The last time a UK general election wasn’t held on a Thursday was in 1931 - and Thursday voting is tradition, not law. This week I spoke in the Commons about exploring weekend voting as part of new legislation to make elections more accessible.
Lauren alongside FoRCE volunteers near the riverside
Before and after pictures of the foreshore area along the Rochester Esplanade.
Great to spend time litter‑picking and gardening along the Rochester Esplanade with local community group FORCE (Friends of Rochester Churchfields & Esplanade) and residents. Fantastic to see so many new faces and real commitment to keeping our community tidy. Thanks to Terry, Jacques & whole team!
As instability in Iran continues, it’s vital nuclear or radiological materials aren’t trafficked. I asked the Foreign Secretary about talks with international partners to secure these materials and prevent misuse.
You can hear my question below.
My work last week (02nd - 08th March): Joined up with Friends of Rochester Churchfields and Esplanade (FoRCE) and residents to pick up litter along the river foreshore and tidy the Esplanade gardens. Visited Rivermead School in Stoke to tour the new specialist SEND site and meet staff and students. Chaired a meeting with MPs, peers and Skills Minister Jacqui Smith to discuss the Government’s education and skills policies. Attended a Homeless Link event and spoke with Rev Marty Brogan about Caring Hands’ frontline work in Chatham. Met with Warner Music Group to discuss improving support for our world‑leading creative industries. Met England fast bowler Mark Wood at Lord’s with the APPG for Cricket to discuss how we can support the sport in more state schools. Spoke in the debate for the new Representation of the People Bill, advocating for steps to clean up party funding and improve the way we conduct elections. Asked the Foreign Secretary, Chancellor, Defence Secretary and Cab
Another busy week in the constituency and in Westminster - from community events to important questions raised in the House of Commons. Here are some of the highlights:
Great article from my colleague Margaret Mullane MP👇
labourlist.org/2026/03/hous...
Earlier this week, I urged the Chancellor to use any extra fiscal headroom to help reduce the “NEET” rate, with support for programmes like the Youth Guarantee to get more young people back into work, education or training.
You can hear my question and the response below.
Chaired a PACAC session last week on how we restore trust in public life. I asked experts, including the Electoral Commission Chair and the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards, how we can ensure accountability and that the highest standards are enforced within public life.
International Women’s Day is a reminder of how far we’ve come - and how far we still have to go to achieve real equality for all women. I’ll keep working both in Westminster and in Rochester and Strood to ensure every woman and girl has the opportunities and protections they deserve.
Lauren Chairing a discussion on the future of post‑16 education with sector leaders, Peers, follow MPs as well as the Skills Minister, Jacqui Smith, in a Parliamentary committee room.
On Tuesday, I chaired a discussion on the future of post‑16 education for the APPG on Skills, Careers and Employment. Thanks to Skills Minister Jacqui Smith and all the providers and partners who joined to share insight on boosting access to skills for young people.
Lauren visiting the newly opened Rivermead School in Stoke to meet staff and see their specialist facilities for children with complex SEND needs.
Lauren visiting the newly opened Rivermead School in Stoke to meet staff and see their specialist facilities for children with complex SEND needs.
Huge thanks to Tina, Angela and Mark for showing me around the newly opened Rivermead School at Stoke, which supports children with complex SEND needs. They’ll welcome their next cohort in September, and I look forward to working with the school in the years ahead.
Lauren meets with Rev Marty Brogan, in Parliament, to discuss the frontline support Caring Hands provides for people facing homelessness across Rochester and Strood.
Great to meet Rev Marty Brogan to hear more about the important work Caring Hands in Chatham is doing to support people at risk of homelessness or who are already homeless locally. Government investment matters, but local groups like Caring Hands remain essential in providing frontline help.
Graphic Reads: Victim‑based crime down 19.2% on Rochester high street, that's 303 fewer offences. In Feb 2025 to Jan 2026, compared with the previous year.
New neighbourhood policing figures show a 19.2% drop in victim‑based crime around Rochester High Street - that's 303 fewer offences than last year. A real sign that strengthened local policing and increased frontline investment are making a difference.
🔗Local stats here: buff.ly/jwZXpof
Great to speak with so many residents at my recent Strood coffee morning on access to healthcare. Key concerns raised were the need for more services outside Medway A&E, issues with GPs, and delays accessing scans and specialists.
