From the huge amount of correspondence I’ve received in recent weeks as well as conversations I’ve had on the doors there is much support for tackling the scourge of plastic pollution that harms the environment. The Government has already taken significant action to address plastic pollution, including a ban on the use of microbeads in rinse-off cosmetics and personal care products (I started a campaign on this as a back-bencher) and restricted the supply of plastic straws, plastic drink stirrers, and plastic-stemmed cotton buds.

The charge for single-use carrier bags in supermarkets has also been popular resulting in a reduction of plastic carrier bags of over 98 per cent. However, this scourge of plastic in our world has to be tackled on a global scale if we are to get the change we desperately need. 

As Environment Minister I represented the UK Government at the latest round of negotiations on the International Plastics Treaty alongside fellow Environment Ministers from across the globe. With plastics in the ocean set to treble by 2040 we need and must act fast to stem this unacceptable tide of pollution, which is why the Treaty, which would be legally binding across nations, is so crucial.

We have been clear that it must include the whole lifecycle of plastics, tackle problematic plastics and polymers, increase circularity and reporting. I am proud that this Government is taking this extremely seriously, but it is challenging bringing all nations together, in particular those reliant on oil for their economies. I shall continue working with global leaders to find innovative solutions, so we can secure the ambitious, effective Plastics Treaty we so need by the end of 2024.

Many constituents have also raised the issue of GP appointments with me and I have been working to improve the service across Somerset. I am pleased to report that significant progress has been made to make it easier to get a GP appointment and end the 8am rush, by investing in technology and recruiting more staff to look after patients.

In Somerset, in the 12 months to December 2023 there were 101,654 more appointments than in the 12 months to December 2019 – which is welcome progress and there are now some really successful new models being rolled out through many GP practices, with 25% of the population in Somerset served by GP practices under the Somerset NHS Foundation Trust.

As I’m sure you will be aware, I have continued to work with the Somerset NHS Foundation Trust to bring major improvements to the hospital we all frequent at Musgrove Park. In addition to the range of proposed new facilities, I am also working on getting a fully streamlined digital system for our local health services which is pivotal to the success of our future plans. Currently, there are literally hundreds of different systems operating in the health sector in Somerset alone and these need to be carefully pulled together. This will make such a difference for patients in terms of health outcomes, but it will also be really important in ensuring our hard-working health professionals can spend their time on what really matters rather than worrying about how to access multiple, diverse digital systems. I have invited the Secretary of State for Health to Musgrove to discuss plans for the future upgrade of the site and I shall raise this digital issue with her too. 

Back in Parliament, legislation relating to resolving one of the greatest miscarriages in our history, namely the Post Office Horizon scandal, continues to progress so that we can ensure affected postmasters will receive the fair compensation they deserve.