Simon Opher

Just over a year ago, I was detained and deported by Israeli authorities as I tried to enter the West Bank as part of a parliamentary delegation. Parliamentarians must be allowed to enter the occupied territories without obstruction or intimidation.

Relieved to see the re-election of President Lula in Brazil. It’s a great day for all my friends who work for the Brazilian SUS – the equivalent of our NHS. I visited them last year and saw the brilliant work that Community Health Workers do.

You can watch my thoughts on today's announcement regarding Jackdaw. Please do send your views to my office via simon.opher.mp@parliament.uk

I welcome the Government’s new proposals to crack down on dangerous cosmetic procedures. Following the tragic death of Alice Webb, who underwent a procedure in Gloucester, I led a debate in Parliament where I called for tougher regulation to prevent another family suffering such a devastating loss.

Currently in the debate about replacing the House of Lords. Turns out that Andrew Rossindell MP either doesn't know or care what their policy was at the last election... The important point is that the second chamber needs reform (rather than Reform), and now is the time to get on with it.

We've all heard about the iniquitous fines regime in certain car parks around Stroud, and while it's a small thing in itself, I welcome the new Private Parking Code of Practice, which should com into force before the end of the year. Parking your car should be a straightforward process.

With friends and colleagues, the trustees of CRAFT (Comedy Representation & Artform Trust), lobbying in Downing Street. Government recognition of comedy as an art form would help open the door to specific funding and support. It might even make politics a bit more fun.

Earlier this week I went to a drop in session at Brimscombe Mill to provide support for older people, run by GOPA (Gloucestershire Older Persons Association). It was a busy day, with 20 stalls from organisations designed to help the older community such as Age UK. Thank you to everyone involved.

Congratulations to Kirsty and Kevin and all at the Hoptician in Dursley. It was announced today that they have won CAMRA Cider and Perry Pub of the Year 2026, and quite right too. I'm thrilled for them.

Missed my friend the Stroud Lido lobster this morning, but I enjoy the tradition of the conference swim.

Missed my friend the Stroud Lido lobster this morning, but I enjoy the tradition of the conference swim.

I don't think we need a Parliamentary Select Committee looking at the UK's selection for the Eurovision Song Contest. They've got much better things to do with their time. Anyway, the answer's obvious...

Having worked in gynaecology - I know first hand the devastating effects of miscarriage. This is something that 1 in 5 women in the UK go through. I welcome the news that from April, those experiencing pregnancy loss will have a legal right to bereavement leave.

A personal statement about today's assisted dying vote.

The troubles at Royal Mail are currently the biggest issue that people raise with me. The situation is untenable. Ofcom acknowledge that Royal Mail has failed to meet their targets & I believe we need to take it back into public ownership. Meantime, I will do what I can to improve local services.

We heard a historic statement from the Foreign Secretary this afternoon. This is being backed up by comprehensive action. I will continue to speak out against Israel’s deliberate targeting of healthcare workers and look forward to meeting the Foreign Secretary to discuss this.

This Friday, the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill returns to the Commons after its progress was blocked in the Lords during the last parliamentary session. Read why I'll be voting yes once again: buff.ly/KTxsbED

This morning, I was delighted to put on record my thanks to our brilliant local community for their tireless work in securing the reopening of Stroud Lido. I’m looking forward to meeting with the Sports Minister to discuss my proposal for a National Lido Fund.

This week, the Representation of the People Bill returns to the Commons for its final stage. It's a genuinely transformative piece of legislation But, there are two amendments which I would like to see added to the Bill:

I was there and sang along. Loved it. Written on the same day as ‘I Will Always Love You’. And she did so much good in the world. Goodbye, please don't cry… I will always love you. Thanks Dolly.

This is good. However, as the report says, there is more than £16bn still to be allocated outside London, and none of this is for the south west, but it is a step in the right direction. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

I welcome confirmation that the government will set out sanctions against those involved in illegal settlement expansion. But, there is room to go further. I am urging the PM to: - Ban all trade with illegal settlements - Impose comprehensive sanctions - Recognise the UN’s findings on genocide

Celebrating the reopening of Stroud Lido this morning is the highlight of my summer. I'm looking forward to coming back for another swim soon, this time in my shorts! What a great result - thank you all!

Busy day today... @CountBinface

I'm delighted that @dawnbutlerbrent.bsky.social campaign to protect and support our High Streets was supported by the new government yesterday. It's another small step towards revitalising local economies across the country.

The student loan system isn't fit for purpose, and I was one of many MPs of all parties who wrote to the Chancellor about it this week. It is just one of the many things that are very wrong with the higher education system in the UK. This is just the start of a long journey.

For young people who regularly use any of the three stations in the constituency, this could save hundreds of pounds a year. Another small step to help take the pressure off household finances. Loads more to do though. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

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!

I have a caseworker vacancy in my office in Stroud. www.w4mpjobs.org/JobDetails.a...

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