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Welcome to my June newsletter, with updates of what I have been up to as your MP this month to support the residents of East Thanet. You can sign up to receive the newsletter by clicking here – please do share the link with your friends and family. If there is anything you think I should know, or anything you think I could help you with, please get in touch by clicking here. |
Reform to the benefits system |
I’ve worked hard to persuade ministers to reconsider their welfare reforms – which could have left some disabled people facing real hardship – including by signing a parliamentary amendment calling for change. I’m glad ministers have listened and are pausing many of these changes pending a full review. I especially welcome plans to involve disabled people directly in shaping the new benefits system. The Welfare Bill has caused real concern, and I’m grateful to everyone who shared their experiences with me — your voices helped influence change. You can read my full statement by clicking here. |
Visiting local businesses after violent disorder in Broadstairs. |
Following a recent outbreak of violent disorder in Broadstairs, I visited local businesses to hear directly how frightened and shaken many have felt. I am also pressing Kent Police on how the situation was allowed to escalate and why existing dispersal orders were not effectively enforced. Disorder is not uncommon at this time of year, so the police should have been more prepared, and I want to see a more coordinated approach. I have also written to the Home Secretary urging her to expedite the recruitment of new police officers for Thanet, and have organised a community meeting in Broadstairs to bring together residents, businesses, and police to find solutions. |
Letter to Kent County Council about cuts to local services |
I’m really concerned by the dysfunction we have seen at Kent County Council since Reform took control last month, with 40% of meetings cancelled, resignations from Reform’s DOGE initiative after less than a week, a councillor suspended and under police investigation, and the Council Leader going on holiday before things are even up and running. Key decisions need to be made, and Reform need to get a grip. This month I wrote to the new Council Leader to urge her to reverse planned Conservative cuts to key services in Thanet, including the Millmead Children’s Centre, the Sarah Thorne Theatre, and Pie Factory Music. Reform promised voters they would be different than the previous Tory council – now they need to prove it. |
Visiting Pegwell Bay earlier this year with the Kent Wildlife Trust. |
National Grid’s Sealink project at Minster Marshes |
I share residents’ concerns about the Sealink project and continue to push for National Grid to think again. I have now registered as an interested party and made a submission to the Planning Inspectorate about the project, where I repeated my long-standing concern about the harm that could be caused to Minster Marshes’ vibrant ecosystem and wildlife. |
Free School Meals extended to thousands more children in Thanet |
I’m really pleased that the government has announced that free school meals will be extended to all children whose parents are on universal credit from September 2026. This will benefit up to 6640 children in East Thanet, lift 100,000 children out of poverty nationwide, and save parents £500 per year. This announcement is part of Labour’s huge package of support for parents, including the rollout of 30 hours of free childcare to preschoolers, a cap on school uniform costs, and the launch of new school-based nurseries and free primary school breakfast clubs – including some that have already been launched in Thanet. |
At the launch of Salmestone Primary School's free breakfast club in Margate earlier this year. |
Southern Water bonuses banned |
I welcome the announcement that Southern Water is one of six water companies who will be banned from giving their bosses bonuses. I have been campaigning on this issue since before the general election, because it is completely unacceptable to have water fat cats receiving huge bonuses while failing to deal with the sewage scandal and hiking bills in Thanet by nearly 50%. The bonus ban is possible because of Labour’s new Water (Special Measures) Act, which allows tough action to be taken against water companies that fail to deliver against strict performance targets. |
New funding for schools and the NHS in Thanet |
It is great to see our new government investing in our public services again after years of cuts. Charles Dickens School and Upton Junior School in Broadstairs will benefit from part of a £20.6 million Condition Improvement Fund for the South East to upgrade school infrastructure. Meanwhile, East Kent Hospitals are getting funding of £13.2 million to carry out works to electrical and water systems, plant equipment, and roof works at our local hospitals. That’s the kind of investment we need in Thanet to ensure people get the high-quality public services they deserve. |
Employment Minister Ali McGovern visits Thanet |
Employment minister visits East Kent College skills project |
It was fantastic to welcome the Employment Minister Ali McGovern to the East Kent Colleges Group’s Broadstairs hotel, The Yarrow, to see firsthand how a Government-backed training programme is supporting jobseekers. During her visit, the Minister engaged with students participating in the HospitalitySwap programme, followed by discussions with college leaders and local employers. This programme represents an excellent step towards equipping people with the skills they need to secure stable, meaningful employment. |
This month I added my name to an amendment to the Crime and Policing Bill that would make hate crimes against LGBT+ and disabled people aggravated offenses, so they are treated with the same seriousness as hate crimes based on race or religion. I’m really pleased the government has confirmed they will be making this important change to the law. |
Meeting members of East Kent MENCAP's GOLD group |
I have visited some fantastic local organisations and initiatives this month, including: Attending Ramsgate’s Armed Forces Day parade with local councillors and the Mayor of Ramsgate, paying tribute to those who serve our country. Meeting residents at Church Court Grove in St Peters to discuss road safety and air pollution. Meeting the GOLD group from East Kent Mencap and finding out about their experiences in healthcare, the benefits system, and public transport.
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This month me and my team have been able to assist several residents to resolve issues that they’ve been experiencing. I helped a resident maximise their entitlement to PIP and universal credit through liaising with the DWP. I assisted a constituent to resolve a complex housing benefit issue and secure them a reimbursement. I helped several residents with medical appointment delays, enabling them to get the care they needed sooner. I wrote to the Home Office to request updates on residents’ visa applications.
I’m always happy to support residents. If you think I could be of assistance, please get in touch by clicking here and I will see what I can do to help. |
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