Simon Opher
@simonforstroud.bsky.social
Labour’s MP for Stroud in Gloucestershire, and GP.
For help and support for constituents email me at simon.opher.mp@parliament.uk
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 simon.opher.mp@parliament.uk
Abusive/irrelevant comments may be hidden and those who post them blocked.
www.simonopher.org
linktr.ee/simonforstroud
I am delighted that my friend and colleague Mary Hutton’s expertise and dedication to the NHS and public health, especially for younger people, was recognised with a CBE.
It is very well deserved.
www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk/news/glouces...
It is very well deserved.
www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk/news/glouces...
Ex NHS Gloucestershire boss Mary Hutton awarded CBE in King’s New Year Honours
She retired earlier this year after more than 30 years of service
www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk
January 2, 2026 at 1:47 PM
I am delighted that my friend and colleague Mary Hutton’s expertise and dedication to the NHS and public health, especially for younger people, was recognised with a CBE.
It is very well deserved.
www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk/news/glouces...
It is very well deserved.
www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk/news/glouces...
I wish everyone a peaceful New Year.
Simon
Simon
December 31, 2025 at 6:49 PM
I wish everyone a peaceful New Year.
Simon
Simon
It’s a beautiful Christmas Eve night, and I love that today retains its magic for at least some of us. We could all do with a bit more magic in our lives.
Thank you to everyone working over Christmas, and to those caring for others.
🧵
Thank you to everyone working over Christmas, and to those caring for others.
🧵
December 24, 2025 at 7:22 PM
It’s a beautiful Christmas Eve night, and I love that today retains its magic for at least some of us. We could all do with a bit more magic in our lives.
Thank you to everyone working over Christmas, and to those caring for others.
🧵
Thank you to everyone working over Christmas, and to those caring for others.
🧵
Stroud District Council secured £400,000 from DEFRA over 2023–25 to support our rural communities through the Rural England Prosperity Fund. That support has now been extended for a final year in 2025–26, with a further £120,261 allocated.
December 22, 2025 at 4:31 PM
Stroud District Council secured £400,000 from DEFRA over 2023–25 to support our rural communities through the Rural England Prosperity Fund. That support has now been extended for a final year in 2025–26, with a further £120,261 allocated.
My office is now closed for the festive period. We are monitoring my email (simon.opher.mp@parliament.uk) for any urgent enquiries.
Below are some useful contacts.
Wishing everyone a peaceful and happy Christmas.
Below are some useful contacts.
Wishing everyone a peaceful and happy Christmas.
December 19, 2025 at 5:06 PM
My office is now closed for the festive period. We are monitoring my email (simon.opher.mp@parliament.uk) for any urgent enquiries.
Below are some useful contacts.
Wishing everyone a peaceful and happy Christmas.
Below are some useful contacts.
Wishing everyone a peaceful and happy Christmas.
🥳After a long campaign, the draft NPPF includes mandatory Swift Bricks in all new build homes.🥳
With swift numbers down more than 65% in 25 years, this simple, low-cost change ensures new homes also create space for wildlife — as we build 1.5 million new homes
With swift numbers down more than 65% in 25 years, this simple, low-cost change ensures new homes also create space for wildlife — as we build 1.5 million new homes
December 18, 2025 at 6:03 PM
🥳After a long campaign, the draft NPPF includes mandatory Swift Bricks in all new build homes.🥳
With swift numbers down more than 65% in 25 years, this simple, low-cost change ensures new homes also create space for wildlife — as we build 1.5 million new homes
With swift numbers down more than 65% in 25 years, this simple, low-cost change ensures new homes also create space for wildlife — as we build 1.5 million new homes
Key information for the next 5 days of strikes 👇
December 18, 2025 at 2:39 PM
Key information for the next 5 days of strikes 👇
This is a huge win for young people across Britain.
Leaving Erasmus was a mistake. The programme opens doors for students from all backgrounds to experience new cultures, build skills, and gain confidence for their future.
Leaving Erasmus was a mistake. The programme opens doors for students from all backgrounds to experience new cultures, build skills, and gain confidence for their future.
UK will rejoin Erasmus student scheme in 2027
The UK left in December 2020 as part of the post-Brexit trade deal with the EU negotiated by Boris Johnson.
www.bbc.co.uk
December 17, 2025 at 4:50 PM
This is a huge win for young people across Britain.
Leaving Erasmus was a mistake. The programme opens doors for students from all backgrounds to experience new cultures, build skills, and gain confidence for their future.
Leaving Erasmus was a mistake. The programme opens doors for students from all backgrounds to experience new cultures, build skills, and gain confidence for their future.
It’s good news that November’s inflation rate is less than expected - especially as the drop was in part driven by food prices, which normally increase in November.
December 17, 2025 at 8:11 AM
It’s good news that November’s inflation rate is less than expected - especially as the drop was in part driven by food prices, which normally increase in November.
Getting into the Christmas spirit over the weekend with Nailsworth Silver band.
A wonderful concert conducted by Anri Adachi, celebrating a very successful year for the band.
A wonderful concert conducted by Anri Adachi, celebrating a very successful year for the band.
