This month marked one year since the illegal and immoral invasion of Ukraine. And, it was incredibly moving to be in Westminster Hall to hear President Zelensky address both Houses of Parliament during his visit to the UK earlier this month. Zelensky has been a beacon of hope in these dark days for Ukraine and it was an honour that he chose to come to the UK at this time.
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 Swanley, 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 with 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.
Separately, I am delighted to confirm that I have been readopted by the Sevenoaks Conservatives as the Conservative candidate for Sevenoaks and Swanley at the next general election (whenever that may be). Being your MP is the privilege of a lifetime. And, if elected again, I promise to continue to be your local champion, making sure the voices of Sevenoaks and Swanley are heard loud and clear, across Westminster.
Finally, many of you will know from my previous newsletter updates that I am currently reaching out to local mums to ask about their experience of our local maternity services, following recent coverage in the media. So, if you are a new mum, or have recently given birth, please do remember to complete my Maternity Services survey. I would like to know about aspects of the service which were disappointing and in need of improvement, as well as good experiences - positive feedback is just as essential as it reinforces when and where services are getting it right. The survey closes THIS WEEK so please do share with any family members or friends who may have experiences to share.
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Below is a snapshot of what we have been working on. If there is anything, I can do to support you, please get in touch.
- I have long supported local apprenticeships and it was a pleasure to meet local apprentice, Daniela Barbosa, at the Hospitality Apprenticeship Showcase in Parliament to mark National Apprenticeship Week earlier this month. Apprenticeships and T-Levels are a brilliant way to invest in future talent, and I am thrilled that on Friday 10th March, I will be co-hosting my first Apprenticeship Fair at Maidstone Leisure Centre, 9.30am-1pm. The event is open to anyone who is thinking about plans for the future or considering re-training in a new sector. There will be a whole range of organisations in attendance, so please do pop along if you are interested.
- My opposition to the ULEZ expansion continues. This month I spoke to many residents in Swanley who were very concerned about the impacts on their families and businesses. Under the expansion they face having to pay the charge to visit relatives, attend a hospital appointment, go to work and drop off their children either at school or at nursery. It must be stopped. I was also pleased this month that Kent County Council, led by Conservative Leader Roger Gough and Cabinet Member of Highways and Transport, David Brazier, announced they will be refusing to allow Transport for London to erect ULEZ signage on Kent’s roads, unless TfL engage in a meaningful discussion about mitigations for those drivers who will be most affected by the scheme. They have my full support.
- It was fantastic to be out campaigning and speaking with many of you this month. In Swanley, concerns of ULEZ was a regular topic of conversation on the doorstep – which you all know that I share. And, in Sevenoaks, it was great to hear of the support for Cllr Irene Collins who is doing brilliant work in Bradbourne Lakes and Greatness. I look forward to meeting many more of you in the coming weeks and months, and hearing more about what matters most to you all.
- As some of you will be aware, it has recently been announced that the New Ash Green Shopping Centre has been sold. The previous owners were unwilling to speak with me so I am currently in the process of contacting the new owners so I can understand their intentions. As set out in my ‘My plan 2023’ I am keen to support local business by securing future investments in our area, and it is vital that the shopping centre in New Ash Green is revitalised. I am liaising closely with Sevenoaks District Council, and New Ash Green Village Association over this matter and I will update you with any information, as and when I am able.
- Following our engagement with Thames Water, I am delighted to say the planned closure of the A233 Westerham Hill, between Chestnut Avenue and Westerham Heights Buildings, has now been cancelled. Thames Water had initially proposed to close Westerham Hill for up to 38 days from the 27 March - an extremely long time due to an upgrade between Chestnut Avenue and Hill Top Place, in order to achieve a new supply of water. The cancellation will be a huge relief to local residents who would have faced huge disruption during this long period, and I am so pleased Thames Water have listened to our long list of concerns. Whilst the works will still need to take place, Thames Water have agreed to look into other alternative options – which will be less disruptive – and I will keep you all updated with developments. My huge thanks to Kent County Council Councillor Nick Chard and Sevenoaks District Councillors Diana Esler and Kevin Maskell for their hard work and support
- After receiving a number of emails from worried residents about dangerous car racing meetings taking place on the border of the London Borough of Bromley and Halstead, I raised these concerns with the police who have since attended the race meetings to put the drivers off from taking part. Whilst I am hopeful the events will cease, I am happy to follow up with the police over any further reports of issues, so do not hesitate to get in touch.
- Women’s safety is of vital importance, and is something I have actively campaigned on both locally and nationally. Earlier this month, I met with Sevenoaks District Councillor Irene Collins to listen to her concerns about an unlit walkway off Cramptons Road in Sevenoaks. Irene is seeking for lighting to be installed to make it safer for everyone and I fully support her with her campaign.
- It is always a delight to support local businesses, and I am particularly impressed with the pop up craft stalls at Otford Station. The stalls have been running monthly since the Autumn and take place on the second Thursday of the month, with the support of Friends of Otford Station and Southeastern. I visited alongside parish councillor Jenny Kelly last year, and was so impressed by the products on sale. Please do pop by to show your support if you are in the area.
- And finally, the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III on Saturday 6th May 2023 will be an historic event. And, following the huge turnout locally for the Platinum Jubilee, I am so looking forward to seeing our excellent community come together once again for three full days of celebrations. If you are considering holding an event, please do think ahead and consider whether any permissions will be needed. All applications for road closures should be made to Kent County Council by the deadline of Friday 3 March 2023 and events that include the sale of alcohol and certain forms of entertainment may also need a Premises Licence or a Temporary Event Notice from Sevenoaks District Council. More information can be found here.
