Simon Opher
@simonforstroud.bsky.social
Labour’s MP for Stroud and GP.
For help and support for constituents email me at [email protected]
Abusive/irrelevant comments may be hidden and those who post them blocked.
www.simonopher.org
linktr.ee/simonforstroud
For help and support for constituents email me at [email protected]
Abusive/irrelevant comments may be hidden and those who post them blocked.
www.simonopher.org
linktr.ee/simonforstroud
I'm delighted that today marks the end of most of the Tories' 2016 Trade Union Act. Labour has removed unfair restrictions on unions and put in place a number of new rights for workers.
Now let’s finish the job and deliver the New Deal for Working People in full.
Now let’s finish the job and deliver the New Deal for Working People in full.
February 18, 2026 at 3:32 PM
I'm delighted that today marks the end of most of the Tories' 2016 Trade Union Act. Labour has removed unfair restrictions on unions and put in place a number of new rights for workers.
Now let’s finish the job and deliver the New Deal for Working People in full.
Now let’s finish the job and deliver the New Deal for Working People in full.
This is good news for all of us.
Getting inflation under control benefits us all, and will make it easier to hit the other key indicators of economic stability that in turn will help build confidence and growth.
Getting inflation under control benefits us all, and will make it easier to hit the other key indicators of economic stability that in turn will help build confidence and growth.
February 18, 2026 at 11:56 AM
This is good news for all of us.
Getting inflation under control benefits us all, and will make it easier to hit the other key indicators of economic stability that in turn will help build confidence and growth.
Getting inflation under control benefits us all, and will make it easier to hit the other key indicators of economic stability that in turn will help build confidence and growth.
While things are slowly but steadily improving across the NHS, our healthcare model is mainly reactive - which basically hardwires inefficiency into the system. I'm always interested in ideas which improve health outcomes, especially if they are community based.
🧵 1/4
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February 17, 2026 at 6:08 PM
While things are slowly but steadily improving across the NHS, our healthcare model is mainly reactive - which basically hardwires inefficiency into the system. I'm always interested in ideas which improve health outcomes, especially if they are community based.
🧵 1/4
🧵 1/4
This measles outbreak in Enfield is part of a deeply worrying trend. Measles isn’t just a childhood illness, it’s a highly contagious disease that can lead to serious complications, including pneumonia, brain inflammation, long-term disability and, in rare cases, death. (1/2)
Fast-spreading measles outbreak takes hold among under-10s in north London
UK Health Security Agency urges parents in Enfield to get their children vaccinated as Easter holiday travels approach
www.theguardian.com
February 16, 2026 at 5:30 PM
This measles outbreak in Enfield is part of a deeply worrying trend. Measles isn’t just a childhood illness, it’s a highly contagious disease that can lead to serious complications, including pneumonia, brain inflammation, long-term disability and, in rare cases, death. (1/2)
Last week, the Government granted an extra £100m for Gloucestershire County Council. That’s what turning the page on over a decade of Tory austerity looks like. (1/2)
February 16, 2026 at 12:08 PM
Last week, the Government granted an extra £100m for Gloucestershire County Council. That’s what turning the page on over a decade of Tory austerity looks like. (1/2)
A great morning at Paganhill Community Centre.
They run a fantastic range of community projects. I especially enjoyed seeing what’s growing in the community garden, I’ll have to come back for some rhubarb crumble!
They run a fantastic range of community projects. I especially enjoyed seeing what’s growing in the community garden, I’ll have to come back for some rhubarb crumble!
February 15, 2026 at 3:30 PM
A great morning at Paganhill Community Centre.
They run a fantastic range of community projects. I especially enjoyed seeing what’s growing in the community garden, I’ll have to come back for some rhubarb crumble!
They run a fantastic range of community projects. I especially enjoyed seeing what’s growing in the community garden, I’ll have to come back for some rhubarb crumble!
Visited Ark House, which supports up to 11 vulnerable young people aged 16–25 who are homeless. Great to meet Hannah, Paula and some of the residents to discuss the challenges they face. They do incredible work around the clock, helping young people into work, stable housing and independent living.
February 14, 2026 at 4:40 PM
Visited Ark House, which supports up to 11 vulnerable young people aged 16–25 who are homeless. Great to meet Hannah, Paula and some of the residents to discuss the challenges they face. They do incredible work around the clock, helping young people into work, stable housing and independent living.
Very happy to support my friends at the Stroud Valleys Project.
This fundraiser is to help children make the vital connection between children and nature.
www.spacehive.com/little-acorn...
This fundraiser is to help children make the vital connection between children and nature.
www.spacehive.com/little-acorn...
Little Acorns, Mighty Oaks
Little Acorns, Mighty Oaks is for two groups: young children aged 2 to 11 and adults who may be feeling isolated. Fun, engaging activity will help them feel happier and more connected to our world.
www.spacehive.com
February 13, 2026 at 7:55 PM
Very happy to support my friends at the Stroud Valleys Project.