December 15, 2025 at 4:42 PM
Getting into the Christmas spirit over the weekend with Nailsworth Silver band.
A wonderful concert conducted by Anri Adachi, celebrating a very successful year for the band.
A wonderful concert conducted by Anri Adachi, celebrating a very successful year for the band.
I am horrified by the awful antisemitic terrorist attack on Bondi beach.
This should be a time for celebrating the power of resilience and liberation over oppression, yet this act of terror casts a dark shadow over the festival.
My thoughts are with Jewish people across the world.
This should be a time for celebrating the power of resilience and liberation over oppression, yet this act of terror casts a dark shadow over the festival.
My thoughts are with Jewish people across the world.
December 14, 2025 at 5:55 PM
I am horrified by the awful antisemitic terrorist attack on Bondi beach.
This should be a time for celebrating the power of resilience and liberation over oppression, yet this act of terror casts a dark shadow over the festival.
My thoughts are with Jewish people across the world.
This should be a time for celebrating the power of resilience and liberation over oppression, yet this act of terror casts a dark shadow over the festival.
My thoughts are with Jewish people across the world.
Yesterday I had my annual visit to the sorting office at Salmon Springs to thank all the Royal Mail workers for their hard work over the past year.
With the Christmas period in full swing, the team is handling an extraordinary volume — around 50,000 items every day!
With the Christmas period in full swing, the team is handling an extraordinary volume — around 50,000 items every day!
December 13, 2025 at 5:30 PM
Yesterday I had my annual visit to the sorting office at Salmon Springs to thank all the Royal Mail workers for their hard work over the past year.
With the Christmas period in full swing, the team is handling an extraordinary volume — around 50,000 items every day!
With the Christmas period in full swing, the team is handling an extraordinary volume — around 50,000 items every day!
The Adult Oral Health Survey 2023 was published this week — and the picture it paints is deeply worrying.
Since 2009, obvious tooth decay has gone up by 13%. We’re now moving backwards on something as basic as keeping people’s teeth healthy. (1/4)
Since 2009, obvious tooth decay has gone up by 13%. We’re now moving backwards on something as basic as keeping people’s teeth healthy. (1/4)
December 12, 2025 at 4:30 PM
The Adult Oral Health Survey 2023 was published this week — and the picture it paints is deeply worrying.
Since 2009, obvious tooth decay has gone up by 13%. We’re now moving backwards on something as basic as keeping people’s teeth healthy. (1/4)
Since 2009, obvious tooth decay has gone up by 13%. We’re now moving backwards on something as basic as keeping people’s teeth healthy. (1/4)
The Tories created an absurd crisis where we spend millions training doctors who are left unemployed. We’re now committed to fixing this with 4000 extra training posts and legislating prioritisation of British graduates over international graduates. (1/3)
December 12, 2025 at 1:56 PM
The Tories created an absurd crisis where we spend millions training doctors who are left unemployed. We’re now committed to fixing this with 4000 extra training posts and legislating prioritisation of British graduates over international graduates. (1/3)
The top 10% of income-earners earn more than the other 90% combined - children go hungry whilst the super rich hoard wealth. This is not inevitable, it's a political choice. We need a wealth tax to build council homes, bring water and energy back into public hands, and kick profiteers out the NHS.
Just 0.001% hold three times the wealth of poorest half of humanity, report finds
Data from World Inequality Report also showed top 10% of income-earners earn more than the other 90%
www.theguardian.com
December 11, 2025 at 6:02 PM
The top 10% of income-earners earn more than the other 90% combined - children go hungry whilst the super rich hoard wealth. This is not inevitable, it's a political choice. We need a wealth tax to build council homes, bring water and energy back into public hands, and kick profiteers out the NHS.
Last night I voted for Labour’s Railway Bill. From next spring, Great British Railways will replace 14 train companies with one joined-up, passenger-focused system — delivering fewer delays, smoother journeys, and services that truly work for our communities.
December 10, 2025 at 6:15 PM
Last night I voted for Labour’s Railway Bill. From next spring, Great British Railways will replace 14 train companies with one joined-up, passenger-focused system — delivering fewer delays, smoother journeys, and services that truly work for our communities.
Ahead of the government's own consultation early next year I want to know the views of my own constituents on the Digital ID proposals. Your feedback helps direct my work in Parliament - thank you for taking part.
Either scan the QR code or click this link: forms.gle/9KX1Vskz5AQD...
Either scan the QR code or click this link: forms.gle/9KX1Vskz5AQD...
December 10, 2025 at 2:40 PM
Ahead of the government's own consultation early next year I want to know the views of my own constituents on the Digital ID proposals. Your feedback helps direct my work in Parliament - thank you for taking part.
Either scan the QR code or click this link: forms.gle/9KX1Vskz5AQD...
Either scan the QR code or click this link: forms.gle/9KX1Vskz5AQD...
Brexit isn’t working. A new report this week shows it has reduced UK GDP by 6–8%. We need to rethink our relationship with Europe.
And yes, every vote does really count. The Deputy Speaker had to break the tie in our favour – only the second time this has happened this century.
