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Today, I voted for the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill at Second Reading.
This has been one of the most sensitive and personal issues that Parliament has considered, and I am grateful to every constituent who wrote to me with their views.
I voted in favour, as I did in the last parliamentary session, because I believe terminally ill people who are suffering should have the choice, with the right safeguards, of a safe, legal and compassionate assisted death. I was disappointed to see its progress frustrated in the House of Lords last session, and I am disappointed by today’s vote.
Many people wrote to me about the state of palliative and social care, and I share those concerns. Palliative care provision in England is unevenly available, hospices and NHS services are under strain, and too many people reach the end of their life without the support they deserve. I believe that improving care and offering dying people the choice of an assisted death are not alternatives to one another and that they could be pursued together, and that’s why I voted for the Bill today.
In coming to my decision on today’s vote, I considered the views of all constituents who wrote to and discussed this issue with me, and the evidence of many experts and campaign groups. Once again, I am grateful to all those that shared their views with me and especially to those who shared often very personal stories, they will stay with me.
I will continue to advocate, as I have always done, for improvements in the access to and standard of healthcare locally and nationally, including social and palliative care. ... See MoreSee Less
27 CommentsComment on Facebook
New coffee and chat schedule just dropped ⬇️
Join me and my team for a chat about your concerns, issues, and priorities — local or national. Just book at the link in my bio! ☕️ ... See MoreSee Less
11 CommentsComment on Facebook
I know the decision to review local government reorganisation will be disappointing and frustrating locally
Many people have worked hard locally on the proposals for a North Hampshire Authority from the local authorities themselves to businesses, charities and community groups.
I remain convinced that these reforms, and the creation of a North Hampshire Authority, will bring real benefits to Basingstoke — economically, and in the delivery of local services, from filling potholes to social care and support for children with special educational needs and disabilities.
I will keep pressing the government on what this review means for our area, and on delivering the local government reforms we need as quickly as possible. ... See MoreSee Less
31 CommentsComment on Facebook
So glad to see the government announce a ban on trade with illegal settlements in the West Bank. I spoke out in Parliament about the appalling epidemic of settler violence in June, and it’s great to see serious action being taken. ... See MoreSee Less
5 CommentsComment on Facebook
Great to drop into the Community Summer Fair run by Keki's Guinea Pig & Rabbit Rescue this Saturday.
Lots of fun for all the community raising money to protect and support guinea pigs and rabbits.
Thanks to everyone for showing their support! ... See MoreSee Less
2 CommentsComment on Facebook
Great to get the chance to shout out Basingstoke Town FC and the Basingstoke Bison Ice Hockey at the end of my time on ITV's The Last Word
Both teams are the pride of our community, and if the Prime Minister showed up in town unannounced I know he’d be delighted to watch them or any of the other fantastic sporting clubs we have across Basingstoke ... See MoreSee Less
13 CommentsComment on Facebook
Brilliant to spend time at the Oakridge Hall for all Festival on Saturday
An incredible effort by all of the organisers and volunteers
The festival was incredibly well attended with more stalls and attendees than perhaps ever before
Events like this are so important to bring the community together ... See MoreSee Less
9 CommentsComment on Facebook
Wonderful to visit Forever Singing here in Basingstoke, a free, volunteer-run choir for people with long-term health challenges like dementia, Parkinson's and physical frailty.
I was glad to speak with members, as well as incredibly supportive volunteers, family members, and carers — and even see a session in action! It was great to hear about the tremendous impact the activity and social support has on members.
Groups like Forever Singing provide an essential service to people living with health challenges in our community, and I'll be taking their feedback forward as this government sets out a new path to fix social care. ... See MoreSee Less
5 CommentsComment on Facebook
What did we do last month? 📊
Last month, my team and I handled 1,338 cases for local residents, responded to 1,275 emails, and held 24 community meetings across Basingstoke.
If there's something I can help with, or you want to raise an issue affecting you or our area, please do get in touch.
Email me: [email protected] or book an appointment at the link in my bio. ... See MoreSee Less
4 CommentsComment on Facebook