Welcome to this week's newsletter!
As this is my first newsletter back from the Conservative Party Conference, I wanted to start by focusing on the policy announcements that Kemi set out – a bold vision to get the economy back on track, restore trust in politics, and support people who work hard and play by the rules.
After the last election, it became clear that the public wanted us to rethink our approach and put forward a serious, practical plan. We have now shown that we have this plan and the determination to deliver results. These are not just ideas on paper; they are a blueprint for the future – a credible plan rooted in Conservative principles and shaped to deliver results for people across the country. Scroll down for details of what we have announced.
I was grateful for the opportunity to speak in the Westminster Hall debate on the potential merits of returning rail services to Ashford International. From speaking with constituents and local groups, I know how much international services are missed locally. There are many benefits to the resumption of services, for both individuals and the wider region as a whole. I will continue to work with local organisations on this important issue. To watch my speech in full, please see the link in the article below.
Whilst at conference, I made sure to meet with a range of groups that constituents had asked me to speak with. It is so important to hear directly from the people and organisations my constituents care about.
One organisation I met with was Parkinson’s UK, where I spoke with Nicola and her husband, Richard, about their experiences of living with Parkinson’s. Over the past year, I’ve been working with the Bexhill Working Age Group, which is affiliated with Parkinson’s UK. They do fantastic work supporting one another and raising awareness that this condition can affect anyone at any age – and they recently topped a national petition calling for a parliamentary debate on Parkinson’s.
In the constituency, I had the pleasure of visiting St Peter & St Paul Primary School. It’s clear that this school is full of creativity, enthusiasm, and curiosity, and I found it very insightful to sit in on a student school council meeting. Also, congratulations to the girls’ football team, who had an important match on the day of my visit – their win means that they have now made it to the regional finals. Well done!
I was pleased to join Cllr Eleanor Kirby-Green at the A229 junction on Hawkhurst Road in Hurst Green to discuss long-standing safety concerns about the A21. I know this stretch of road has been a concern for many residents. With the A21 Safety Package, vital improvements are underway, but there is still more to do. After the visit, we stopped by the Hurst Green Community Orchard, a lovely green space that has been beautifully maintained by local volunteers, thank you!
Last week, I hosted another constituency surgery where a wide range of issues were raised. My team and I are here to help and support you. Whilst many issues can be progressed efficiently via email, I also recognise that some situations benefit from a face-to-face conversation, especially when they are more complex or sensitive.
A reminder to all primary schools in the constituency that my Christmas Card competition is ongoing, with the deadline set for 24 October. Make sure to get your submissions in!
I’m pleased to be promoting two great local events: A Taste of Ticehurst; and a cultural evening hosted by the Ukrainian Culbaba Theatre. A Taste of Ticehurst is happening this Sunday and will celebrate the top-quality food in our local area with a range of different food and drink businesses, and the Culbaba Theatre’s performance will recreate the colour and energy of a traditional Ukrainian wedding – a truly special performance. Make sure to check out the articles below for all the details.
For information on disruptions to the Southeastern and Southern Rail services during the October half-term (25 October – 2 November), due to maintenance and improvement works, please see the article towards the end of the newsletter.
For information on local road closures, as provided by third parties, please see the bottom of the newsletter.
Have a great weekend.
This week's newsletter:
- A New Conservative Vision for Britain
- Westminster Hall Debate - Potential Merits of Returning International Rail Services to Ashford
- Meeting with Organisations at Conservative Party Conference 2025
- Parkinson's UK - Party Conference
- Visit to St Peter & St Paul Primary School
- A21 Road Safety Meeting & Hurst Green Community Orchard
- Constituency Surgery
- Christmas Card Competition
- A Taste of Ticehurst
- Cultural Evening Hosted by the Culbaba Theatre
- Reminder - Railway Closures During Half-Term
- Local Road Closures
A New Conservative Vision for Britain
After the last election, it became clear the public wanted us to rethink our approach and put forward a serious, practical plan. Last week at the Conservative Party Conference, Kemi set out exactly that, a bold vision to get the economy back on track, restore trust in politics, and support people who work hard and play by the rules.
At the heart of this plan is a new Golden Economic Rule. For every pound saved, at least half will go towards paying down the deficit, with the rest used to cut taxes or boost the economy. With debt interest now costing £100 billion a year, more than we spend on defence and education combined, we need a serious plan to get our finances under control. We are the only major party willing to be honest about the state of our finances and take the tough decisions needed. It is common sense: live within our means, but make sure people feel the benefit when the country does well. We also announced plans to cut £23 billion from welfare spending to ensure work always pays and support goes to those who genuinely need it.
