On Wednesday last week the House of Commons passed the European Union Notification of Withdrawal Bill; this is the Bill required to give the government the formal consent of parliament to begin the negotiations for this country to leave the EU. After lengthy debate over three days, which required parliament to sit after midnight on […]
On Tuesday this week the government set out its housing strategy in a new white paper, published by the Department for Communities and Local Government. At its heart is one simple message; that we need to build a lot more properties both to rent and buy. For decades we have fallen well short of the […]
This week the House of Commons will debate and vote on the necessary legislation to formally begin the process of the United Kingdom exiting the European Union. The Bill that has been presented to parliament gives the authority to the government to trigger the provisions contained within ‘Article 50’ of the Lisbon Treaty. I […]
The Shepway Sports Trust launched its ‘Active 50’ programme, on Friday last week, which has been designed to encourage older members of the community back into sport and physical activity. I was delighted to attend a special event, at the Three Hills Sports centre in Folkestone where people were invited to try out and sign […]
I am determined that we should save the Leas Lift in Folkestone. It is an important part of our heritage, and can play a vital role in the future of the town. With the prospect of working starting in earnest on the redevelopment of the Folkestone seafront, the Leas Lift will be an important connection […]
Just before Christmas, the Care Quality Commission (CQC), the independent regulator of health and social care in England produced its latest report on the East Kent Hospitals Trust. The Trust is responsible for our main local hospitals, including the William Harvey at Ashford and the Royal Victoria in Folkestone. In 2014 the Trust was put […]
Firstly, I would like to wish all readers a Happy New Year, and best wishes for the next twelve months. If 2016 was a year of debate and decision, then 2017 has to be the year of getting on with the job. In March we will formally start the process of leaving the European […]
The Queen used her message this Christmas to ask us to draw on the inspiration of our Olympic and Paralympic athletes as we face the challenges of the year ahead. She also highlighted the importance of the ‘small acts of goodness’ we can commit to everyday, and cited the word of Saint Teresa of Calcutta, saying: […]
We have all been shocked by the terrible scenes this week from Berlin, where 12 people have been killed and 48 injured, following an attack at a popular Christmas Market. Many of the people who are listed as injured are reportedly in a serious condition and our thoughts and prayers are with them, as well […]
On Friday last week I joined a special event at Sandgate Primary school organised by Digital Radio UK. Its purpose was to mark the switching on of the final of nine new digital radio transmitters for Kent. These now mean that 95% of homes and businesses in the county should be able to receive a […]