Sir Roger Gale
Member of Parliament for Herne Bay and Sandwich (including West Thanet)
 

12th October 2026

I joined Cllr Barnaby Riggs, Town Mayor of Fordwich to attend a robust civic service and to hear a splendid sermon delivered by former Royal Navy Padre The Rev. Alastair Mansfield. Fordwich may be the smallest town in the country but they do things in style!

11/10/2026 (1 of 4)

An invigorating visit to the Jubilee Centre in Sandwich to meet Nicola, the new manager, and to hear how she plans to build on the work of Toni, her predecessor, and to set the Centre on a firm financial and social footing.

11/10/2026 (2 of 4)

It was also a chance to catch up with Max who runs the excellent Sandwich Boxing Club and Fitness centre and to meet some of the participants in an exhilarating dance class.

11/10/2026 (3 of 4)

And finally it was a particular pleasure to see the Shed that I opened many months ago now thriving and making a significant contribution to the life of the Jubilee Centre while also generating products for use by local charities.

11/10/2026 (4 of 4)

To contact the Jubilee Centre to enquire about activities or to book facilities for meetings, parties, even wedding receptions, please call Nicola on 07368 572151.

7th October 2026

Inspired by today's speech from Kemi Badenoch? Come and join us. We're looking for community champions to join our party, and for people who'd consider standing in the Local Elections in 2027. Thinking of standing? You don't need any political experience. What matters is that you care about your community and want to represent it. Email us and we'll talk you through what's involved. Want to get involved in other ways? Join the Conservative Party and become part of Kemi's team

5th October 2026

A first class Minster Art exhibition last weekend organised by Diana White and her team of volunteers in aid of funds for the village hall. A particularly stunning and very moving ‘art as therapy’ section. The brightly coloured pictures are part of the Art as Therapy display.

5th October 2026

A first class Minster Art exhibition last weekend organised by Diana White and her team of volunteers in aid of funds for the village hall. A particularly stunning and very moving ‘art as therapy’ section. The brightly coloured pictures are part of the Art as Therapy display.

5th October 2026

A first class Minster Art exhibition last weekend organised by Diana White and her team of volunteers in aid of funds for the village hall. A particularly stunning and very moving ‘art as therapy’ section. The brightly coloured pictures are part of the Art as Therapy display.

5th October (1 of 4)

The opening of an exhibition, curated by Jane Delamaine at the Beach Creative gallery in Herne Bay, to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the unveiling of the statue of the aviator Amy Johnson by Prince Michael of Kent.

5th October (2 of 4)

The statue by sculptor Stephen Melton and located on Herne Bay seafront is close to the spot where it is believed that the record - breaking pilot lost her life off the shore of the town while in service with the RAF eighty five years ago in 1941

5th October (3 of 4)

The ‘Spirit of Amy’ exhibition is now open at Beach Creative

5th October (4 of 4)

The ‘Spirit of Amy’ exhibition is now open at Beach Creative

2nd October 2026

At the time of viewing “Road Closed“ signs were still in place (of course!) but the Sandwich Toll Bridge, shut to traffic on August 9th following damage caused by contractors working for Southern Water, reopened at 11.00 today (Friday October 2nd) well ahead of the anticipated date. Sandwich businesses like the Toll Bridge restaurant and bar can now start to rebuild lost trade - but it is sadly too late for some others.

2nd October 2026

At the time of viewing “Road Closed“ signs were still in place (of course!) but the Sandwich Toll Bridge, shut to traffic on August 9th following damage caused by contractors working for Southern Water, reopened at 11.00 today (Friday October 2nd) well ahead of the anticipated date. Sandwich businesses like the Toll Bridge restaurant and bar can now start to rebuild lost trade - but it is sadly too late for some others.

5th October 2026

Congratulations to the Herne Bay Pier Trust on topping the poll in the Seaside Heritage Network’s Bucket and Spade list for 2026 and thanks to all those who took the trouble to vote in support of our local pier. The Trust has overseen the transformation of what was effectively a derelict site following the demolition of the old sports hall into a vibrant, creative and hugely popular seaside family attraction. This is a tremendous achievement and one of which The Bay should be rightly proud.

1st October 2026 (1 of 2)

An informative visit, with the Chairman of Preston Parish Council, to see the consultation exhibition for the proposed re-development of the former Garden Centre site and to meet with Stewart Thorp, CEO of Superior Healthcare, the company behind the project.

1st October 2026 (2 of 2)

The scheme, to provide supported residential accommodation and facilities for use by both residents and the village, will, if approved, take a couple of years to bring to fruition. But when open will add another dimension to the vibrant Preston community and offer a significant number of local job opportunities for local young people. An exciting prospect.

28th September 2026

With Cllr Martin Porter at a good end-of-summer-season gathering at The Calf & a Half at Goldstone and congratulations to Katherine and Alice and their team (including burgers by Andrew!) on launching a successful venture in difficult times. Here’s to a good Christmas and a better 2027 to all those working so hard in the hospitality business.

20th September 2026 (1 of 4)

Last week it was good to join Sue Chandler and many others at the St. James’s Church, Staple, flower festival. The three day event organised by Cllr. Trevor Bartlett was staged to raise vital funds for the maintenance of this beautiful village building. I may be biased but it’s impossible not to have a soft spot for the church in which your eldest son was married!

20th September 2026 (2 of 4)

Well done Trevor and the team of volunteers who worked so hard to put this exhibition of floral arrangements and fascinating village history together.

20th September 2026 (3 of 4)

Last week it was good to join Sue Chandler and many others at the St. James’s Church, Staple, flower festival. The three day event organised by Cllr. Trevor Bartlett was staged to raise vital funds for the maintenance of this beautiful village building. I may be biased but it’s impossible not to have a soft spot for the church in which your eldest son was married!

20th September 2026 (4 of 4)

Well done Trevor and the team of volunteers who worked so hard to put this exhibition of floral arrangements and fascinating village history together.

13th September 2026 (1 of 4)

With Team Ash for their fundraising darts marathon at the Chequer Inn in aid of MacMillan Cancer Research. The Member of Parliament scored a miserable nil points but his wife at least managed to hit the dartboard! All in a good cause. At the time of visiting - about halfway through their challenge - the team has passed their first target figure of £500 and have now raised £1245. £1500 would be better still so please contact Louise Venny if you would like to support them.

13th September 2026 (2 of 4)

With Team Ash for their fundraising darts marathon at the Chequer Inn in aid of MacMillan Cancer Research. The Member of Parliament scored a miserable nil points but his wife at least managed to hit the dartboard! All in a good cause. At the time of visiting - about halfway through their challenge - the team has passed their first target figure of £500 and have now raised £1245. £1500 would be better still so please contact Louise Venny if you would like to support them.

13th September 2026 (3 of 4)

With Team Ash for their fundraising darts marathon at the Chequer Inn in aid of MacMillan Cancer Research. The Member of Parliament scored a miserable nil points but his wife at least managed to hit the dartboard! All in a good cause. At the time of visiting - about halfway through their challenge - the team has passed their first target figure of £500 and have now raised £1245. £1500 would be better still so please contact Louise Venny if you would like to support them.

13th September 2026 (4 of 4)

With Team Ash for their fundraising darts marathon at the Chequer Inn in aid of MacMillan Cancer Research. The Member of Parliament scored a miserable nil points but his wife at least managed to hit the dartboard! All in a good cause. At the time of visiting - about halfway through their challenge - the team has passed their first target figure of £500 and have now raised £1245. £1500 would be better still so please contact Louise Venny if you would like to support them.

11th September 2026 (1 of 2)

At the Powell Cotton trust reception to mark the Century of the creation of the Charity that runs the museum, house and gardens. A pleasure to join the owner of Quex House and Gardens, Bernadette Johnson with her daughter Katy and the CEO and museum curator Sarah Corn to celebrate this anniversary.

11th September 2026 (2 of 2)

Birchington’s best kept secret has enjoyed a makeover of its historic displays and an impressive programme of events with an exciting season planned for 2027. Note to young badge collectors: Quex is one of Kent’s fifty three museums participating in the ‘Wheels of Time’ scheme designed to encourage young people to explore our many excellent collections and which awards a badge for each establishment visited.

9th September 2026 (1 of 3)

Back British Farming Day 🌾 British farming is under threat as never before. The agricultural land we need to feed our country is being lost to unwanted development, while our farmers face higher taxes and the threat of cuts to vital support payments.

9th September 2026 (2 of 3)

The farm tax risks placing even greater pressure on family farms at a time when many are already struggling to remain viable. If we do not stand up for our farmers, protect our agricultural land and buy British, our children and grandchildren could find themselves increasingly dependent on imported food to put on their tables.

9th September 2026 (3 of 3)

Food security is national security. British farming is vital to our country’s future. This crisis needs to be addressed now. Back British farming. Protect our farms. Protect our food supply.

6th September 2026 (1 of 4)

Thank you to George Cooper for organising the opportunity for scores of residents to come together and to express their forceful opposition to National Grid’s proposal to build a ninety- foot high ‘converter station’ on the Minster Marshes.

6th September 2026 (2 of 4)

Following my question to the Prime Minister in the House, I have now written to him personally to make clear the strength of feeling within our community.