More info on our discussion here: buff.ly/oIb7ZQM
Kinship care is vital to our communities. But the cost of care and balancing work can be a barrier. Medway has been chosen for a three‑and‑a‑half‑year, £126m pilot giving kinship carers weekly financial support. Over 290 local children will benefit.
More info: buff.ly/hMxsNXE
My Weekly Round-up: here are my highlights this week: Held my regular constituency surgery in Rochester to help residents. Met business representatives from town centres to discuss the impact of the Government’s business rate changes and how we can work together. Met the Chief Executive of NHS Kent & Medway Integrated Care Board to discuss improving local NHS services across Rochester and Strood. Spoke with the Chartered Management Institute about protecting funding for higher level and management apprenticeships. Visited King’s School in Rochester to meet the new Principal and see their new STEM facilities. Chaired a meeting of the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee (PACAC) on how those in public life can be held to higher standards across all parties and organisations.
From helping residents at my constituency surgery to championing our high streets - here are some highlights from last week:
An estimated 300,000 British nationals are in the region affected by the developing situation in Iraq and the Middle East. If you or someone you know may need help, the service details are listed in below. Support is available 24/7.
Schools can book a free session at Parliament’s Education Centre here: buff.ly/203YEoH
Really enjoyed speaking with students from Cedar Children’s Academy, in Strood during their visit to Parliament. We talked about my role as an MP and how decisions here affect Rochester and Strood. Thanks to staff and students for their engagement.
Violence against women and girls has no place in our communities. That's why I joined Kent Police & partners for a ‘Walk & Talk’ on Rochester High Street to discuss safety and prevention. I’ll keep working with local groups to see the national strategy deliver locally.
More info: buff.ly/DNpfaZW
Great to meet with the new Chief Executive of Medway Voluntary Action, Jack Packman, last Friday. We discussed his plans for MVA and how government can better engage with and support the voluntary sector. I’m sure Jack will do a fantastic job leading MVA to support people across Rochester & Strood.
The result in Gorton and Denton is very disappointing. We will reflect, act & continue to learn lessons in the coming days & weeks. Today, I want to thank Angeliki Stogia for her energy & positivity over the campaign, the brilliant Labour staff & thousands of volunteers who worked their socks off.
It was great to be in Gorton and Denton earlier this week - it’s polling day today, so vote Labour.
Proud to support the bid for Chatham to become a UK Town of Culture, led by the team at the Historic Dockyard Chatham in my constituency. Town of Culture status would mean investment, jobs and a recognition of Chatham's thriving local community.
Learn more about the bid here: buff.ly/U7MX7zH
Fantastic to open the new T Level Finance Suite at Leigh Academy Strood - a real investment in vocational education and the skills our young people need to succeed. Great to see employers and schools creating opportunities for students.
More here: buff.ly/9QJeSIJ
🪶 Fantastic to see a major wetland restoration project on the Hoo Peninsula completed after years of work and investment. This will protect vital birdlife for years. Great to meet RSPB staff last year and hear about their work across the Peninsula.
More here: buff.ly/HcbvT9e
The Government is consulting on Local Government Reorganisation – the biggest change in 50 years. This will shape the new council by 2028, so it’s vital residents and community groups have their say.
Have your say by 26 March:
🐾 Pleased to attend the RSPCA’s recent event in Parliament to discuss the impact of the new Animal Welfare Strategy. The Strategy sets out important commitments to protect animals and pets, and I’m proud to support these changes - from banning trail hunting to ending harmful puppy farms.
Medway has just over 100 foster carers, but the need for stable, caring homes is growing. So, I welcome the Government’s £88m plan to create up to 10,000 foster care places, helping more vulnerable children into safe, supportive homes.
More info on fostering locally here 👉 buff.ly/2ibRwHi
Great to see more detail from Medway Council on how the £1.5m Pride in Place funding will be used - including £800k for town centres - including Chatham, and grants to help local businesses improve their shopfronts.
More info here: buff.ly/ukZCM6w
Thank you to the German Ambassador for inviting me to discuss skills policy with major UK employers, alongside Charlie Mayfield, author of the Get Britain Working report, Tessa Griffiths from Skills England, and Debbie Abrahams MP, Chair of the Work and Pensions Committee.
