Alison Bennett
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alisonebennett.bsky.social
Alison Bennett
@alisonebennett.bsky.social
1.7K followers 57 following 300 posts
Liberal Democrat Member of Parliament for Mid Sussex she/her
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alisonebennett.bsky.social
I recently met with local carers at a coffee morning organized by @carerswsussex.bsky.social which provides a helpline offering information, guidance, and practical assistance, for carers and their families. If you are a carer that needs extra support, contact them here: www.carerssupport.org.uk.
Alison is sitting at a table having a conversation with two men either side, in what looks like a community or meeting room. The man on the left is wearing a dark suit and glasses, resting his hand near his mouth. Alison is wearing a black and white polka dot dress and looking at the man on the right, who is dressed in a green sweater over a blue collared shirt and is speaking. Several mugs and a plate with biscuits are on the table.
November 14, 2025 at 12:01 PM
alisonebennett.bsky.social
📰 In this week's Middy column, I talk about my recent visit to Harlands Primary Academy in Haywards Heath and the importance of ensuring school buildings are fit for purpose.

Have a read here www.midsussexlibdems.org.uk/news/article...
A photo of a folded page of the Mid Sussex Times showing an article titled 'Alison Bennett MP: An afternoon at Harlands Primary Academy'. There is lots of text and a photo of Alison standing with three students from the school, smiling at the camera. The pupils are wearing green jumpers and they are stood in front of a school display board.
November 14, 2025 at 8:01 AM
alisonebennett.bsky.social
Sir Michael Palin was right on Newsnight to highlight the battle hospices are fighting to keep beds open in the face of the government's disastrous national insurance hike.

I was disappointed that the Leader of the House today declined my request for a debate in Parliament.
November 13, 2025 at 7:02 PM
alisonebennett.bsky.social
You've told me how fed up you are with rising bills, leaky pipes and hosepipe bans whilst housebuilding puts more pressure on our drinking water supplies.

Today I put those frustrations to the Secretary of State.
November 13, 2025 at 10:44 AM
alisonebennett.bsky.social
I had the pleasure of hosting a breakfast briefing yesterday morning in Parliament to launch Carers Trust's latest eye-opening report on getting carers into paid work.

The numbers are staggering. Helping carers into, or back into, paid work is vital for them and for our economy.
November 12, 2025 at 11:33 AM
alisonebennett.bsky.social
📰 In this week’s Monday Mail, I discuss what I got up to in Mid Sussex this weekend.

Read here: prod.cdn.everyaction.com/emails/van/L...
Alison is smiling and chatting at the Repair Cafe event held in a hall. Alison is wearing a red top and carrying a bag. The other woman wears an orange apron with a name tag and holds a black garment. Several people are talking and browsing tables in the background, and a large wooden cross hangs on the wall.
November 10, 2025 at 4:01 PM
alisonebennett.bsky.social
The NHS faces £3 billion in unfunded costs.

Local hospitals face corridor care crises and residents struggle for GP appointments.

