Great to attend Monday’s launch of a report on removing barriers for young adult carers who want to go to university. It was inspiring to meet Holly, a local carer who helped produce the report. I look forward to reading it and exploring how we can better support young carers like her.

🌳 Ahead of the New Year, I spoke to KMTV about my work in Parliament challenging the Government and Environment Agency to clear the illegal tip at Brambletree Wharf in Borstal. It’s been there for years, and I’m determined to make progress in 2026 so residents can be free of this eyesore.

🎨 The arts are vital to our local economy. We have incredible talent and spaces like Intra Arts & filming locations like Chatham Historic Dockyard. It was great to talk about the value of arts degrees - and learning for learning’s sake - on BBC’s Week in Westminster. 🎧Full episode: buff.ly/HWKijkA

🎙️ I spoke to KMFM about my priorities for 2026. Locally and nationally, we must create lasting opportunities for young people to find meaningful work—reducing those not in employment, education or training (“NEETs”). I’m determined Westminster work makes a real impact in Rochester and Strood.

📚 Great to discuss the Government’s investment in getting more young people into technical education on the latest episode of Week in Westminster - something I’ve championed since my election. 🎧 Listen here: buff.ly/HWKijkA Short clip below 👇

Thanks to Richard and David from AliDeck for showing me around their Medway City Estate site last Friday. AliDeck employs local people to make UK aluminium decking and construction products here in Rochester and Strood, supplying customers across the UK and internationally.

📉🏥 Waiting lists at Medway Maritime Hospital have fallen by over 6,700 since the election. This progress matters - helping people get back to health and back to living their lives. There’s more to do, but we’re on the right track to restore NHS services for everyone.

Looking ahead to 2026, there’s a great opportunity for local groups to celebrate Rochester and Strood’s heritage. Medway’s Heritage Place Partnership offers grants from £250-£30,000 to support local history and culture. Deadline: 1 February More info here: buff.ly/exCWbVJ

🚘 Big win for Medway! The Government will give councils new powers to restrict pavement parking. I pushed for this after hearing from wheelchair and buggy users. Where possible, the council should act to make pavements safer.

Pleased to see this change in policy from the Government. As the hundreds of constituents who wrote to me on this matter know, I supported the introduction of ID cards, but not the requirement to make them mandatory.

🐾 Fantastic to see Labour’s commitment to animal welfare in the new national Animal Welfare Strategy. From stronger protections for pets to higher welfare standards for farm animals and ending cruel practices like trail hunting, this is a major step forward across England.

Great to be back in Parliament for the first full week of 2026. You can read more about some of my highlights in my most recent round‑up:

🍺 Great read in insideKENT Magazine on my work with the team at Moot Brew Co to get their IPA on tap in one of Parliament’s bars. Proud that MPs, guests and journalists enjoyed a pint brewed locally in Rochester and Strood. Full story here: buff.ly/3DcTx2W

🚆 As many of us buy season tickets for the year ahead, I’m really pleased to welcome the Labour Government’s freeze on rail fares for 2026 - helping to make daily commutes more affordable and supporting more days out with friends and family.

🌊 Before the election, I campaigned to protect rivers like the Medway. I’m proud we’ve strengthened powers to hold polluting water companies to account, but cleaning up our waterways must not push costs onto bill payers. That's why I raised this with the Government 👇

A local community project, Medway Element has received UKSPF funding to gather views on arts, culture and heritage across Rochester and Strood - & Medway area. The team wants to hear from as many voices as possible to help shape future cultural funding and events. 📝 Survey here:

🚦 I welcome this week’s bold new Road Safety Strategy published by the Gov, which shows real ambition and leadership in making our roads safer. It sets out a clear commitment to protecting pedestrians, cyclists and drivers alike, with new measures projected to save thousands of lives each year.

I recently spoke to KMTV about the importance of targeted support for people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), and helping people into jobs that match their skills and needs so they can reach their full potential. Full story here 👉 buff.ly/13nwrMX

Following a local multi‑agency roundtable in Medway on reducing violence against women and girls, I asked the Government what action it is taking, particularly in light of new national strategies. Tackling this violence is critical for victims, women and community safety.

♻️ I’ve been calling for a review of the Environment Agency’s powers so they have the tools to prosecute offenders and shut down the illegal waste site at Brambletree Wharf in Borstal, as well as others across the region. More here 👉 buff.ly/0DHEcLg

The Government has recently published its new Violence Against Women and Girls strategy, aiming to halve violence within a decade, with new funding, mandatory lessons on healthy relationships and consent, a youth helpline, and specialist police teams in every force.

Excited to share ‘Learning or Earning: A New Agenda for Youth NEET Reduction’, which stems from my inquiry into the causes of the NEET challenge. This year, I’ll be pushing for its recommendations to be implemented. 👉 Full report: buff.ly/pLhMq1L 👉 My recent article on the topic: buff.ly/WP7hcIV

Great opportunity at my Select Committee to question Darren Jones MP, the Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister - a new role designed to improve delivery and outcomes. I asked how the Government is focusing on achieving its key objectives and what challenges this change has brought. Listen here 👇

🌿🔥 A Chatham resident raised concerns about overgrown land posing a fire risk. After I stepped in, the council acted and the area was cleared - making it safer and improving the view for residents.