6th September 2026 (3 of 4)

This is a proposal that no one locally wants, and we will all continue to stand together and fight against it.

6th September 2026 (4 of 4)

Credit to Sarah Bowers for the photos

4th September 2026 (1 of 4)

St Crispin's Infant School Westgate was the first that I ever visited when I became the Member of Parliament for North Thanet in 1983. So it was a particular pleasure to be invited to join Headteacher Vicky Acors, some of her staff and wonderful fundraising team and some pupils to formally open their Tiny Town learning/ play area and their refurbished library both of which have been created as a result of dedicated hard work during the summer holidays. Well done St. Crispin’s!

4th September 2026 (2 of 4)

St Crispin's Infant School Westgate was the first that I ever visited when I became the Member of Parliament for North Thanet in 1983. So it was a particular pleasure to be invited to join Headteacher Vicky Acors, some of her staff and wonderful fundraising team and some pupils to formally open their Tiny Town learning/ play area and their refurbished library both of which have been created as a result of dedicated hard work during the summer holidays. Well done St. Crispin’s!

4th September 2026 (3 of 4)

St Crispin's Infant School Westgate was the first that I ever visited when I became the Member of Parliament for North Thanet in 1983. So it was a particular pleasure to be invited to join Headteacher Vicky Acors, some of her staff and wonderful fundraising team and some pupils to formally open their Tiny Town learning/ play area and their refurbished library both of which have been created as a result of dedicated hard work during the summer holidays. Well done St. Crispin’s!

4th September 2026 (4 of 4)

St Crispin's Infant School Westgate was the first that I ever visited when I became the Member of Parliament for North Thanet in 1983. So it was a particular pleasure to be invited to join Headteacher Vicky Acors, some of her staff and wonderful fundraising team and some pupils to formally open their Tiny Town learning/ play area and their refurbished library both of which have been created as a result of dedicated hard work during the summer holidays. Well done St. Crispin’s!

4th September 2026 (1 of 2)

Each Wednesday at 10.55 when the House is sitting a page from the House of Commons Books of Remembrance, located in the Lower Waiting Hall, is turned. The books record the names of all of those from the parliamentary community who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

4th September 2026 (2 of 2)

It has been an honour and a privilege to be asked, this week, to turn the page and to read the citation. John Stirling Ainsworth was a Lieutenant with Prince Albert’s Own Hussars. He served in France with the British Expeditionary Force and was killed aged 24 after falling from his horse when his cavalry was ambushed by heavy rifle fire on 13 October 1914. He is buried at Meteren military cemetery in France. “When you go home tell them of us and say, For your tomorrow we gave our today.”

31st August 2026 (1 of 4)

Thank you to Scouting for Girls for coming to support Preston Summerfest.

31st August 2026 (2 of 4)

Many hours of hard work go into putting on this event which raises vital funds for local causes.

31st August 2026 (3 of 4)

We are already looking forward to next year’s Summerfest - tickets to be announced soon!

31st August 2026 (4 of 4)

In the meantime Suzy and I are immensely proud of our youngest son. Tom, who mounted Summerfest, of his wife, Basma, of Josie who promoted and collated the programme, of the Summerfest crew, of the scouts who marshalled the parking, of the rugby club which ran the bar and of all of those artists, stallgoers, and others who in any way supported the event. A little village with a big heart. Well done Preston.

31st August 2026

While the Secretary of State has yet to determine the outcome of the Sealink Inquiry into National Grid's proposals to build a monstrous 'converter station' on the Minster Marshes it has become clear that with characteristic arrogance the Grid - a private company - is blundering ahead with 'preparatory work' in spite of the fact that no planning consents have been granted. This makes a mockery of the planning process and is an issue that I shall raise, via a request for an Urgent Question, in th

29th August 2026 (1 of 4)

Did the rain spoil the party? Of course not!

29th August 2026 (2 of 4)

An amazing first full day at Preston Summerfest with music to appeal to rockers of all ages, wonderful food stalls and a bar run by Ash rugby club to whom huge thanks for dispensing great pleasure and helping to raise funds for the charities that Summerfest supports.

29th August 2026 (3 of 4)

Looking forward to tomorrow with more good music and Scouting for Girls headlining in the early afternoon.

29th August 2026 (4 of 4)

Pictures with Festival organiser Tom Gale, the main stage and the chairman and members of Ash rugby club.

20th August 2026

Congratulations to Jon Cook who successfully completed his Arch to Arc challenge earlier in this week. An amazing achievement in support of the charities for which Jon is fundraising.

17th August 2026 (1 of 2)

On 11 June, I wrote to Government about strengthening the role of water companies in the planning system. I’ve now received a response. This is an important issue given the ongoing water problems in Herne Bay and the pressure that new development's place on local infrastructure. I will continue to raise this in the House, seeking answers and demanding action from South East Water and the Government.

17th August 2026 (2 of 2)

On 11 June, I wrote to Government about strengthening the role of water companies in the planning system. I’ve now received a response. This is an important issue given the ongoing water problems in Herne Bay and the pressure that new development's place on local infrastructure. I will continue to raise this in the House, seeking answers and demanding action from South East Water and the Government.

10th August 2026 (1 of 3)

As a result of some careless driving by contractors driving a sludge lorry for Southern Water the historic Toll Bridge in Sandwich, one of the three main routes into the Town, is likely to be shut for the remainder of the holiday season - resulting in monumental inconvenience and a potentially massive loss of income to the hospitality and other businesses in this famous Cinque Port that I am proud to represent in parliament.

10th August 2026 (2 of 3)

The list of tolls posted under the Barbican does not cover damage of this kind so it will be interesting to learn how much Southern Water will be prepared to pay to the crown and its traders in compensation for their liability.

10th August 2026 (3 of 3)

9th August 2026 (1 of 2)

On Friday 14th August my constituent Jon Cook, who lives in Ash, will set off in the small hours of the morning to hand bike and row from Marble Arch in London to cover the 290 miles to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. The 'Arch to Arc' challenge has never been attempted before and is being done by Jon to raise funds for the charities that supported him in his recovery from the rare tumours that attacked his spinal cord.

9th August 2026 (2 of 2)

On Friday 14th August my constituent Jon Cook, who lives in Ash, will set off in the small hours of the morning to hand bike and row from Marble Arch in London to cover the 290 miles to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. The 'Arch to Arc' challenge has never been attempted before and is being done by Jon to raise funds for the charities that supported him in his recovery from the rare tumours that attacked his spinal cord.

6th August 2026 (1 of 4)

Amazing what you can find in the Herne Bay Cartoon Festival at Beach Creative! If you haven’t caught up with it yet don’t miss it. Another display of great talent and humour.

6th August 2026 (2 of 4)

Amazing what you can find in the Herne Bay Cartoon Festival at Beach Creative! If you haven’t caught up with it yet don’t miss it. Another display of great talent and humour.

6th August 2026 (3 of 4)

Amazing what you can find in the Herne Bay Cartoon Festival at Beach Creative! If you haven’t caught up with it yet don’t miss it. Another display of great talent and humour.

6th August 2026 (4 of 4)

Amazing what you can find in the Herne Bay Cartoon Festival at Beach Creative! If you haven’t caught up with it yet don’t miss it. Another display of great talent and humour.

3rd August 2026 (1 of 5)

A flying visit to Cyprus to mark the 52nd anniversary of the Turkish invasion and the continuing occupation of villages, towns, half of Nicosia and the city of Famagusta, despite repeated UN resolutions.

3rd August 2026 (2 of 5)

The visit began with the Mayor-in-Exile of Famagusta, Dr Simos Ioannou, at the Presidential Palace for meetings with President Nikos Christodoulides, Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos and later with the Speaker of the House, Annita Demetriou. I also returned to the Ledra Palace crossing point to see once again the dividing line that still scars the island.

3rd August 2026 (3 of 5)

At Deryneia, overlooking the fenced town of Varosha, we delivered a letter to the UN Commander, laid wreaths in memory of those who died defending Famagusta, and attended an evening gathering addressed by the Mayor of Famagusta and the President of the Republic.

3rd August 2026 (4 of 5)

More than half a century on, a third generation of Greek Cypriots has grown up unable to return to their homes in Famagusta and Varosha. There is renewed hope that, with the support of the UN Secretary-General and the EU Special Envoy, talks to end this frozen conflict may resume. We must hope they succeed, but after 52 years of occupation, any settlement will come too late for many.

3rd August 2026 (5 of 5)

After a final meeting with Famagusta’s Municipal Councillors in exile, it was time to return to the UK.

28th July 2026 (1 of 2)

To the County’s only children’s hospice, Demelza Charity to meet with CEO Lavinia Jarrett and to re-acquaint myself with Demeza’s famous tortoise hand-decorated by the hospice’s young clients. Demelza has to meet the needs of children from the whole of Kent and part of East Sussex. Like all such dedicated and specialist establishments Demelza finds it increasingly challenging to meet demand.

28th July 2026 (2 of 2)

So I look forward to working with Kevin McKenna, Demelza’s supportive constituency Member of Parliament, and all of my Kent colleagues on a cross party basis to seek to ensure that this truly wonderful facility and its staff receive from Central Government and from the local Integrated Care Board the financial backing that it needs and without which the services that Demelza offers would have to be provided, at greater cost and with less positive outcomes, by the National Health Service.