Our plan to scrap stamp duty for people buying their main home is more than a one off saving. Abolishing stamp duty for primary residences helps at every stage of homeownership, making it easier for grandparents to downsize, freeing up larger homes for families, and helping first time buyers onto the ladder. Combined with the new National Insurance rebate, where the first £5,000 paid in a first job can go towards a deposit, young families in our area will have a real chance to buy their own home without being priced out.
People have made it clear they want tougher controls on immigration. I know many feel we did not deliver on this in government, but we have listened and changed our approach. Britain will leave the European Convention on Human Rights to take back control of our laws. Asylum claims will no longer be accepted from those entering illegally, and immigration tribunals, judicial reviews and legal aid for immigration cases will end. Visa sanctions will ensure other countries cooperate on returns. These steps will create a stronger, fairer system that secures our borders and upholds the law.
Supporting local businesses is central to our plans. Over the summer, I ran a pubs campaign and heard firsthand about the challenges local businesses face, from rising costs to squeezed margins. Our proposal to cut business rates for pubs and high street businesses will give thousands of venues, like those I visited locally, a real boost. Pubs, cafes, shops and community venues will pay less in business taxes, freeing money to invest in staff, improve premises and keep prices fair. Relief will be capped at £110,000 per business, ensuring small and medium sized businesses benefit most. By lifting this burden, we can help our high streets thrive, support local jobs and give our communities the vibrant, welcoming centres they deserve.
We have shown we have a plan and the determination to deliver results. These are not just ideas on paper; they are a blueprint for the future; a credible plan rooted in Conservative principles and shaped to deliver results for people across the country.
This was also the focus for my column in the Bexhill & Battle Observer this week.
Westminster Hall Debate - Potential Merits of Returning International Rail Services to Ashford
I was grateful to speak in the Westminster Hall debate on the potential benefits of restoring international rail services to Ashford.
From conversations with residents and local groups, it’s clear how much these services are missed. Bexhill Rail Action Group has done excellent work to keep this issue alive, and it was great to see it discussed in Parliament.
In my speech, I highlighted two key reasons for resuming international services at Ashford: accessibility and economic benefits.
At the moment, a return ticket from Bexhill to St Pancras costs around £60–£100 per person, while a return to Ashford is only £18 at peak times. Passengers currently have to travel up to St Pancras and then back down again, adding more than two hours to a Paris journey.
Beyond accessibility, there’s major potential for regional growth. The Good Growth Foundation estimates that reinstating services could generate up to £315 million in extra visitor spending each year – not to mention the wider boost to local investment and jobs.
The benefits clearly outweigh any downsides. If Eurostar won’t restart services from Ashford, perhaps another operator could step in.
I’ll continue working with local groups and MPs cross-parties to bring international rail services back to Ashford.
If you would like to watch the whole debate, you can watch it on Parliament TV, and to read the debate, you can do so through Hansard.
Meeting with Organisations at Conservative Party Conference 2025
I had a busy conference this year meeting a range of groups that constituents have asked me to speak with.
It’s really important to me to hear directly from the people and organisations my constituents care about, to understand the issues that matter most locally, and to make sure their voices are being heard at the heart of Parliament.
As you can see from the photos, a few of the organisations I met and spoke with are Guide Dogs UK, Stroke Association, MND Association, and Cancer Research UK.
Parkinson's UK - Party Conference
It was a pleasure to meet Nicola and her husband Richard at Conference to talk about their experiences of living with Parkinson’s and the challenges that come with it.
I’ve been working closely with our local Parkinson’s group, Bexhill Working Age Group, which recently topped a national petition calling for a parliamentary debate on Parkinson’s. They do fantastic work supporting one another and raising awareness that this condition can affect anyone at any age.
I’ll be taking the concerns Nicola and Richard shared back to Parliament to make sure the voices of people living with Parkinson’s, and those supporting them, continue to be heard.
If you are looking for information or support, make sure to take a moment to read through the Parkinson's UK website.
Visit to St Peter & St Paul Primary School
Last week, I visited St Peter & St Paul Primary School. From a tour of the school by Kallie and Ole, to hearing about exciting projects the children are working on, it’s clear this school is full of creativity, enthusiasm and curiosity.
Sitting in on a school council meeting was very insightful. Students asked thought provoking questions, including ‘Why did you want to become an MP?’ and ‘If you could achieve anything as an MP, what would it be?’. The school council also shared with me their election process and topics they had discussed such as wanting new playtime equipment and picking charities for the school to support.
I really enjoyed meeting the brilliant students and committed staff at this school - their dedication to enabling students to fulfil and surpass their potential is admirable. Kallie and Ole told me that the girls football team had an important match on the day of my visit - I've since heard they successfully made it through to the regional finals, well done!
