Pets, churches and lorries

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Gareth Johnson
MP for Dartford

Reporting back from Dartford and Westminster - now reaching over 5,000 people in the local area.

January 2024

"Welcome to my latest bulletin. I hope you enjoy reading what I have been doing recently in Dartford and Westminster."

Challenging the Mayor of London over ULEZ expansion

Earlier this month I wrote to Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, to challenge him about the ULEZ charge. I would like to see all Dartford residents exempt from the ULEZ as well as see the ULEZ fee suspended for all on strike days. You can read my letter at the link below.

As mentioned in my last bulletin, my Private Members' Bill, which I introduced in December, is having its second reading in Parliament on 22nd March. If successful, it will reverse the highly damaging ULEZ expansion and seek to return the charging zone to that previously in force. It would also give the Secretary of State the power to veto any further attempt by this Mayor, or any future Mayor, to reintroduce this, or any similar charging scheme in the future.

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Dartford Church Leaders' visit to Westminster

During my time as the Member of Parliament for Dartford, I have arranged several meetings for Church Leaders from Dartford. It was therefore a pleasure to invite Dartford Church Leaders to Westminster to thank them for all their hard work in the community.

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Leasehold and Freehold Reform Bill strengthened

Having campaigned vigorously on the issue of Property Management Companies in Parliament on behalf of constituents in Dartford, I welcome the news the Government has tabled amendments to the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Bill to offer vital protection to residents against the actions of these companies.

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Pet Abduction Bill

I have long been a campaigner on animal welfare, particularly in relation to dog theft, where I campaigned for tougher sentences for years. I supported the Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Act which came into law in 2021 and brought in tougher sentences for animal cruelty. I also supported the Animal Welfare (Service Animals) Act 2019, otherwise known as Finn’s Law. In addition, I was delighted to host the first ever Dog Theft Awareness Day at an event in Parliament and I have a long association with the Stolen and Missing Pets Alliance (SAMPRA). More recently, I am a registered supporter of the Pet Abduction Bill which has been introduced as a Private Members' Bill by my colleague, Anna Firth MP and which has now passed its second reading.

As a dog owner for the last 25 years, I am also pleased the Government is backing this Private Members' Bill which will see anyone found guilty of stealing a pet, face imprisonment, a fine, or both.

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Meeting with the Chancellor ahead of the Spring Budget

I recently met with the Chancellor and other Kent MPs ahead of the Spring Budget which will be held on 6th March 2024.

I impressed upon him the importance of the Lower Thames Crossing for our area.

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Galley Hill update

On 10th April last year, a portion of the southern edge of the Swanscombe Quarry collapsed. This collapse caused a landslide which resulted in a significant amount of chalk and other material falling to the quarry floor, on top of business premises located below. The landslide also took with it a portion of the carriageway and footway of Galley Hill Road.

Following my recent meeting with the Roads Minister at Galley Hill, I attended a public meeting with Kent County Council Officers and local Councillors during which I was provided with an update on the situation.

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Visit to Europa in Dartford

I was pleased to visit Europa Road, the European road freight division of Europa Worldwide Group based in Dartford.

During the visit, I heard about the company's proactive work for British businesses that trade with the EU and met staff involved in its day-to-day running. The hub has seen a 15% increase year-on-year in the volume of European road freight and a record 40,000 consignments pass through the terminal each month.

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Visit to Asda's Distribution Centre in Dartford

Asda's Distribution Centre, located in Clipper Boulevard, delivers goods to 139 shops in the South East and I was invited to visit this facility and learn about the work they do.

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