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DEFENDING THE RURAL WAY OF LIFE |
Norfolk isn’t London or the suburbs and it doesn’t want to be. We are a proud rural county with historic market towns and villages. Yes we need growth and housing - but not massive industrial commuter house dumping. We need more affordable local housing for local communities and small businesses. I am determined to continue my Norfolk Way campaign for more organic local growth. |
SPEAKING UP FOR THE RURAL ECONOMY AND SMALL BUSINESSES |
The key to prosperity, jobs and income in Mid Norfolk is our small businesses. Having run my own local small business before standing for Parliament I know how hard it is to run a small business. Our pubs, B+Bs, gyms, bike shops, local housebuilders, High Street shops, family farms, food businesses, haulage, local accountants, solicitors and support businesses. Small businesses need different policies from the City and FTSE 100. I continue to do all I can as the local MP to help our SMEs. |
STOPPING CAR PARKING CHARGES |
Our market towns and local businesses rely on passing trade. In rural areas like Norfolk, people need cars to get around. Residents of villages should be able to drop into our High Street shops. Parking charges would have been a hammer blow to hard pressed local residents. I’m delighted to have helped persuade BDC to pause the proposed parking charges. |
CAMPAIGNING FOR LOCAL COMMUNITY HEALTHCARE, DENTISTRY AND MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT |
Delivering public services in rural areas is more expensive. But rural areas like ours actually have higher healthcare needs. With many elderly, low income and vulnerable households and a lack of local provision, our area has a huge number of households with people suffering from serious healthcare difficulties including autism, depression and dementia. I continue to fight for better local funding and provision of healthcare services to the most vulnerable. |
The last 5 -10 years has seen a massive surge in the number of children with Special Education Needs - from ADHD to autism and a whole spectrum of serious SEN and disabilities. I’m proud to have secured the funding for Chapel Green SEND school and Fred Nicholson upgrades but we need more “Hub & Spoke” support for local schools. I continue to make the case and am pleased to have secured the Rural Hub & Spoke pilot project in Mid Norfolk. |
Mid Norfolk is home to c.45 care homes providing care to vulnerable elderly residents who are unable to live at home independently. Due to adult (and child) social care being funded through councils rather than the NHS healthcare, it has received significantly less funding compared to NHS healthcare. Dedicated care home staff do extraordinary work on very low wages. We all rely on them. Which is why I continue my constituency Friday visits and try and speak up for this key sector. |
DEFENDING THE COUNTRYSIDE FROM INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT |
With Cambridge and Norwich growing fast, there is significant demand for new housing along the A11 corridor. The big national housebuilders like Persimmon, Barratt and Wimpey can see huge housebuilding demand. Government in London is desperate for growth to raise revenue to pay for public services - massive house building is growth. But the risk is that rural Mid Norfolk becomes a commuter suburb of massive commuter housing estates. I continue to defend Village and Town Neighbourhood Plans and help fight industrial over/development of Mid Norfolk. |
LAUNCHING THE CENTRAL NORFOLK SOLAR FARM ALLIANCE |
We all want renewable energy which should be cheaper, cleaner and more secure than the coal, oil and hydrocarbon economy of the last 200 years. But hard-pressed households and businesses across Mid Norfolk rightly resent massive subsidies for offshore wind. We now have onshore solar being pushed through by Government in London causing more expensive energy and industrialisation of the countryside. Ed Milliband’s plan to bulldoze massive solar power stations on agricultural land (they are not “farms”).
So, as Ed Miliband presses ahead, I’m determined that the 17 villages and 10,000 residents affected have a proper voice. That’s why I have helped launch the Central Norfolk Solar Action Alliance (CNSAA), bringing together local councils, campaigners and MPs’ James Wild and Terry Jermy. |
Ed Miliband’s proposed solar farm in Central Norfolk isn’t a farm at all. It’s a massive industrial power complex, 15 square miles of sub stations, pylons and cables stretching from Castle Acre to Dereham. Calling it a farm insults a proud farming community as well as the local village communities being pushed aside in the rush for subsidised solar and commuter housing. As someone who has spent years championing sustainable rural growth, I believe real green progress means:
· Building New Towns near rail links, with energy efficient homes and proper transport. · Supporting small scale rural housing for local families.
· Putting solar panels on roofs, not across fields.
· Backing village based enterprises that cut commuting and strengthen communities.
That’s the vision I’ve long promoted through ‘The Norfolk Way’. What we’re seeing from Whitehall instead is a short sighted, top down model that industrialises farmland and undermines rural livelihoods, the opposite of genuine sustainability. In the months ahead, we’ll be working to ensure local people are heard and that Norfolk’s future is shaped with our communities, not imposed on them. |
REPRESENTING HOUSEHOLDS HIT BY FLOODING |
Over the last 5-10 years our area has seen a tsunami of inland flooding. Breckland is one of the driest and sandiest areas of the country. It shouldn’t be flooding.
