I am delighted to start my column by sharing the news that I have been readopted by the Sevenoaks and Swanley Conservatives as the Conservative candidate for Sevenoaks and Swanley at the next general election (whenever that may be).
Being your MP is an immense privilege, and, I promise to continue to be your local champion, making sure the voice Sevenoaks and Swanley is heard loud and clear in Westminster.
Nationally, we have over the last week also marked one year since the illegal and immoral invasion of Ukraine. It was an honour to be in Westminster Hall to hear President Zelensky address both Houses of Parliament during his visit to the UK last month.
This brutal war has taken a devastating toll on the proud Ukrainian nation and its people. With thousands killed and millions displaced, it has acted as a stark reminder of the threat that is posed by authoritarian regimes. Russia’s actions have threatened sovereignty, peace and Europe and democracy. They must be stopped.
Locally, I have spoken many times about how proud I am of the response from our community across Sevenoaks and I want to thank you all once again for kindness and generosity you have shown to the Ukrainian people. Whether you opened your home to families fleeing the conflict, volunteered your time, donated money or have been involved in another way - I am truly grateful. I am continuing to support host families and their Ukrainian guests where I can - be it visas, access to housing or school places. We all stand with the brave people of Ukraine and I will continue to do all I can to ensure they are welcomed in our community.
Finally, as spring edges ever closer, it has been great to be out and about with local councillors to see the excellent work they are doing to improve our community. Women’s safety – both locally and nationally - is vitally important, and earlier this month I met with Sevenoaks District Cllr Irene Collins to listen to her concerns about an unlit walkway off Cramptons Road. Irene is seeking for lighting to be installed to make it safer for everyone, and I fully support her with the campaign.
Litter also blights our towns and roadsides and is incredibly expensive to clear up, costing local councils hundreds of millions of pounds a year. It was therefore great to meet with local Conservative town councillors Keith Bonin, Roddy Hogarth, Nick Busvine and Simon Raikes at the Vine to see the new recycling bins the town council have put in place and talk about the great work they are doing on the council.
If you would like to raise a concern that you have spotted locally, please do not hesitate to get in touch with my office at [email protected].
