People were deeply frustrated when plans to introduce Thameslink services to Maidstone were delayed last year.

I asked the Department for Transport for an update and have been assured that these services will be up and running as soon as possible.

I’ve stepped up calls to improve Brenley Corner.

Earlier this week I met the Roads Minister, Baroness Vere, to stress the need for improvement at this junction, which links the A2 with the M2.

Farmers this year will be able to recruit more workers on a temporary basis from outside the EU.

I’m pleased the Government will be increasing the pilot Seasonal Agricultural Workers Scheme to 10,000 workers in 2020 – an increase from 2,500 workers last year.

Every day around 250 people begin to lose their sight.

I’m proud to be supporting the RNIB in their work to improve the lives of blind and partially sighted people.

I’m delighted to have been appointed Minister of State in the Department for Health and Social Care, as part of last week’s reshuffle.

My new responsibilities include social care, the NHS workforce, as well as learning disabilities and autism. 

I’ve called on Swale Borough Council to reject plans to build 5,000 new houses at North Street.

The development is being considered for inclusion in Swale’s new Local Plan, which will set out where new homes should be built in the borough between 2022-2038.

We all want to see nature thrive.

From turtledoves in the orchards around Selling, lapwings at the Graveney Marshes, to songbirds in the Weald – Kent is home to an astonishing range of wildlife and habitats.

More regular patrols by police officers in Headcorn are already having an impact.

I was back in the village last Friday (7 February) for a meeting with the police and local councillors to see if action to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour is having an impact.

A record number of students and employers took part in the 2020 Maidstone Apprenticeship Fair on Friday 7 February.

It’s fantastic to see more and more young people considering an apprenticeship as a way of getting on in life.

Efforts to improve Brenley Corner have been given a boost by the Minister responsible for roads.

Roads Minister, Baroness Vere, has said she recognises “the force of the case” about upgrading this junction. This is really encouraging.