And yes, every vote does really count. The Deputy Speaker had to break the tie in our favour – only the second time this has happened this century.
December 9, 2025 at 3:24 PM
Brexit isn’t working. A new report this week shows it has reduced UK GDP by 6–8%. We need to rethink our relationship with Europe.
And yes, every vote does really count. The Deputy Speaker had to break the tie in our favour – only the second time this has happened this century.
And yes, every vote does really count. The Deputy Speaker had to break the tie in our favour – only the second time this has happened this century.
I’ve asked the Minister to meet with me to discuss how recent business rate changes are impacting our local village pubs.
I hope he’ll take me up on the offer of a pint so we can find ways to further support the pubs that bring our communities together.
I hope he’ll take me up on the offer of a pint so we can find ways to further support the pubs that bring our communities together.
December 9, 2025 at 12:59 PM
I’ve asked the Minister to meet with me to discuss how recent business rate changes are impacting our local village pubs.
I hope he’ll take me up on the offer of a pint so we can find ways to further support the pubs that bring our communities together.
I hope he’ll take me up on the offer of a pint so we can find ways to further support the pubs that bring our communities together.
I felt immensely privileged today to hear from the children and their families who have been evacuated from Gaza for urgent medical treatment. Their stories were devastating, and a stark reminder of the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
December 8, 2025 at 4:45 PM
I felt immensely privileged today to hear from the children and their families who have been evacuated from Gaza for urgent medical treatment. Their stories were devastating, and a stark reminder of the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
Getting my blood pressure checked with @BloodpressureUK and @KidneyCareUK (as everyone should!). 1 in 3 people have high blood pressure and have no idea. And it’s a major cause of chronic kidney disease. (1/2)
December 4, 2025 at 4:15 PM
Getting my blood pressure checked with @BloodpressureUK and @KidneyCareUK (as everyone should!). 1 in 3 people have high blood pressure and have no idea. And it’s a major cause of chronic kidney disease. (1/2)
Housing First works.
Give people a permanent home + proper support and the cycle of rough sleeping, crisis care and criminal justice contact is broken.
80–90% stay housed, with huge drops in hospital admissions and major boosts to wellbeing.
Give people a permanent home + proper support and the cycle of rough sleeping, crisis care and criminal justice contact is broken.
80–90% stay housed, with huge drops in hospital admissions and major boosts to wellbeing.
I have written to the government, alongside 40 of my colleagues, calling for Housing First to be rolled out nationwide as part of the upcoming homelessness strategy.
Please find the letter below.
Thank you to @csjthinktank.bsky.social
(1/2)
Please find the letter below.
Thank you to @csjthinktank.bsky.social
(1/2)
December 4, 2025 at 10:09 AM
Housing First works.
Give people a permanent home + proper support and the cycle of rough sleeping, crisis care and criminal justice contact is broken.
80–90% stay housed, with huge drops in hospital admissions and major boosts to wellbeing.
Give people a permanent home + proper support and the cycle of rough sleeping, crisis care and criminal justice contact is broken.
80–90% stay housed, with huge drops in hospital admissions and major boosts to wellbeing.
Profits up.
Shareholder payouts up.
Serious pollution up.
Our bills? Skyrocketing.
We must take action now - water companies must be run for people, not profit.
Shareholder payouts up.
Serious pollution up.
Our bills? Skyrocketing.
We must take action now - water companies must be run for people, not profit.
Thames Water half-year profit leaps to more than £400m after it raises bills by third
Debt-ridden utility warns of ‘material uncertainty’ with potential for a rapid collapse despite profit rise
www.theguardian.com
December 3, 2025 at 12:14 PM
Profits up.
Shareholder payouts up.
Serious pollution up.
Our bills? Skyrocketing.
We must take action now - water companies must be run for people, not profit.
Shareholder payouts up.
Serious pollution up.
Our bills? Skyrocketing.
We must take action now - water companies must be run for people, not profit.
Presented my 10 Minute Rule Bill today: the Domestic Energy Efficiency (Call for Evidence) Bill. With average bills over £1,700 and 2m households in arrears, we need innovative ideas. My Bill calls for an evidence-gathering process to find the best ways to cut energy costs.
December 2, 2025 at 4:38 PM
Presented my 10 Minute Rule Bill today: the Domestic Energy Efficiency (Call for Evidence) Bill. With average bills over £1,700 and 2m households in arrears, we need innovative ideas. My Bill calls for an evidence-gathering process to find the best ways to cut energy costs.
After a busy week in Parliament I was on Politics West this weekend, with Ed Rimmer, Matt Bell and Susannah Streeter.
We spoke about the Budget and other local issues. You can watch back here: www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/epis...
We spoke about the Budget and other local issues. You can watch back here: www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/epis...
December 1, 2025 at 5:00 PM
After a busy week in Parliament I was on Politics West this weekend, with Ed Rimmer, Matt Bell and Susannah Streeter.
We spoke about the Budget and other local issues. You can watch back here: www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/epis...
We spoke about the Budget and other local issues. You can watch back here: www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/epis...