Update from Claire Hazelgrove MP
July 22nd, 2025
Supporting local children to thrive
I hope you’re enjoying the Summer and finding time to recharge. This month, I and my small team have been working on 923 new cases for residents. Thank you to everyone who’s come along to my recent events – ‘Coffee with Claire’ in Patchway, new ‘Pub Politics’ in Emersons Green, and my advice surgery in Hambrook – or spoken with me and my team on your doorstep in Winterbourne, Filton, Emersons Green and Patchway.
If you need support or want to let me know about something locally, please get in touch:
News from Westminster
I’m proud to support Labour’s plan to build on the legacy of Sure Start by launching up to 1,000 Best Start Family Hubs by April. The last government cut this support in South Glos, and I’m glad Labour is prioritising children and families here as a result.
Thank you to everyone – around 1000 residents – who contacted me about the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill. I fully respect the range of views and know this will be one of the most important votes I cast. After attending every debate, and having my own amendments accepted, I voted for the Bill. For me, with good safeguards in the Bill, this came down to providing choice. This Bill will now move to the House of Lords.
I welcome Labour’s 10-Year Health Plan to shift care from hospitals to communities, analogue to digital, and sickness to prevention. We have to act now to make sure our NHS is here for future generations. After hearing from a constituent cut off from her mum during the pandemic, I also spoke in Parliament about the importance of safe contact in care settings.
It’s clear from local conversations that the welfare system isn’t working for anyone. I’ve met with the relevant Minister to share local concerns. 1 in 8 young people nationally are not in employment, education or training and we cannot see a lost generation. Many people want to work but lack support – that’s why Labour is introducing a ‘Right to Try’ and tailored back to work support. For those unable to ever work we’ll always provide support and end mandatory reassessments.
Having met with the Policing Minister previously, I’m pleased our government will deliver 70 new police officers for Avon and Somerset, working with Police and Crime Commissioner Clare Moody, as part of a £200 million investment in neighbourhood policing.
Community view
I recently welcomed Blackhorse Primary students to Parliament and would love to see more local schools here in the autumn too.
Locally this month I’ve visited veteran-led defence SME business RC Fornax, Airbus’ Family and Friends Day, joined the Mayor of Patchway to open the pollinator project at Pretoria Road Allotments, and met pioneering companies at Bristol and Bath Science Park.
It’s been a pleasure to support many excellent community festivals and school fairs – from Filton to Lyde Green. Thank you to everyone involved in putting on such great events.
Claire
photo shows Claire Hazelgrove MP and PCC Clare Moody with USDAW on their National Retail Workers Day
Back to news