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Delighted to see the launch of the Queen’s Christmas Present as part of #NationalYearOfReading2026. Helping more children discover the joy of reading through a free nationwide campaign is something to celebrate. Proud to support this initiative with the National Literacy Trust and The Royal Family.

A really positive morning visiting some of the sites in Strood West that local residents have already highlighted as priorities for Pride in Place funding for the area. A great opportunity to be able to talk through some of these early ideas with civil servants from the Council and the Government.

Great piece from Michael Payne today. The debate around assisted dying should never be framed as a choice between improving palliative care and giving terminally ill people greater choice. We need to deliver both. Read the full article here:

Improve palliative care or introduce assisted dying? It's a false choice – let's do bothFew issues in politics demand more humility than assisted dying.buff.ly

Powerful comments from my Labour colleague Claire Hazelgrove MP on the need to introduce assisted dying laws. This reflects exactly why this debate matters. Better care and greater choice at the end of life can and should go hand in hand.

Great to speak on the Today programme this morning about why improving social, palliative and end of life care and giving terminally ill people greater choice are not mutually exclusive. We can and should do both.

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This is a clear example of why it should not be one or the other. We can and should do both. Read the full article here: buff.ly/GmJuVpQ

Great to attend the ‘Café Francis’ coffee morning at St Francis Church in Strood and speak to local residents and Parish Priest Adam Pryke. A welcoming event for all ages in Strood West and one of several community groups that St Francis hosts. Find out more here: buff.ly/rKnNzYC

Here is my statement responding to Andy Burnham’s comments on social care, palliative care and choice at the end of life.

I am concerned that IT issues affecting GP surgeries across Kent and Medway are impacting GPs and patients. I will be writing to the ICB to understand how these issues are being fixed in the short and long term.

GPs unable to access records as IT issues hit Kent surgeries againThousands of patients and doctors across Kent are facing disruption as surgeries in the county have been hit by IT issues affecting clinical software.buff.ly

Last week, I spoke with ITV News Meridian to discuss why I'm bringing back the Assisted Dying Bill and why I believe terminally ill people deserve a compassionate choice, backed by robust safeguards. Watch the full interview here: buff.ly/vJNEAXA

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An insightful and moving meeting with the Medway Parents and Carers Forum at Snapdragons Children’s Centre in Strood. The forum provides valuable support to local families, and it was good to hear their views on SEND reforms and how employment policy needs to better reflect their experiences.

Great to meet the team at the local Barclays branch in Chatham Dockside. We had a good conversation about improved customer satisfaction at the new branch, their work on improving access to banking, and how they can get more involved with local youth employment and education initiatives.

From discussing banking access and youth employment, to hearing directly from parents and carers on SEND reform, here are some highlights from last week.

Delighted to support local photographer Jane Robb’s work on the 40% Project, documenting women in Parliament. The team is in the final days of its Kickstarter campaign to publish the photobook. Find out more here: buff.ly/T7dfhK1 📸 Jane Robb

Labour is giving thousands of pubs, clubs and music venues a 20% cut in business rates. For too long, these venues have been disappearing from high streets. This will help protect the local venues that bring communities together across Rochester and Strood. 👉 Read more: buff.ly/A28adjL

🌹 VOTE LABOUR TODAY in the Cuxton, Halling and Riverside by-election for Medway Council. Polling station open until 10pm and don't forget your voter ID! 🌹

I’ve written for KentOnline on the concerns residents across Rochester and Strood have raised about fireworks misuse. I welcome the Government’s consultation and will continue to listen to residents and push for action. Read the full piece here 👇 buff.ly/yEgngnT

Earlier this month, I spoke with BBC Politics South East about Andy Burnham's ability to build strong relationships. Following this week's appointment as Prime Minister, I believe his collaborative approach and experience bringing people together will serve him well in the role.

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Labour is taking immediate steps to give families breathing space on the cost of living. From January 2027, Andy Burnham’s Government will cap bus fares at £2, a change that will make a real difference for people across Rochester and Strood and shows the new Prime Minister is listening.

Delighted that the new PM has announced VAT on household electricity bills will be cut from 5% to 0% from October, helping families with rising bills and providing breathing space this winter. This will put money back in people’s pockets, funded by savings from the cancelled Digital ID programme.