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Sir Roger Gale
Member of Parliament for Herne Bay and Sandwich (including West Thanet)
2026
 14th July 2026With 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 2026A 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 2026I 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. |
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 12th July 2026I 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 2026Good 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 2026The press cuttings say - and they cannot be wrong - that I crowned Janine.. on parade at the show, as Miss Ash in 2000! |
 12th July 2026Thanks 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 2026Rock and Roll, food stalls and homemade cakes (of course) and much much more. |  12th July 2026And the whole event was blessed with a mercifully cool breeze. |
 11th July 2026At 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 2026At 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 2026This 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 2026My 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 2026In 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 2026Harry 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 2026Whose 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 2026Harry 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 2026Whose 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 2026Seen 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 2026A 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 2026Seen 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 2026A 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 2026Seen 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 2026Your 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 2026Last 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 2026With 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 2026With 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 2026With 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 2026A rather battererd old Member of Parliament but the ribbon and the show was open! |
 29th June 2026With 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 2026Proud 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 2026The 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 2026The 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 2026The 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 2026The 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 2026I 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 2026As the slogan rather topically says ‘Change is Long Overdue’! |  22nd June 2026The 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 2026Fun 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 2026Fun 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 2026Fun 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 2026A 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 2026A 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 JuneCongratulations 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 2026A 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 2026Cakes 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 2026Cakes 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 2026Cakes 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 2026Cakes 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 2026It 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 2026In 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 2026Happy 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 2026A 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 2026A 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 2026A 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 2026A 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 2026A 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 2026A 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 2026A 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 2026A 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 2026A 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 2026Thousands 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 2026There 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 2026I 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 2026As an honorary Man of Kent - Proudly supporting Invicta on Kent Day. |
 24th May 2026East 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 2026East 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 2026East 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 2026At 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 2026At 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 2026Today 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 2026Catch me tonight on The Last Word on ITV1 in the Meridian region at 10.45pm tonight. |  4th May 2026Good 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 2026Hundreds 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 2026A reminder that Quex Park is one of the country’s best concealed tourist attractions that deserves much wider publicity! |  27th April 2026At 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 2026At 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 2026At 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 2026At 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 2026Pleased 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 2026There 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 2026STAKlife will provide counselling for neurodivergent young people In Thanet with specialist neuro-affirming therapy tailored to communication and sensory needs |  9th May 2026 |
 8th May 2026A 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 2026The Birchington Scarecrow Competition was fun with Sir Roger Gale and his new friend 🧡. Well done to all involved |  18th April 2026The Birchington Scarecrow Competition was fun with Sir Roger Gale and his new friend 🧡. Well done to all involved |
 18th April 2026The Birchington Scarecrow Competition was fun with Sir Roger Gale and his new friend 🧡. Well done to all involved |  18th April 2026The Birchington Scarecrow Competition was fun with Sir Roger Gale and his new friend 🧡. Well done to all involved |  18th April 2026The Birchington Scarecrow Competition was fun with Sir Roger Gale and his new friend 🧡. Well done to all involved |
 18th April 2026The Birchington Scarecrow Competition was fun with Sir Roger Gale and his new friend 🧡. Well done to all involved |  18th April 2026The Birchington Scarecrow Competition was fun with Sir Roger Gale and his new friend 🧡. Well done to all involved |  2nd May 2026The 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 2026I 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 2026Great credit must go to Town Councillor Dean Marie who was instrumental in curating a most glorious pageant. |  10th May 2026With 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 AprilIt’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 2026Once 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 2026Once 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 2026Once 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 2026With 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 2026I 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 2026I 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 2026I 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 2026I 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 2026Wonderful 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 2026We 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 2026A great competition to get involved with on 18th April 👇 Visit Thanet Scarecrows to find out more. |
 5th April 2026Happy Easter to you all - I hope you have a lovely bank holiday weekend 🐰🐣 |  30th March 2026Good 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 2026With 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 2026Some 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 2026Some 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 2026Good 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 2026Celebrating English Tourism Week with the CEO of the refurbished Powell-Cotton Museum in Birchington, Sarah Corn. |  20th March 2026This 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 2026Note 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 2026Note 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 2026A 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 2026The 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 2026On 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 2026And 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 2026Another 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 2026With 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 2026With 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 2026With 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 2026A 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 2026Excellent 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 2026And a personal message from Lions Patron HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh welcoming the ’Changing Tomorrow Today’ suite of Lions Youth initiatives. |
 15th March 2026Also 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 2026It 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 2026Thanks 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 2026Headlining 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 2026Thanks 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 2026Headlining 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 2026Three 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 2026Three 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 2026With 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 2026Far 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 2026Earlier 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 2026We 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 2026Joining 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 2026At 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 2026Attached 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 2026The 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 2026As 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 2026On 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 2026On 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 2026Congratulations 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 2026Congratulations 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 2026Congratulations 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 2026With 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 2026With 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 2026The 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 2026The 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 2026At 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 2026Happy Valentine’s Day 🌹 |  13th February 2026Sliding 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 2026Celebrating 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 2026The 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 2026The 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 2026With 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 2026Yesterday 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 2026A 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 2026Good 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 2026The 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 2026Today 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 2026Congratulations 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 2026I 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 2026I 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 2026With 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 2025A 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 2025A 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 2025A 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 2026A 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 2026A 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: |
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