AS 2026 is just around the corner, Adam Dance MP for South Somerset and Yeovil has reflected on his 2025 achievements and setbacks.
When asked about the highlights of his achievements throughout 2025, he said that this year he has focused on standing up for the local NHS services, children with SEND, farmers and access to NHS dentistry.
He said: “Some of the key highlights include raising the closure of Yeovil’s maternity unit directly with the Prime Minister, securing an Adjournment Debate in Parliament, and working closely with parents and clinicians to ensure the unit is set to reopen in the spring. I have also led a strong campaign to protect the Hyper Acute Stroke Unit, submitting call-in requests, meeting ministers, and supporting a growing public petition.
“I also introduced a Ten-Minute Rule Bill on dyslexia, giving families who feel let down by the SEND system a stronger national voice."
He added: “Welcoming a new dental practice in Chard and securing another for Crewkerne has also been a real step forward for local healthcare.”
In terms of setbacks, Adam Dance MP said his biggest frustration has been the “Government’s failure to properly listen to local concerns on health services".
He said: “Despite strong backing from clinicians and the community, decisions have too often been driven by national pressures rather than local need.
“The ongoing uncertainty around stroke services has been particularly difficult for residents, clinicians and campaigners, and I fully understand how worrying this has been for families across the area.”
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When asked why he has not been able to save the stroke services in Yeovil despite his assurances that he was doing his “utmost” and launching a campaign, he said decisions about stroke services are ultimately made by NHS bodies, not MPs.
He said: “While I have used every tool available to me, including raising the issue in Parliament, submitting call-in requests, meeting ministers and health leaders, and backing public petitions, I do not have the power to directly overturn NHS decisions.
“It is also important to be clear about the timing. NHS Somerset began a major review of acute stroke services, including a public consultation in early 2023, before I was elected.
“By the time I took office, many key decisions had already been set in motion by the Integrated Care Board, and there had not been sustained parliamentary pressure on this issue previously.”
He added: “What I have been able to do is challenge the process, force greater scrutiny, and make sure local voices are heard clearly at every stage. I will continue to push for safe, local stroke care and to hold decision makers to account on behalf of our community.”
Looking towards 2026, Adam Dance MP has said he is “pleased” that a new NHS dental practice will open in Crewkerne, following the opening of the new practice in Chard.
He said: “I know how hard it has been for people to find an NHS dentist, and this will make a real difference for local families.
“However, one new practice on its own is not enough. That is why I will keep campaigning for proper reform of the NHS dental contract.”
When asked what his focus will be on in 2026, Adam Dance said his focus is on making sure Yeovil’s maternity unit reopens fully and safely, “continuing the fight” for local stroke services, and pushing for real change in SEND support, including progress on his dyslexia Bill.
He said: “I will also be standing up for jobs and skills at Leonardo, continuing to press the Government on the future of the New Medium Helicopter programme and the importance of Yeovil’s defence industry.
“Alongside this, I will be leading a parliamentary debate on NHS dentistry, standing up for farmers, backing local businesses, and continuing to knock on doors, hold surgeries, and listen to residents across the constituency.
He added: “Above all, my priority remains the same: to be a strong local voice and a tireless advocate for the people I represent.”
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