May Matters

Victory in Europe? 

You won’t need reminding of Chatham & Aylesford’s proud military history and its ongoing ties to the Armed Forces, both past and present.

Like many colleagues across Parliament, I spent the early part of May attending events with friends, family, and local residents, reflecting on the bravery and sacrifice of our armed forces. Their efforts led to the surrender of German military operations less than a century ago, and to the VE Day commemorations we mark today.

Across the constituency, residents came together in the spirit of community to host street parties, supported by their local authorities. The highlight for me was the wonderful celebration on Park Crescent in Chatham. I was grateful to be invited and thoroughly enjoyed spending time with residents, young and old, who were marking the day with pride and good cheer.

Sadly, as we moved into mid-May, I was disheartened to hear that two WWI memorials, which have stood in the lychgate of Christ Church in Luton for over a century, have been stolen.

These memorials mean a great deal to both the church and the wider communities of Luton and Chatham. During my time as Chair of the Community Safety Partnership, I witnessed the impact of a similar act of desecration at Chatham’s Memorial Synagogue.

Over the bank holiday weekend, I was in direct contact with Christ Church, Kent Police, and stakeholders at Medway Council.

Thankfully, since first drafting this entry, I’m heartened to report that, as of Friday, 30th May, seven people have been arrested and the two plaques, although one is damaged, have been recovered and returned to their rightful home.

In May, I had the pleasure of visiting Forward2Employment, a brilliant local organisation working across Kent, Medway and the South East to help young adults with special educational needs and disabilities take their first steps into employment.

They partner with Fortis Trust, a Multi Academy Trust, to run a Supported Internship Programme for 16–24-year-olds with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). It’s a 38-week programme that gives interns real experience, builds confidence, and opens the door to paid employment.

Supporting SEN students post-16 is vital if we’re to change the culture of work and create meaningful opportunities for all.

I’ve been deeply concerned by the recent surge in dangerous driving across Snodland, Holborough Lakes and the surrounding villages. No one should have to endure sleepless nights or feel unsafe walking their own streets because of someone else’s reckless behaviour.

Last week, I attended a meeting coordinated by Kent Police to focus directly on this issue. Public seating was limited, so I’m especially grateful to those who met with me over coffee beforehand to ensure your concerns were clearly heard and strongly represented. Thanks to our shared reporting and continued pressure, targeted operations are already underway and that action will continue.

A Councillor Call for Action has now been tabled with Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council to follow up on the outcomes of the meeting. I fully support local councillors in calling for the use of police dispersal powers, increased CCTV and drone surveillance, and the immediate confiscation of nuisance bikes and vehicles.

Assisted Dying 

I was in the Commons for the Report Stage of the Terminally Ill Adults Bill this month. Since I was elected, assisted dying has been the single most raised issue in my mailbox. Over recent months, I’ve spoken with a wide range of constituents, from palliative care nurses to carers of disabled loved ones. I’m truly grateful for the compassion, thoughtfulness and honesty so many of you have shown in sharing your thoughts.

This is not a replacement for hospices or palliative care. We must be able to discuss assisted dying while also addressing the broader issues of end-of-life care, including how it is funded, resourced and delivered.

Following scrutiny at Committee Stage, the Bill includes new safeguards. A panel made up of a social worker, psychiatrist and legal expert, overseen by a judge, would consider each case. Only adults aged 18 or over would be eligible, and all treatment and care options must be thoroughly explored. Further protections have also been added for disabled people and those with learning disabilities. The Bill confirms that health professionals will have the right to opt out of involvement if they choose.

This is a generational conversation that will rightly continue. The Bill now progresses to its Third Reading next month.

In Parliament, I was delighted to host the One Ocean event in collaboration with the National Oceanography Centre and Deloitte. You may remember my visit to the Centre in Southampton, which I featured in my Marching Forward update, where I had the chance to see ‘Boaty McBoatface’ in the flesh.

The event stressed a powerful but often overlooked truth: our planet has one interconnected ocean, not five. By bringing together scientists, policymakers, and industry leaders, the event fostered essential dialogue on advancing ocean health through collaborative research and blue carbon solutions.