THIS week has been the first sitting week in Parliament of the new year, and I have been excited to get back into the chamber and speak up for Somerton & Frome.

Following devastating floods caused by Storm Henk, I took the first opportunity to press the Minister responsible for water and rural growth on steps the Government is taking to protect communities.

Somerset is facing the brunt of extreme weather events caused by climate change and the regularity of such events is increasing.

I want to see provisions introduced to help communities create their own bespoke extreme weather resilience plans in identified catchment areas.

I called for this in the House of Commons chamber earlier this week and have now submitted an Early Day Motion echoing this call.

I will continue to demand adequate protections for Somerset and all who are affected by the devastating impact of flooding.

I also spoke in a debate on NHS dentistry earlier this week, highlighting the specific challenges people in rural areas face in accessing dental services.

There are simply not enough NHS dentists in Somerset to provide the level of care people deserve.

We need to reform NHS dental contracts to incentivise dentists to provide NHS services, we need to increase the number of dentists we train every year and I want to see mobile dental hubs offering services in rural communities.

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This way we can prevent the growing trend of DIY dentistry and help those suffering in pain with nowhere to go.

I also held a series of important meetings this week, including with the founder of Riverford Organic, Guy
Singh-Watson, in which we spoke about the immense pressure farmers are under as a result of supermarket buying practices.

Almost half of British fruit and veg growers fear they could be out of business within the next 12 months, with 75% citing supermarket behaviour as a leading factor. We need fairness for our farmers who work hard to provide fresh and healthy food for the nation.

Finally, I have also been busy in Somerton & Frome and recently visited Thales UK in Templecombe. I was keen to visit its site and learn about the important work my constituents are contributing to the defence sector.

I also met with pharmacists in Bruton to hear about the challenges they are facing. I will continue to champion the importance of local pharmacies in our communities.

If you would like to get in touch with me you can do so by writing to me at sarah.dyke.mp@parliament.uk.

SARAH DYKE
Liberal Democrat MP for Somerton & Frome