This fundraiser is to help children make the vital connection between children and nature.
www.spacehive.com/little-acorn...
This fundraiser is to help children make the vital connection between children and nature.
www.spacehive.com/little-acorn...
Earlier this year, I urged the government to reconsider the proscription of Palestine Action at Urgent Questions in Parliament. (1/2)
Palestine Action terror ban ruled unlawful by High Court
Huda Ammori, co-founder of Palestine Action, took the Home Office to court over their decision to proscribe the protest group under terror laws
www.independent.co.uk
February 13, 2026 at 3:17 PM
Earlier this year, I urged the government to reconsider the proscription of Palestine Action at Urgent Questions in Parliament. (1/2)
I’m really pleased to support a brilliant local project that helps connect people of all ages with nature.
The stats are worrying:
🪲 83% of children can’t identify a bumblebee
🌳 A quarter don’t recognise a robin, badger or conker
(1/2)
The stats are worrying:
🪲 83% of children can’t identify a bumblebee
🌳 A quarter don’t recognise a robin, badger or conker
(1/2)
February 12, 2026 at 5:30 PM
I’m really pleased to support a brilliant local project that helps connect people of all ages with nature.
The stats are worrying:
🪲 83% of children can’t identify a bumblebee
🌳 A quarter don’t recognise a robin, badger or conker
(1/2)
The stats are worrying:
🪲 83% of children can’t identify a bumblebee
🌳 A quarter don’t recognise a robin, badger or conker
(1/2)
To mark National Apprenticeship Week I met with Archie who is an apprentice at Berkeley Power Station. We want to encourage more young people, like Archie, to look at apprenticeships as a first step in their careers. (1/2)
February 10, 2026 at 5:31 PM
To mark National Apprenticeship Week I met with Archie who is an apprentice at Berkeley Power Station. We want to encourage more young people, like Archie, to look at apprenticeships as a first step in their careers. (1/2)
Today we published our Local Power Plan putting £1bn into community energy.
This is the biggest investment in community energy in history, putting communities at the heart of everything this government does. (1/3)
This is the biggest investment in community energy in history, putting communities at the heart of everything this government does. (1/3)
February 10, 2026 at 11:00 AM
Today we published our Local Power Plan putting £1bn into community energy.
This is the biggest investment in community energy in history, putting communities at the heart of everything this government does. (1/3)
This is the biggest investment in community energy in history, putting communities at the heart of everything this government does. (1/3)
A brilliant day in Gorton & Denton today, and a lovely welcome, both on the doorstep and from our Labour colleagues. I was especially impressed by the chap who turned up with a box of samosas in his boot to help keep us going!
Angeliki Stogia will be an excellent MP.
Angeliki Stogia will be an excellent MP.
February 7, 2026 at 10:16 PM
A brilliant day in Gorton & Denton today, and a lovely welcome, both on the doorstep and from our Labour colleagues. I was especially impressed by the chap who turned up with a box of samosas in his boot to help keep us going!
Angeliki Stogia will be an excellent MP.
Angeliki Stogia will be an excellent MP.
Great to catch up with primary school headteachers from across the District.
We spoke about issues across education including SEND, free school meals and breakfast clubs, and getting more solar panels on their school roofs. (1/2)
We spoke about issues across education including SEND, free school meals and breakfast clubs, and getting more solar panels on their school roofs. (1/2)
February 7, 2026 at 3:30 PM
Great to catch up with primary school headteachers from across the District.
We spoke about issues across education including SEND, free school meals and breakfast clubs, and getting more solar panels on their school roofs. (1/2)
We spoke about issues across education including SEND, free school meals and breakfast clubs, and getting more solar panels on their school roofs. (1/2)
I'm really looking forward to the official start of the Winter Olympics this evening (but I have kept an eye on the curling, which has been going on for a couple of days - and Txema in the snowboarding!).
Good luck!
#TeamGB #MilanoCortina2026
Good luck!
#TeamGB #MilanoCortina2026
February 6, 2026 at 6:22 PM
I'm really looking forward to the official start of the Winter Olympics this evening (but I have kept an eye on the curling, which has been going on for a couple of days - and Txema in the snowboarding!).
Good luck!
#TeamGB #MilanoCortina2026
Good luck!
#TeamGB #MilanoCortina2026
The government has just opened its consultation on proposals for local government reorganisation in Gloucestershire. This will run for seven weeks, closing on 26 March 2026. (1/3)
February 6, 2026 at 11:14 AM
The government has just opened its consultation on proposals for local government reorganisation in Gloucestershire. This will run for seven weeks, closing on 26 March 2026. (1/3)
As Chair of the Health APPG, I was delighted to host Minister Stephen Kinnock and the Chief Dental Officer, Jason Wong.