28th July 2026

With Alan Durham, Chairman of the Friends of St Mary’s Church, Wingham and assorted summer fruits(!) at their fundraising strawberry tea. If you would like to help The. Rev Lesley Hardy and the Friends give me a call and I will effect the introduction

27th July 2026

Another huge loss to the world of entertainment and to Animal Welfare. Bill Oddie was staunch in support of the causes that he believed in and the campaign to bring an end to trophy hunting was high on that agenda. We owe it to his memory to pursue this relentlessly until we bing an end to the importing of animal parts and send out a clear message that there is no place for the wanton slaughter of wild animals in the name of ‘sport’. Bill was a true Goodie. Rest in Peace.

27th July 2026 (1 of 3)

In Herne Bay for the launch of the Land Train service on Sunday morning. I have been calling for a seafront train for about ten years and most recently in my response to the Town Centre Strategy at Christmas and I am delighted that the officers at the City Council have delivered a trial run in time for the Herne Bay festival.

27th July 2026 (2 of 3)

If, as we hope, this is a success and the routes prove popular then we can look forward to the possibility of a longer season in coming years.

27th July 2026 (3 of 3)

In the meantime thanks to Russell, head of the family firm that runs the trains, and to driver Craig for getting the wheels turning. If the queue for the first train was anything to go by then this £2 hop-on-hop-off service faces a busy week.

26th July 2026

Harry Sampson and I took a break from the Medieval Festival in Sandwich to join chef Andrew Minter at the Horsebox Burger bar at the wonderful Calf & a Half Micro pub at Goldstone near Ash. Are these the cheapest burgers in Kent? No. Are they the best? You have to judge for yourself but the meat is Chandler and Dunn’s fresh mince and Andrew is an artist in culinary skills! Postcode CT3 2DY

26th July 2026

An interesting meeting with Kurt Salter of Salt Training in Herne Bay. At an early morning seminar for representatives of the construction industries Kurt and his team laid out the impressive range of training opportunities, facilities and courses that Salt training can offer on a bespoke basis for apprentices and those wishing to obtain skills qualifications and certification in construction trades. Contact - For further information - apprenticeshipsinfo@salt-college.co.uk 02227-204444

24th July 2026 (1 of 2)

With Richard ‘The Finches’ Friend’ Woods in the grounds at Goodnestone to see the inventor’s disease resistant bird feeders and anti-bird strike window screening film. Every year millions of the garden birds that we love die from parasite infection - much of it caught from well- intentioned but wholly inappropriate bird feeders.

24th July 2026 (2 of 2)

Richard has spent years perfecting his feeders to the highest scientifically acceptable standards and not surprisingly has faced considerable hostility from vested interests. At last, though, it looks as though the science is winning and with the support of the RSPB much birdlife may be saved.

23rd July 2026

23rd July 2026 (1 of 3)

The Grid’s proposal to build, unnecessarily, a 90’ high converter station covering an area the size of five football pitches on the Minster Marches immediately adjacent to East Kent’s only SSSI will be devastating if it is allowed to go ahead. (The newly appointed Energy Minister please note: the proposal will also desecrate Pegwell Bay).

23rd July 2026 (2 of 3)

We have to decide once and for all whether we wish to bequeath to our grandchildren an inheritance of pastoral beauty rich in wildlife or an industrialised wasteland.

23rd July 2026 (3 of 3)

This week I joined Captain Colin, his mate Peter, environmentalist George Cooper and talented young film maker Connor Carruthers (‘The Minster Marshes’) on board the Ferry Nymph (Dunkirk 1940) to get a water vole’s view of the damage that the private company, National Grid, wants to do to our rural landscape.

23rd July 2026

Today is polling day for the Sandwich North Town Council by-election. If you live in Sandwich North, the polling station is open until 10pm at The Hub at the back of the Guildhall. I’m personally backing Harry Sampson, who I know will work hard for Sandwich. If you haven’t voted yet, please head to the polling station and give Harry your support.

19th July 2026 (1 of 4)

Thanks to the hard work of the volunteer organisers, another excellent Minster Flower Show with Miss Minster and her court welcoming visitors to the village and for me a chance to meet with the newly elected Mayor of Armbouts Cappel (Minster’s twin town in Flanders), Pierre Averlant and his wife.

19th July 2026 (2 of 4)

Thanks to the hard work of the volunteer organisers, another excellent Minster Flower Show with Miss Minster and her court welcoming visitors to the village and for me a chance to meet with the newly elected Mayor of Armbouts Cappel (Minster’s twin town in Flanders), Pierre Averlant and his wife.

19th July 2026 (3 of 4)

Thanks to the hard work of the volunteer organisers, another excellent Minster Flower Show with Miss Minster and her court welcoming visitors to the village and for me a chance to meet with the newly elected Mayor of Armbouts Cappel (Minster’s twin town in Flanders), Pierre Averlant and his wife.

19th July 2026 (4 of 4)

Thanks to the hard work of the volunteer organisers, another excellent Minster Flower Show with Miss Minster and her court welcoming visitors to the village and for me a chance to meet with the newly elected Mayor of Armbouts Cappel (Minster’s twin town in Flanders), Pierre Averlant and his wife.

18th July 2026 (1 of 8)

A good attendance for the Sturry and Broadoak Residents’ Association annual strawberry tea in St. Nicholas Church with a lot of hard work behind the scenes in the galley - and a chance to stock up with some of David Wadmore’s amazing handprinted birthday cards. Info@artygladys.com if you want to know more.

18th July 2026 (2 of 8)

A good attendance for the Sturry and Broadoak Residents’ Association annual strawberry tea in St. Nicholas Church with a lot of hard work behind the scenes in the galley - and a chance to stock up with some of David Wadmore’s amazing handprinted birthday cards. Info@artygladys.com if you want to know more.

18th July 2026 (3 of 8)

A good attendance for the Sturry and Broadoak Residents’ Association annual strawberry tea in St. Nicholas Church with a lot of hard work behind the scenes in the galley - and a chance to stock up with some of David Wadmore’s amazing handprinted birthday cards. Info@artygladys.com if you want to know more.

18th July 2026 (4 of 8)

A good attendance for the Sturry and Broadoak Residents’ Association annual strawberry tea in St. Nicholas Church with a lot of hard work behind the scenes in the galley - and a chance to stock up with some of David Wadmore’s amazing handprinted birthday cards. Info@artygladys.com if you want to know more.

18th July 2026 (5 of 8)

Good to be invited back to the Yoakley House (Draper’s Almshouses) summer fair and to catch up with old friends Julie Wickenden and Peter Hermitage and a dog and his man (the Rev, Brian Sharpe). Splendid period music (our period!) from Tara and Laura.

18th July 2026 (6 of 8)

Also bitter-sweet to join the guest of honour with head gardener Paul Twyman. Paul has been tending the wonderful gardens since God was a boy but in spite of best efforts to persuade him otherwise is due to retire next year - so this summer fair may be his swan song.

18th July 2026 (7 of 8)

Good to be invited back to the Yoakley House (Draper’s Almshouses) summer fair and to catch up with old friends Julie Wickenden and Peter Hermitage and a dog and his man (the Rev, Brian Sharpe). Splendid period music (our period!) from Tara and Laura.

18th July 2026 (8 of 8)

Also bitter-sweet to join the guest of honour with head gardener Paul Twyman. Paul has been tending the wonderful gardens since God was a boy but in spite of best efforts to persuade him otherwise is due to retire next year - so this summer fair may be his swan song.

14th July 2026

With footballers Jen Beattie and Millie Bright. Two fine young athletes. One of them has already had - and happily has been successfully treated for - breast cancer. Self-examination is easy, important and can save life if carried out regularly and early enough. Which is I am, with Jen and Millie, supportive of the Breast Cancer Now campaign to encourage young women to take greater control of their own health and care.

13th July 2026 (1 of 2)

A great privilege to be invited to join the Patron of the Duke of Edinburgh’s award scheme, the Duke himself, Prince Edward, to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the scheme. The scheme now runs in 131 countries worldwide and there are currently 610 thousand participants in the UK alone - supported by 170 thousand adult volunteers. Contrary to popular belief, which claims that DofE is male dominated there are as many young women as young men taking part.

13th July 2026 (2 of 2)

I am a staunch supporter of DofE which offers young people the chance to gain great experiences and provides one of the best references a young person looking for a job can offer.

12th July 2026

I caught up with Yasmin and Holly, Yasmin’s dad and some of the walkers raising money for Demelza House on the seafront in Herne Bay. There’s also a wonderful cake sale and raffle from mid day today (Sunday 12th July) at Gingerbreads opposite the junior school on the corner of Kings Road and Stanley Road. A good way to support a great children’s charity.

12th July 2026 (1 of 5)

Good to see Ash carnival up and running again thanks to the huge efforts of the organisers and volunteers and high hopes of a return to the parade through the village next year.

12th July 2026 (2 of 5)

The press cuttings say - and they cannot be wrong - that I crowned Janine.. on parade at the show, as Miss Ash in 2000!

12th July 2026 (3 of 5)

Thanks to all of the other carnival courts who joined us the fun - including Miss Minster and her Princess who will have their own show in that village next Saturday.

12th July 2026 (4 of 5)

Rock and Roll, food stalls and homemade cakes (of course) and much much more.

