ROSIE’S ROUND-UP
General Election 2024
It was a privilege to be re-elected as your Member of Parliament for Canterbury, Whitstable and the Villages, and to start my third term in Parliament with a much increased majority. I am incredibly grateful to the many people who played an active role in my election campaign and helped me get re-elected to Parliament this summer. We continue to break the electoral record here and buck national voting trends as Canterbury rejects the politics of division.
Since then, I have been out and about across the constituency visiting some of the wonderful organisations who support our communities, as well as holding my regular advice surgeries. Now that Parliament is sitting, I will be attending the usual meetings, committees, debates and votes that make up my life as an MP.
Canterbury Food Bank
I made one of my regular visits to Canterbury Food Bank for an update on their services, and was pleased to see how new technological improvements have enabled faster, more efficient parcel deliveries. The team are also now reaching wider communities, helping more people who are struggling with food poverty. However, as always, I am angry that food banks need to exist in the UK in 2024, and this is something the new Labour Government needs to tackle urgently.
Canterbury Food Bank are always grateful for donations, and are currently in need of tinned fish and ham, toiletries, larger babies nappies, and all lunch box items for the new school year. Please help if you can, either by donating directly via their website https://canterburyfoodbank.org/ or at one of the many collection points in the area.
Kent Police
As part of my work in the constituency, I liaise with Kent Police to raise issues on behalf of constituents, to be updated on the work they are doing to keep us all safe, and to get a greater understanding of how they are managing local crime and antisocial behaviour.
When I visited Canterbury Police Station in August, I was reassured that, despite disorder in other parts of the country this summer, our region was largely unaffected by trouble, indeed our community rejected the violence and disorder we saw in other parts of the country. I was also pleased to hear that crime rates had fallen slightly in the city centre and coastal areas, and that their community engagement initiatives are reaping positive results. Kent Police is looking forward to an uplift in staff numbers which will come into effect soon, meaning improved police visibility and protection. However, officers know that there is always more to do, and that there are still ongoing difficulties in some areas.
Hi Kent Hearing Loss Charity
I was delighted to meet the wonderful Marjorie with the team at Hi Kent, a hearing loss charity in Canterbury.
Marjorie, who has volunteered at Hi Kent for almost 30 years, recently celebrated her 102nd birthday. Hi Kent staff have dedicated a room to her in honour of all she has done to champion deaf awareness over the years and to support those with hearing loss.
It was a joy to meet Marjorie, and to learn about the valuable work Hi Kent do to help deaf communities. You can find out more about Hi Kent here https://hikent.org.uk/
Kent Wildlife Trust
On a sunny August day, I visited Blean Woods with Kent Wildlife Trust to learn about their work protecting green spaces, and to encourage nature-based solutions to improve biodiversity in our natural environment.
The team told me about their efforts engaging with local stakeholders to offer alternative, nature-based solutions to social and political debates such as proposed housing developments.
Kent Wildlife Trust are urging decision-makers to take a longer-term view to protect Kent’s countryside and to meet climate targets.
Having already attracted much national interest for their pioneering work introducing bison, beavers and other species to the countryside, the Trust are keen to create a nature park for Kent as a new branch of local tourism which reflects conservation needs. For more information, visit www.kentwildlifetrust.org.uk
Canterbury Mosque Roundtable
After the shocking riots in parts of the UK this summer, it was important for me to visit Canterbury Mosque to meet with members of the Muslim community and discuss their concerns over recent events and their safety.
As ever, I received a warm welcomed by the Mosque’s Imam, Chairman and their board, and we were also joined by representatives from Kent Police and Canterbury City Council.
Following a very productive and insightful meeting, it was agreed we would set up a local working group to raise awareness and to tackle Islamophobia. I look forward to this forum being a way of ensuring positive links and improved communication between all parts of our society.
With best wishes,
Rosie
