16 - 24-year-olds must visit a GP more often than any other age group to be diagnosed with cancer, often requiring 3 visits. This is a dreadful statistic. That’s why I urged the Leader of the House to allow a debate on increasing access to GPs as part of the National Cancer Plan.

The disruption on Evendons Lane caused by Thames Water is significantly affecting the community, from delaying school runs to diverting customers away from local businesses. I am contacting Thames Water to urge for an earlier completion to the sewage works and end the disruption.

Last week I had the privilege of opening Wokingham's newest Indian and Bangladeshi restaurant, Ranga Lounge, and met their brilliant staff. Local businesses like Ranga Lounge are vital in Wokingham, and I was delighted to welcome yet another asset to our community.

I had the pleasure of opening many businesses and facilities in our community this week, including the new Ranga Lounge restaurant and the refurbished Arborfield Village Hall. I also completed the Wokingham Lions' Autumn Walk for charity. Here’s what else I’ve done this week:

It was wonderful to see Hurst’s local shop given a new lease of life by Baweja Superstores at their grand opening today. Local shops are the backbone of communities, and the many residents I spoke to were delighted to see their village shop back up and running after many months.

The Conservatives' botched Brexit deal spelled disaster for many British businesses, nearly half of which report that resultant customs procedures are the biggest barrier to trading in Europe. We must rebuild the EU-UK relationship to secure future prosperity for our businesses.

Last week, I had the privilege to open the new ‘Wokingham Ward’ in Apple Hill Hospital and announced the winners at the @BFTF_Wokingham Awards celebration. I also visited Bearwood Brewery, a brilliant new addition to the local business community. Here’s what else I did:

Hewlett-Packard have failed those who dedicated years of service to the company, who now struggle to pay their bills due to their pensions not increasing with inflation. This cannot be allowed to continue and I will keep advocating for justice for pensioners like Jane and John.

Local convenience stores are facing huge obstacles, including the Government’s increase to employer NI contributions and organised shoplifting. I recently had the pleasure of visiting one of our local stores, ran by three generations of the same family, to discuss their concerns.

Yeldall Manor provides emotional, social and psychological support to men struggling with addiction, and I had the privilege of visiting their recovery centre recently. I spoke with Yeldall's CEO and trustees about the importance of community rehabilitation & government support.

The Lib Dem conference came to a close this week, where I met with many charities and businesses, including Cancer Research UK and the Mental Health Foundation. I also named local businesses and the Royal Berkshire Hospital in my speeches. Here's what else I've done this week:

Yesterday was the penultimate day of Conference, where I spoke at the Institute for Government Fringe Event and continued meeting with brilliant groups including Cancer Research UK, the British Psychological Society, the Hall Hunter Partnership and the British Dental Association.

16–24-year-olds have to visit their GP more times than anyone else before getting a cancer diagnosis. Cancer diagnosis is not something that can wait. @TeenageCancer are calling for faster cancer diagnosis to save more young lives, and ensure their needs are met.

I had the opportunity yesterday to meet with many charities and organisations making a huge difference on a national level and local level. It was brilliant meeting with Centre for Care, the MCS Foundation, the Royal College of Radiologists and the Lib Dem Friends of Hong Kong.

Local hospitality businesses in Wokingham are the backbone of our local economy, and the story is no different throughout the UK. It's essential we help small businesses to cope with energy costs and shortages so that they can continue to contribute greatly to our community.

Cancer impacts more than health; it affects the finances of families when added expenses cause costs to spiral. Young Lives vs Cancer is at the heart of supporting young people living with cancer and their families, providing support so families can focus on what matters most.

Nearly 1 in 3 people with dementia are undiagnosed, a dreadful statistic. Early diagnosis is vital, yet so difficult. I met with Alzheimer’s Research UK to learn more about the fight for more accessible early diagnosis and their expectations for future intervention and treatment.

It was a great opening day at the Lib Dem Conference, especially as it started off with Ed Davey’s impressive band marching skills! I made speeches on hospitality, highlighting many local businesses. I also spoke about the RBH & met with the End Violence Against Women Coalition.

In my role as chair of the Thames Valley APPG, business across Berkshire have warned me of Britain’s skills shortage. We must improve the connection between education providers and employers, and we Liberal Democrats must continue to consider ourselves as the party of education.

It’s the first morning of Conference 2025, which I began by giving a speech on saving emergency care in our hospitals. The RBH’s A&E department isn’t built to deal with the huge number of patients it sees every day – this must stop. We need our new RBH sooner rather than later.