But climate change and a lack of drainage maintenance, Environment Agency “rewilding” of ditches, green tape and housebuilding on flood plains without adequate infrastructure is causing sewage and drainage overflows in c 14 villages and several town neighbourhoods. That’s why I set up the Mid Norfolk Inland Flood Partnership, Norfolk Flood Alliance and am leading the charge in Parliament with my Inland Flood Prevention (Responsibilities & Liabilities) Bill. |
FIGHTING FOR BETTER LOCAL MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES |
Across Mid Norfolk we have a huge number of households struggling with serious mental illness. From acute depression to bipolar disorders, and psychoses, which are driving a surge in tragic cases of people taking their own lives, and families ravaged by the silent suffering of coping with the trauma of acute mental illness. Mental health services across the country are overwhelmed. But in rural areas generally - and Norfolk and Suffolk specifically - it’s been a failing service which has let down many vulnerable people. I continue to fight for the overdue reforms to the Norfolk and Suffolk Mental Health services. |
BACKING THE FARMING INDUSTRY AND THE FUTURE OF FAMILY FARMING |
Farming isn’t just a business — it’s a way of life, vital to our local economy and food security.
Our farmers, landowners and rural businesses continue to show incredible resilience — but they’re under real pressure.
Small family farms are unusual businesses. They operate on a very expensive asset (land) with very expensive equipment but make little / no profit. That's why since 1984 all Governments have agreed not to tax the value of the assets when a farmer dies and passes it on to his or her family.
If the Government was closing the loophole of global millionaires using that exemption to avoid tax - I would support them. But they’re not. The Farm Tax is unfair because it targets the genuine small farms which are the backbone of our countryside. I fear this is a cynical move to force family farms to pack up and release land for housebuilding and subsidised industrial solar power. I will continue to fight it.
One of the biggest challenges I hear about is the impact of inheritance tax on family farms, where land and assets are often tied up for generations.
Families shouldn’t have to sell off parts of their farms just to pay a tax bill. |
Supporting our local GPs and community health The continued growth of housing developments across Mid Norfolk has placed increasing pressure on our local GP surgeries and health infrastructure. Until I changed the law in 2015, the NHS was not a statutory consultee in the planning process, which meant that health services always lag behind housebuilding.
I continue to work closely with local GPs and NHS leaders to make the case for better integration of health and social care in local planning: in Dereham, Attleborough, Watton, Mattishall and Larling / Snetterton.
I continue to lobby Ministers in Westminster, pressing for reforms to ensure that health infrastructure is properly planned and funded alongside new housing. |
TACKLING THE DEMENTIA TIME BOMB THROUGH SCIENCE AND COMPASSION |
With our ageing population, Alzheimer’s and dementia are a growing national crisis devastating families and placing huge strain on patients, carers and families as well as our healthcare system.
Dementia is one of the cruellest diseases, robbing people of their memories and independence.
As the UK’s first Minister for Life Sciences, I was proud to host the first G20 Dementia Summit and launched the Dementia Research Institute and Fund. Fifteen years on, I continue to champion this cause in Parliament, working to ensure research, patient engagement and innovation remain at the heart of our fight against dementia. |
STRENGTHENING SEND SUPPORT IN RURAL NORFOLK |
For far too many families across Mid Norfolk the battle to get the right support for their children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) is getting harder each year. The system is under real pressure and in rural areas like ours, long travel distances, limited specialist provision, and funding formulas that don’t reflect local realities make it even tougher. Too many parents are left fighting for help that their children should receive automatically.
I have seen first hand the incredible work being done in our local SEND schools, like Chapel Green and Fred Nicholson in Dereham. But we need much more LOCAL support for parents and teachers in the non-specialist schools We need a much more joined up approach, that fairly funds education, health, and care services, and recognises the real costs of supporting children across rural communities.
That’s why I’ve been pressing Ministers to make sure national SEND reforms take proper account of the challenges rural counties face. I’ve raised this repeatedly in Parliament, worked closely with Norfolk County Council, and helped secure funding for our local schools’ expansions. |
The scandal of continued building in flood plains without adequate drainage infrastructure continues to cause misery for hundreds of homes.