I've written to the Chancellor and Health Secretary seeking assurances that Mid Sussex won't have to foot the government's bill.
I am writing to express deep alarm at the news that £3bn of NHS costs are currently unfunded, and that your departments have not agreed how extra expenses from strikes, redundancies and increasing drug prices will be met. It has raised an alarming suggestion that local services will be forced to bear the brunt of this financial pressure. The impact of the cuts needed to fill this funding blackhole would be devastating, both for our local NHS trust and services across the country. It was the government’s decision to launch a costly reorganisation of the NHS and bend to pressure applied by President Trump to pay more to US pharmaceutical giants. However, it will be our local health services who will pay the price. The A&E crisis is deepening. The number of people waiting longer than four hours from arrival to admission, transfer or discharge in Sussex hospitals has increased by 3000% in the last 10 years. A Sussex hospital was even forced to advertise for a ‘corridor care doctor’ earlier this year, in an attempt to deal with this growing number of patients stuck on trolleys in their emergency department. To ask UHSussex NHS Foundation Trust to divert funding from frontline care to fund the costs of your plans - which nobody voted for- would be completely unacceptable. I therefore urge you to provide assurances that no money will be lost from patient care here in Sussex to foot the bill for these spiralling costs involved in your proposed NHS restructuring. Furthermore, I would ask that you visit a local hospital with me, to understand the scale of the ‘corridor care’ crisis in our health services here in Sussex and see for yourselves the urgent need to protect funding. Patients in Mid Sussex should not have to suffer due to the government’s weakness in the face of an unpredictable US President, nor as a result of a rushed, costly, NHS reorganisation. I look forward to your response.
November 9, 2025 at 8:15 PM
alisonebennett.bsky.social
Yesterday I dropped into the Burgess Hill Repair Cafe, for a cuppa, a chat and to get a pair of my trousers re-hemmed. Mending things rather than throwing them away makes so much sense, but sometimes we don't know how (plus there is cake for those who need it). Thank you for the invitation.
November 9, 2025 at 6:59 PM
alisonebennett.bsky.social
On #RemembranceSunday, I was honoured to lay wreaths at two Mid Sussex services.

First in Haywards Heath at eleven o'clock, and then in Hassocks this afternoon.

We will not forget those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
November 9, 2025 at 5:22 PM
alisonebennett.bsky.social
📰 In this week's Middy column, I discuss local casework and making a real difference in Mid Sussex.

Have a read here: www.sussexexpress.co.uk/community/po...
November 8, 2025 at 4:46 PM
alisonebennett.bsky.social
The government's removal of funding for the IB in state schools is catastrophic.

It's catastrophic for delivering a broad education post-16, and it's catastrophic for getting girls into STEM careers.

I look forward to hearing what the Minister has to say at our meeting.
November 5, 2025 at 3:08 PM
alisonebennett.bsky.social
Yesterday morning I laid a Remembrance Cross in Parliament's garden of remembrance.

We must never forget that freedom is not free, and remember those who gave everything to protect it.
November 5, 2025 at 12:24 PM
alisonebennett.bsky.social
📰 In this week’s Monday Mail, I reflect on the European Convention on Human Rights; what it does, why it's important, and why it must be protected.

Read here: prod.cdn.everyaction.com/emails/van/L...
A large group of MPs posing for a formal photograph inside the House of Commons chamber in the UK Parliament, surrounded by green benches, wooden panelling, and large hanging lights
November 3, 2025 at 12:53 PM
alisonebennett.bsky.social
I met with South East Water last Thursday to discuss the current situation with our water supply.

Levels in Ardingly Reservoir and the Ouse are now much improved. However, you can sign up for extra support, and check your eligibility, here: www.southeastwater.co.uk/help/priorit...
A group of people wearing bright orange high-visibility jackets stand inside a tiled room, listening to a man speaking. Alison is stood next to the man speaking. Some people are standing in a doorway leading to another room, and there are blue lockers and a countertop visible.
October 29, 2025 at 6:01 PM
alisonebennett.bsky.social
The government has decided to withdraw funding that enables state colleges like Varndean to teach the International Baccalaureate.

Today Varndean’s Principal Donna-Marie Janson joined me in Parliament to demand that the government reconsider.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=7FeD...
The image shows Alison and Donna-Marie standing indoors in Westminster Hall; a large, historic hall with high wooden ceilings, arched windows, and stone walls. Alison is wearing a red patterned jacket, a black dress, and a poppy pin. Donna-Marie has long blonde hair and is wearing a black dress with colorful floral embroidery and an orange “VISITOR” lanyard. In the background, several people are walking around, and a sign points toward a gift shop and café.
October 29, 2025 at 5:30 PM
alisonebennett.bsky.social
I asked a Foreign Office minister what the government is doing about Chinese human rights violations in Hong Kong.

She didn't even mention the word 'China' in her answer.

The government are more worried about upsetting China, than standing up for the rights of Hong Kongers.
October 28, 2025 at 2:10 PM
alisonebennett.bsky.social
Great to join @groupbstrepsupport.bsky.social for the launch of their report 'Time to Act: Stopping Group B Strep Infections in Newborn Babies'.

