Kent’s beautiful countryside, historic towns, coastal resorts and world leading vineyards combined with its historic status as the Garden of England mean that tourism is at the heart of the county’s economy.

This week we witnessed the funeral of George Floyd.  His shocking and heartbreaking murder in Minneapolis on May 25th has ignited the campaign against racism with public outcry and protest all around the world – including on the streets of my own constituency of Maidstone & The Weald.  

The most optimistic hopes for an effective coronavirus vaccine to become available are reported to be at least a year away, and probably more.  People I speak with in Maidstone & The Weald know that the effect of an extended general lockdown could be just as damaging as the virus itself, and

Being the MP for Maidstone and The Weald gives me a wonderful opportunity to see, at first-hand, the inspirational work that our fantastic charities undertake; the support provided by Kent Association for the Blind (who celebrate their 100th birthday next month); the crucial advice offered by Cit

In England and Wales so far, of over 10,000 Covid-19 deaths occurring outside hospital, 80% took place in care homes.  Here in Kent the figure reflects the national picture and I have been in touch with several local care-home owners, managers and staff recently, to understand the challenges they

When the Prime Minister addressed the nation on Sunday he explained that, mercifully, some modest changes can now be made to the lockdown.  This is partly because the pressure on our hospitals caused by high Coronavirus infection numbers is easing.

‘It’s not possible to fight a fire blindfolded’ said the World Health Organisation back in March when they issued the maxim ‘Test, Test, Test’ to governments around the world.  Until we have a vaccine, knowing who is infected is key because we can then selectively isolate people and trace those w

Dear Friends and Residents

Hello again, and I hope you and your loved ones have remained safe and well since my last bulletin a couple of weeks ago.   

Last week I spoke with Kent’s Chief Constable Alan Pughsley and Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Scott about Kent Police’s response to Coronavirus.

My regular catch-up sessions with NHS Trust CEO Miles Scott are always important and I would like to share details of this week’s communication with Downs Mail readers.