I continue to lead the charge locally and in Parliament on Inland Flood Prevention:
- Establishing the Mid Norfolk Flood Partnership - Convening the first Norfolk Flood Summit - Convening the All Party Inland Flood Summit in Parliament - Bringing national media to Mid Norfolk to cover the scale of the problem - Lobbying the Minister for Flooding in Parliament - Joining the Inland Flood Review Taskforce
In the news: |
CAMPAIGNING FOR BETTER DEREHAM TOWN CENTRE PLANNING |
Dereham is a historic market town which has grown over the last 75 years but the traffic and local facilities have not kept pace with that growth. I continue to work to support local residents and businesses to press local councillors to set out a long term Dereham Town Plan. |
PREVENTING THE CLOSURE OF DEREHAM POST OFFICE |
Post Offices aren't just for posting letters, they are local community and service hubs. That's why I fought to save the Mid Norfolk ones in the last round of closures and fought to save the Dereham Post Office.
Losing such a vital service from the heart of Dereham would have been unacceptable. Every town deserves a reliable, accessible Post Office that supports local people and keeps our high street thriving.
After a series of meetings, correspondence and discussions with senior Post Office Ltd officials, local councillors and residents to make the case for keeping our branch open. After discussions and community pressure, I’m pleased to confirm that Dereham Post Office will remain in its current location with improved, modernised services.
This is a real win for our town and proof of what can be achieved when we work together. I’ll continue to keep a close eye on things to make sure the Post Office stays vitally at the heart of Dereham for years to come. |
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DAP AND TOWN CENTRE REGENERATION |
Dereham is a town with huge potential, but like many of our Norfolk market towns it faces real pressures. We need a stronger local business voice, clearer community leadership and a more coordinated approach to securing investment and creating new opportunities. Without that, we risk letting Dereham fall behind at a time when we should be building on its heritage, culture and growing population. The town centre needs support, businesses need a platform, and residents deserve a clear plan that brings everyone together around the future of Dereham.
I continue to: - Push for a Dereham Town Long Term Plan - Support the Dereham Action Plan group to lobby for Town Centre and heritage improvements - Support the Dereham Museum - Lead the campaign for a new Toftwood Community Health Centre - Support residents campaigning on NR19 - Support the campaign to stop local car park charges
We need our local councillors to work with local businesses and residents to ensure Dereham is a thriving, sustainable, historic market town over the next few decades - NOT a commuter dormitory town with a declining Town Centre dominated by vape shops and street crime. Other towns have done it - so can Dereham. |
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FIGHTING FOR BETTER HEALTH CARE FOR TOFTWOOD AND DEREHAM RESIDENTS |
The decision by NHS England to close the Toftwood Surgery has understandably left patients frustrated and confused. While I reluctantly accept that without landlord consent to expand the current site there's no alternative to the short term move to Orchard and Theatre Royal surgeries, this situation is simply not sustainable. Dereham urgently needs modern, accessible healthcare provision for its growing population.
We need to speak with one voice; GPs, care homes, patients, councillors and MPs to make the case for adequate community health facilities.
That’s why I’m pressing NHS England and the Department of Health to deliver a new Community Health Hub, including dental services in Dereham. I’ll soon be convening a roundtable with patient groups, pharmacies, GPs and NHS officials to agree a long-term Community Health Plan. |
Many local residents have rightly raised concerns about the ongoing safety issues at the Drayton Hall Lane junction. All of us who use it regularly know it’s a seriously lethal blackspot.
The recent planning application for a new care home at this already difficult junction seems, frankly, an ill judged proposal, particularly given the existing safety challenges. Once the A47 Dualling project is completed, this stretch will become the first section of single carriageway westbound from the new A47. That transition alone will increase traffic pressures and potential risks at this junction.
At a time when we should be focusing on making this road safer, adding further traffic movements and access points here feels the wrong approach. I have been, and will continue to be, in close contact with local councillors, Norfolk County Council, and the relevant authorities to press for proper safety improvements at this site. |
COMMUNITY SPORTS: WORKING WITH DEREHAM FC AND LOCAL COMMUNITY CLUBS |
Mid Norfolk is blessed with some wonderful local community sports clubs - in football, cricket, rugby, athletics, hockey, tennis and many other sports run by dedicated volunteers.
Sport isn’t just good for health - it creates our very own Olympic athletes and enhances the global profile for Norfolk. Thank you to all the amazing volunteers who keep this special part of Norfolk thriving.
