I first became interested in the Liberal Democrats when Paddy Ashdown promised an extra penny on income tax to fund education. Since then—through raising four children and serving as a school governor—education has been at the heart of everything I do. That’s why the recent announcement from schools in the Initio Learning Trust about major budget cuts, redundancies, and the closure of courses has left me deeply concerned. In the past six months, the Government has introduced

Full transcript https://hansard.parliament.uk/Commons/2026-03-02/debates/C3BE6001-08B4-4DF8-8193-A4BFF0C57E9B/MiddleEast#contribution-65B5528A-46DE-420F-AA8E-2E086A934322

An MP has reaffirmed her support for a scheme that brings together science, landowners, and environmental action. Vikki Slade, the Liberal Democrat MP for Mid Dorset and North Poole, is backing the Dorset TESTBED Living Science Park, a collaborative project focused on landscape-based innovation. Continue reading here

The chief executive of a multi-academy trust that is making cuts to its teaching staff has announced her retirement. Initio Learning Trust is restructuring Queen Elizabeth (QE) School in Wimborne and Corfe Hills School in Corfe Mullen. Continue reading here

Dorset was firmly in the spotlight at Westminster thanks to a special showcase co-hosted by two Liberal Democrat MPs. The event, co-hosted by Mid Dorset and North Poole MP Vikki Slade and West Dorset MP Edward Morello, took place in Parliament’s Jubilee Room and celebrated the county’s culture, produce and community. Continue reading here

AN MP is backing a policy for SEND, warning that vulnerable children must not be treated as 'cash cows' by investors. Vikki Slade, Liberal Democrat MP for Mid Dorset and North Poole, has backed her party’s policy for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) provision to be designated as Critical National Infrastructure, warning that vulnerable children must not be treated as “cash cows” by offshore investors. Continue reading here

A Liberal Democrat MP has congratulated a town steeped in history for being crowned Dorset’s Town of Culture. Vikki Slade, the Liberal Democrat MP for Mid Dorset and North Poole, described the announcement of Wimborne Minster becoming Dorset's Town of Culture for 2026 as a "fantastic opportunity" and has raised an early day motion in Westminster to mark the win and celebrate the town’s cultural assets. Continue reading here .

An MP says she is "deeply worried" about reports of potential redundancies at schools run by a multi-academy trust. Continue reading here .

It’s only fair that wherever a child lives, both parents should support their upbringing. In an ideal world, families could sort this out themselves. But when that isn’t possible, the Child Maintenance Service (CMS) is supposed to step in, make fair decisions, and ensure no child is pushed into poverty. Sometimes contact isn’t safe, or possible, and that’s not for anyone else to judge. What matters is that when one parent is doing the day‑to‑day caring, the system should back

Last month, the Government brought forward major reform of the police service. They had already announced plans to abolish Police and Crime Commissioners, with their responsibilities transferred to Mayors or Strategic Authorities—a move I welcome, as it should strengthen accountability. Residents frequently raise concerns about crime and policing with me and with local councillors, yet we currently have very limited opportunities to challenge PCC priorities or speak directly