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Alison Bennett @alisonebennett.bsky.social · 3h

Rising costs and reduced donations since 2022 have led to a £47 million shortfall in the hospice sector.

Unless the government properly funds staff costs and reverses NICs increases for hospices, keeping them open will be nearly impossible.

www.lbc.co.uk/article/term...

England's hospices "on the brink" as 12,000 terminally ill patients could lose care | LBC

Data shared exclusively with LBC suggests 40% of England's hospices are preparing to reduce services or stop end-of-life care entirely within six months

www.lbc.co.uk

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Reposted by Alison Bennett

Anne-Marie Cooke @annemariec100.bsky.social · 14h

#CarolineWard candidate for HHNW and #BenDempsey LibDem candidate for Sussex Mayor with the LibDem team out in #HaywardsHeath North West meeting residents and answering questions for the by-election next Thursday 23rd October.

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Alison Bennett @alisonebennett.bsky.social · 17h

My Op-Ed on the hospice crisis was published on LBC this morning. This is an emergency that demands immediate government action.

I will be calling for this during my debate on children's hospice funding on Thursday.

www.lbc.co.uk/article/if-t...

If this doesn’t shame the government, nothing will: Hospices are being left to die | LBC

The facts laid bare in recent reports should shock the nation: our hospice sector is hurtling toward disaster, placing the comfort and dignity of thousands of terminally ill patients in jeopardy.

www.lbc.co.uk

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Alison Bennett @alisonebennett.bsky.social · 18h

This afternoon I presented my Hospices and Palliative Care Bill to Parliament.

The bill would place a duty on the Secretary of State to ensure the availability and adequacy of hospice services for all people at the end of life.

Everyone deserves dignity at the end of life.

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Alison Bennett @alisonebennett.bsky.social · 23h

I was on LBC this morning talking about the current funding crisis in the hospice sector.

Beds are closing, staff are being let go, and people are not being allowed the dignified end-of-life care that they deserve.

The government must do better to end this postcode lottery.

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Reposted by Alison Bennett

Ed Davey @eddavey.libdems.org.uk · 2d

Last year I met Itzik Horn, whose two sons were being held captive by Hamas. Yair was released earlier this year and today I am overjoyed that Eitan is also going home.

I cannot imagine the trauma their family has suffered, and I pray they can now start to heal and move forward.

Ed Davey meets Itzik Horn, father of two men held captive by Hamas.

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Alison Bennett @alisonebennett.bsky.social · 2d

Our hospices have been pushed to the brink.

This is why I am leading the Lib Dem's 'Save Our Hospices' campaign, and am bringing a debate to Parliament on children's hospices next Thursday.

Sign the petition below:

www.libdems.org.uk/hospices

Save Our Hospices

Back our campaign to protect hospice services and ensure they always have the funding and staff to care for anyone who needs their support.

www.libdems.org.uk

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Alison Bennett @alisonebennett.bsky.social · 3d

On Wednesday, I was thrilled to attend the Hurstpierpoint and District Agricultural Association's annual dinner.

Thanks to Nick and his team for organising a lovely evening.

Farmers play a crucial role in our food supply and environmental care. We must continue to support them.

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Alison Bennett @alisonebennett.bsky.social · 4d

📰 In this week’s newsletter, I reflect on how our communities are feeling fragile following the tragic events of last week, and the power of looking away from social media to focus on what's good - and worth cherishing - in our communities.

www.midsussexlibdems.org.uk/news/article...

The normal and the good

There are two versions of today’s Monday Mail that I could write. The first is the ‘what I have been doing’ version. In it I would share the various events that I went to last week around Mid…

www.midsussexlibdems.org.uk

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Reposted by Alison Bennett

Liberal Democrats @libdems.org.uk · 5d

Three big Lib Dem wins in this week's by-elections.

Last night in Mel Stride's Devon constituency, Liberal Democrats GAINED a seat from the Conservatives - the Conservatives dropped to just 10% of the vote.

And two great wins by our teams in Bath and Hampshire.

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Alison Bennett @alisonebennett.bsky.social · 9d

Local artist, Kate Harries, and I have chosen the winning entries in my first ever Christmas card competition. I now need your help! Check out my Facebook page tomorrow to vote for the overall winner whose picture will go on the front of my card.

Alison and Kate looking through Christmas card competition entries

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Alison Bennett @alisonebennett.bsky.social · 10d

On a recent visit to Arlington Reservoir, South East Water told me that climate change and an ageing pipe network makes Sussex's tap water supply less resilient.

I questioned them about rising bills and the persistence of the hosepipe ban, and will keep pressing water companies for answers.