Have you checked your Pension Credit eligibility recently? It’s not just extra income - it unlocks vital help that could save hundreds each year, from housing and energy bills to free NHS services and even a free TV licence for over-75s. 👉 buff.ly/4wQrfKB

🏠 I welcome Medway Council’s decision to introduce stronger controls on homes in multiple occupation (HMOs). This is an important step forward in improving living conditions for residents and ensuring better oversight of HMOs across Rochester and Strood. Everyone deserves good-quality accommodation.

As 2025 draws to a close, thank you to everyone in Rochester & Strood for your support this year. Here’s to a fantastic start to 2026!

📈 The number of young people not in education, employment, or training (NEET) is rising - and it’s a challenge we can’t ignore. I’ve written for Kent Online about what we need to do nationally and what I’m planning locally to tackle this issue. 👉 Read here: buff.ly/OTlmetR

🎓 Amazing opportunity to open Waterfront UTC’s new T-Level suite! As Co-Chair of the APPG for Skills, Careers, and Employment, I’m proud to support technical education. T-Levels and vocational training are key to building future skills.

Happy Kwanzaa! A celebration of African heritage, unity, and community. Wishing peace and prosperity to all who are celebrating.

Merry Christmas to everyone in Rochester & Strood! Wishing you and your families a day filled with fun, rest, and celebration.

🎄 Thank you to the Historic Dockyard Chatham for inviting me to give a reading at this year’s Christmas Carol Service. It was wonderful to celebrate with fellow guests, as well as the staff and their families who work hard to keep this incredible part of our local heritage alive throughout the year.

👧🏫 I’m proud to support England’s first National Youth Strategy in 20 years. It will invest millions in youth workers and deliver 250 new or refurbished youth centres - strengthening community, improving wellbeing, and creating opportunities for young people.

🏠 A Rochester-based family faced homelessness just weeks before their daughter’s GCSE exams. After I raised their case, the council confirmed a housing plan and support to secure suitable accommodation.

Really good to be back at St Mary’s Island Community Centre for my last constituency surgery of the year before Christmas. For updates on my monthly surgeries in 2026 and to stay updated on all my work, you can check my web-site here: buff.ly/jqCrQZR

🎉 Congratulations to Beybaba Turkish Restaurant in Strood for being named a finalist in the British Kebab Awards 2026! This national recognition highlights their quality, service, and contribution to our community. 🗳️ Vote here: buff.ly/A0H1uVh

Wishing all who celebrate a joyful Hanukkah! I hope the Festival brings peace and happiness to you and your loved ones.

🏠 Proud to be part of a Government launching a £3.5 billion National Plan to End Homelessness. It tackles rough sleeping and addresses root causes, creating long-term housing pathways. Everyone deserves a safe, stable home - this plan is a big step toward that goal.

🤝 The Employment Rights Act is now law - ending zero-hour contracts, curbing fire-and-rehire, and strengthening day-one rights. I was proud to vote for this landmark legislation, which takes effect in 2026.

🏫 I recently asked the Education Minister what steps are being taken to support primary-aged students with careers guidance. Reaching children early is vital for promoting technical routes that our economy will rely on in the future. Watch my question and the Minister’s response below 👇

👪 The new Child Poverty Strategy will lift 550,000 children out of poverty by 2030, with over 2,700 effected in Rochester and Strood. The plan includes ending the two-child benefit cap and expanding free school meals, breakfast clubs, and nursery programs.

📢 £89.1m of additional funding for Medway Council announced - part of major changes to local government funding. Under the Tories, Medway’s core spending power fell by 91% between 2010 and 2024. This 32% increase will allow long-term investment in frontline services and community spaces.

♻️ I spoke to the BBC about the illegal waste site at Brambletree Wharf in Borstal. We need to review if the Environment Agency is doing enough and whether new powers are needed. This blight must be cleared. Full story here: 👉 buff.ly/uGAWLdj

This morning, I signed the condolence book at Australia House in London, for victims of the Bondi Beach attack targeting Australia’s Jewish community. My thoughts are with the victims and Jewish communities in Australia and the UK - the two countries I consider home.

🚆 Fantastic to meet with Andrew Gibbs from Virgin Rail with colleague and Ashford MP Sojan Joseph. Discussed next steps in our campaign for the return of international rail services in Kent, after Virgin was recently given the green light to launch a rival international services via Channel Tunnel.

From welcoming Moot Brew Co to Parliament and celebrating Christmas with local families - here are some of the highlights from my last week:

Labour’s landmark Employment Rights Bill has passed BOTH Houses of Parliament today. Marvellous news 👏

🚌 An extra £1.4m for Medway buses every year for three years! This 37% funding boost means better routes and improved services - especially for areas like Hoo Peninsula, Cuxton, and Halling. More reliable buses and better connections for schools, work, and appointments.