I was delighted to continue my work with Dereham FC Magpies supporting their youth team and clubhouse expansion, and support various clubs through the year with Sport England Lottery and DCMS applications. |
In and around Attleborough |
ATTCARE: ENSURING NEW HOUSING COMES WITH ADDITIONAL INTEGRATED LOCAL HEALTHCARE SERVICES |
We can’t keep building new housing without extra investment in health facilities. That's why I continue to help support an champion the ATTCARE project. ATTCARE is a local organisation that we set up as part of the Attleborough Town Plan to ensure that the 4000 new houses coming to Attleborough come with major improvement and investment in community health facilities. It is vital that there is a proper strategic plan for health and social care in Attleborough - and other towns like Dereham and Watton as the Labour Government increases the local housebuilding targets by 50%! ATTCARE is designed to be a model of how to do it properly and I’m determined to see it delivered properly and adopted elsewhere. |
ATTLEBOROUGH HIGH STREET AND TOWN CENTRE |
Attleborough is a wonderful historic market town - which many people want to live in, but the expansion must be properly planned so that: - the new housing to the South has a proper relief road to the A11 - the railway station is regenerated and refurbished - with a pedestrian / cycle boulevard to the railway station and Town Centre - proper traffic management & parking for the historic High St
Without a proper town plan, shaped by local residents, councillors and long established high street businesses like Tony Perkins butchers which bring the footfall to the town centre, we risk turning our Town Centres into a traffic bottleneck that damages local retail. |
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Families across Norfolk continue to face real challenges in securing the right support for children with SEND, and our specialist schools play an absolutely vital role in giving every child the chance to thrive.
I’ve always believed that a truly fair education system must work for all children. Our SEND schools are at the forefront of that mission, and I’m determined that their needs are properly understood, and properly supported, both locally and nationally.
That is why I regularly visit our SEND settings, stay in close contact with staff and governors, and champion their needs in my work on education, health, and community support.
I recently visited Chapel Green School, and was honoured to see the extraordinary new mural created by the students together with their artist in residence. It’s a striking piece of work full of imagination, colour and pride and a brilliant example of how creative learning can unlock confidence and joy in young people.
During my visit I met with senior staff to discuss the ongoing pressures facing SEND provision across Norfolk: from rising demand for specialist places, to transport challenges, to the need for sustained investment in facilities and staff. These issues come up time and again in my constituency work, and I will continue to champion improvements so that every child, whatever their needs, gets the high quality education, support and opportunities they deserve.
Chapel Green is a shining example of a dedicated, compassionate school community doing life-changing work for its pupils, and I’ll keep working with them to ensure they have the resources and backing to continue that mission. |
Traffic, parking and pedestrian safety
Hingham is a hidden gem of a Norfolk Georgian market town. With a wonderful pub on the green and boutique shops, historic houses, outstanding GP surgery, excellent school and sports facilities it’s unsurprisingly a popular place to live.
But success - and a busy road - bring challenges. I continue to work with local councillors to lobby South Norfolk Council and Norfolk County Council for help with: We don’t need a massive long term scheme. We just need some proper additional parking and local road safety measures. Local people know what’s needed. I’ll continue to make the case that the Councils need to listen to them! |
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In and around Watton and Wayland |
SUPPORTING WATTON REGENERATION |
Watton has seen massive housing development over the last 40 years - with no proper plan or investment in local community facilities or infrastructure, most of which always seems to go to Thetford, Swaffham or Dereham. That's why I fought to secure the Banking Hub and continue to work with local businesses, Chamber and Wayland House to push for the next phase of the High St and town centre regeneration. |
Wayland Digital and Creative Media Centre
Watton has been hit hard by its remote location, rising costs, pressure on high-street shops and limited opportunities for young people. But towns like ours shouldn’t be written off, the talent and potential are here. What we’ve lacked is the right support and a plan that builds on our strengths.
That’s why I’ve been working with the Chamber of Commerce, High Street businesses and local councillors to bring new skills, jobs and investment into the area. It’s been fantastic to see the ‘Wayland Partnership and Wayland Chamber’ launch plans to transform the old Police Station and Wayland House into a modern Digital and Creative Media Centre.
Under the plan Wayland House would be transformed into a digital skills training, VR and podcast studios, business space, a gaming and cinema area, art gallery, live performance space, café and soft play, giving local creators and businesses the facilities they need.
I’m continuing to work with Town, Breckland and County Councillors to help move the project forward and support funding efforts. Your backing genuinely helps. |
Our small businesses have faced some incredibly tough years, from rising costs to changing shopping habits, yet they remain the lifeblood of our local economy and high streets.
I continue to work on Town Centre regeneration through: - the Wayland Chamber of Commerce scheme for Wayland House regeneration - Watton High Street regeneration with local traders, including new ventures like The Watton Pie and Mash Shop, and Flora and More. - the regeneration of The Bull hotel - Breckland Council investment in local sports facilities
To find out more about my historic and ongoing work ‘Backing Local Business’, please visit my campaign page below. |
WATTON HOT BAGUETTE SHOP REOPENS |
When Steve had to close the old butchers we all missed those famous baguettes. Now they’re back!
With the new Wayland House Digital Business Hub at the west end of the High St and the Baguette Shop opening by the old Market Place - Watton High St is bouncing back!
