Alison Bennett
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alisonebennett.bsky.social
Alison Bennett
@alisonebennett.bsky.social
1.7K followers 57 following 310 posts
Liberal Democrat Member of Parliament for Mid Sussex she/her
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alisonebennett.bsky.social
There is an entire hospital's worth of people in beds across University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust who are well enough to go home.

But they can't because there is no social care package in place.

So, today at PMQs, I asked the PM how he plans to get these people home for Christmas.
November 26, 2025 at 3:25 PM
alisonebennett.bsky.social
Today's #budget must set things right by British farmers.

The government has repeatedly dealt blows to those who put food on our tables.

I will be listening keenly in the House of Commons today... and will keep pushing hard if the budget doesn't deliver what Farmers deserve.
November 26, 2025 at 11:46 AM
alisonebennett.bsky.social
I visited the pathology lab at the Royal Sussex County Hospital on Friday, met the team, and learned about their work.

Then, I sat down with Andy, Chief Executive of the Trust, to discuss the current situation in our local NHS and what positive changes are being made.
In this photo, Alison is with three other people in a path lab. They are all wearing white lab coats and are looking at a slide that the lady to the left is holding. Alison is looking at the lady holding the slide with her hands together. The other two people are in the background, the lady has her hand to her face and is looking at the slide, whilst the man is looking with crossed arms. There is a group of people in the left hand side of the photo, all wearing white lab coats. They are looking over the shoulder of a person sat down looking at something through a machine. There is also another person sat down behind this man, also working at a machine. In the background you can see pinboard and hospital bins, as well as many files and boxes. There is a screen on the wall showing a scan of a body part. On the left with her back to the camera, Alison is looking at the screen and holding a mug. On the right, there is a man in a blue shirt and dark hair who is sat behind the camera and next to a microscope. He is also looking at the screen. They are sat in an office with magnolia walls and pin boards on the walls. Alison is stood in a white lab coat with her hands held in front of her. She is standing side on from the camera and is talking to a lady with blonde hair, who is also in a lab coat. The lady is speaking to Alison.
November 25, 2025 at 12:01 PM
alisonebennett.bsky.social
On Friday, I visited CAE to learn more about the great work they are doing in Burgess Hill.

CAE's simulators provide training for commercial and private flights, as well as training pilots across the armed forces. I even got to land a plane in one of their simulators!
November 25, 2025 at 8:00 AM
alisonebennett.bsky.social
This morning I delivered the 'Save Our IB' petition to the Prime Minister, along with MP colleagues and IB school leaders.

The government's decision to cut funding is wrong. The IB is a world-class qualification that everyone should have the opportunity to study.

#SavetheIB
November 24, 2025 at 4:46 PM
alisonebennett.bsky.social
Sickness rates amongst drivers on Thameslink services are causing cancellations.

Long NHS waiting lists mean that, to tackle this, GTR are having to pay for private healthcare.

So I asked a Transport Minister if he thinks this is a good use of ever-increasing rail fares.
November 21, 2025 at 4:31 PM
alisonebennett.bsky.social
On Monday evening I spoke about Parkinson's in Parliament.

@parkinsonsuk and it's local branches do fantastic work to alleviate the pains and strains of this terrible disease.

But there's more to do, the state of care in the UK is not good enough and the government must act.
November 21, 2025 at 12:31 PM
alisonebennett.bsky.social
I proudly wore an orange flower crocheted by Hassocks' WI in Parliament for the UN's 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.

It was great to see many Lib Dem colleagues wearing these brooches during PMQs too.

We must do more to end violence against women and girls.
A collage of nine photos featuring various Lib Dem MPs in professional settings, many appearing to be in a parliamentary or governmental environment. Most are wearing bright orange flower pins on their jackets. Several images show individuals smiling at the camera in offices or wood-panelled chambers. One central image shows the Lib Dem benches in the House of Commons during PMQs. The collage has a warm yellow and orange background.
November 20, 2025 at 11:21 AM
alisonebennett.bsky.social
Today is #CarersRightsDay!

Every day, 12,000 people become unpaid carers and are often unaware of their rights and what they’re entitled to.

This year’s theme is ‘Know your rights, use your rights’.