The number of babies developing GBS in the UK is entirely avoidable.

Thanks to the amazing work of the GBSS team, the future is looking brighter.
October 27, 2025 at 2:50 PM
alisonebennett.bsky.social
📰 In this week's Middy column, I discuss my week of wins for children's hospices and getting the government to make changes to properly protect children and young carers as part of the Mental Health Bill.

Have a read here: www.midsussexlibdems.org.uk/news/article...
This is a picture of a newspaper showing Alison Bennett's newspaper column. At the top in bold, it says "Alison Bennett MP" next to a small circular photo of Alison smiling. The title is "A week of wins in Parliament". The photo is a picture of Alison making a speech in the House of Commons, with the classic green benches behind her. Her colleague is sat down on the row behind her, wearing a blue suit.
October 24, 2025 at 7:02 PM
alisonebennett.bsky.social
Women going through the menopause deserve to be able to navigate it with the best possible information at their fingertips.

But a lack of government guidance means dangerous and unhelpful misinformation scatters the internet and social media - allowing tech giants to profit.
October 21, 2025 at 4:16 PM
alisonebennett.bsky.social
Today the government confirmed it will stop funding the International Baccalaureate.

I think this is wrong, entrenching a two-tier system.

So I was disappointed the Minister did not accept my invitation to visit Vardean College with me to discuss reversing the decision.
October 20, 2025 at 4:20 PM
alisonebennett.bsky.social
✉️ My Lib Dem colleagues and I have written to the Education Secretary to reverse the cuts to the LPU funding for 16-19 studies, affecting the International Baccalaureate.

Many local students benefit from Varndean's IB programme, which may have to discontinue it due to cuts.
We are writing to express our deep concern about the Government’s decision to cut the Large Programme Uplift from 2026-2027, jeopardising delivery of the IB diploma to students at twenty state schools in England. The International Baccalaureate is trusted around the world as a mark of academic excellence. However, the cuts to the programme risk entrenching a two-tier system in which access to this qualification is reserved for those who can afford a private education. This runs directly counter to the Government's stated ambition of delivering a 'broad and bold' curriculum and risks saving minimal public funds while reducing opportunities for state school students. We know this is a huge concern for parents from the many worried messages in our inboxes. We are therefore calling on the Government to: • Protect the funding settlement for schools with existing IB students, both those currently completing the diploma and those enrolled to begin in the coming academic year • Reverse the future cuts to the Large Programme Uplift and ensure that any school wishing to deliver the IB diploma has the funding to do so. • Use the curriculum review as an opportunity to learn from the success of the IB diploma so that more students can benefit from a rigorous programme that balances breadth and depth without narrowing their options too early. A government serious about narrowing the attainment gap and improving outcomes for students should learn from the best. Reversing this damaging decision would be the first step towards that goal. We look forward to your response. Ian Sollom MP Caroline Voaden MP Steff Aquarone Josh Babarinde Alison Bennett Alex Brewer Charlotte Cane Wendy Chamberlain Danny Chambers Victoria Collins Adam Dance Steve Darling – MP for Torbay Lee Dillon – MP for Newbury Sarah Dyke – MP for Glastonbury & Somerton Tim Farron – MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale Richard Foord – MP for Honiton & Sidmouth Will Forster – MP for Woking Andrew George – MP for St Ives Rachel Gilmour – MP for Tiverton and Minehead Olly Glover – MP for Didcot and Wantage Marie Goldman – MP for Chelmsford Tom Gordon – MP for Harrogate & Knaresborough Pippa Heylings – MP for South Cambridgeshire Wera Hobhouse – MP for Bath Christine Jardine – MP for Edinburgh West Liz Jarvis – MP for Eastleigh James MacCleary – MP for Lewes Ben Maguire – MP for North Cornwall Helen Maguire – MP for Epsom and Ewell Mike Martin – MP for Tunbridge Wells Layla Moran – MP for Oxford West & Abingdon Manuela Perteghella – MP for Stratford-on-Avon Anna Sabine – MP for Frome & East Somerset Vikki Slade – MP for Mid Dorset & North Poole Cameron Thomas – MP for Tewkesbury Freddie van Mierlo – MP for Henley & Thame Max Wilkinson – MP for Cheltenham Munira Wilson – MP for Twickenham Claire Young – MP for Thornbury & Yate
October 18, 2025 at 7:56 AM
alisonebennett.bsky.social
📰 In this week's Middy column, I discuss my recent visit to Grove Garden in Haywards Heath and the power of community and outdoor spaces for combatting loneliness.

