This year's heatwaves have had a huge impact on farmers when the sector is in the middle of a perfect storm which will end up hitting every one of us at the tills. Farms are on a cliff edge. Watch my take on why the Govt must act urgently at this critical juncture for our food & national security.

This month marks three years since I was elected as an MP. It’s the privilege of my life to do what I do, and I will continue to work hard to make sure the issues you care about across Glastonbury and Somerton are brought to the government's attention in Westminster.

Just weeks after reopening, 75% of the Sustainable Farming Incentive budget has already been allocated. Farmers need certainty, not another sudden closure. I've written to the new DEFRA Secretary of State this week calling for long-term support. Food security is national security.

The Government takes Liberal Democrat advice! My take on the bus fare cap announcement:

With a new Prime Minister in office, rural communities must no longer be an afterthought. I’ll be urging the Government to back British farmers, protect our rivers, fix social care, tackle rural inequalities and give local communities a greater say over the decisions that affect them.

It was great to meet Emma Brown, the new CEO of the Balsam Centre in Wincanton recently. The Balsam Centre is a fantastic community hub supporting physical and mental wellbeing for people of all ages and plays a vital role through Open Mental Health Somerset.

It was a pleasure to visit Evergreen Education and Therapy in Wincanton recently. They provide invaluable therapeutic education and support for children and families across Somerset. We need urgent SEND reform so providers like Evergreen get the funding, staff and support they need.

#FarmSafetyWeek is a vital reminder to look after the people who keep our country fed. Farming makes up just 1% of the workforce but accounts for 20% of workplace deaths. We must do more to improve safety, training and mental health support for our farming communities.

Today, I’ve written to DEFRA calling for fire ponds to be funded through the Farming Roadmap 2050. Following recent wildfires in Somerset, we must better protect rural communities. Fire ponds boost wildfire resilience while supporting farmers through drought and water shortages.

The Ilminster wildfire & three others this weekend are a stark reminder of the risks we face in hot, dry weather. Please avoid fires & barbecues, dispose of cigarettes safely and help protect our countryside. Together, we can help keep our communities and fire crews safe.

I had a wonderful afternoon at the Sounds Joyful community music session in Glastonbury last week! During term-time, Sounds Joyful run multiple sessions a week. To find out more about upcoming sessions and workshops, visit their website here: buff.ly/TwxyeE9

My statement on Ann Widdecombe:

I am seeking a part-time caseworker to join my busy constituency team for three days a week. If you are passionate about helping others, problem-solving, and supporting rural communities, follow this link to find out more about the role’s key responsibilities and essential criteria: buff.ly/F7QX5Yt

After Glastonbury experienced flash floods during a recent thunderstorm, today in Parliament I hoped to draw attention to the risks posed by these extreme weather events. I will continue to push to ensure that surface water and flash flooding risk are properly addressed.

Illegal waste dumping isn’t just an eyesore – it’s a national emergency, and it must be treated like one.

After visiting RNAS Yeovilton and seeing improvements to single living accommodation, I raised concerns in Parliament about delays to refurbishing military homes & asked what this means for personnel and families at Yeovilton. Those who serve our country deserve decent homes without further delay.

My team is handling 18 Civil Service pension cases, including Frosoulla from Glastonbury, who has waited months for her pension after retiring to care for her 92-year-old mother. Today I challenged the Government in Parliament. After years of public service, she deserves better.

The Government's long-delayed Defence Investment Plan falls far short of what defence chiefs say is needed to keep our country secure. The Liberal Democrats are calling on the Government to commit to spending 3% of GDP on defence by 2030 to provide the investment our national security needs.

My statement on the Amos Review:

Delighted to join the first ever Wincanton Pride on Friday. 🌈 It was a joyful celebration of love, diversity and community, and a reminder that everyone deserves to live openly, safely and proudly as themselves. Thank you to all the organisers, volunteers and supporters who made it such a success.

Today on #ArmedForcesDay I want to thank all those who serve & have served for their courage, commitment & sacrifice, including many across Somerset. The Govt must release its defence investment plan & commit to 3% of GDP spending on defence by 2030 to keep us safe in a time of mounting instability.

The farmer’s charity RABI has developed FarmersAid, a free app that provides clear, clinically informed guidance for ten common serious on-farm accidents - available for download today.

To celebrate Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller History Month, I am proud to have tabled an Early Day Motion recognising the rich cultural heritage, histories, and contributions of these communities in the Glastonbury and Somerton constituency and across the UK.

Yesterday, I attended the opening ceremony of Compassion in World Farming’s Parliamentary exhibition, ‘Phone Box ‘Calls’ to End the Cage Age.’ The Government must commit to bringing an end to the cage age, and overhaul trade policy to ensure our British welfare standards are not undermined.

This week is Insect Week, organised by the Royal Entomological Society🪲🐜🦗 To find out about Insect Week events taking place near you, visit the RES' website here: buff.ly/zFYy8cy

As Liberal Democrat Rural Affairs Spokesperson, I've written to the new Food Security Minister setting out the priorities of farmers and rural communities. Food security is national security. I'll keep pushing my Good Food Bill to back British farmers and deliver the certainty the sector needs.

From the Somerset Levels to the rainforests of Borneo, peatlands store more carbon than all the world’s forests combined. Yesterday in Parliament, I called on the Government to establish bilateral peatland partnerships – sharing British expertise to ensure peatlands are protected across the globe.

I was delighted to be invited to give the closing speech at Martock Pride on Saturday 🌈 As an openly gay Member of Parliament, I will keep working to ensure the LGBTQ+ community of the Glastonbury and Somerton constituency – and the wider UK – feel free to be who they are and love who they love.

I thoroughly enjoyed my first ever dance lesson alongside other complete beginners at Taunton Brewhouse as part of Pride Month in Somerset. We were taught by professional dancer Lou Barrett from Gingerfred Dance Studio in Langport who introduced us to the magic of Waltz and Rumba!

Delighted to table an EDM celebrating the Save the Bell Inn campaign in Curry Mallet, shortlisted for the One to Watch award at the 2026 Plunkett UK Rural Community Business Awards. Community pubs are vital rural hubs. Good luck to everyone involved at the awards on 2 July! 🍻🏡