Now we just need the Old Bull Hotel to be renovated and more promotion of this great market town for visitors. If we value local businesses we have to use them.
I am delighted to be working with local councillors and retailers to help promote High St regeneration. |
WORKING WITH HMP WAYLAND PRISON ON PRISONER TRAINING |
HMP Wayland is a pre release prison doing vital work preparing prisoners at the end of their time to re/enter the community.
Too many of our prisons are full of people who struggle to break out of the cycle of crime and get back into mainstream work. Too many of our prisons are also full of people who are in because of the all too familiar cycle of untreated serious mental illness / addiction and criminality. Breaking that cycle is KEY to reducing crime and prison numbers.
Thats why I’ve been proud to be able to use my time now out of Government to set up the RTC project with HMP Wayland to help pre-release offenders prepare to leave the support of the prison environment and enter the workplace.
Following the success of our work in HMP Wayland and HMP Erlestoke, Regen Theatre will be returning to both prisons in 2026 to deliver further mental health outreach workshops. We’re also expanding the programme to two additional prisons across the UK, with discussions underway to bring this transformative initiative to many more institutions in the years ahead. |
The Mid Norfolk Constituency has 130 villages as well as the 4 market towns. Every constituency Friday and weekend I try and visit another village or cluster of villages to support residents and councillors with local village community projects.
Through the year I’ve continued my work supporting a number of key village projects: |
Barnham Broom Neighbourhood Plan
Working closely with with Cllr Richard Elliott, residents and South Norfolk Council to support the Village’s plea for appropriate local housing allocations in the right place for the village. |
753rd Gt Hockham Horn Fair
This historic village green fair is a true celebration of rural Norfolk life, with Maypole dancing, log splitting, stick balancing, classic cars, Dad’s Army reenactments, local arts and crafts, delicious street food, and of course, a fantastic village pub at the heart of it all. It was wonderful to join the 753rd Hockham Horn Fair - an extraordinary local tradition dating all the way back to 1272!
Congratulations to all the volunteers, organisers, and local residents who work so hard each year to keep this much-loved tradition alive. |
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Banham Zoo
Banham Zoo, located near the market town of Attleborough, remains one of Norfolk's most exciting attractions. With over 2,000 animals set in 50 acres of beautiful parkland and gardens, it’s an award-winning family destination and a true gem in Mid Norfolk. But it’s also doing important conservation work.
I continue to support Banham Zoo, part of the Zoological Society of East Anglia, and was pleased to help their bid for the prestigious BIAZA Great British Wildlife Restoration Award earlier this year. Their outstanding ‘Pool Frog Pods’ project, focused on conserving native species, was shortlisted for this national honour, which was presented by Mr Speaker at a parliamentary reception in January 2025. |
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Thomas Bullock Village Church School
Our small rural primary schools are key to local village community. They face real cost and other pressures - including the push from DfE to concentrate pupils in bigger schools. But I think closing small rural schools and bussing kids to bigger schools is madness. Which is why I continue to fight wherever I can to keep small village schools open. And try each Constituency Friday to make regular visits to schools, keep close contact with headteachers, staff and governors and speak up for them whenever support or funding is needed.
Thomas Bullock Church of England Primary and Nursery School It was wonderful to present Mason Lynch, winner of my annual Christmas card competition with his book token during their celebration assembly—well done Mason! I also caught up with Executive Deputy Head Teacher Nick Wade and spoke with pupils about the excellent work happening across the school. It was encouraging to see the school thriving after the challenges caused by RAAC in 2023, with a rebuilt hall that is now bright, modern and fully in use. Thomas Bullock is a great example of an exceptional village school supporting its young people, and I’ll keep doing all I can to ensure rural schools like theirs receive the funding and backing they deserve. To find out more about my wider work on Fairer Rural Schools Funding and Support, please visit my campaign page below. |
Asbestos in schools
When concerns about RAAC emerged last year, many parents in Shipdham were understandably worried. I was pleased to be able to work with both the school's headteacher and the Chief Executive of the Diocese of Norwich Education Trust from the outset, offering full support as remedial works were carried out. Throughout this challenging period, the staff, pupils and families of Thomas Bullock School have shown remarkable resilience and community spirit, ensuring that learning continued smoothly despite the disruption. |
FIGHTING THE GOVERNMENT'S PROPOSED NEW SOLAR POWER STATION IN MID NORFOLK |
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The proposed Central Norfolk Solar Power Station - which Ed Miliband is pushing through using critical national infrastructure powers to bi-pass the local planning system - will have a massive impact on our area.
