🏫❤️🩹 Great to visit Chase High School and meet with some A-Level Politics students to discuss their studies and my work as an MP.
I also presented the school with one of the first-aid bleed kits funded by my fundraising #MilesforLives walk last year for The Liam Taylor Legacy. ❤️🩹🏫
🪖🤝 Yesterday, I met with the Defence Secretary John Healey to share feedback from the troops after my recent visit to The High North. We also discussed the current situation in the Middle East.
I thank the Secretary of State for meeting with me and for taking on board my direct feedback. 🤝🪖
📖💕It's #WorldBookDay! As children (and teachers too) celebrate by getting dressed up, it's also a great opportunity to acknowledge the power and importance of reading.
Reading can enhance wellbeing, curiosity, and concentration - for all ages!💕📖
So if you're a young person, a parent, a carer, a teacher, or have views of your own, please do take part here: forms.gle/h5mAVedPq4y1...
You can also take part in the Government's national consultation on this topic more broadly here: www.gov.uk/growing-up-o...
📱💬 HAVE YOUR SAY! 💬📱
🤳 Screentime for children?
🌐 Social media ban for under-16s?
📲 Artificial Intelligence and young people
I want to hear YOUR thoughts on screentime and social media for under-16s so that I can ensure Southend West and Leigh is included in the national conversation.
Want to know more? You can find out about Holi at this handy BBC article: www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Happy Holi! Wishing all those that observe across Southend West and Leigh a joyous Festival of Colour!
Holi is a special time to celebrate the arrival of spring, and the importance of forgiveness, togetherness, and shared celebration.
I'm grateful for the opportunity to raise this with the Prime Minister, and pleased to hear that work is underway to support and evacuate those affected who need our help.
Any British nationals in the Middle East can find updated advice and register their presence here: Gov.uk/middle-east-updates
Yesterday in the Commons, I raised the situation facing holidaymakers, visitors, and expats in the Middle East, particularly the UAE, who are facing increased anxiety and uncertainty in the face of the escalating situation there.
There's lots of work to be done to ensure support is provided and change is implemented properly, but I'm very pleased to see the Government acknowledge the need for accessible expertise. 🧩🏫
Read more about SEND reform here:
educationhub.blog.gov.uk/2026/02/scho...
🏫🧩 Excited about the development and delivery of the Experts at Hand service, calls for which formed part of our #SeeEveryNeed report here in Southend West and Leigh!
Backed by £1.8bn over the next three years, this programme will mean young people will have access to specialists more smoothly.
Good to speak with Sonia Watson on BBC Essex this morning about the concerning situation in the Middle East.
The latest travel advice information for British nationals in the Middle East can be found here: Gov.uk/middle-east-updates, including updated travel advice and links to register presence.
A practical and workable strong baseline of support is what contributors of #SeeEveryNeed here in Southend West and Leigh said was crucial to any serious SEND reform - I'm pleased that the Government agree. 🏫🧩
Want to know more? Read about these layers here:
educationhub.blog.gov.uk/2026/02/scho...
🧩🏫 One of the biggest aspects of the Schools White Paper's SEND reforms is the introduction of new layers of support, ensuring young people get the right help in mainstream settings.
£1.6 billion will fund an improved inclusion offer as part of brand new National Inclusion Standards.
You can find the Schools White Paper here: www.gov.uk/government/p...
You can keep up to date with See Every Need here: www.davidburtonsampson.co.uk/news-and-upd...
🏫🧩 This week the Government published the Schools White Paper, outlining plans to seriously make the broken SEND system fit for purpose.
Read my thoughts below on these proposals and how Southend West and Leigh's contributions have been part of this process through #SeeEveryNeed. 🧩🏫
👇My statement👇
Have a good time!
❄️🪖 I've recently returned from some time in Norway with the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme, working alongside parliamentary colleagues and incredibly inspiring and dedicated members of our Armed Forces!
It certainly won't be an experience I'll forget. 🪖❄️
📣SHARE YOUR VIEWS - Leigh-on-Sea Town of Culture! 📣
Would you like to see Leigh-on-Sea be 2028's UK Town of Culture?
Do you have a £3million idea for Leigh?
If so, give us your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions before 11 March to be a part of our bid!
Take part 👇
forms.office.com/pages/respon...
With three new bus stops and the renovation of others along Blenheim Chase and Eastwood Road, this is the first time there has been a six day a week service there for over two decades! 🎉🚏
Read more 👇
news.firstbus.co.uk/news/first-b...
🚏🎉 Great news that today is the launch of the extension to the 3A bus service, thanks to the work of Southend-on-Sea City Council, First Bus, and the Department for Transport's BSIP Funding!
Today marks four years since the start of Putin's illegal full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and I'm reflecting on the time I've spent there and with Ukrainian refugees.
The strength and spirit of the Ukrainian people has not wavered, and today, as we do every day, we stand with them. Slava Ukraini!
Really good to meet with Shaz and Terry from the Local Fibromyalgia Support Group recently to discuss the incredible work they do to help those in Southend who have fibromyalgia, as well as their friends, family, and carers.
You can find out more by visiting their website: www.southendfma.org.uk
🐾 This #LoveYourPetDay make sure you have your say: www.gov.uk/government/c...
🐾 It's #nationalloveyourpetday, and my lovely Lotti is a cherished family member!
Labour is delivering the biggest reforms to animal welfare in a generation and the consultation to reform the Veterinary Surgeons Act will:
🐰 Make pricing clearer
🐶 Maintain high standards
🐱 Protect pets and owners
There's lots of work to be done, but this is a bold and much-needed part of improving online safety and tackling violence against women and girls. 📱
You can find out more here 👇
www.gov.uk/government/n...
📱 As part of the Women & Equalities Committee, I've been pushing for tougher action against tech companies on the sharing of non-consensual intimate images (NCII).
That's why I'm very encouraged by the announcement that firms must take down any NCII in under 48 hours or face serious fines.
🏫🎒 Great to welcome some of the pupils from West Leigh Juniors to Parliament recently!
Some of the toughest questions I've ever been asked have come from my youngest constituents, and this time I was asked about litter, the environment, and climate change! 🎒🏫
A great series of campaigning sessions this Saturday across Blenheim, St Luke's, and St Laurence wards!
Wonderful to be joined by fabulous local volunteers, and great to speak to so many residents. You can often find me out and about across the constituency - so say hi if you see me!
Today is Ash Wednesday, which marks the start of Lent, and I'm sending my best wishes to all those observing this special time of year here in Southend West and Leigh.