Have a read here: www.sussexexpress.co.uk/news/politic...
A newspaper article titled "Tai Chi and cups of tea at Grove Garden" written by Alison Bennett, MP for Mid Sussex, featured in the Mid Sussex Times dated Thursday, October 16, 2025. The piece discusses a recent visit by the MP to Grove Garden in Haywards Heath, highlighting its role in supporting wellbeing and community through gardening, social prescribing, and Tai Chi sessions. A colour photo in the centre shows a group of smiling people of various ages standing together in the garden under a large umbrella.
October 17, 2025 at 4:41 PM
alisonebennett.bsky.social
This morning the Government responded to our Liberal Democrat campaign and promised more funding for children's hospices.

The announcement came in anticipation of my debate that has just concluded in Parliament.

Brilliant news, but there is still more to be done.
October 16, 2025 at 3:57 PM
alisonebennett.bsky.social
I had a lovely morning last week at Grove Garden, where I met Nigel, Judith, and the team.

This garden, tucked away behind Clair Park, is a community hub for people to come and spend time.

Thank you Grovers for making me feel so welcome.

📸 : Tony Bates
October 16, 2025 at 2:39 PM
alisonebennett.bsky.social
With support from Lib Dem colleagues, I've urged the Health Secretary to urgently address the hospice care crisis.

We can't accept a diminishing service where care is rationed and fundraising lags.

Thousands need relief, and we must do better.
300 beds lie empty, while people have to be turned away. Inpatient units are closing. We face the threat of 1/2 of children’s hospices cutting their end-of-life care or scrapping it altogether if funding is not urgently guaranteed. Hospices relieve pressure on our NHS and offer extraordinary dignity and comfort for people. Yet just ⅓ of their income comes, on average, from our NHS. Many receive substantially less because each hospice must plead for funding from their local ICB, with no national recognition of their value. Hospices suffered real cuts under the last government, and now a massive NICs raid under this one. 40% of hospices are planning cuts this year with more to come. There have been hundreds of jobs lost. Care at home services have been cut, inpatient units closed, and beds shuttered. We are calling on you to: • End the postcode lottery of hospice care by allocating funding by demand so that areas that struggle to attract charitable funding are properly supported • Protect children’s hospices by maintaining their ringfenced funding and following the recommendations for annual uplifts. • Exempting hospices from increases in Employer NICs. • Tackle understaffing through a dedicated hospice workforce plan to cut vacancy rates. • Support bereaved families by working with hospices to improve access to counselling and therapy for anyone needing support from the point of a loved one’s diagnosis. • Properly integrate hospices with our NHS including by embedding palliative care specialists in every hospital emergency department so people can be redirected towards care in the community. We also urge you to add End of Life Care advice as a call option on the 111 service. We cannot accept a Cinderella service, where dwindling hospice care is rationed and charitable fundraising falls further and further behind what is needed. Thousands of sick and dying people are crying out for relief. They deserve a system fit for the 21st century. Yours sincerely, Alison Bennett Lib Dem Care and Carers Spokesperson Sir Ed Davey- Leader of the Lib Dems Daisy Cooper MP - Deputy Leader of the Lib Dems Helen Morgan MP - Lib Dem Health and Social Care Spokesperson Helen Maguire MP - Lib Dem Primary Care and Cancer Spokesperson Danny Chambers MP - Lib Dem Mental Health Spokesperson 57 Other Lib Dem MPs also co-signed
October 15, 2025 at 4:09 PM