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Simon Opher @simonforstroud.bsky.social · 22h

I'm waiting to see what exactly is being proposed, but my starting point is that Labour should be strengthening our rights - as we have with employment, for example - not lessening them.

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Simon Opher @simonforstroud.bsky.social · 22h

There was news this week that the government is considering plans to grant police forces powers to put conditions on repeated protest. This worries me: protest is a cornerstone of our democracy: without it we would not have any of the rights we now take for granted.🧵1/2

Civil liberty groups express concern over plan for more anti-protest powers

Home secretary says police can consider ‘cumulative impact’ of rallies as Palestine Action ban opponents vow ‘escalation’

www.theguardian.com

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Simon Opher @simonforstroud.bsky.social · 1d

In a world of constant distressing news, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Staying informed matters, but so does knowing when to pause and care for yourself.

Taking a break doesn’t mean you don’t care. It means you’re protecting your wellbeing so you can keep caring for others.

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Simon Opher @simonforstroud.bsky.social · 1d

I've voted for Lucy to be our next Deputy Leader.

With a proven track record as the Leader of the House, Lucy is the strong, independent, progressive voice we need who isn't afraid of holding the leadership to account on behalf of our members across the country.

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Simon Opher @simonforstroud.bsky.social · 2d

While there is relief at the prospect of peace, experience teaches us to be cautious. Both sides must honour this ceasefire and work together, alongside the international community. Only through genuine cooperation and compassion can we hope to secure lasting peace for all people in the region.

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Simon Opher @simonforstroud.bsky.social · 2d

Our government bears its share of responsibility, and we must now play our part in rebuilding Gaza, where Israeli bombing has damaged or destroyed 94% of hospitals, 88% of schools and 80% of all general structures.

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Simon Opher @simonforstroud.bsky.social · 2d

Each loss is a tragedy, and the human suffering has been immense. I was particularly struck reading the names of the 18,457 children on Gaza’s list of war dead - a scale of loss that defies comprehension.

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Simon Opher @simonforstroud.bsky.social · 2d

We all welcome the news of a ceasefire and we hope that this time it will be a permanent one.

We must ensure that the circumstances that brought about the slaughter of 60,000 Palestinians and 1,200 Israelis in the two years since October 7 2023 can never happen again. 🧵

Young lives cut short on an unimaginable scale: the 18,457 children on Gaza’s list of war dead

Every name on a list compiled by health authorities in Gaza of the child victims of Israel’s offensive

www.theguardian.com

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Simon Opher @simonforstroud.bsky.social · 2d

To mark Hospice Care Week, I visited one of Sue Ryder’s Stroud shops to meet the dedicated volunteers and staff. This year’s theme, “Hospice care is more than you think,” celebrates the expert care and vital support hospices provide, and the essential role they play in our communities.

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Simon Opher @simonforstroud.bsky.social · 3d

I have committed to keeping our NHS publicly owned and publicly funded.

Private finance is not welcome in our NHS, and must be ruled out at the Autumn Budget this November. @weownit.org.uk

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Simon Opher @simonforstroud.bsky.social · 4d

Really loved (perhaps a bit too much) visiting the Stinchcombe Playground and Community Space, a brilliant example of community spirit! In just 3 months, they raised £32,035 from 159 donors. Huge congrats to John Pinch, Tracey Legg, Neil Forsyth, Will Heming, Steve Lane and everyone involved!

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Simon Opher @simonforstroud.bsky.social · 6d

Great to see the new Night Angels space in Stroud and hear about their brilliant local work. In just a few years, Chrissie and the team have grown rapidly, providing safe spaces and trusted support to help keep vulnerable people in our community safe.

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Simon Opher @simonforstroud.bsky.social · 7d

Spent time at Hammonds Farm, who run a social prescribing programme with farm visits. Great to see how community farming and social prescribers support local people by connecting them with nature while providing fresh, locally grown produce.

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Simon Opher @simonforstroud.bsky.social · 8d

Everyone I represent in Stroud, and our smaller towns and villages, will be holding the victims, their loved ones, and the entire Jewish community in our hearts at this painful time.

We stand together, resolute against antisemitism and hatred in all its forms.

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Simon Opher @simonforstroud.bsky.social · 8d

I am deeply shocked and saddened by the horrific attack at the Heaton Park Synagogue in Manchester this morning. The assault on the wholly innocent congregation there is all the more appalling because it happened on Yom Kippur. 1/2🧵

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Simon Opher @simonforstroud.bsky.social · 9d

🌍 Big climate wins announced at conference yesterday:

✅ Full ban on fracking
✅ Expansion of Solar panels for schools & hospitals
✅ Clean energy jobs plan – doubling jobs to 860k by 2030

Tackling the climate crisis isn’t optional – it’s essential for our economy, our food security, and our future.

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Simon Opher @simonforstroud.bsky.social · 11d

Reading is vital for our children's development. I've campaigned with groups like Read for Good to make it accessible for every child. I'm delighted that the Chancellor's announcement means every primary school can now give children the chance to build a love of reading.

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Simon Opher @simonforstroud.bsky.social · 15d

Had a brilliant visit to Stroud Bricklaying Academy (SBA) at SGS College – an inspiring programme offering hands-on Level 1 and Level 2 courses.

With our governments target of building 1.5m new homes, we’ll need the skills of SBA’s talented graduates more than ever!

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Reposted by Simon Opher

Dale Vince @dalevince.com · 20d

Football on Prescription is here. If you’ve not heard of it - it’s basically football as medicine, prescribed by your local GP, well if you live in Stroud - but coming to other parts of the country soon..:)

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Simon Opher @simonforstroud.bsky.social · 17d

🧵 3/3
I condemn it wholeheartedly, and I condemn those who are stoking the hatred. They are exploiting the political bankruptcy of the last 15 years of politics.

We need to deliver on our promises, give people hope and rebuild our communities.

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Simon Opher @simonforstroud.bsky.social · 17d

🧵 2/3
In other words, hundreds of thousands of key workers and their families. Blameless people who have built lives for themselves in this country and who contribute significantly to our economy, society, culture and communities.

People are despairing in the face of this rubbish.

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Simon Opher @simonforstroud.bsky.social · 17d

🧵 1/3

When I heard Reform's plans to retroactively rescind indefinite leave to remain (ILR) in the UK I thought about this poem.

ILR is the legal status that gives many immigrants (who don’t yet have citizenship), the right to permanently live, study and work in the UK.

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Simon Opher @simonforstroud.bsky.social · 18d

Wishing everyone who celebrates, wherever they may be, a blessed Rosh Hashanah.

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Simon Opher @simonforstroud.bsky.social · 20d

Supporting Parents for Future calling on the government to Stop Rosebank.

If this government is serious about tackling climate change, there is no place for new oil and gas projects like Rosebank.

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Simon Opher @simonforstroud.bsky.social · 21d

Following a meeting in Parliament, I coordinated an open letter urging action on chronic kidney disease (CKD). We call for GP support to spot and manage CKD early. With treatment set to reach 2–5% of government spend, urgent NHS and government programmes are needed. kidneycareuk.org/about-us/pol...

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