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I joined women MPs from across the House standing in solidarity with the brave women of Ukraine on International Women's Day on 8 March
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If a week is a long time in politics, then this last month has felt like an age at times.
Since my last newsletter, we’ve seen the shocking scenes of Russian tanks rolling into Ukraine and siege tactics being used in cities like Mariupol and elsewhere.
I continue to think about the people caught up in this horrific situation – the mothers with children trying to protect them from bombs, the women MPs now carrying guns. Their courage is extraordinary.
Hearing President Zelensky address Parliament last month was an extraordinary moment, which brought many people to tears. The Ukrainian Ambassador watching on from the gallery in-person somehow seemed to represent the suffering of his entire country.
I’m proud that the UK is leading efforts to isolate Russia as well as providing aid and weapons to Ukraine. We’re also supporting people fleeing the conflict with over 200,000 people and organisations signed up to our Homes for Ukraine scheme.
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I know people in Faversham and Mid Kent have been doing their bit to help, with local collection points inundated and many generous donations to the DEC Ukraine Appeal, which raised over £100 million in its first four days.
The conflict in Ukraine is also having an impact at home. We’re seeing this most clearly in the cost of energy with surging heating bills and eyewatering prices at the pumps.
The Chancellor’s Spring Statement contained some very welcome news – including cutting National Insurance for 70% of households and a cut in fuel duty. It also doubled the Household Support Fund to £1 billion, with Kent County Council getting an extra £11 million to support families most in need.
As Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, I’ve been working on plans to deliver cheaper, greener, and more secure sources of energy as well as accelerating efforts to make homes more energy efficient.
Having supported local residents and businesses through the pandemic, I’ll support people through these latest challenges as we continue to stand with people in Ukraine.
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New Housing Minister, same issues
February's mini-reshuffle saw a new Housing Minister appointed. I called a meeting with him to stress local concerns about housing.
Read more about our discussion
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Apprenticeship Fair Returns!
Our Maidstone Apprenticeship Fair saw 1,500 local students meeting with employers from Amazon through to local businesses.
Find out more about the Fair
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Progress on wastewater improvements
I recently chaired another meeting with Southern Water to get an update on improvements to the sewage network in Faversham.
Read more about the work ongoing
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New woodland on the way in Platt's Heath
I gave a hand with some tree planting at the site of a brand-new 300 acre woodland around Platt's Heath and Sandway.
Keep Reading
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An update on Brenley Corner
I’m continuing to do everything I can to get Brenley Corner the upgrade it desperately needs, and met the Roads Minister again recently.
Click here for an update
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I set out in Parliament that with fossil fuel prices surging, now is the time to accelerate our investment in home grown renewables.
Watch the full video
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Shepway regeneration underway
I met the new Chief Executive of Golding Homes for an update on the housing association’s regeneration plans for Shepway.
Keep reading
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Business Roundtables back after Covid
I hosted the first of my new roundtables for small businesses in Faversham. I'm determined to help the town get back on its feet.
Find out more
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Unacceptable problems with Heathlands Consultation
I called a meeting with Homes England to make sure local residents have their say on the Lenham Heath development.
Read more about the meeting
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Magna Carta display on the way!
Faversham's Magna Carta is coming soon to 12 Market Place, which will showcase this historic document alongside King Henry VIII’s Charter.
For more information click here
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Litter Angels posters take pride of place
I called into the Maidstone services on the M20 to see the winning design from my anti-littering poster competition go on display.
Keep reading
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I've been working to promote our Tax-Free Childcare scheme to help parents with the costs of childcare over the Easter holidays.
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Please pass this email onto anyone you think might be interested and encourage them to sign up to these newsletters on my website, here.
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