ELLIE Chowns, MP has welcomed a series of recent government announcements that mark progress on several issues she has consistently championed since being elected.

This month, the government confirmed that all new-build homes in England will be fitted with solar panels from 2027.

Dr Chowns, the Member of Parliament for North Herefordshire, which includes Brampton Abbotts, first called for this in her maiden speech to Parliament and has regularly pressed ministers to go further in making housing genuinely fit for the future: energy-efficient, low-carbon, and affordable to run.

The move is expected to save households over £1,000 a year on energy bills, while helping the UK transition to cleaner energy.

Another long-standing campaign that is now bearing fruit is the expansion of free school meals.

As a member of the Bill Committee for the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, Dr Chowns tabled amendments to widen eligibility for free school meals recipients and has spoken out repeatedly about the importance of ensuring every child has access to a nutritious meal during the school day.

Although her amendments were not initially accepted, the Labour Government has since announced that, from September 2026, all children in families receiving Universal Credit will be entitled to free school meals – helping an estimated 500,000 more pupils.

Dr Chowns and Green Party colleagues have also long supported the introduction of a Natural History GCSE – and earlier this year the government confirmed that the new qualification will begin in schools from September 2026.

The subject will give young people the opportunity to learn more about the natural world, biodiversity and conservation, and comes after years of campaigning by environmental groups and Green MPs to give nature a stronger place in the curriculum.

Finally, Dr Chowns welcomed the government’s decision to reverse the cruel cuts to winter fuel payments for pensioners.

Dr Chowns consistently opposed the cuts in Parliament and held government to account over the decision, warning of the risk of increased fuel poverty among older people.

The government’s U-turn means millions of pensioners will be better able to heat their homes through the colder months.

Dr Chowns said: “These are all issues I’ve campaigned hard on in Parliament, and I’m really glad to see the government finally taking them seriously.

“Of course, each of these wins is a team effort, with many campaigners, charities, other MPs and concerned citizens helping to keep up the pressure. I’m really proud to have played my part in pushing for action.

“These decisions will make a real difference: lower bills for families in new homes, better support for children at school, warmer homes for pensioners, and a new generation learning about the natural world.

“It just shows the power of what can happen when we have Green voices in Parliament raising issues, listening to our communities, and speaking up for the things that matter most.”