WELCOME news on the health front locally in the last week with £2million allocated to Somerset to help unblock hospital beds as well as £1.2 million to better support mental health.

These are both issues I’ve highlighted to Health Ministers, and I’m delighted they have listened.

This funding will enable so many more people to get the help they need.

In addition to pushing for these funds, in a private meeting with the Health Secretary in Westminster, I gave an update on plans for the upgrade of the entire Musgrove Park Hospital site-building on the positive work that’s been carried out on the new theatre complex which I was proud to play my part in securing funds for working with the hospital team.

To progress the whole site project the next tranche of funding needs securing with a view to work beginning in early 2024 with a 2-year timeline for completion.

I also sought support for the formal recognition of the Somerset NHS Foundation Trust and shared the views of local health workers in relation to the ongoing strikes.

The other significant occurrence recently has been the flooding on the Somerset Levels, which was declared a major incident by the Environment Agency.

Both as the local MP and as Floods Minister I have been closely monitoring the situation including embarking on a fact-finding visit to the Levels.

Across the area, 20 permanent pumps have been operating with 40 temporary pumps brought in to support what was the largest exercise of its kind ever staged by the EA.

Their staff worked night and day to keep people safe and they deserve a big thank you.

Since the flooding in 2013/14 £80m has been invested in flood risk interventions across the Levels including road raising, new flood alleviation schemes, defence repairs, and some dredging of the rivers Parrett and Tone.

This is the first big test the schemes have had, and reports have largely been positive.

I’ve asked for a review once the current situation has passed, in particular, to assess whether the trigger points for EA action need adjusting in light of changing weather patterns.

The views of both farmers and the local community will also be important in informing future responses.