17 Mid and South West Norfolk villages, (Little and Great Dunham, Beeston, Bradenham, Holme Hale, Saham Toney, Scarning, Shipdham, Watton, Wendling, Little and Great Fransham, Longham, Necton, Sporle, Swaffham and Castle Acre) communities are now facing proposals for multiple and very large solar developments.
These schemes cover thousands of acres and bring with them substations, cable routes and new pylons. This is no longer simply about solar panels in fields; it risks becoming the large-scale industrialisation of our countryside without proper coordination, planning, or clear benefits for the people who live and work here.
Each village can and must decide its own preference for solar fields. But the scale of this project also demands a strategic response. That’s why I have made this a top priority project:
- convening the C Norfolk Solar Farm Action Alliance - working cross-party with neighbouring MPs Terry Jermy (Lab) and James Wild (Con) - lobbying Ministers in Parliament - fighting for community benefit - highlighting the impact on the wider Norfolk economy and landscape |
SUPPORTING YANA HELPING RURAL MENTAL HEALTH |
Our farming community is experiencing an epidemic of serious mental illness. On average one farmer a week now takes their own life.
YANA is an outstanding local charity doing vital work across our constituency and the wider region, supporting the mental health of our farmers and all those working in agriculture and our rural communities.
Farming life brings unique pressures, long hours, isolation, financial uncertainty and the unpredictability of the weather, all of which can take their toll on mental wellbeing. That’s why YANA’s work is so important.
They provide:
· Confidential support and a listening ear · Connections to mental health resources and counselling · Awareness-raising across the farming community about the help available
Morale and mental health in the farming community are at an all-time low, and it’s deeply concerning that, on average, one farmer every week in the UK takes their own life. That’s why I’ve long supported YANA’s work and will continue to do so, working with local farmers, landowners, and agricultural businesses to ensure that no one feels they have to carry the weight alone.
If you, or someone you know, is struggling, please reach out. Help is available, and together we can grow stronger as a community. Farming can be tough but you are not alone. |
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BACKING LOCAL EQUESTRIAN SPORTS AND FAKENHAM RACECOURSE |
Mid Norfolk is home to many world class equestrian centres from World Horse Welfare to studs, racing yards, livery yards and pony clubs.
British racing faced a an unprecedented threat with a proposed ‘racing tax’ being implemented by the government. Along with colleagues and the racing industry, I lobbied ministers on this highly damaging proposal and I am delighted it was removed from the chancellor’s budget.
From the Derby at Epsom and the Grand National at Aintree, to the hundreds of local racecourses and Point to Points across the country, British racing is a cornerstone of our world class sport, equestrian excellence, and rural economy, as well as a vital part of our cultural heritage and soft power around the world. |
SUPPORTING THE ROYAL NORFOLK SHOW 2025 |
The Norfolk Show is an important event in the Norfolk calendar:
· major visitor attraction · showcase of our rural economy · celebration of our heritage · showcase of our innovation
Every year I try to attend the Royal Norfolk Show, which started in 1847 to support and promote the agricultural industry in Norfolk. The Show is a major Norfolk visitor attraction and boost to the local economy. It continues to evolve, blending our proud agricultural heritage with the pioneering spirit that defines Norfolk today. From cutting edge Agri-tech displays to the next generation of young farmers and entrepreneurs, it’s a true celebration of what makes our county so special: hard work, innovation, and a deep-rooted connection to the land. |
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Suicide is now the biggest cause of death in men over 50, and 1 in 5 girls under 20 are experiencing serious self harm or mental illness. From bipolar disorder to chronic anxiety and depression, we are facing an epidemic and most families today have been touched by it in some way.
This is an issue deeply personal to me, having seen my own father’s life destroyed by undiagnosed, untreated mental illness. Stigma, poor diagnosis and chronic underfunding mean too many people slip through the cracks. We must break the silence and support those suffering long before crisis point.
Over the past two years, working with my wife Fiona and actor Mark Lockyer, we have created the ‘Regeneration Theatre Company’ to raise awareness in a new way. Building on Mark’s acclaimed work on living with bipolar disorder, we launched a groundbreaking one-man Hamlet, touring prisons, homeless shelters and mental health institutions to spark conversation, compassion and change. After debuting at Wilton’s Music Hall in 2025 and a performance in Dereham this May, the production returns to Norfolk in 2026 for a special showing at Norwich Cathedral.
Click below to follow the project and support the work, you can join our mailing list. |
Old Buckenham Airshow is one of the standout events in my constituency, and one I look forward to every single year. Since its launch in 2012, it’s become a major fixture on Norfolk’s calendar.
What began as a one-day show with just a couple of hours of flying has grown into a two-day spectacular featuring eight hours of world-class displays and attracting some of the finest performers anywhere in the world.
Huge congratulations to Matt Wilkins and the entire team for delivering another incredible, brilliantly run event this year.
