Christmas 2024
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***I wish you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!***

 


As we approach Christmas, I like to reflect on the year that is coming to a close. As we put the challenges of 2024 behind us I hope with all my heart 2025 will be a better year. It’s also a milestone for me, as 7th May is my 10th anniversary as the MP for Faversham and Mid Kent. It continues to be the honour of my life to serve you and represent you in Parliament.

 

We have just had Small Business Saturday, which is a moment to celebrate small businesses. This year I visited businesses in and around Bearsted.  But wherever you live, do please remember to support your local shops, pubs, cafes, tea shops, or whatever you have nearby. Most businesses do much more for the community than whatever it says on their sign.


*Checking out the Christmas goodies at Crouch Butchers in Bearsted for      Small Business Saturday (click the photo to watch my video)*


The biggest shock since my last newsletter was the decision by the Deputy Prime Minister to ‘call in’ the Highsted Park development. This means the Government will decide whether it goes ahead, rather than Swale Borough Council. It’s unusual for a minister to step in like this, and odd that the news came moments before local councillors were due to make their own decision. [I’ve written to her here to find]([link removed]) out what’s going on, and have written to the Appeal Inspector [here voicing local concerns. ]([link removed])

 

If you have strong views about the Highsted Park developments I advise you to express them to the Appeal Inspector: Alison Dyson at [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]) **before 3 January** so they can be taken into account. 

 

I’ll keep you up updated on progress with this, not only because it affects lots of people but also because if this becomes a trend, it’ll have serious consequences across the constituency.

 

Finally, I would like to thank everyone who volunteers their time and money to make Christmas such a special time of year. Whether that's volunteering for charity or helping put up the local Christmas lights - your efforts are invaluable in making Christmas such a magical time of the year.


*Congratulations to Angelina from Leigh Academy Langley Park for winning this year's Christmas card competition!*


**R****eflections on the Chancellor's Budget**


I've written a webpage covering some of the decisions taken by the Chancellor

 

For more information click [here.]([link removed])


New Bill to protect high quality farmland


I presented a Bill to Parliament to protect high quality farmland.

Read more [here]([link removed]).


**Celebrating Parliament Week**


It was great to visit schools across my constituency to talk about my work as an MP.

 

Click here to find out [more]([link removed]).


**Stop the Family Farm Tax**
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I joined the farmers who came to Westminster to ask the Government to listen to how their family farm tax will devastate farms across the country.

 

Read more [here]([link removed]).


**Making our Doctors' voices heard **
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GPs are worried about the cost of National Insurance rises. After meeting them I have written to the Health Secretary and the Chancellor.

 

[Click here]([link removed]) to read my letters.

 

 


*Out on the Teynham Sleigh Ride with Cllr Lloyd Bowen and Cllr Julien Speed*


####My statement on the Assisted Dying Bill


Many people wrote to me with strong views on both sides of the assisted dying debate, so I've written a statement explaining why I voted the way I did which you can read [here]([link removed]).


**Thank you to everyone who volunteers this Christmas **


I joined volunteers at Faversham Foodbank's Winter Food Collection outside Faversham Tesco. I would like thank them and everyone who helps others. You can read more [here]([link removed]).


####Celebrating SST's work at being one of only 2 schools that are 'Prem aware'


The School of Science and Technology have taken additional steps to support the learning needs of pupils born prematurely. You can read more [here]([link removed]).

####Checking out Faversham Delivery Office


I saw behind the scenes where posties have been working hard to get ready for the festive season. I'd like to say a big thank you to everyone at the Delivery Office - especially at this busy and chilly time of year. You can read more [here]([link removed]).


**My Unsung Heroes Awards - coming soon**


In January I will be launching the Helen Whately's Unsung Hero awards to recognise all those people in our community who do so much with so little recognition.

 

Look out for more information after Christmas
 


If there's anything else I can help you with please email me at [email protected]

Please pass this email onto anyone you think might be interested and encourage them to sign up to these newsletters on my website, [here]([link removed]).


*Copyright © 2023 Member of Parliament for Faversham and Mid-Kent, All rights reserved.*
 

House of Commons, SW1A 0AA, London

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