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Alison Bennett @alisonebennett.bsky.social · 10d

🚜I enjoyed the Hurstpierpoint Ploughing Match, exploring stalls and learning about the history of ploughing.

I also spoke with local farmers about the current challenges they are facing due to environmental pressures and government policy. It's crucial to support our farmers.

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Alison Bennett @alisonebennett.bsky.social · 10d

At Conference, I brought in a new hospices policy that would reverse Labour's punishing NICs rises and end the current palliative care postcode lottery

More must urgently be done so later this month I am bringing a debate to the Commons on children's hospices to get answers from the government

Liberal Democrats @libdems.org.uk · 10d

Hospice care is vital, but right now, it’s a postcode lottery.

@AlisonEBennett.bsky.social explains the Lib Dems’ new policy to guarantee fair funding and make sure hospices have what they need to give everyone the care they deserve.

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Alison Bennett @alisonebennett.bsky.social · 11d

🏃‍♀️ In Bournemouth last week, I did a conference Park Run special, organised in collaboration with Sky.

It was great to run along the seafront in the good weather, and get the chance to chat to those involved.

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Alison Bennett @alisonebennett.bsky.social · 11d

📰 In this week's Middy column, I reflect on the government's decision to introduce mandatory digital ID cards.

Have a read here: www.sussexexpress.co.uk/news/politic...

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Alison Bennett @alisonebennett.bsky.social · 12d

Such awful news today. My thoughts are with the victims, their families and the whole Jewish community.

Ed Davey @eddavey.libdems.org.uk · 13d

Horrified and appalled by the attack outside Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.

My thoughts are with the victims, our brave emergency services and the entire Jewish community.

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Alison Bennett @alisonebennett.bsky.social · 12d

Last week, I had a lovely morning at Beech Hill in Haywards Heath, meeting residents Mark and Catherine, and dedicated staff like Agnieska and Anna.

Care workers are unsung heroes deserving more recognition and pay. I will keep fighting for better governmental support for them.

A group of six adults stand closely together outdoors in a garden, smiling at the camera. They are casually dressed, with greenery, a wooden fence, and a patio visible in the background. The atmosphere is friendly and relaxed.

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Alison Bennett @alisonebennett.bsky.social · 13d

The approval of a second runway at Gatwick by Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander will harm nearby communities, including Mid Sussex.

The government ignored our concerns, with financial, environmental, and health costs being too high.

Read more here: www.sussexexpress.co.uk/news/politic...

Political opinion: Mid Sussex MP says Gatwick second runway plan "disastrous" for communities

Alison Bennett, Liberal Democrat Member of Parliament for Mid Sussex, has spoken out against the decision by Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander, to expand Gatwick Airport. Alison says that a…

www.sussexexpress.co.uk

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Reposted by Alison Bennett

Liberal Democrats @libdems.org.uk · 14d

Unlike Farage, we're proud of Britain.

Britain has problems that need fixing, but we must never forget our strengths, our people and our values.

They are what make this country special.🇬🇧

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Reposted by Alison Bennett

Liberal Democrats @libdems.org.uk · 14d

Care workers deserve fair pay, but funding it through council tax hikes won’t solve the crisis.

The government must deliver a long term plan for social care.

@AlisonEBennett.bsky.social

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Alison Bennett @alisonebennett.bsky.social · 13d

I am honoured to be reappointed Lib Dem spokesperson for Care and Carers.

Carers, both paid and unpaid, are our society's unsung heroes and deserve better. I will continue to fight for them and advocate for a social care system that works for and supports those who need it.

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Alison Bennett @alisonebennett.bsky.social · 13d

In this week's Monday Mail, I talk about trains, planes, and automobiles (and digital ID cards too!)

Read more here: www.midsussexlibdems.org.uk/news/article...

Trains, planes and ID cards?

Thoughts on ID cards, a visit to Hassocks for Railway 200, and the challenges to transport posed by Gatwick airport expansion in this week's Monday Mail

www.midsussexlibdems.org.uk

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Alison Bennett @alisonebennett.bsky.social · 16d

📰 In last week's Middy column, I discussed St Peter and St James Hospice's 50th anniversary tea party, and the importance of protecting palliative care and ending the hospice postcode lottery.

Have a read here: www.sussexexpress.co.uk/news/opinion...

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Alison Bennett @alisonebennett.bsky.social · 17d

🏖️ In last week's Monday Mail, I wrote from Lib Dem Conference in sunny Bournemouth, covering hospice care, swimming with Surfers Against Sewage, as well as a recent debate on Special Educational Needs.

Take a look: tinyurl.com/alison-benne...

A group of swimmers on the beach holding a banner that reads #EndSewagePollution

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