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Today is Carers Rights Day, so I want to acknowledge the incredible work done by thousands of carers. As an unpaid carer to my daughter for many years, I know how challenging this role can be. It's important that carers feel seen, valued and supported.

Grateful to Stephen Morgan MP for meeting with me to discuss the challenges faced by childcare and early years providers around SEND. We spoke about a number of issues, as well as my own experiences of finding suitable childcare when you have a disabled child.

This week, I took part in the first public session of the Health and Social Care Committee Select Committee. I raised the issue of waiting lists in services for children and young people, and the damaging impact this is having on their health and wellbeing 👇

After errors in the Dart Charge system impacted several people in Thurrock, I raised the problem with Ministers and National Highways. Grateful to Louise Haigh for an update about the work to resolve the issue and improve support for users of the Dartford Crossing.

This week, the Government announced the biggest set of reforms to employment support in a generation. Delighted to hear Liz Kendall agree about the importance of putting the voices and experiences of disabled people at the heart of this long-term employment strategy.

I've heard countless shocking stories about very-long distance travel and battles to access travel support for SEND students. It can't be right that so many are not getting the support they need. I will continue to press for the holistic reform this area desperately needs.

As a frequent commuter on c2c, I'm delighted that it will be one of the first franchises brought into public ownership. This move will deliver better value for money for taxpayers and passengers alike, putting residents in Thurrock at the heart of decision making on the network.

Delighted to be chairing the newly launched Thames Estuary Fair Economic Growth All-Party Parliamentary Group. The Thames Estuary is the UK’s number one growth opportunity and I look forward to working with colleagues to drive more support and investment to our great region.

The current system of home to school transport is failing disabled children and their families. Every stage of a disabled child’s education is vital and we need a system that reflects this, providing security and stability throughout their development. bbc.co.uk/news/articles/…

A lack of specialist support in mainstream schools is damaging the life chances of disabled children and young people. This new funding is an important step forward in fixing our broken SEND system and ensuring that every child can access an education that meets their needs.

Thanks to Contact for their support and for coming to this debate. The number of MPs who contributed really demonstrated the importance of this issue for disabled children and their families across the country.

c2c will be among the first rail operators nationalised by the Government, delivering on Labour’s manifesto commitment. For regular commuters like myself this is exciting news, driving further improvements on the network to deliver a more reliable service. 📺 ITV News Meridian

When the legal duty for free school transport falls at the age of 16, disabled young people can have their education thrown into turmoil. This week, I led a debate in Parliament on developing a system of home to school transport that meets the needs of every child 👇

Further education colleges like @SouthEssexColl play a vital role in our education system, offering a range of post-16 courses to upskill students. Pleased to hear Bridget Phillipson highlight the key role they will play in delivering both the skills agenda and economic growth 👇

Ahead of my debate in Parliament on Disability History Month, I spoke to BBC Essex about disability in the workplace. It was good to discuss my own experiences of disability, and how we can support disabled people to thrive in the world of employment.

Today Stephen Kinnock and I announce the biggest funding for hospices in a generation: £100 million for improving buildings, kit and technology £26 million grant for children and young people’s hospices An early Christmas present for hospices that do a wonderful job for families.

Earlier this month, I hosted an event in Parliament with Scope to mark International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Good to see so many colleagues attend and listen to the speakers, understanding how we can put disabled voices at the heart of policymaking. 📸- Carmen Valino

Earlier this month I visited Basildon Hospital, meeting with staff to discuss their work and understand the pressures the hospital faces. Thank you to all the fantastic healthcare staff at Basildon and across Thurrock who will be working this Christmas to serve our community.

Encouraging action by the govt to grip the problems facing social care and deliver on our manifesto promise. Immediate investment and reform to support disabled people at home and improve career structure for carers, alongside an independent commission to drive long-term change.

We will deliver an NHS fit for the future.