of State for Health in government. The NHS supports millions of patients every week,...
Jul 13, 20241 min read


Thank you Bristol South
Nine years ago, I promised to be a straight talking, hardworking MP for Bristol South. I said I would give local people a voice, and...
Jul 11, 20241 min read


Election Update: 30th June 2024
With polling day a few days away, we are now into the final stretch of the election. I’ve really enjoyed the campaign. It’s given me the...
Jul 1, 20241 min read


Election Update: 14th June 2024
Labour has unveiled its manifesto for change. After 14 years of failure with the Conservatives, our manifesto is a plan to kickstart...
Jun 17, 20241 min read


Election Update: 11th June 2024
We’re now halfway through the election campaign, with just over three weeks until polling day. I’ve been out speaking to as many people...
Jun 12, 20241 min read


Election Update: 1st June 2024
Over the weekend, I officially launched my general election campaign in Bristol South. It’s an honour to be standing again as Labour’s...
Jun 3, 20241 min read


Election Update: 24th May 2024
Finally Rishi Sunak has realised that his time is up and has called a General Election for 4th July. It was an honour to be elected as...
May 30, 20241 min read


Weekly Update: 3rd May 2024
It was an important week in south Bristol and across the city and country, with the elections for local councillors, metro Mayors and...
May 7, 20242 min read


Weekly Update: 26th April 2024
I want to thank everyone who has shared their well wishes with me in the last week. I was really touched by the number of messages I...
Apr 29, 20242 min read


Weekly Update: 19th April 2024
Some personal news this week. Following surgery on my leg last November, I received a melanoma diagnosis before Christmas and recently...
Apr 19, 20241 min read


Weekly Update: 15th March 2024
Since becoming an MP, I have campaigned to legalise assisted dying – believing that terminally ill people should have the right to choose...
Mar 19, 20242 min read
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