12th July 2026 (5 of 5)

And the whole event was blessed with a mercifully cool breeze.

11th July 2026

At the re-opening of the re-furnished Ash library with Cameron, the librarian and Dover District and Parish Councillors. Light, bright and welcoming. Tabled, comfortable chairs, storytelling and literature for children of all ages! Open every weekday morning except Thursday and on Saturday morning.

11th July 2026

At the re-opening of the re-furnished Ash library with Cameron, the librarian and Dover District and Parish Councillors. Light, bright and welcoming. Tabled, comfortable chairs, storytelling and literature for children of all ages! Open every weekday morning except Thursday and on Saturday morning.

11th July 2026

10th July 2026

This week I was privileged to attend, with some six hundred other Christians, the Westminster Prayer Breakfast. Another amazing experience that can now be enjoyed online.

10th July 2026

My condolences to Ann Widdecombe’s family and friends. Ann was great fun and I always regarded her as a friend. She was deeply committed to animal welfare and we shared views on this that at the time were not fashionable with the Conservative Party.

7th July 2026

In the last year for which figures are available 1.2 million older people are missing out on Top-up Pension Credit, Housing Benefits and Council Tax reduction while in many cases living in financial hardship. It is estimated that increased take up rates could result in savings of £790 million a year in health and social care just through improvements in quality of life. That is why I am pleased to support Independent Age in their campaign to improve the take-up of entitlement.

5th July 2026 (1 of 4)

Harry Sampson was working hard at the Sandwich Folk and Ale festival over the weekend. Harry is a stalwart of the festival and one of those people who likes getting things done rather than stopping them from happening.

5th July 2026 (2 of 4)

Whose bright idea was it to stop local businesses from putting out tables and chairs in a street that was closed to traffic? Nevertheless the town benefited from scores of festival supporters, several excellent Morris sides (including my olds friends from Wantsum), much music and, of course, competitively priced ales. Much merriment all round!

5th July 2026 (3 of 4)

Harry Sampson was working hard at the Sandwich Folk and Ale festival over the weekend. Harry is a stalwart of the festival and one of those people who likes getting things done rather than stopping them from happening.

5th July 2026 (4 of 4)

Whose bright idea was it to stop local businesses from putting out tables and chairs in a street that was closed to traffic? Nevertheless the town benefited from scores of festival supporters, several excellent Morris sides (including my olds friends from Wantsum), much music and, of course, competitively priced ales. Much merriment all round!

4th July 2026 (1 of 5)

Seen at Sandwich Junior School Summer Fair: A Headteacher behind the bar serving thirst- quenching Pimm’s; Kent County Fire Brigade and the Constabulary on standby with ‘blues and twos’;

4th July 2026 (2 of 5)

A fancily-dressed public lavatory; an under-dressed Town Mayor, Emmet Csuka, without his chain, Dover District Councillor Daniel Friend and family; And James from Deal, Walmer and Sandwich District Scouts raising funds to help him represent Kent at the World Scout Jamboree in Poland next year. Good luck James: only another £3000 to go!

4th July 2026 (3 of 5)

Seen at Sandwich Junior School Summer Fair: A Headteacher behind the bar serving thirst- quenching Pimm’s; Kent County Fire Brigade and the Constabulary on standby with ‘blues and twos’;

4th July 2026 (4 of 5)

A fancily-dressed public lavatory; an under-dressed Town Mayor, Emmet Csuka, without his chain, Dover District Councillor Daniel Friend and family; And James from Deal, Walmer and Sandwich District Scouts raising funds to help him represent Kent at the World Scout Jamboree in Poland next year. Good luck James: only another £3000 to go!

4th July 2026 (5 of 5)

Seen at Sandwich Junior School Summer Fair: A Headteacher behind the bar serving thirst- quenching Pimm’s; Kent County Fire Brigade and the Constabulary on standby with ‘blues and twos’;

2nd July 2026

Your views matter. Tell us what's most important to you and help us understand your priorities of a proposed East Kent Unitary Authority. It only takes a few minutes. Click the link 👇

1st July 2026

Last Wednesday I met with the President of the British Veterinary Association, of which I am an Honorary Member, for the launch of the campaign for the reform of the Veterinary Surgeons Act. The campaign, which is also supported by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and the British Veterinary Surgeons Association, seeks to bring up to date an Act of Parliament that was last revised 60 years ago.

29th June 2026 (1 of 5)

With the Headteacher, Mrs Clements, on the cake stall. With Joe, the Chairman of the Governors, and a small but dedicated team of volunteers, with Tom, the Chairman of the Parish Council slaving over the hot dog griddle, the barrow of booze in the raffle, entertainment in the arena and lots of side shows at the really Famous Preston Village School Summer Fair, Scores of people braved the heat to support this vital fundraising event.

29th June 2026 (2 of 5)

With the Headteacher, Mrs Clements, on the cake stall. With Joe, the Chairman of the Governors, and a small but dedicated team of volunteers, with Tom, the Chairman of the Parish Council slaving over the hot dog griddle, the barrow of booze in the raffle, entertainment in the arena and lots of side shows at the really Famous Preston Village School Summer Fair, Scores of people braved the heat to support this vital fundraising event.

29th June 2026 (3 of 5)

With the Headteacher, Mrs Clements, on the cake stall. With Joe, the Chairman of the Governors, and a small but dedicated team of volunteers, with Tom, the Chairman of the Parish Council slaving over the hot dog griddle, the barrow of booze in the raffle, entertainment in the arena and lots of side shows at the really Famous Preston Village School Summer Fair, Scores of people braved the heat to support this vital fundraising event.

29th June 2026 (4 of 5)

A rather battererd old Member of Parliament but the ribbon and the show was open!

29th June 2026 (5 of 5)

With the Headteacher, Mrs Clements, on the cake stall. With Joe, the Chairman of the Governors, and a small but dedicated team of volunteers, with Tom, the Chairman of the Parish Council slaving over the hot dog griddle, the barrow of booze in the raffle, entertainment in the arena and lots of side shows at the really Famous Preston Village School Summer Fair, Scores of people braved the heat to support this vital fundraising event.

27th June 2026

Proud to support the men and women of our Navy, Army and Air Force on this Armed Forces Day. We owe our security to them.

24th June 2026

The armed forces have been on display in Speaker’s Court. It was a treat to meet sniffer dog Sophie and also to meet a courageous young lady who is a bomb disposal Officer. And then of course there are the Royal Navy’s undersea drone operating team and much more. Thanks to all of those service men and women - and their animals - who have turned out to help us in celebrate Armed Forces Week.

24th June 2026

The armed forces have been on display in Speaker’s Court. It was a treat to meet sniffer dog Sophie and also to meet a courageous young lady who is a bomb disposal Officer. And then of course there are the Royal Navy’s undersea drone operating team and much more. Thanks to all of those service men and women - and their animals - who have turned out to help us in celebrate Armed Forces Week.

24th June 2026

The armed forces have been on display in Speaker’s Court. It was a treat to meet sniffer dog Sophie and also to meet a courageous young lady who is a bomb disposal Officer. And then of course there are the Royal Navy’s undersea drone operating team and much more. Thanks to all of those service men and women - and their animals - who have turned out to help us in celebrate Armed Forces Week.

24th June 2026

The armed forces have been on display in Speaker’s Court. It was a treat to meet sniffer dog Sophie and also to meet a courageous young lady who is a bomb disposal Officer. And then of course there are the Royal Navy’s undersea drone operating team and much more. Thanks to all of those service men and women - and their animals - who have turned out to help us in celebrate Armed Forces Week.

23rd June 2026 (1 of 2)

I have been supporting Compassion in World Farming since I first entered the House in 1983. In the intervening years we have seen a number of improvements but there is still much to do. In 2013 we ended the use of battery cages for chickens but the ‘enriched‘ cages that have replaced them offer the equivalent space to four humans in this phone box. That is why I and the Conservative Animal Welfare Foundation support the ’End the Cage Age’ campaign.

23rd June 2026 (2 of 2)

As the slogan rather topically says ‘Change is Long Overdue’!

22nd June 2026

The Union Flag and the flags of the Combined Services, of Armed Forces Week and of the House of Commons hoisted proudly by serving men and women over New Palace Yard. A splendid service led by the Speakers Chaplain, The Venerable Andrew Hillier with contributions from eight year old poet Elliott, the Military Kids Choir and the Royal Air Force Salon Orchestra. A momentous occasion on a historically momentous day.

21st June 2026

Fun at games at the Cartwright and Kelsey Church of England Primary School (Ash) summer fete with the Headteacher and the long-suffering Mr Hart. And I also bought some freshly dug new potatoes !

21st June 2026

Fun at games at the Cartwright and Kelsey Church of England Primary School (Ash) summer fete with the Headteacher and the long-suffering Mr Hart. And I also bought some freshly dug new potatoes !

21st June 2026

Fun at games at the Cartwright and Kelsey Church of England Primary School (Ash) summer fete with the Headteacher and the long-suffering Mr Hart. And I also bought some freshly dug new potatoes !

21st June 2026

A useful (and enjoyable) visit to the taproom of the Chislet Brewery to meet proprietor and brewer John Orrr with Barry Watts of the of the Society of Independent Brewers and Associates. We have five good small breweries in the area and there is a strong case for following the Scottish model and allowing tenant landlords to stock a guest beer!

