February 2025
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*Talking to people at my Meet and Greet surgery in Teynham with Cllr Lloyd Bowen and Cllr Julien Speed. I've now hosted them in all the new parts of my constituency and will be hosting similar events in the rest of Faversham and Mid Kent soon*


The more people I talk to - whether in my meet and greet sessions, my surgery appointments or when responding to my correspondence -  the clearer it is becoming that many of you are worried.

 

You are worried about your own livelihoods, your businesses and the future of our rural way of life. The decision to increase the National Insurance paid by employers will make it more difficult for them to take on extra staff. Tesco and Sainsburys have already announced that as a result they will be laying off staff and this will unfortunately impact local people.

 

The increase in Employers' National Insurance is not only hitting the private sector, it is also affecting GPs, dentists and nurseries. One GP Practice told me that as a result they won't be able to employ another doctor. 

 

Lots of constituents have told me they feel that the rural way of life is under attack. Whether that’s village pubs hard-hit by the national insurance rises, farmers facing the family farms tax, or people living in local villages facing the threat of huge developments like Highsted Park, Heathlands, Lidsing and Winterbourne Fields. For some, the Government cuts to support for maintaining historic churches, often at the heart of village communities, feel like the nail in the coffin…if you’ll forgive the phrase.

 

It's not only local pubs and churches, which are often the beating heart of our rural communities, that are facing huge challenges. We all know about the Family Farm Tax and business Tax which is hitting our farmers and small businesses very hard. Taken together, these policies have the potential to negatively alter our rural economy and way of life.

 

I've met with farmers, businesses and GPs and have taken up their concerns directly with Ministers. I promise I will continue to voice your concerns whenever you raise them with me, and I will keep using every tool in my Parliamentary toolbox to stand up for Faversham and Mid Kent. For example, I will be hosting Westminster Hall debates and presenting Private Members Bills, such as my Protection of Agricultural Land Bill, when Parliamentary time allows and when they will make a difference. 

 

As an opposition MP it’s harder for me to influence Government policy than before, especially with this Government’s big majority. But it is possible, if you go about it in the right way. As ever, I’m fighting for you, our economy and our way of life.


*Discussing the pressures on farmers at a local farm in Newham*


Apprenticeship Fair


Apprenticeships are a great way to earn money and gain a qualification at the same time.

 

Come and join me, other Kent MPs, local schools and businesses for the sixth year of our annual Apprenticeship Fair:

 

**21st March 2025**

**9:30am-1:30pm**

**Maidstone Leisure Centre, Mote Park, ME15 7RN**


**On patrol with the Rural Task Force**
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I have raised the rural crime that you’ve told me concerns you with the local Police, including: fly tipping; theft of machinery, gates and village signs; catapult attacks; and hare coursing

 

Click here for [more]([link removed]) details.


**Demanding assurances to safeguard our farmland**


I have written again to the Deputy Prime Minister pressing for assurances that the protection of agricultural land will be a material consideration when Highsted Park is decided. There are more details [here]([link removed]).


**Keeping up the pressure to solve Operation Brock**


After pushing the Government for a national solution to Operation Brock for some time, I’m pleased they’re building on the work started under the previous government. Read more [here]([link removed]).


**Let me know how the Winter Fuel Payment cut has impacted you**


To help me stand up for pensioners in Parliament, can you let me know how the winter fuel payment cut has impacted either you or the organisation you work for on my website [here]([link removed]). 

 

 


*Standing up for Graveney residents in Parliament in my debate on the Cleve Hill Solar Park - you can watch it and read more*[*here*]([link removed])*.*


####Pushing for catapults to be to be classed as offensive weapons


I secured a meeting with the Policing Minister who promised to take this up with a senior Police Commander and get back to me on the right course of action. There is more information [here]([link removed]). 


**Continuing to be a strong voice for horticulture in Parliament. **


It was it was great to chat to some of our fruit growers at the Ribena reception in Westminster. I will continue to stand up for them in Parliament. You can read more [here]([link removed]).


####Congratulations to Leigh Academy Oaks for receiving the top-level Accreditation from the British International School Award


I joined Leigh Academy Oaks at the ceremony in Parliament and heard about how the award celebrates schools which embed a global awareness into their lessons and school community. Read more [here]([link removed]).

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####Signing the Holocaust Educational Trust’s Book of Commitment


It has been 80 years since the end of the Auschwitz camp in 1945. Holocaust survivors are becoming older and frailer, and less able to share their eye-witness testimonies. So now, more than ever, it's important to mark this day as the Holocaust soon moves from living memory to history. Read more [here]([link removed]).


**Nominate someone for my Unsung Heroes Awards **


If you know someone who deserves to be recognised for the work they do - no matter how big or small - nominate them for one of my Unsung Hero Awards. 

 

It only takes a second and you can do it by clicking [here]([link removed]).
 


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.*
 

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