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
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.
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)
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.🍻
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.
Last week, I wrote to the Secretary of State urging the government to reconsider its position and properly compensate WASPI women. I’m disappointed by today’s announcement that they have not changed course — despite over 100 MPs encouraging them to do so. (1/2)
January 29, 2026 at 12:32 PM
Last week, I wrote to the Secretary of State urging the government to reconsider its position and properly compensate WASPI women. I’m disappointed by today’s announcement that they have not changed course — despite over 100 MPs encouraging them to do so. (1/2)
🚨 Nearly 1,000 community projects across the UK are set to benefit from new and upgraded grassroots sports facilities. Sport has been a huge part of my life. I’ve been lucky enough to play at Goodison Park, but I also know all too well the reality of flooded, boggy, unlit pitches.
January 28, 2026 at 4:30 PM
🚨 Nearly 1,000 community projects across the UK are set to benefit from new and upgraded grassroots sports facilities. Sport has been a huge part of my life. I’ve been lucky enough to play at Goodison Park, but I also know all too well the reality of flooded, boggy, unlit pitches.
Today we announced new measures to make it cheaper and easier to care for our pets like Bella!
From clearer pricing for procedures, to stronger regulation and introducing licences for vet practices (like GP surgeries), we’re improving life for pets and their owners.
From clearer pricing for procedures, to stronger regulation and introducing licences for vet practices (like GP surgeries), we’re improving life for pets and their owners.
January 28, 2026 at 2:57 PM
Today we announced new measures to make it cheaper and easier to care for our pets like Bella!
From clearer pricing for procedures, to stronger regulation and introducing licences for vet practices (like GP surgeries), we’re improving life for pets and their owners.
From clearer pricing for procedures, to stronger regulation and introducing licences for vet practices (like GP surgeries), we’re improving life for pets and their owners.
Today was the first outing for the wonderful new Gloucestershire Association of Trade Unions Council banner.
This was outside Shire Hall before the meeting of the GCC's Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee this morning, in support of the striking phlebotomists.
This was outside Shire Hall before the meeting of the GCC's Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee this morning, in support of the striking phlebotomists.
January 27, 2026 at 4:01 PM
Today was the first outing for the wonderful new Gloucestershire Association of Trade Unions Council banner.
This was outside Shire Hall before the meeting of the GCC's Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee this morning, in support of the striking phlebotomists.
This was outside Shire Hall before the meeting of the GCC's Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee this morning, in support of the striking phlebotomists.
I’m encouraged by this morning’s news that support may be on the way for our community pubs. While we’ll need to see the full details before making a judgement, it’s positive to see the government listening to local publicans and colleagues who have raised these concerns. (1/2)
January 27, 2026 at 11:31 AM
I’m encouraged by this morning’s news that support may be on the way for our community pubs. While we’ll need to see the full details before making a judgement, it’s positive to see the government listening to local publicans and colleagues who have raised these concerns. (1/2)
Last week I visited the Lee Miller exhibition at Tate Britain. She was one of the first journalists allowed into the concentration camps in April 1945. Her photographs were published under the heading ‘Believe It’: she knew that people would not believe the horrors of the Nazi regime. (1/6)
January 27, 2026 at 10:16 AM
Last week I visited the Lee Miller exhibition at Tate Britain. She was one of the first journalists allowed into the concentration camps in April 1945. Her photographs were published under the heading ‘Believe It’: she knew that people would not believe the horrors of the Nazi regime. (1/6)
Today's decision by the NEC makes Labour’s ability to bring greater opportunities to more people, to make our country wealthier, safer, healthier, better educated and address the climate crisis so much harder.
We desperately need to be better than this.
We desperately need to be better than this.
January 25, 2026 at 2:46 PM
Today's decision by the NEC makes Labour’s ability to bring greater opportunities to more people, to make our country wealthier, safer, healthier, better educated and address the climate crisis so much harder.
We desperately need to be better than this.
We desperately need to be better than this.
Great to welcome Alex Davies-Jones to meet the Night Angels and hear about all the great work they do in Stroud and across Gloucestershire. From trains and buses to pubs and clubs, the Night Angels are out there supporting vulnerable people offering safe spaces, care, or just a friendly chat.
January 23, 2026 at 6:00 PM
Great to welcome Alex Davies-Jones to meet the Night Angels and hear about all the great work they do in Stroud and across Gloucestershire. From trains and buses to pubs and clubs, the Night Angels are out there supporting vulnerable people offering safe spaces, care, or just a friendly chat.
I attended the Music Venue Trust's annual report launch this week - always great to catch up with Lotte and Miles from the Albert! 19.8% of jobs in grassroots music disappeared in 2025. Grassroots music venues are at the heart of our culture and we must work hard to protect them. (1/2)
January 22, 2026 at 6:15 PM
I attended the Music Venue Trust's annual report launch this week - always great to catch up with Lotte and Miles from the Albert! 19.8% of jobs in grassroots music disappeared in 2025. Grassroots music venues are at the heart of our culture and we must work hard to protect them. (1/2)
If you’d like to be in the audience, scan the QR code or follow the link in my bio to get your free ticket.
Simon Says: Let’s Talk is brought to you in partnership with Brimscombe Mill, NHS Gloucestershire, Craic Health, Forest Green Rovers and @ecotricity.bsky.social (2/2)
Simon Says: Let’s Talk is brought to you in partnership with Brimscombe Mill, NHS Gloucestershire, Craic Health, Forest Green Rovers and @ecotricity.bsky.social (2/2)
January 20, 2026 at 7:00 PM
If you’d like to be in the audience, scan the QR code or follow the link in my bio to get your free ticket.
Simon Says: Let’s Talk is brought to you in partnership with Brimscombe Mill, NHS Gloucestershire, Craic Health, Forest Green Rovers and @ecotricity.bsky.social (2/2)
Simon Says: Let’s Talk is brought to you in partnership with Brimscombe Mill, NHS Gloucestershire, Craic Health, Forest Green Rovers and @ecotricity.bsky.social (2/2)