I am joining amazing organisations today like Carers UK and Carers Trust to spread the word.
November 20, 2025 at 9:01 AM
alisonebennett.bsky.social
I had a great time with students at Woodlands Meed last week, answering their questions about politics and the role of an MP during their citizenship class.

I also got the chance to meet Jack, the overall runner-up of my Christmas card competition. Well done, Jack!
In this photo, Alison is stood in front of a TV and bin in a classroom. She is wearing a pink short sleeve t-shirt and black trousers. She is smiling at a student standing on the left in a white polo shirt and black school trousers. He is holding a present wrapped in Christmas paper and a plastic wallet with a certificate in it. They are both laughing. Alison is stood at the front of a classroom, talking to a group of students who have their backs to the camera. The students are sat in a horse shoe formation around Alison and they are all facing her. In this photo, Alison is stood in front of a TV and bin in a classroom. She is wearing a pink short sleeve t-shirt and black trousers. She is stood next to a student in a white polo shirt and black school trousers. He is holding a present wrapped in Christmas paper and a plastic wallet with a certificate in it. They are both smiling at the camera.
November 19, 2025 at 8:01 PM
alisonebennett.bsky.social
📰 In this week’s Monday Mail, I reflect on Liberal Democrat wins both in Mid Sussex and in Westminster.

Read here: prod.cdn.everyaction.com/emails/van/L...
This is a screenshot from Newsnight. You can see Alison asking a question in the Chamber. She is wearing a grey pin-striped blazer and a black crew neck top underneath. She is wearing a grey chain necklace around her neck, and has a sports watch with a white strap on her right wrist. Across the bottom of the screen, there is a blue and purple strip that says "Alison Bennett MP: Liberal Democrat- Newsnight".
November 19, 2025 at 3:32 PM
alisonebennett.bsky.social
I recently met with local carers at a coffee morning organized by @carerswsussex.bsky.social which provides a helpline offering information, guidance, and practical assistance, for carers and their families. If you are a carer that needs extra support, contact them here: www.carerssupport.org.uk.
Alison is sitting at a table having a conversation with two men either side, in what looks like a community or meeting room. The man on the left is wearing a dark suit and glasses, resting his hand near his mouth. Alison is wearing a black and white polka dot dress and looking at the man on the right, who is dressed in a green sweater over a blue collared shirt and is speaking. Several mugs and a plate with biscuits are on the table.
November 14, 2025 at 12:01 PM
alisonebennett.bsky.social
📰 In this week's Middy column, I talk about my recent visit to Harlands Primary Academy in Haywards Heath and the importance of ensuring school buildings are fit for purpose.

Have a read here www.midsussexlibdems.org.uk/news/article...
A photo of a folded page of the Mid Sussex Times showing an article titled 'Alison Bennett MP: An afternoon at Harlands Primary Academy'. There is lots of text and a photo of Alison standing with three students from the school, smiling at the camera. The pupils are wearing green jumpers and they are stood in front of a school display board.
November 14, 2025 at 8:01 AM
alisonebennett.bsky.social
Sir Michael Palin was right on Newsnight to highlight the battle hospices are fighting to keep beds open in the face of the government's disastrous national insurance hike.

I was disappointed that the Leader of the House today declined my request for a debate in Parliament.
November 13, 2025 at 7:02 PM
alisonebennett.bsky.social
You've told me how fed up you are with rising bills, leaky pipes and hosepipe bans whilst housebuilding puts more pressure on our drinking water supplies.

Today I put those frustrations to the Secretary of State.
November 13, 2025 at 10:44 AM
alisonebennett.bsky.social
I had the pleasure of hosting a breakfast briefing yesterday morning in Parliament to launch Carers Trust's latest eye-opening report on getting carers into paid work.

The numbers are staggering. Helping carers into, or back into, paid work is vital for them and for our economy.
November 12, 2025 at 11:33 AM
alisonebennett.bsky.social
📰 In this week’s Monday Mail, I discuss what I got up to in Mid Sussex this weekend.

Read here: prod.cdn.everyaction.com/emails/van/L...
Alison is smiling and chatting at the Repair Cafe event held in a hall. Alison is wearing a red top and carrying a bag. The other woman wears an orange apron with a name tag and holds a black garment. Several people are talking and browsing tables in the background, and a large wooden cross hangs on the wall.
November 10, 2025 at 4:01 PM
alisonebennett.bsky.social
The NHS faces £3 billion in unfunded costs.