It was a really constructive Q&A session, in partnership with the APPG for Dentistry & Oral Health, on the current state and future of NHS dentistry. (1/3)
It was a really constructive Q&A session, in partnership with the APPG for Dentistry & Oral Health, on the current state and future of NHS dentistry. (1/3)
February 5, 2026 at 4:30 PM
As Chair of the Health APPG, I was delighted to host Minister Stephen Kinnock and the Chief Dental Officer, Jason Wong.
It was a really constructive Q&A session, in partnership with the APPG for Dentistry & Oral Health, on the current state and future of NHS dentistry. (1/3)
It was a really constructive Q&A session, in partnership with the APPG for Dentistry & Oral Health, on the current state and future of NHS dentistry. (1/3)
Once again the poor decision making of those around the Prime Minister is dominating the news agenda. Not the great work we have done on tackling the cost of living crisis, the NHS, education, addressing climate change, re-nationalising the railway network and all the rest. (1/4)
February 4, 2026 at 7:08 PM
Once again the poor decision making of those around the Prime Minister is dominating the news agenda. Not the great work we have done on tackling the cost of living crisis, the NHS, education, addressing climate change, re-nationalising the railway network and all the rest. (1/4)
On #WorldCancerDay, I welcome the launch of our National Cancer Plan. As a GP, I've seen too many patients suffer from this cruel illness and this plan represents a crucial opportunity to transform cancer treatment. (1/2)
National Cancer Plan for England
Details the government’s plan to transform cancer care and outcomes in England by 2035.
www.gov.uk
February 4, 2026 at 3:58 PM
On #WorldCancerDay, I welcome the launch of our National Cancer Plan. As a GP, I've seen too many patients suffer from this cruel illness and this plan represents a crucial opportunity to transform cancer treatment. (1/2)
This evening I voted in favour of the Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill. Removing the cap will lift 450,000 children out of poverty, with 1,320 benefitting in Stroud.
This measure will see the largest reduction in child poverty by any Government in a single Parliament. (1/2)
This measure will see the largest reduction in child poverty by any Government in a single Parliament. (1/2)
February 3, 2026 at 8:15 PM
This evening I voted in favour of the Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill. Removing the cap will lift 450,000 children out of poverty, with 1,320 benefitting in Stroud.
This measure will see the largest reduction in child poverty by any Government in a single Parliament. (1/2)
This measure will see the largest reduction in child poverty by any Government in a single Parliament. (1/2)
Really happy to see that the Rose & Crown, for the first time in its 300- year history, is now owned by the community! Massive congratulations to Matt, Mike and all the hard-working volunteers who made this happen.🍻
February 2, 2026 at 4:53 PM
Really happy to see that the Rose & Crown, for the first time in its 300- year history, is now owned by the community! Massive congratulations to Matt, Mike and all the hard-working volunteers who made this happen.🍻
From this year, the council will offer grants of up to £2,000 to support arts and culture projects across the district. These grants are open to not-for-profits supporting artists, students, arts, culture and community organisations, and charities working in line with the strategy’s themes.
January 31, 2026 at 4:30 PM
From this year, the council will offer grants of up to £2,000 to support arts and culture projects across the district. These grants are open to not-for-profits supporting artists, students, arts, culture and community organisations, and charities working in line with the strategy’s themes.
As a doctor I am all too aware of the health risks of excess consumption of palm oil (especially via ultra-processed food), but I have become increasingly concerned about the way that global companies are ignoring their commitments to stopping deforestation, especially in relation to the.. 🧵1/4
January 31, 2026 at 9:00 AM
As a doctor I am all too aware of the health risks of excess consumption of palm oil (especially via ultra-processed food), but I have become increasingly concerned about the way that global companies are ignoring their commitments to stopping deforestation, especially in relation to the.. 🧵1/4
£90,000 funding secured for Stroud employment social prescribers to help get people back to work.
I've been working hard to secure this funding as work is good for us and our wellbeing. We need to help people get back into work instead of leaving them isolated, stuck on long-term sick.
I've been working hard to secure this funding as work is good for us and our wellbeing. We need to help people get back into work instead of leaving them isolated, stuck on long-term sick.
January 30, 2026 at 6:05 PM
£90,000 funding secured for Stroud employment social prescribers to help get people back to work.
I've been working hard to secure this funding as work is good for us and our wellbeing. We need to help people get back into work instead of leaving them isolated, stuck on long-term sick.
I've been working hard to secure this funding as work is good for us and our wellbeing. We need to help people get back into work instead of leaving them isolated, stuck on long-term sick.
Yesterday we held the inaugural meeting of the new APPG for Council and Social Housing. This idea came from Stroud councillors — I took it forward, worked with Shelter, and the group launched. Great turnout, and I’m pleased Chris Hinchcliff is Chair.
January 29, 2026 at 4:03 PM
Yesterday we held the inaugural meeting of the new APPG for Council and Social Housing. This idea came from Stroud councillors — I took it forward, worked with Shelter, and the group launched. Great turnout, and I’m pleased Chris Hinchcliff is Chair.