Make sure to save the date for next year — 25th & 26th July 2026. |
GETTING MID NORFOLK ISSUES IN THE NEWS |
STANDING UP FOR MID NORFOLK IN PARLIAMENT |
In November, I secured an oral question in the Chamber where I pressed the Planning Minister on concerns that the Government’s flagship Planning and Infrastructure Bill does not even mention flooding. The Minister has agreed to a meeting to discuss the planning reforms we need and which my Flood Prevention Bill is proposing. |
I continue to take the fight against the massive C Norfolk solar power station to Parliament - helping to secure a debate in which I criticised the Government's cynical industrialisation of the countryside. Its proposal for a 7500 acre solar farm on prime farmland will devastate the area from Castle Acre through Swaffham to Dereham where agriculture, food and tourism are the number one employer. You can watch my contribution below. |
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At a time of growing geopolitical uncertainty and climate volatility, domestic food security has become a matter of national strategic importance. The Ukraine/Russia war has highlighted major vulnerabilities and risks of food chain disruption, and these ongoing global concerns add to the need to strengthen our own resilience.
As a champion of Norfolk's farming sector in Parliament and Chair of the All Party Group for Agricultural Research, I'm leading the major national 30:50:50 campaign to persuade Government to support UK farmers to grow more - not less - food.
The APPG for Science and Technology in Agriculture published its 30:50:50 Innovation Agenda for UK Agriculture setting out a clear and positive vision for Britain’s farmers to produce more from less: more food with fewer inputs, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and a smaller environmental footprint. With our good soils, temperate climate, professional farming sector, and world-class agri-science base, the UK is well-placed to increase sustainable production while reducing dependence on imports and contributing to global food security through innovation and international collaboration.
There is broad consensus that:
• The clarity and ambition of the 30:50:50 goal resonate strongly across industry and research communities. • Current domestic policies are not yet aligned to deliver this “more from less” agenda. • Science, technology, and innovation must be central to a coherent national food strategy.
I was pleased to chair the Summit in October - you can read the report below. |
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY SELECT COMMITTEE |
In November I was delighted to welcome Norwich Research Park based Tropic Biosciences to the Science and Technology Select Committee's Innovator Showcase, which I set up to spotlight businesses making our world a better place. Tropic are the company breeding bananas that don't go black, and they discussed their work breeding new varieties of tropical crops that improve both food security and environmental sustainability. It's innovative stuff! |
I was pleased to host the brilliant Beyond the Wire project set up by Armed Forces families who have lost loved ones in the line of duty.
After laying a cross of remembrance in their honour I was pleased to join them at the APPG for the Armed Forces Community and highlight the importance of Government honouring the pledge in the military covenant to do right by our forces families. |
REMEMBRANCE COMMEMORATIONS |
It was an honour to plant a memorial cross in the Parliamentary Garden of Remembrance to remember and thank all of those from Mid Norfolk who have served our country in the armed forces family. In Remembrance Week we need to remember and honour not just those who gave their lives but also the partners, children and families who suffer the trauma of their loss and the long term consequences. The Mid Norfolk constituency has a long and proud connection to the military through our long association with the RAF and USAF bomber based in the war, our barracks at Swanton Morley, RAF Marham and our many cadets and retired forces personnel. |
SPEAKING UP FOR THE CHILDREN OF ADDICTION |
In November, I was proud to lead a debate in Westminster Hall on the topic of children of alcoholics. As Chair of the APPG for NACOA (National Association of Children of Alcoholics,) I raised the plight of the 2.5 million children in the UK who are, "right now, watching the bottles, watching the levels, keeping an eye on their parents, distracted from their school work and struggling to do all the things that children should."
Working cross party with colleagues and NACOA, I will continue to push for improvements for long-term health and I look forward to leading a delegation to meet with the Minister and Department for Health officials. |
In October I was the victim of a deepfake AI generated video that proclaimed I had defected to Reform. This is obviously not true! The spread of AI deepfake video technology poses real risks for fraud, exploitation, scamming and major disruption of our democratic process.
After being the target of a deepfake attack I’m now leading a cross-party group of MPs and Peers to stop identity theft via AI deepfakes being used to disrupt democratic elections. The Prime Minister pledged his support for my efforts at Prime Minister's Questions and I have also met with the Speaker who is similarly supportive of my work. I look forward to keeping you update with developments in the new year. |
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We needed a Budget for the small business-led local economy which is the engine of local prosperity, employment and community.
Instead we got a Budget aimed at buying the support of Labour MPs and their Union paymasters.
I fear it means things are going to get worse on the ground in Mid Norfolk and in the UK economy, rather than better. I hope I’m wrong. But common sense and clear local feedback suggest not.