Local hospitals face corridor care crises and residents struggle for GP appointments.

I've written to the Chancellor and Health Secretary seeking assurances that Mid Sussex won't have to foot the government's bill.
I am writing to express deep alarm at the news that £3bn of NHS costs are currently unfunded, and that your departments have not agreed how extra expenses from strikes, redundancies and increasing drug prices will be met. It has raised an alarming suggestion that local services will be forced to bear the brunt of this financial pressure. The impact of the cuts needed to fill this funding blackhole would be devastating, both for our local NHS trust and services across the country. It was the government’s decision to launch a costly reorganisation of the NHS and bend to pressure applied by President Trump to pay more to US pharmaceutical giants. However, it will be our local health services who will pay the price. The A&E crisis is deepening. The number of people waiting longer than four hours from arrival to admission, transfer or discharge in Sussex hospitals has increased by 3000% in the last 10 years. A Sussex hospital was even forced to advertise for a ‘corridor care doctor’ earlier this year, in an attempt to deal with this growing number of patients stuck on trolleys in their emergency department. To ask UHSussex NHS Foundation Trust to divert funding from frontline care to fund the costs of your plans - which nobody voted for- would be completely unacceptable. I therefore urge you to provide assurances that no money will be lost from patient care here in Sussex to foot the bill for these spiralling costs involved in your proposed NHS restructuring. Furthermore, I would ask that you visit a local hospital with me, to understand the scale of the ‘corridor care’ crisis in our health services here in Sussex and see for yourselves the urgent need to protect funding. Patients in Mid Sussex should not have to suffer due to the government’s weakness in the face of an unpredictable US President, nor as a result of a rushed, costly, NHS reorganisation. I look forward to your response.
November 9, 2025 at 8:15 PM
alisonebennett.bsky.social
Yesterday I dropped into the Burgess Hill Repair Cafe, for a cuppa, a chat and to get a pair of my trousers re-hemmed. Mending things rather than throwing them away makes so much sense, but sometimes we don't know how (plus there is cake for those who need it). Thank you for the invitation.
November 9, 2025 at 6:59 PM
alisonebennett.bsky.social
On #RemembranceSunday, I was honoured to lay wreaths at two Mid Sussex services.

First in Haywards Heath at eleven o'clock, and then in Hassocks this afternoon.

We will not forget those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
November 9, 2025 at 5:22 PM
alisonebennett.bsky.social
📰 In this week's Middy column, I discuss local casework and making a real difference in Mid Sussex.

Have a read here: www.sussexexpress.co.uk/community/po...
November 8, 2025 at 4:46 PM
alisonebennett.bsky.social
The government's removal of funding for the IB in state schools is catastrophic.

It's catastrophic for delivering a broad education post-16, and it's catastrophic for getting girls into STEM careers.

I look forward to hearing what the Minister has to say at our meeting.
November 5, 2025 at 3:08 PM
alisonebennett.bsky.social
Yesterday morning I laid a Remembrance Cross in Parliament's garden of remembrance.

We must never forget that freedom is not free, and remember those who gave everything to protect it.
November 5, 2025 at 12:24 PM
alisonebennett.bsky.social
📰 In this week’s Monday Mail, I reflect on the European Convention on Human Rights; what it does, why it's important, and why it must be protected.

Read here: prod.cdn.everyaction.com/emails/van/L...
A large group of MPs posing for a formal photograph inside the House of Commons chamber in the UK Parliament, surrounded by green benches, wooden panelling, and large hanging lights
November 3, 2025 at 12:53 PM
alisonebennett.bsky.social
I met with South East Water last Thursday to discuss the current situation with our water supply.

Levels in Ardingly Reservoir and the Ouse are now much improved. However, you can sign up for extra support, and check your eligibility, here: www.southeastwater.co.uk/help/priorit...
A group of people wearing bright orange high-visibility jackets stand inside a tiled room, listening to a man speaking. Alison is stood next to the man speaking. Some people are standing in a doorway leading to another room, and there are blue lockers and a countertop visible.
October 29, 2025 at 6:01 PM