21st June 2026

A useful (and enjoyable) visit to the taproom of the Chislet Brewery to meet proprietor and brewer John Orrr with Barry Watts of the of the Society of Independent Brewers and Associates. We have five good small breweries in the area and there is a strong case for following the Scottish model and allowing tenant landlords to stock a guest beer!

19th June

Congratulations to Douglas Lumsden for winning the Aberdeen South Westminster by-election. This was an endorsement of Kemi Badenoch’s no nonsense approach and condemnation of Miliband’s energy policy that is costing both the country and households so much money.

18th June 2026

A brief but useful meeting with the CEO of Pancreatic Cancer UK on Tuesday - before rushing off the Chair the Health Bill in committee. Pancreatic is the deadliest common cancer across the UK, affecting some 11,000 people every year. At present only 12% of pancreatic cancer patients are given the chance to take part in clinical trials: much more work is needed to achieve the desired breakthrough that will deliver effective treatment.

15th June 2026

Cakes and more cakes! As well as teas and coffees and cold drinks at the Friends of St Mildred’s church, Preston this weekend. And the threatening storm clouds did not deter a good turnout of people all wanting to help to support our village church. As always, huge thanks to all those behind the scenes in the galley so that the rest of us could just enjoy the event.

15th June 2026

Cakes and more cakes! As well as teas and coffees and cold drinks at the Friends of St Mildred’s church, Preston this weekend. And the threatening storm clouds did not deter a good turnout of people all wanting to help to support our village church. As always, huge thanks to all those behind the scenes in the galley so that the rest of us could just enjoy the event.

15th June 2026

Cakes and more cakes! As well as teas and coffees and cold drinks at the Friends of St Mildred’s church, Preston this weekend. And the threatening storm clouds did not deter a good turnout of people all wanting to help to support our village church. As always, huge thanks to all those behind the scenes in the galley so that the rest of us could just enjoy the event.

15th June 2026

Cakes and more cakes! As well as teas and coffees and cold drinks at the Friends of St Mildred’s church, Preston this weekend. And the threatening storm clouds did not deter a good turnout of people all wanting to help to support our village church. As always, huge thanks to all those behind the scenes in the galley so that the rest of us could just enjoy the event.

7th June 2026 (1 of 2)

It was an inspired idea (other parishes please note) to combine Minster Open Gardens with a ‘ Decorated Wheelbarrows’ competition. Huge thanks to the organisers led by David Gasking, to the sponsors and to all of the groups and businesses who submitted barrows. This year’s theme was sustainability and there was a significant number of thoughtful, colourful and creative entries, any one of which could have been a winner-making judging very challenging. I was assisted in the difficult task of cho

7th June 2026 (2 of 2)

In the end we awarded the third prize to Minster Surgery’s ‘Therapy Garden’, with the second prize second prize going to Minster Abbey’s splendid assortment of garden goodies and herbs. The overall winner was the ‘Hair of the Dog’ entry which proudly boasted that ‘everything in this display is edible’. Unfortunately by the time we got round to viewing the exhibit all of the strawberries had already been eaten!

5th June 2026

Happy National Fish and Chip Day! We’re incredibly lucky to have so many brilliant fish and chip shops across my constituency in Herne Bay, Sandwich, Birchington, Westgate, Garlinge and our villages, many of them family-run businesses right at the heart of our communities. Today, or this weekend, is a great chance to support your local chippy and celebrate one of Britain’s best-loved traditions.

31st May 2026

A personal selection from the Thanet Young Artists Festival that has been on show at the Margate Digital Campus. Curated and staged by Thanet Rotary to whom thanks for another display of the young talent submitted by thirty seven Thanet schools and colleges.

31st May 2026

A personal selection from the Thanet Young Artists Festival that has been on show at the Margate Digital Campus. Curated and staged by Thanet Rotary to whom thanks for another display of the young talent submitted by thirty seven Thanet schools and colleges.

31st May 2026

A personal selection from the Thanet Young Artists Festival that has been on show at the Margate Digital Campus. Curated and staged by Thanet Rotary to whom thanks for another display of the young talent submitted by thirty seven Thanet schools and colleges.

31st May 2026

A personal selection from the Thanet Young Artists Festival that has been on show at the Margate Digital Campus. Curated and staged by Thanet Rotary to whom thanks for another display of the young talent submitted by thirty seven Thanet schools and colleges.

31st May 2026

A personal selection from the Thanet Young Artists Festival that has been on show at the Margate Digital Campus. Curated and staged by Thanet Rotary to whom thanks for another display of the young talent submitted by thirty seven Thanet schools and colleges.

31st May 2026

A personal selection from the Thanet Young Artists Festival that has been on show at the Margate Digital Campus. Curated and staged by Thanet Rotary to whom thanks for another display of the young talent submitted by thirty seven Thanet schools and colleges.

31st May 2026

A personal selection from the Thanet Young Artists Festival that has been on show at the Margate Digital Campus. Curated and staged by Thanet Rotary to whom thanks for another display of the young talent submitted by thirty seven Thanet schools and colleges.

31st May 2026

A personal selection from the Thanet Young Artists Festival that has been on show at the Margate Digital Campus. Curated and staged by Thanet Rotary to whom thanks for another display of the young talent submitted by thirty seven Thanet schools and colleges.

31st May 2026

A personal selection from the Thanet Young Artists Festival that has been on show at the Margate Digital Campus. Curated and staged by Thanet Rotary to whom thanks for another display of the young talent submitted by thirty seven Thanet schools and colleges.

28th May 2026 (1 of 3)

Thousands of homes without water, queues for bottled water back from the Sainsbury’s car park ‘water station’ to the Thanet Way in Herne Bay and hospitality buildings - guest houses, restaurants and pubs - having to close during what should have been a great start to the season. And all of this following on from one of the wettest months on record.

28th May 2026 (2 of 3)

There is no ‘quick fix’ - South East was never a nationalised utility, Broad Oak reservoir, which has been in the plans for half a century will, if they were to start tomorrow, take ten years to come on stream. And the water companies have a statutory duty to connect new homes to water supplies but no say in planning decisions - so we continue to build without the supporting infrastructure.

28th May 2026 (3 of 3)

I have put in for an Urgent Question for the day the House sits again - Monday 1st June - and I hope that I may get the chance to place some of the very real concerns that have been raised with me on the record.

26th May 2026

As an honorary Man of Kent - Proudly supporting Invicta on Kent Day.

24th May 2026

East Kent has the opportunity of the bank holiday weekend and half term plus a couple of weeks until 11th June to visit Robert Bradford’s exhibition at Beach Creative in Herne Bay. Having had a sneak preview of this exhibition I can recommend a visit.

24th May 2026

East Kent has the opportunity of the bank holiday weekend and half term plus a couple of weeks until 11th June to visit Robert Bradford’s exhibition at Beach Creative in Herne Bay. Having had a sneak preview of this exhibition I can recommend a visit.

24th May 2026

East Kent has the opportunity of the bank holiday weekend and half term plus a couple of weeks until 11th June to visit Robert Bradford’s exhibition at Beach Creative in Herne Bay. Having had a sneak preview of this exhibition I can recommend a visit.

23rd May 2026

At Monkton Nature Reserve to present awards to the winners of the Young Environmentalists competition organised by Thanet Rotary. A great response and well done to all of the young people who submitted entries. And a special congratulations to the overall winner, Holly Booksby, who submitted her ‘robot’, Ruby Rubbish, which has been escalated to the National competition.

23rd May 2026

At Monkton Nature Reserve to present awards to the winners of the Young Environmentalists competition organised by Thanet Rotary. A great response and well done to all of the young people who submitted entries. And a special congratulations to the overall winner, Holly Booksby, who submitted her ‘robot’, Ruby Rubbish, which has been escalated to the National competition.

18th May 2026

Today we said a final farewell to Betty Cooper. Born in Norwich on 29th November 1925, Betty died peacefully in Westgate on Sea on 15th April this year. Rest in Peace old friend.

15th May 2026

Catch me tonight on The Last Word on ITV1 in the Meridian region at 10.45pm tonight.

4th May 2026 (1 of 3)

Good to meet up with Birchington Councillor George Kup and Trustees Donna and Rod at the Powell-Cotton Museum and gardens open day on Bank Holiday Monday.

4th May 2026 (2of 3)

Hundreds of people turned up to see a rousing performance of ‘How the Elephant got his trunk from Rudyard Kipling’s “Just So” stories narrated by Steve Crane with Ellington the Elephant from the excellent Thanet-based Looping the Loop theatre company.

4th May 2026 (3 of 3)

A reminder that Quex Park is one of the country’s best concealed tourist attractions that deserves much wider publicity!

27th April 2026

At the launch of Britain’s newest Farm Pub, with mine host Catherine Dunn. Catherine will be opening The Calf & a Half at Lower Goldstone (Cop Street off the A257 Ash bypass and follow the signs to the Chandler and Dunn’s butchers) from next Friday (1st May) and Saturday from 4pm-9pm and on Sundays from 12.00noon-5pm. Ales and lager on draught and Lady G recommends the farm produced Goldstone Kiss sparkling cider!

