@adamjamesdance.bsky.social
Liberal Democrat MP for Yeovil. 🔸 Passionate about creating opportunities for everyone and ensuring that no one feels left behind. Promoted on behalf of A Dance, all at 5 Church Street, Yeovil BA20 1HB
Following #WorldBookDay, I’ve pressed the Gov on falling reading levels among young people.
As someone with dyslexia, I know reading looks different for everyone. We must support all ways young people engage with reading.
www.yeovil-libdems.org.uk/news/article...
So proud to be at Leonardo today for the official announcement of the NMH Contract with @lukepollard.bsky.social
Pleased to visit Leonardo staff following confirmation of the NMH contract with MD, Nigel Colman.
Huge relief & pride across the site - thousands of skilled jobs secured & real confidence for Yeovil’s future.
Suffice to say, the sun is shining and the mood is positive
I have just come off the phone with the Government, who confirmed that they will award the New Medium Helicopter contract to Leonardo in Yeovil. ⬇️
There has been some positive progress in recent days on the New Medium Helicopter contract ⬇️
Great to have Ethan and Grace from Yeovil College join the team for work experience — they were fantastic.
It’s important to me that young people get a behind-the-scenes look at how Parliament and a constituency office work.
Pubs like this are such an important part of our community. Wishing Louise and the team every success with this exciting new chapter!
It’s had a real refresh and the facilities look brilliant – a dedicated darts area, pool tables, their much-loved Wednesday and Sunday carvery, and a huge screen that’s perfect for live sport.
Great to visit the newly renovated The Arrow in Yeovil and see the fantastic upgrade that’s been delivered through the partnership between local owner Louise Goodland and Marston’s.
Rail works on the Heart of Wessex line (Yeovil Pen Mill–Weymouth) from 28 Feb–8 March.
Buses will replace trains on that section while embankments are strengthened to prevent landslips.
Other services will still run. Please check before you travel.
I have written for Parliament News on the New Medium Helicopter programme and why this decision matters for Yeovil and for UK sovereign capability.
3,000 jobs are at stake. We need clarity and certainty.
Read here:
parliamentnews.co.uk/yeovil-sover...
3,000 Yeovil jobs depend on the £1bn New Medium Helicopter contract.
I challenged the Defence Minister in Westminster Hall and secured a promise the decision will not time out.
Now we need action.
Find out more:
www.yeovil-libdems.org.uk/news/article...
After today’s debate on the New Medium Helicopter programme:
It’s welcome the Government says the contract won’t just time out.
But Yeovil needs urgency. Leonardo, our Armed Forces and thousands of local jobs depend on this decision.
Talks must now lead to action. I’ll keep pushing.
I’m pleased the Council has now assured me repairs will be carried out imminently, but this should have been dealt with sooner. I’ll keep pressing for proper funding so councils can fix roads properly.
Report potholes here: t.co/cnMjgXaqjI
While I was there, I saw a resident with a blown tyre and another driver checking damage under his car. These potholes are damaging vehicles and hurting local businesses, with customers avoiding the road altogether.
I met with Matt from Dinnington Docks today to see the shocking state of the potholes on Fosse Way. They are severe and should never have been allowed to get this bad.
I was pleased to meet Michael Baker-Webber, a UK Parliament Teacher Ambassador and teacher at Preston School in Yeovil.
We discussed the Teacher Ambassador Programme, SEND support in schools, and the pressures teachers face. I will keep raising teachers’ concerns in Parliament.
I had a really valuable visit to WATCH CIO in Chard and saw the difference they are making for local mental health support.
They have supported people for over 15 years and are a key part of the Open Mental Health network. Charities like this are a lifeline and I will keep supporting their work.
I was pleased to attend the Next Gen leadership event with local businesses, employers and educators.
We discussed the skills and confidence young people need and how better links between schools, colleges and employers can support them into work.
I was pleased to visit Ferne Animal Sanctuary and see the care and dedication that goes into supporting animals in need.
Founded in 1939, Ferne continues to give abandoned and neglected animals a second chance. Thank you to the team for the amazing work you do.
This week I visited the Italian Embassy to raise the New Medium Helicopter contract and what delays mean for jobs and skills in Yeovil.
Leonardo is Italian owned, so this matters internationally as well as locally. I was clear that continued delay is a growing concern.
Lovely to attend a special service at St Michael’s Church marking 100 years of Scouting at St Michael’s in Yeovil.
A real reminder of the huge impact the Scout Group has had in giving young people skills for life. Huge thanks to all the volunteers and leaders, past and present.
On World Cancer Day, I was pleased to meet Walk the Walk in Parliament.
We discussed cancer prevention, early detection, better access to breast screening, and the role walking can play in prevention and recovery.
Thanks to Minister for Care @skinnock.bsky.social and Chief Dental Officer for England Jason Wong for attending our Q&A session on NHS #dentistry in Parliament today.
The packed room shows the strength of feeling in Parliament on this crucial issue.
Huge credit to Jane Talbot of Café 50 and the thousands of residents and businesses who spoke up. This shows what happens when communities are listened to and campaigning works. I’ll keep standing up for Yeovil.
Local traders told me clearly that building on town centre car parks would hurt footfall and damage businesses. I raised those concerns directly, and I’m glad Somerset Council has now listened and acted.
After months of listening to businesses and making the case, I’m really pleased that @somersetcouncil.bsky.social has removed Court Ash and North Lane from the Yeovil redevelopment masterplan. This is a big win for Yeovil’s town centre and local trade.
I’ve shared a clear statement explaining my vote on the Northern Ireland Legacy Act Remedial Order and why it was about protecting veterans and upholding the rule of law.
Read the full statement here: www.yeovil-libdems.org.uk/news/article...
The Met Office has issued warnings for heavy rain and flooding in Yeovil in the wake of Storm Chandra.
This is a worrying time for many. Please put safety first and check in on neighbours if you can.
Sign up for free flood warnings here: www.gov.uk/get-flood-wa...
Open seven days a week, the centre will offer MRI, CT, X ray, ultrasound, endoscopy and outpatient services. A real boost for local healthcare and a fantastic facility for our community.