100 days in: Sarah Dyke pushes for change as Glastonbury and Somerton’s new MP

By Laura Linham

14th Oct 2024 | Local News

Since taking office, Ms Dyke has been focused on the campaign pledges she made during the election.
Since taking office, Ms Dyke has been focused on the campaign pledges she made during the election.

October 12th marked 100 days since Sarah Dyke was elected as Liberal Democrat MP for Glastonbury and Somerton, and she has been busy tackling key issues in both the constituency and Westminster.

Since taking office, Ms Dyke has been focused on the campaign pledges she made during the election, including improving rural health services, addressing public transport issues, and advocating for environmental protections.

Reflecting on her first 100 days, Sarah said: "It's an absolute privilege to serve the people of Glastonbury and Somerton. It has been an honour to be out in the community meeting constituents and hearing their ideas, stories, and concerns. I am proud to be representing them in Westminster and using my voice on their behalf to effect change."

One of her main focuses has been opposing government cuts to the Winter Fuel Allowance, which she says will disproportionately affect rural communities like Somerset. Ms Dyke has called for more support to help with the cost of living crisis, rural poverty, and the rollout of rural health hubs.

In Parliament, Sarah has spoken on Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) provision, mental health, and improving rural public transport. She's also been vocal about the current funding model for Local Authorities, calling for reforms to help councils like Somerset, which have faced significant financial challenges.

She said: "While I'm glad the Labour government appears to be proactive compared to the last government, they have an enormous amount of work to do to fix the disastrous mess the Conservatives left behind. Cutting Winter Fuel Allowance was a grave mistake straight out of the gates and will harm many people living in rural areas like Glastonbury and Somerton this winter. The biggest priority for them looking forward should be fixing the NHS, which is on its knees, and that must be the focus of the upcoming budget."

Sarah has also been actively supporting local farmers, calling for fair financial support and compensation for their role in flood mitigation. She has pushed for better mental health services for rural and farming communities, an issue she believes needs more attention.

Locally, Sarah has been out visiting schools, supporting Post Offices and pharmacies under threat of closure, and meeting with businesses across Glastonbury and Somerton. She's also hosted coffee mornings, giving residents a chance to raise their concerns directly.

On the environment, she has campaigned against sewage dumping and called for stronger protections to prevent phosphate pollution in the Somerset Levels and Moors. Ms Dyke has met with Wessex Water to discuss pollution control and signed up to the Climate Coalition Pledge, while pushing the Climate and Nature Bill in Parliament.

As she marks her 100 days in office, Sarah Dyke is committed to continuing her work on both local and national issues, focusing on the needs of her constituents in Glastonbury and Somerton.

     

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