27th April 2026

At the launch of Britain’s newest Farm Pub, with mine host Catherine Dunn. Catherine will be opening The Calf & a Half at Lower Goldstone (Cop Street off the A257 Ash bypass and follow the signs to the Chandler and Dunn’s butchers) from next Friday (1st May) and Saturday from 4pm-9pm and on Sundays from 12.00noon-5pm. Ales and lager on draught and Lady G recommends the farm produced Goldstone Kiss sparkling cider!

27th April 2026

At the launch of Britain’s newest Farm Pub, with mine host Catherine Dunn. Catherine will be opening The Calf & a Half at Lower Goldstone (Cop Street off the A257 Ash bypass and follow the signs to the Chandler and Dunn’s butchers) from next Friday (1st May) and Saturday from 4pm-9pm and on Sundays from 12.00noon-5pm. Ales and lager on draught and Lady G recommends the farm produced Goldstone Kiss sparkling cider!

27th April 2026

At the launch of Britain’s newest Farm Pub, with mine host Catherine Dunn. Catherine will be opening The Calf & a Half at Lower Goldstone (Cop Street off the A257 Ash bypass and follow the signs to the Chandler and Dunn’s butchers) from next Friday (1st May) and Saturday from 4pm-9pm and on Sundays from 12.00noon-5pm. Ales and lager on draught and Lady G recommends the farm produced Goldstone Kiss sparkling cider!

9th May 2026 (1 of 4)

Pleased to join Tristan and Emma at their STAK.life art exhibition and sale in aid of the East Kent charity offering Mental Health Support to autistic young people aged between 13-18.

9th May 2026 (2 of 4)

There message says: “Staklife was born from every parent’s worst nightmare: the loss of our child. Stefan died by suicide, carrying the crushing weight being judged for being different, a weight no child should ever bear. We created Staklifenot because we wanted to but because we had to. Everything we do is grounded in lived experience and driven by one simple promise: no other child because they were different or due to the lack of support.”

9th May 2026 (3 of 4)

STAKlife will provide counselling for neurodivergent young people In Thanet with specialist neuro-affirming therapy tailored to communication and sensory needs

9th May 2026 (4 of 4)

8th May 2026

A wonderful Happy Centenary Birthday to Sir David Attenborough. A truly remarkable broadcaster who has devoted his life to recording and seeking to promote and preserve the extraordinary wildlife of our planet, its lands and its oceans and rivers. No other single person has done more to try to secure our natural environment and habitats for the enjoyment and appreciation of future generations

18th April 2026

The Birchington Scarecrow Competition was fun with Sir Roger Gale and his new friend 🧡. Well done to all involved

18th April 2026

The Birchington Scarecrow Competition was fun with Sir Roger Gale and his new friend 🧡. Well done to all involved

18th April 2026

The Birchington Scarecrow Competition was fun with Sir Roger Gale and his new friend 🧡. Well done to all involved

18th April 2026

The Birchington Scarecrow Competition was fun with Sir Roger Gale and his new friend 🧡. Well done to all involved

18th April 2026

The Birchington Scarecrow Competition was fun with Sir Roger Gale and his new friend 🧡. Well done to all involved

18th April 2026

The Birchington Scarecrow Competition was fun with Sir Roger Gale and his new friend 🧡. Well done to all involved

18th April 2026

The Birchington Scarecrow Competition was fun with Sir Roger Gale and his new friend 🧡. Well done to all involved

2nd May 2026 (1 of 3)

The bells at St Clement’s rang out, the sun shone and it seemed as if the whole town of Sandwich had turned out to celebrate the 800 years of Mayoralty. Centre stage quite properly, was the current Right Worshipful Town Mayor of the Cinque Port of Sandwich, Cllr Emmet Csuka and also very much on parade in all their finest were the Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports, Admiral Sir George Zambellas and the High Sheriff of Kent.

2nd May 2026 (2 of 3)

I was proud to be pictured with the effigy - one of the Town’s most famous sons, the Right Worshipful Town Mayor John Drury who in 1457 was killed by a raiding party from the French town of Honfleur - the town with which Sandwich now twinned!

2nd May 2026 (3 of 3)

Great credit must go to Town Councillor Dean Marie who was instrumental in curating a most glorious pageant.

10th May 2026

With Chair Carol Davis at the Village Centre to celebrate the thirtieth anniversary of the founding of Herne and Broomfield Parish Council. Thanks to all who have given so much voluntary time to serve the communities of Herne and Broomfield over the past thirty years. Thanks also to The Breeze who provided the music for the event. And a particular note of appreciation to Carol who has been a member of the Council from the very beginning.

25th April

It’s a pleasure to welcome Sir Roger Gale and members of the local community to our #Manston airspace change consultation event today in Herne Bay. Find out more about the consultation here:

3rd May 2026

Once again Preston village has provided the last ‘pit stop’ on the Pilgrims Hospice Cycle Challenge circuit and once again Locks of Sandwich were on site to provide running repairs to those whose machines required attention. The weather was kind, the rain held off and dozens of cyclists took part to compete and the raise funds for this most worthwhile of local causes. If you would like to contribute the website details are here -

3rd May 2026

Once again Preston village has provided the last ‘pit stop’ on the Pilgrims Hospice Cycle Challenge circuit and once again Locks of Sandwich were on site to provide running repairs to those whose machines required attention. The weather was kind, the rain held off and dozens of cyclists took part to compete and the raise funds for this most worthwhile of local causes. If you would like to contribute the website details are here -

3rd May 2026

Once again Preston village has provided the last ‘pit stop’ on the Pilgrims Hospice Cycle Challenge circuit and once again Locks of Sandwich were on site to provide running repairs to those whose machines required attention. The weather was kind, the rain held off and dozens of cyclists took part to compete and the raise funds for this most worthwhile of local causes. If you would like to contribute the website details are here -

25th April 2026

With Tony Freudmann at RiverOak’s impressive airspace consultation in Herne Bay following on from a well-attended presentation in Ramsgate earlier in the week. Another step forward towards the reopening of Manston airport.

26th April 2026

I joined Dr Katerina, Dr Andrew and CEO Bertie Stephens’s for the launch of Clean Planet’s enterprise at Discovery Park in Sandwich. Clean Planet are developing a process to turn un-recyclable plastic waste into sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). As I said at the event, I look forward to the day when once again planes are flying from Manston powered by SAF produced locally.

26th April 2026

I joined Dr Katerina, Dr Andrew and CEO Bertie Stephens’s for the launch of Clean Planet’s enterprise at Discovery Park in Sandwich. Clean Planet are developing a process to turn un-recyclable plastic waste into sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). As I said at the event, I look forward to the day when once again planes are flying from Manston powered by SAF produced locally.

26th April 2026

I joined Dr Katerina, Dr Andrew and CEO Bertie Stephens’s for the launch of Clean Planet’s enterprise at Discovery Park in Sandwich. Clean Planet are developing a process to turn un-recyclable plastic waste into sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). As I said at the event, I look forward to the day when once again planes are flying from Manston powered by SAF produced locally.

26th April 2026

I joined Dr Katerina, Dr Andrew and CEO Bertie Stephens’s for the launch of Clean Planet’s enterprise at Discovery Park in Sandwich. Clean Planet are developing a process to turn un-recyclable plastic waste into sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). As I said at the event, I look forward to the day when once again planes are flying from Manston powered by SAF produced locally.

22nd April 2026

Wonderful to meet Prestur, a former Icelandic World Horse Champion, in Speaker’s Court today. Prestur, who is homed in Lincolnshire, works with neurodivergent children and adults ‘building confidence, emotional connection and inclusive participation in equestrian sport and beyond’. Another splendid example of the beneficial effect of the bond between animals and humans.

15th April 2026

We have seen the successful reintroduction of the Beaver into the wild and now it must surely be the turn of the lynx? We face the same obstacles in misinformation and misunderstanding but over the last 50 years there have been successful reintroductions of the Lynx across Europe. Given education and the identification of habitat where local populations are content there is every reason to hope these shall be able allow these magnificent animals to live freely in the wild in the UK once again.

8th April 2026

A great competition to get involved with on 18th April 👇 Visit Thanet Scarecrows to find out more.

5th April 2026

Happy Easter to you all - I hope you have a lovely bank holiday weekend 🐰🐣

30th March 2026

Good to join Chairman Mike Cannon and members of the Broadstairs Business Club to celebrate their tenth anniversary last week. Many small businesses in Herne Bay and Sandwich are represented and all are clearly facing the challenges of increased costs and bureaucracy. Nevertheless we all owe it to the young people of East Kent to try to offer the apprenticeship and training opportunities that they need to keep them using their talents locally rather than leaving for employment elsewhere.

25th March 2026

With Managing Director Matt Hood at the Spotlight Actors Casting Directory’s stunning Garrick Street headquarters and studio facilities. We think that there are some twenty five members of the Lords and Commons who have featured in the directory which celebrates its centenary next year (2027). It was also a privilege to view the collection of casting directories that date back nearly a hundred years but there are two editions - 1927 and 1928 - that are still needed to complete the set to date.

22nd March 2026

Some fifteen amateur boxing clubs participated in the tournament held in East Kent over the weekend. Sandwich ABC was well represented, as you would expect, and it was good to meet up with Frank Cornwell who founded the Sandwich Club 53 years ago!