We need a Budget and Government for small business and the local economy. Governments in London and the Treasury need to understand that “the economy” isn’t a spreadsheet in HMT - it’s a connected ecosystem of local consumers & small businesses who need our support to grow.
Government can’t just keep taxing small businesses, jobs / NI and consumers and expect the economy to grow. It won’t. Growth needs investment and lower taxes and consumers having more of their own money to spend. Talking to to local businesses, charities, residents and Cllr’s, several key messages came through loud and clear: the big increases in income tax will hit middle income families and earners hard the lack of any of the targeted relief for rural cost of living that I (and cross-party MPs) been calling for means low income rural areas like Mid Norfolk will continue to struggle there will be less disposable income to spend in local shops/pubs/ cafes which, alongside the NI Jobs Tax, Family Business tax and business rates means more local shops, pubs and businesses closing with the massive spending on welfare (scrapping the 2 Child Benefit Cap introduced by the Conservatives in 2011 will cost c £4bn in year 1 growing each year as the incentive to have more children takes effect) meaning more people not in work with falling growth (already down 50% since Labour took office and launched its big business taxes) leading to more public debt and public sector debt interest payments and the likelihood of interest rates going UP, risking a serious mortgage and housing market collapse and public finance crisis.
This is a path to Austerity 2.0 - via the biggest tax and benefits spending spree in peacetime. As every responsible household knows you can’t borrow, tax or spend your way out of debt. |
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The Government's proposed changes to shotgun licensing are seriously ill-conceived and represent yet another attack on rural communities.
As a shotgun certificate holder, long-standing BASC member, and someone who grew up shooting on my family farm in Norfolk, I know how important shooting is to our rural way of life and I strongly support the BASC campaign to get the reforms changed.
Firearms licensing (covering high powered rifles and any other sporting firearms like shooting pistols) has rightly always been tougher than the license for sporting shotguns which fire small pellet shot.
Merging shotgun and firearms licensing would place unnecessary burdens on responsible certificate holders while failing to fix the real issues of enforcement, consistency and resourcing in police licensing teams.
The Government’s plans will penalise law-abiding rural communities without doing anything to improve safety.
Game shooting plays a vital role in the countryside: in conservation, agricultural pest control, the rural economy, and the rural way of life. In Mid Norfolk it sustains many local jobs, farms and businesses and these reforms will hit our local rural economy hard.
I’ve raised these concerns directly with the Home Secretary. Any changes must be evidence-based, not ideological. |
Agritech: Flooding: Norfolk Way of Life: NACOA: Science and Tech: AI: BBC Radio 5 Live: discussing being the target of an AI deepfake with Matt Chorley. Listen here. LBC: I discussed being the target of an AI deepfake and the impact on democracy following my PMQ on the issue with LBC's Andrew Marr. Listen here.
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A YEAR OUT AND ABOUT ACROSS THE 130 VILLAGES AND 4 TOWNS OF MID NORFOLK |
Being accessible and visible in a constituency the size of Mid Norfolk - 130 villages, 4 towns, 32,000 houses, 90 mile boundary is a challenge.
Each week I have to be in Parliament Monday - Thursday evening - but drive back home to Mid Norfolk and try and do as many visits / surgeries /meetings as I can on constituency Fridays and Saturdays.
But I can’t be everywhere!
So I also try and make myself accessible to you - the people I serve - in as many ways as I can:
(I’ve given up on X which has become a waste of time.) |
CASEWORK AND CORRESPONDENCE |
Each week I receive c 1500 items of correspondence (mainly emails) in the constituency office which Fi and Shellie and I try to respond to as best we can. |
Over the last 14 years I'm proud to have secured some real wins for our area:
✔️A11 & A47 dualling ✔️c £1 billion of Gov funding for the Norwich Research Park ✔️RAF Marham secured as the homes of the F35 Lightning jets ✔️Robertson Barracks Swanton Morley kept open ✔️£7m for Chapel Green SEND School renovation and refurbishment ✔️£5k for Fred Nicholson SEND school ✔️Stopped the N Elmham New Town ….. and much more.
But there is still much more to do.
I won’t rest until the real problems in our area - from overdevelopment to hidden mental illness and lack of local infrastructure and facilities are properly recognised and tackled.
Disillusionment with all politics continues to deepen as successive governments have struggled to tackle the really big issues facing our country properly. They are hard. There aren’t any easy shortcuts.
But whoever you (don’t) vote for - I hope you feel that I am least trying to work hard as your local constituency MP.
Thank you to those who make contact to let me know of issues in your area and or pass on thanks when I and my small team deliver a local win. It makes a huge difference.
With best wishes for a peaceful Christmas and New Year.
Yours, |
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