Monthly Update - April 2024 Tuesday, 23 April, 2024 The last month has had a distinctly rural feel, as I have visited farms, a vineyard, and spent a happy morning at the Ashford Market surrounded by cattle and sheep. There has also been a sporting element, as I have been at games at Ashford Rugby Club and Ashford United Football Club. Elsewhere I joined hundreds of people at the Model Railway Exhibitions around the town centre, and attended a very... Local News
Let's fix social care now before it's too late 23rd May 2023 Political crises come and go, but the crisis of social care has been growing for decades, and still needs a comprehensive solution. I have been trying to push... Articles
Our Man in Westminster - The Barclays Local Insight Report and Ashford 18th May 2023 Sometimes it is good to have hard facts and figures to back up what we all think is happening. I have been reading the Barclays Bank Local Insights report for... Articles
Select Committee Update – Gambling Regulation 17th May 2023 Today the CMS Committee held its first evidence session in our Gambling Regulation inquiry following the publication of the Government's gambling White Paper... Articles
Our Man in Westminster - Ashford Sees Lower Crime Rates 4th May 2023 The fear of crime, especially in the town centre, is a subject often brought up with me when I meet people. The incidence of crime is much less than the fear... Articles
Our Man in Westminster - Otterpool Park 20th April 2023 The news in last week’s Kentish Express that planning permission has been granted for the Otterpool Park Development on the former Folkestone Racecourse will... Articles
Select Committee Update – NFTs and the Blockchain 18th April 2023 Today the DCMS Committee held its first evidence session in our NFTs and the Blockchain inquiry. The session was split into two panels. In the first panel we... Westminster News
Our Man in Westminster - the Ashford Unframed 2023 Festival 6th April 2023 One of the unsung heroes of life in Ashford is Chris Dixon, who runs the arts and culture side of the Council’s activities. His latest project is one that can... Articles
Our Man in Westminster - The Pilgrim’s Hospice 23rd March 2023 The Pilgrim’s Hospice in Ashford is one of those quietly important institutions that we are lucky to have in the town. I have been in touch with them recently... Articles
Select Committee Update – Misinformation and Trusted Voices 21st March 2023 Today the DCMS Committee held its final evidence session on the Misinformation and Trusted Voices inquiry. We heard from Paul Scully (Parliamentary Under... Articles