If we're serious about rebuilding trust in politics, we need institutions that are representative, accountable and fit for the 21st century. I've joined colleagues in writing to the Prime Minister to call for a National Commission of citizens and experts to examine options for reform.

Adult social care is in desperate need of reform. I welcome Andy's decision to bring forward the independent commission into adult social care by a year and to begin cross-party talks today. This is the kind of politics we need: problem solving, not point scoring. We have to get this right.

Delighted that the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal has been awarded the prestigious The Green Flag Award (an international accreditation programme that recognises well managed parks and green spaces). Big thanks to everyone at the Canal and River Trust and their volunteers.

I’m pleased that the new Prime Minister has scrapped VAT for electricity bills from October 1. Heating is a necessity - not a luxury - and should be taxed as such.

The length and rate of paternity leave in England is far too low. The status quo means parental leave is a luxury that only the wealthiest in our society can afford. That’s why I am proud to be backing Movember’s campaign for extra time with dads. And good luck to the England team tonight!

This week I joined the Royal College of Paediatrics & Child Health in Parliament to discuss their report 'State of Child Health 2026'. Children’s health across the UK continues to decline, especially in the poorest areas. The report highlighted 12 child health indicators including obesity... 🧵 1/2

My statement on the Labour leadership election:

I know which one would get my vote. But you’ve got to feel for the people of Clacton.

The 4th episode of Simon Says Let's Talk is out now featuring the brilliant doctor and comic - Phil Hammond. There's definitely a parental advisory warning for this one! To listen, visit buff.ly/0QgcGtK

Wishing a very happy 78th birthday to our NHS. Every day, doctors, nurses, paramedics, NHS staff and volunteers go above and beyond to care for us. Thank you for everything you do.

Dr Hussam Abu Safia has been held illegally by the IDF for more than 500 days. His detention is part of a wider IDF policy of targeting health workers. I have written to the Foreign Secretary to ensure that the British government do everything possible to secure his urgent release.

It's great that pubs have the chance to open late on Sunday. John Prescott would approve. Like me he used to play for the Parliamentary football team, by all accounts more enthusiastic than skilful. Hoping that England are both skilful and enthusiastic against Mexico.

I was in the audience whilst Andy set out his vision for the country. The biggest challenge facing Britain is the over-centralisation of power in Westminster and Whitehall. Real change means trusting local communities with the powers to shape their own futures. (1/2)

Diana Johnson is the Minister of State in the Department for Work/Pensions, and has one of the most interesting offices in Westminster. This week I met her and Pat McFadden, the department's Secretary of State, to discuss the reforms necessary to make the fit note system work for everyone. 🧵 1/2

Episode 3 of Simon Says Let's Talk is out now, featuring Robbie Savage and Dale Vince. Visit buff.ly/5ZOrSJm and buff.ly/lVeN4FF to listen now!

Something special happened today - a constituent brought in flowers for a member of my casework team as a thank you for the work she did helping to resolve an intractable issue with an energy supplier that had been going on for two years. One of the best parts of being an MP is dealing... 🧵 1/2

Oh my... I'm not sure about this😧

Absolutely thrilled for Stroud's Chrissie Lowery and the Night Angels team for winning the first ever Prevention of Violence Against Women And Girls Award (Grassroots Community Award), which was presented by Natalie Fleet yesterday. Really well deserved. www.angelprojectuk.org

Danny’s dad in Roald Dahl’s Danny the Champion of the World is the best. Most dads are a bit more mixed. But we still love them.

Over the weekend, I spent some time in Makerfield supporting Andy Burnham’s campaign. We need Andy’s voice here in Parliament and we need to stop Reform and their politics of division and hate.

David Hockney was one of the artists who showed me that art can capture what cameras and film cannot. What an amazing man and what an amazing contribution he made. This (A Closer Winter Tunnel Feb-March '06) was at his exhibition at the RA in 2012.

The 2nd episode of my men's mental health podcast - Simon Says Let's Talk - is out now on Spotify and YouTube. I sat down with critically acclaimed comedian, actor and writer Tom Walker aka Jonathan Pie ahead of his live tour. Visit simonopher.org/simon-says-l... to watch.

A couple of weeks ago, the West of England Mayor, Labour’s Helen Godwin, appointed the Green Party’s Councillor Tom Dyer as her Deputy. I have always championed an inclusive and open politics that seeks to bridge divides rather than deepen them. (1/2)

Today I’m proud to launch a world-first initiative: a podcast on prescription, developed in partnership with Craic Health, Brimscombe Mill and NHS Gloucestershire. Our debut episode features Andy Burnham nd Lu Jackson, founder of Craic. To listen, visit simonopher.org/simon-says-l...

Most people never meet their local councillors, let alone their MP. I balance my time in Parliament with learning more about local communities and campaigns - which involved visiting Tesco in Cam last week Thanks to my friend councillor Ian Hamilton and the team at Tesco for making us so welcome.

150 years of our local hospital is definitely something to celebrate, & I enjoyed visiting the exhibition at the Stratford Park Museum last week. Confess to a certain nervousness at the idea of being treated by Dr Salter in that hat, though. But love how communities come together over these things.

I really enjoyed the Living with Swifts event at Nailsworth Festival last weekend, and was reminded of the Ted Hughes poem about swifts: 'They’ve made it again, Which means the globe’s still working, the Creation’s Still waking refreshed' There is still time. Thanks to all involved.

The Israeli military has targeted healthcare workers in Gaza, the West Bank and Lebanon. One of the most egregious examples of this is the continued detention of Dr Hussam Abu Safiya who has been illegally held for nearly 18 months... 🧵1/3

I visited 'Many Hands Reading Room' in Nailsworth & loved it. It's a pop-up community space with art, design & craft books & art materials for the community to share. People of all ages come to read, create & engage. They close this w/end, but are open today, tomorrow, Friday & 10-4pm on Saturday.

Burnout is a very real condition and recognising the need to take a step back is important but often tough. Wishing Carla all the best as she takes some time out to focus on her health.