22nd March 2026

Some fifteen amateur boxing clubs participated in the tournament held in East Kent over the weekend. Sandwich ABC was well represented, as you would expect, and it was good to meet up with Frank Cornwell who founded the Sandwich Club 53 years ago!

21st March 2026

Good to catch up again with Principal Dom Meehan and staff at the wonderful Woodpecker Court School in East Kent. So many of my young constituents continue to benefit from the opportunities offered by this visionary project that is funded by the Department for Education.

20th March 2026 (1 of 4)

Celebrating English Tourism Week with the CEO of the refurbished Powell-Cotton Museum in Birchington, Sarah Corn.

20th March 2026 (2 of 4)

This weekend the museum is hosting the launch, by the Lord Lieutenant, of the 2026 “Wheels of Time“ season that embraces 55 different Kent attractions including the Sandwich Guildhall museum and Medieval Centre, the Seaside Museum in Herne Bay, The RAF Manston History Museum and the Spitfire and Hurricane museum and Fordwich Town Hall.

20th March 2026 (3 of 4)

Note to collectors: Wheels of Time are commemorating their 10th anniversary by issuing a special badge to eligible young visitors who have collected 10 other badges from Wheels of Time venues.

20th March 2026 (4 of 4)

Note to collectors: Wheels of Time are commemorating their 10th anniversary by issuing a special badge to eligible young visitors who have collected 10 other badges from Wheels of Time venues.

19th March 2026

A privilege to host the Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex team at the House and thanks to so many South East colleagues for taking the time to come to learn more about the work of this vital life-saving charity. A great pleasure also to meet Chris Rolfe who owes his life to the timely arrival of the KSS helicopter when he was crushed under bales of hay while working on a farm. A truly life- changing experience.

19th March 2026

The Air Ambulance faces terrifyingly rising fuel costs arising from Trump’s adventures in the Middle East. They really do need our support to help to continue a service that responds to an extraordinary average of nine incidents every day.

17th March 2026 (1 of 3)

On the day that President Zelensky visits parliament, a suite of Ukrainian designed drones - including the ‘Ukrainian Spitfire’ Shark - manufactured using British labour in East Anglia UKRSPEC systems. On display in Speaker’s Court.

17th March 2026 (2 of 3)

And earlier an informative meeting with members of the Ukrainian Parliament (Rada) who were joined by my former colleague Jack Lopresti on leave from serving in Eastern Ukraine on the front line with their armed forces.

17th March 2026 (3 of 3)

Another stark reminder, while Trump is distracted in Iran, that it is not ‘their war’, it is our war that is being fought in Ukraine to defend the democracy and freedoms that we enjoy. Slava Ukraini.

17th March 2026

With photographer Laura Drury from Ash at the opening of the 2024 Group’s exhibition in the Upper Waiting Hall in Westminster. The exhibition’s challenge? “To consider our personal feelings and experience of mental health and express them in a photographic image”. The results generated by Laura and her colleagues (pictured with my colleague Blake Stephenson who sponsored the exhibition) are striking and at times disturbing.

17th March 2026

With photographer Laura Drury from Ash at the opening of the 2024 Group’s exhibition in the Upper Waiting Hall in Westminster. The exhibition’s challenge? “To consider our personal feelings and experience of mental health and express them in a photographic image”. The results generated by Laura and her colleagues (pictured with my colleague Blake Stephenson who sponsored the exhibition) are striking and at times disturbing.

17th March 2026

With photographer Laura Drury from Ash at the opening of the 2024 Group’s exhibition in the Upper Waiting Hall in Westminster. The exhibition’s challenge? “To consider our personal feelings and experience of mental health and express them in a photographic image”. The results generated by Laura and her colleagues (pictured with my colleague Blake Stephenson who sponsored the exhibition) are striking and at times disturbing.

15th March 2026 (1 of 3)

A pleasure, as a Thanet Lion, to host Lions and the United Nations Day and to welcome Lions Clubs British Isles Council Chairman Lion Stu Young and so many members to the House this week.

15th March 2026 (2 of 3)

Excellent addresses from Special Olympian swimmer Taylor Mackenzie and Nicole Kruse from The Carter Centre (US President Jimmy Carter left a humanitarian legacy as a lifelong Lion).

15th March 2026 (3 of 3)

And a personal message from Lions Patron HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh welcoming the ’Changing Tomorrow Today’ suite of Lions Youth initiatives.

15th March 2026

Also the annual presentation of the Peace Poster award and the signing of the Lions’ Armed Services Covenant as a stark and timely reminder of the debt of honour that we owe to the men and women currently serving at home and overseas. An evening very well spent.

8th March 2026

It was good to be back in my old patch of Cliftonville to support our brilliant candidate Cllr Charlie Leys who is standing in the Kent County Council by-election for the Cliftonville division. Charlie has experience on both Broadstairs Town Council and Thanet council, where he was a diligent and hardworking local councillor. He was born locally and lives in the area he wishes to represent. I have no hesitation in asking you to vote for him on 9th April.

8th March 2026 (1 of 4)

Thanks to Josie, the organiser, and to all of those who attended a packed quiz night in Preston Village Hall. (An honour to act as ‘Sir Quizalot’’ again)The event raised several hundreds of pounds to support Preston Summerfest which in turn generates thousands of pounds for local charities.

8th March 2026 (2 of 4)

Headlining at the two-day August music festival are Scouting for Girls and ticket sales already exceed last year’s capacity. With provision for a slightly larger audience this year there are still a few tickets left - so book now to avoid disappointment!

8th March 2026 (3 of 4)

Thanks to Josie, the organiser, and to all of those who attended a packed quiz night in Preston Village Hall. (An honour to act as ‘Sir Quizalot’’ again)The event raised several hundreds of pounds to support Preston Summerfest which in turn generates thousands of pounds for local charities.

8th March 2026 (4 of 4)

Headlining at the two-day August music festival are Scouting for Girls and ticket sales already exceed last year’s capacity. With provision for a slightly larger audience this year there are still a few tickets left - so book now to avoid disappointment!

7th March 2026

Three generations of disc jockeys at Preston’s after-school DJ club (Sparklepants DJ School) with tutor Tom and student Josh. Things have changed a little since my day when DJs just played records!

7th March 2026

Three generations of disc jockeys at Preston’s after-school DJ club (Sparklepants DJ School) with tutor Tom and student Josh. Things have changed a little since my day when DJs just played records!

6th March 2026 (1 of 4)

With documentary filmmaker Janna Giacoppo for the UK premiere of her film ‘One But Many’, which highlights the role of the trophy hunting industry in driving human-wildlife conflict in Africa.

6th March 2026 (2 of 4)

Far from ‘contributing to the community’, as the hunters claim, ‘trophy hunting’, the slaughtering of wild animals to take home and display their body parts, is devastating the future of the rural economy in parts of Africa. It is beyond time that the murderous greed of those who organise this trade, and of those who participate in it, was brought to an end. Thank you, Janna, for the work that you have put into this.

6th March 2026 (3 of 4)

Earlier in the week I was also with Janna at the parliamentary call for the implementation of the Animals (Low Welfare Activities Abroad) Act 2023. The Act, designed to prevent the marketing of foreign holidays offering animal-abusive ‘attractions’, such as elephant riding, cub petting and dolphin shows, was passed in 2023 but has never been implemented.

6th March 2026 (4 of 4)

We were also filming supplementary contributions for addition to her anti-trophy hunting work, which had its first UK airing in the House earlier in the week.

5th March 2026

Joining Cllr Martin Porter on a pre-festival visit to Ripley’s in Staple to meet Tom Ripley and chef Andrew Minter. Craft fair and family fun this Saturday and Sunday and another special celebration for Mothers Day next Sunday. Difficult times for the hospitality industry at present but support your local businesses and they will deliver for you.

4th March 2026

At the Commons launch of the Marie Curie ‘unmet need for palliative care’ report with the charitiy’s ambassador Alison Steadman OBE and one of Mare Curie’s dedicated team of nurses. In the last year for which figures are available nearly one in three people with terminal illness had unaddressed symptoms - that’s nearly one person dying with unmet needs every three minutes! That is why I am backing the call for the right care at the right time and in the right place.

1st March 2026 (1 of 2)

Attached is the response that I have received following my expression of concerns to the Secretary of State, Wes Streeting MP, relating to the proposal to re-locate stroke services from Canterbury to Ashford. While it is correct that this decision was originally taken pre-Covid by the previous government the situation has changed significantly since that time.

1st March 2026 (2 of 2)

The establishment of the stroke service at the Kent and Canterbury Hospital, central to East Kent, has proved highly successful and the outcomes have been impressive. I hold to the view that instead of sticking to an earlier decision the authorities should recognise the success of the K&C service and instead of disrupting it to the detriment of medical staff and patients should enhance the facilities on the existing site.

25th February 2026

As President of the All Party Group for Cyprus with the group’s chairman, Bambos Charalambos, the Mayor of the occupied town of Morphou Victor Hadjiavraam and members of the City Council. Meeting at the House of Commons to discuss ways to secure the ending of the frozen conflict and the illegal Turkish occupation of the northern part of the island. This conflict which has existed for more than half a century has to be resolved.

