Welcome to my March newsletter, with updates of what I have been up to as your MP.

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War in the Middle East

Many constituents will be concerned about the US and Israeli bombing campaign against Iran, which is already affecting the cost of living at home. I believe the Prime Minister is absolutely right to stand up to Donald Trump and say that the UK will not be drawn into this destabilising conflict, beyond defending our own bases and citizens. In contrast, Nigel Farage and Kemi Badenoch have both demonstrated a catastrophic lack of judgement by calling for the UK to blindly follow the US into this war.

I know the long shadow cast by the legacy of the Iraq War, and am determined – especially as a Labour politician – to ensure that the grim lessons of that era have been learned. I am deeply concerned that the US and Israel do not appear to have a clear plan for political transition now that the Ayatollah is dead, and that they have seriously misjudged the likelihood of the Iranian regime collapsing. The consequences of this miscalculation are political chaos across the Middle East and an economic shock that could reverberate around the world, which is why the priority must be de-escalation and diplomacy, something I have called for in parliament.

Calling for more help for high-energy usage businesses like Thanet East in parliament

Concern about energy bills and rising costs

I know that many people will be worried about rising energy bills and the cost of living as a result of the war in Iran. As some of you will already know, I have been campaigning for an energy social tariff – a discount off bills for the most vulnerable households – something that I will be continue to champion in parliament. I’ve also called for more support for high energy agriculture businesses like Thanet Earth in parliament.

You can also read my comments in the Guardian calling for the government to calling for an International Energy Summit to find solutions.

What’s important for now is that households in England are protected by the government’s 7% cut to energy bills from April, with all households protected from any bill increases until July. However, I am glad that the Chancellor has committed to supporting those who are struggling if the war continues and energy and fuel costs rise, and is looking carefully at options as we see what happens to prices over the next few months. She has also already launched action to prevent profiteering by petrol companies, including giving the Competition and Markets Authority more powers to crack down on unscrupulous practices.

As the country faces the prospect of a second fossil fuel price shock in five years, I have also called for even faster action to get Britain off the oil price rollercoaster by making the fastest possible transition to cheap, homegrown, and secure renewable energy.

Campaigning with our brilliant candidate Jo Bright and local Labour activists for the Cliftonville byelection

County Council byelection in Cliftonville

On Thursday 9 April voters in Cliftonville will vote on a new councillor to represent them on Kent County Council, after the previous Reform UK councillor was sent to prison for the coercive control of his partner. Labour’s candidate, Joanne Bright, is already a fantastic Thanet District Councillor and as a co-founder of the Thanet Women and Girls Network will be a brilliant champion of Cliftonville residents. She is campaigning strongly for an end to local service cuts, action to protect public safety, and for Kent to step up and tackle the pothole epidemic.

Independent tactical voting websites like stopreformuk.vote are clear that only Labour can defeat Reform in Cliftonville. It is so important that we send a message that Cliftonville won’t accept the chaos and division we have seen from Reform in Kent, including cuts to local services, council tax hikes, and a council leader caught shouting and swearing at her own colleagues.

Three new playgrounds, a new skate park, and a new Youth Hub for Thanet

Labour promised to invest in our communities again after years of cuts under the Tories, so I’m thrilled this month that Thanet has been given funding for a new Youth Hub and for three new playgrounds. The Youth Hub will allow young people to access an on-site jobcentre, alongside mental health and housing support, skills and training opportunities, careers guidance, and direct connections to employers.

Meanwhile, £270,000 in government funding will allow Thanet District Council to renovate three playgrounds in Thanet. The announcement comes hot off the heels of the announcement of a £1.1 million skate park in Cliftonville that is tipped to be ‘one of the country’s best’ when it is completed. I’m really excited to see all these projects finished in the coming months.

Seaside Summit in Ramsgate

It was fantastic to take part in the Seaside Summit in Ramsgate this month, which brought together businesses, politicians and experts for debate and discussion about reviving the fortunes of coastal towns like ours. This is a top priority for me, and you can see me speaking about the summit by clicking here.

Speaking about the challenges facing coastal communities like East Thanet at the Ramsgate Seaside Summit

East Kent Hospitals NHS Trust placed on NHS Intensive Recovery Programme

Everyone in East Thanet deserves an NHS that is there when they need it, but for too long services in East Kent – including at QEQM in Margate – have fallen short compared to other parts of the country. That’s why I welcome the decision by the Health Secretary to place the NHS East Kent Hospital Trust in the NHS Intensive Recovery Programme, meaning the Trust will now receive focused, hands-on support to drive improvement. Staff at QEQM and across East Kent have been under intense pressure, and this intervention will give them the backing they need to deliver safe, timely, high-quality care for patients in East Thanet.

I'm backing action to tackle wasted water

Backing action on water re-use

I’m proud to be backing my colleague Julia Buckley MP’s Bill to promote rainwater reuse and recycling. Unlike other countries, the UK has not widely adopted ‘grey water’ recycling systems which enable domestic wastewater to be reused to flush toilets and water gardens, despite the fact that doing so would help reduce water usage and therefore cut all of our water bills.

Constituency visits

I have visited some fantastic local organisations and initiatives this month, including:

I visited Drapers Mills Primary School in Margate to find out more about the pupil’s road safety campaign.
I attended a community Iftar in Margate to share a Ramadan meal with members of the local Muslim community.
I attended a Holi celebration organised by Thanet’s Hindu community in Ramsgate to celebrate this colourful festival of renewal.
I took part in a brilliant Thanet Female Founders event to mark International Women’s Day, hosted by the fabulous Karen Brinkman.

Celebrating the Hindu festival of Holi in Ramsgate

Casework successes

This month, my team and I have been able to assist residents to resolve issues that they’ve been experiencing.

Helped a family to claim thousands in owed and backdated Disability Living Allowance to better care for their child.
Working with both Thanet District Council and Kent County Council, arranged bollards to be installed on a stretch of pavement that was regularly parked on and causing wheelchair users to have to veer into the road, improving safety for all pedestrians.
Secured compensation for a constituent from their landlord following a lack of action with disrepair issues.
Following delays from the DVLA, I lobbied on behalf of a constituent and successfully reinstated their driving license.

I’m always happy to help. If you think I could be of assistance, please get in touch by clicking here and I will see what I can do.

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House of Commons
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