A21 Road Safety Meeting & Hurst Green Community Orchard
Last week, I joined Councillor Eleanor Kirby-Green at the A229 junction on Hawkhurst Road in Hurst Green to discuss long-standing safety concerns about the A21. This stretch of road has been a serious worry for residents, and I was able to see first-hand the risks it poses to pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers.
Thanks to the A21 Safety Package, vital improvements are underway - but there’s still more to do. Road safety is not just a local issue; it’s about protecting lives and ensuring that everyone in Bexhill & Battle can travel safely and confidently. I will raise this at my upcoming meeting with National Highways.
After the visit, I stopped by the Hurst Green Community Orchard. This is a wonderful green space lovingly maintained by local volunteers. Places like this are the heart of our communities. They offer a peaceful retreat, support mental wellbeing, and bring people together. It’s a shining example of how shared spaces can strengthen local connections and enrich our everyday lives.
Constituency Surgery
I hosted another constituency surgery last week, with a wide range of issues raised - I’m always grateful for the opportunity to hear directly from residents about the challenges they’re facing.
My team and I are here to help and support you. Many issues can be progressed efficiently via email, but I also recognise that some situations benefit from a face-to-face conversation, especially when they’re more complex or sensitive.
If you would like to raise an issue or book a future appointment, please don’t hesitate to get in touch by sending me an email outlining your concerns to [email protected].
Christmas Card Competition
Have you entered my Christmas Card Competition yet?
Primary School pupils across Bexhill and Battle can email scanned copies of their designs to [email protected] or drop them off at our constituency office - 29-31 Sea Road, Bexhill on Sea TN40 1EE
The deadline is 24th October, so there’s still time to get your festive artwork in!
A Taste of Ticehurst
I wanted to share this fantastic event, A Taste of Ticehurst, which will be taking place Sunday 19 October in Ticehurst Village Square from 12pm – 3pm.
This event is all about celebrating the top-quality food in our local area and will have a range of different food and drink businesses offering their produce for tasting and purchase at stalls. There will also be some guest speakers.
Make sure to stop by!
For more information, check out their Facebook.
Cultural Evening Hosted by the Culbaba Theatre
Culbaba Theatre is hosting a captivating cultural evening dedicated to one of the most vibrant and meaningful traditions in Ukrainian life - the wedding. This special performance will take place on Saturday, 25 October 2025, at 5:00 PM at St John’s Centre, Victoria Road, Bexhill-on-Sea, TN39 3PD.
Founded by Ukrainian refugees, Culbaba Theatre is committed to preserving and sharing the richness of Ukrainian cultural heritage while contributing to the artistic life of East Sussex. Over the years, the group has become an integral part of the region’s cultural scene, taking part in local festivals and community events.
This upcoming performance will recreate the colour and energy of a traditional Ukrainian wedding through authentic songs, dances, and costumes, brought together in a theatrical production that celebrates community, love, and continuity.
Everyone is welcome to join Culbaba Theatre for this memorable evening celebrating the beauty of tradition and the shared joy of cultural exchange.
Entry is £8 on the door.
Reminder - Railway Closures During Half-Term
Southeastern and Southern Railway passengers are being reminded to plan ahead this October half-term if travelling between Tunbridge Wells and Hastings and between Bexhill and Hastings as a major programme of improvement work will be taking place between Saturday 25 October and Sunday 2 November 2025.
Buses will replace Southeastern trains between Tunbridge Wells and Hastings, and Southern trains between Bexhill and Hastings for all nine days.
Engineers will use the time to deliver a wide range of essential upgrades to improve the safety and performance of the railway.
Passengers should allow extra time for their journeys and check before they travel using National Rail Enquiries or their train operator’s website.
For more information, see Southeastern Railway’s Press Release.
Local Road Closures (please note this information is provided by third parties):
Bexhill
- Wrestwood Road – 30 October to 31 October
- Cooden Drive – 3 February 2025 to 1 February 2026
Mountfield
- Eatenden Lane – 27 October (06:00) to 30 October (06:00)
Bodiam
- Hawkhurst Road – 20 October to 21 October
Brede
- Brede Hill – until 19 October (07:00)
Ninfield
- Marlpits Lane – 21 October (00:00) to 22 October (01:00)
- Standard Hill – 15 October (19:05) to 16 October (04:30)
Herstmonceux
- Church Road – 27 October (08:00) to 7 November (18:00)
Burwash Weald
- Swing Gate Hill – 30 October (09:30 to 15:30)
Ticehurst
- Church Street – 19 October (10:00 to 17:00)
Robertsbridge
- Bishops Lane – 27 October (08:00) to 29 October (16:30)
Cripps Corner
- Cripps Corner Road – 25 October (18:30 to 22:00)
Westham
- Gallows Lane – 16 October (07:21) to 21 October (17:00)
Hooe
- Top Road – 21 October (00:00) to 22 October (01:00)