24th February 2026

On the fourth anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine I met with Ukrainian sculptors Boris Krylov and Oles Sydoruk at the launch of their “Ukrainian Vouces” exhibition in the Upper Waiting Hall of the Houses of Parliament. Slava Ukraini

24th February 2026

On the fourth anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine I met with Ukrainian sculptors Boris Krylov and Oles Sydoruk at the launch of their “Ukrainian Vouces” exhibition in the Upper Waiting Hall of the Houses of Parliament. Slava Ukraini

23rd February 2026

Congratulations to Herne Bay’s Smokey Joe’s and to Ben and Heidi on being selected as finalists in the KM Kent and Medway Food and Drink Awards (Street Food category). Ben Cole and Heidi have, as they say, sought to represent The Bay with pride at regional events, community events and county-wide festivals and they have been generously active in support of local charities. They also offer excellent street food at competitive prices!

23rd February 2026

Congratulations to Herne Bay’s Smokey Joe’s and to Ben and Heidi on being selected as finalists in the KM Kent and Medway Food and Drink Awards (Street Food category). Ben Cole and Heidi have, as they say, sought to represent The Bay with pride at regional events, community events and county-wide festivals and they have been generously active in support of local charities. They also offer excellent street food at competitive prices!

23rd February 2026

Congratulations to Herne Bay’s Smokey Joe’s and to Ben and Heidi on being selected as finalists in the KM Kent and Medway Food and Drink Awards (Street Food category). Ben Cole and Heidi have, as they say, sought to represent The Bay with pride at regional events, community events and county-wide festivals and they have been generously active in support of local charities. They also offer excellent street food at competitive prices!

21st February 2026

With documentary producer and director Connor Carruthers - fairly described as the next David Attenborough - for the screening of his campaign film Minster Marshes at the meeting of the Ash Wildlife Friendly Village conference this weekend. National Grid take note: if you proceed with your environmentally damaging proposal to build a converter station on the Minster Marshes then you have a fight on your hands. Your shareholders may not care about our natural habitat but very many people do.

21st February 2026

With documentary producer and director Connor Carruthers - fairly described as the next David Attenborough - for the screening of his campaign film Minster Marshes at the meeting of the Ash Wildlife Friendly Village conference this weekend. National Grid take note: if you proceed with your environmentally damaging proposal to build a converter station on the Minster Marshes then you have a fight on your hands. Your shareholders may not care about our natural habitat but very many people do.

15th February 2026

The Ice Man did it! Another amazing run for Matt Weston paired with Tabitha Stoecker to take gold medals in the first mixed team skeleton event of its kind at the Winter Olympics in Cortina, Italy. Congratulations also to our snowboard team, Charlotte Banks and Huw Nightingale, who took the UK’s first ever gold medals on snow in the mixed team cross event. Doubles all round!

15th February 2026

The Ice Man did it! Another amazing run for Matt Weston paired with Tabitha Stoecker to take gold medals in the first mixed team skeleton event of its kind at the Winter Olympics in Cortina, Italy. Congratulations also to our snowboard team, Charlotte Banks and Huw Nightingale, who took the UK’s first ever gold medals on snow in the mixed team cross event. Doubles all round!

14th February 2026

At the end of National Apprenticeship Week with store Manager Michael Dudley and Danielle who is participating in a Retail Leadership and Management (Level 3) course at the Discovery Park Asda Express, Sandwich. More proof, if it was needed, that you can earn and learn at the same time.

14th February 2026

Happy Valentine’s Day 🌹

13th February 2026

Sliding down the ice on little more than a tin tray at over eighty miles an hour may not be everyone’s idea of fun but huge congratulations to Matt Weston on ending the UK medals drought at the Winter Olympics. What a courageous and stunning performance - and on Friday the thirteenth - what a nice guy.

12th February 2026

Celebrating National Apprenticeship Week in the House at the Hospitality Apprenticeship Showcase with my constituent Claire Illman who is currently completing her Managerial Apprenticeship with East Kent brewers Shepherd Neame. It is no secret the hospitality industries are have a hard time at present so thanks to Shep’s for sticking by their apprentices and a privilege to be invited to present Claire with her Certificate of Recognition from the company.

11th February 2026

The RSPCA launched their ‘Animal Futures’ report in the House of Commons this week in tandem with their response to the Government’s ‘Animal Welfare Strategy’. The RSPCA broadly supports the strategy - but as is so often the case everything depends upon delivery and enforcement. That is particularly relevant in respect of import restrictions and mandatory labelling.

9th February 2026

The latest addition to the Gale family is a nine year old Norfolk terrier (pictured with Suzy) Coco, who is about the size of our Newfie head, is being tolerated by Rocco and by Gracie, Suzy’s black cat, but has already made herself very much at home!

8th February 2026

With Sheila and Martin Porter and Trevor Bartlett at the excellent WI gathering in Ash Village Hall on Saturday to promote the Riding Lights Theatre Company’s pre-Easter performance of Night Falls. Ash Village Hall for one night only on 21st March. Tickets (heavily subsidised) £5 only from Boots, Welcome or Poparound. Capacity limited. Book now to avoid disappointment!

8th February 2026

Yesterday it was good to support East Kent Scout Jonathan Bowe fundraising for his jamboree visit to Poland. Good luck to all of those young people participating in this enterprise. It’s hard work but with determination you can all do it - and the jamboree will be a very rewarding experience.

7th February 2026

A wonderful morning yesterday with The staff and pupils at Herne Church of England Junior School where the young students have spent the week studying climate change. And thanks to Amalise Humphries for curating an excellent exhibition of collages made from recycled waste. It was hard to judge the best entry because in their own way all of them were winners but in the end the turtle (pictured) took the number one spot on the podium.

5th February 2026

Good to attend the Commons launch of PETA’s Research Modernisation Deal. This Strategy for replacing the use of animals in experiments with advanced humane methods using human stem cells, genomics, imaging, computer modelling and other scientifically acceptable and validated alternatives is what some of us have been campaigning for for many years. These proposals could and should put the UK at the forefront of global research science.Time to move forward.

4th February 2026

The Walk the Walk breast cancer charity has raised, through its flagship overnight Moon Walk and other fundraising events, more than £146 million to help fund prevention and research over the years since it was founded. Those many families - including my own- that have been touched by breast cancer owe them our support.

27th January 2026

Today is Holocaust Memorial Day, when we remember all those murdered during the Holocaust, Nazi persecution of other groups, and in genocides that followed in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur.

26th January 2026

Congratulations to Director General Paul Whitfield and Team Wildwood for securing well-earned recognition of their conservation work in winning the Great British Wildlife Restoration award for the reintroduction into the wild of one of Britain’s smallest but best-loved mammals – the Water Vole. The Wildwood Trust received the award in the Speaker’s House in Parliament and is for one of many wildlife reintroduction programmes for which the Herne Common Wildlife Park is establishing a reputation.

24th January 2026 (1 of 2)

I am sharing this letter that I have written in relation to stroke services in East Kent. In this letter, I explain why I do not support proposals to transfer stroke services from the Kent and Canterbury Hospital.

24th January 2026 (2 of 2)

I am sharing this letter that I have written in relation to stroke services in East Kent. In this letter, I explain why I do not support proposals to transfer stroke services from the Kent and Canterbury Hospital.

23rd January 2026

With Paul James for 107.8 Academy FM Thanet to cover a wide range of issues that included National Grid’s ongoing threat to desecrate the Minster Marshes (‘Sealink’) the welcome return of Search and Rescue helicopters to Manston Airport, the threat to our High Streets and hospitality businesses and the regurgitated proposal, which I have already opposed formally in writing, to transfer the excellent stroke services at the Kent and Canterbury Hospital to the periphery of the district in Ashford.

19th January 2026

15th January 2025

A privilege to be on the ground with RiverOak and the Save Manston Group to welcome the Search and Rescue helicopter and its crew back to Manston today and to see for myself the state-of-the-art aircraft and lifesaving equipment that Bristow’s are now operating. Manston is the Short Straits SAR’s natural home. Good to have you with us again guys and girls.

15th January 2025

A privilege to be on the ground with RiverOak and the Save Manston Group to welcome the Search and Rescue helicopter and its crew back to Manston today and to see for myself the state-of-the-art aircraft and lifesaving equipment that Bristow’s are now operating. Manston is the Short Straits SAR’s natural home. Good to have you with us again guys and girls.

15th January 2025

A privilege to be on the ground with RiverOak and the Save Manston Group to welcome the Search and Rescue helicopter and its crew back to Manston today and to see for myself the state-of-the-art aircraft and lifesaving equipment that Bristow’s are now operating. Manston is the Short Straits SAR’s natural home. Good to have you with us again guys and girls.

4th January 2026 (1 of 2)

A great sadness to be prevented, by the need to remain in quarantine for shingles, from attending the Blessing of the Seas that I have attended with my Cypriot friends on virtually every year since I first came to represent what was then North Thanet. I am grateful to those who helped to deliver the following message for me:

4th January 2026 (2 of 2)

A great sadness to be prevented, by the need to remain in quarantine for shingles, from attending the Blessing of the Seas that I have attended with my Cypriot friends on virtually every year since I first came to represent what was then North Thanet. I am grateful to those who helped to deliver the following message for me: