A “big picture” item over the past couple of weeks included a meeting with the Chancellor of the Exchequer at No.11 with other Kent and Essex MPs to discuss major infrastructure requirements in the Thames area, north and south to prevent traffic and attractiveness as a destination for inward investment literally grinding to a halt. A big part of that puzzle is the new Thames crossing, with the preferred option coming in to Kent east of Dartford between Gravesend and Medway. As ever within the UK, whether it be airport capacity, roads or rail, we are perpetually behind on infrastructure planning. In Kent we need that new crossing with road infrastructure to make it work, and we need it urgently.
The EU referendum is very much of interest nationally and locally. We await the final deal on 18th February, but the question I think residents need to ask themselves is whether what is proposed amounts to the fundamental reform that I feel is needed and the majority of you demanded on the doorstep during the general election campaign. At present it feels like we are simply dancing on a pinhead discussing benefits available to EU migrants. I’d hoped for and need much more, and have been vocal on the issue in Parliament, and on local and national news. Your personal vote on referendum day will carry the same weight as mine, so the choice ultimately is yours.
I had the opportunity of celebrating several local student successes, with the Association of Colleges, of which East Kent College is a member, hosting a reception for students who had overcome adversity to achieve success. The East Kent College student receiving a special award was Emily Mackay who has overcome debilitating cancer treatment to achieve her aim of continuing with her catering course. Sir Roger Manwood School, Sandwich were also in London presenting their science project to the Royal Society, following their success in receiving a £3,000 grant to enable them to work with the University of Kent.
I had a very positive meeting with the Salvation Army in Ramsgate, particularly concentrating how they and other local groups can assist in the local council’s obligations under the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol. It is always obvious to me that local charities generally achieve better outcomes than the overbearing bureaucratic structures that are too often the feature of local and national government attempts to solve the same problem.
I hosted a second Ramsgate regeneration conference, with a concentration on short and long term wins for Ramsgate. The forum is, I believe, unique in bringing together businesses, residents, local councillors and community groups so that all can bring their experiences and individual work to the attention of all others. The great success of the marina Christmas lights was highlighted, with plans for a more focused Christmas market and fayre for this year, and also the opportunity for some joined up planning of the Royal Pavilion area as plans evolve for the Wetherspoon and Hornby applications and a new future for the Maritime museum under the stewardship of the Ramsgate Society. I will do what I can to support Heritage Lottery Fund applications for initiatives such as Project Motorhouse and Harbour Street improvements. As ever there is much that our local council can do to improve its work in ensuring we have clean streets and environmental enforcement against dilapidated properties.