In Canterbury

For too long, the SEND system has let down many children and young people. Rosie is committed to speaking up for those who may feel unheard as changes are made. Thank you for taking the time to complete my SEND survey. Here is an overview of the responses I have received so far… The feedback from the survey is clear. Most respondents believe the government’s plans do not adequately address the significant challenges within SEN education. They feel that the measures outlined i

Rosie Duffield MP met with Vinny Smith and Brian Davies from the Meningitis Research Foundation this morning to discuss the recent Meningitis outbreak in our constituency and what steps need to be taken to ensure this doesn’t happen again, including a wider rollout of the MenB vaccine. Any new review of MenB vaccine eligibility must reflect the full value of protection from this catastrophic disease including: direct protection, prevention of severe disability and peace of mi

Rosie Duffield MP has expressed grave concerns about the proposal to move Stroke Services from Kent & Canterbury Hospital to William Harvey Hospital and the impact on patients and their families. When it comes to stroke care, every minute is critical. Increased travel times to Ashford will have a real impact on outcomes. I am extremely disappointed that the NHS had not informed me about the intended loss of this service from Canterbury, it is deeply concerning that such a maj

Rosie Duffield MP attended the 40th anniversary celebration of the Treaty of Canterbury at Canterbury Cathedral earlier this week, where she welcomed the French Ambassador and other dignitaries to the city. The Treaty of Canterbury was signed at the Cathedral on 12 February 1986 by Margaret Thatcher and President François Mitterrand. The agreement enabled the construction of the undersea railway tunnels, bringing the United Kingdom closer to Europe. This marked an important m

Rosie Duffield MP recently visited the Canterbury Umbrella Centre and caught up the dedicated team supporting vulnerable people across our community. The Centre is a community hub and registered ‘warm space’ providing vital services — from a delicious lunch to friendship, art and fitness classes to housing and wellbeing support to practical advice, helping people rebuild their lives with dignity Organisations like the Umbrella Centre are at the heart of our community. Rosie c

Rosie Duffield MP was delighted to attend the Farewell Ceremony for the Shumei University students from Japan at Chaucer College. Founded in 1992 by the Shumei Foundation in Japan, Chaucer College has served as Shumei’s overseas campus in the United Kingdom ever since. The students had completed a 20-week programme in English Language and spoke fondly of their time in Canterbury and the friendships made - it also symbolises the enduring relationship between the City of Canter

Rosie Duffield MP recently met with Keith from Save Our Buses, a great local campaign set up to represent all users of our public bus services across Kent. There are serious concerns surrounding the potential future removal of vital bus routes and the implication this could have on our local communities. Rosie shares these concerns and support the need for a sustainable bus service, with passengers having a meaningful voice in the services provided. They have an active Facebo

Rosie Duffield MP has written to Kent County Council and Canterbury City Council requesting a meeting to discuss protection of these bespoke nineteenth century cast iron street lamps in Canterbury. These lampposts are utterly unique to Canterbury, a World Heritage Site City, and as such hold significant value. For many, including The Canterbury Society, Canterbury's historic Victorian lampposts are an important part of our heritage and must be preserved for future generation

Rosie Duffield MP has signed a letter to the Chair of South East Water calling for the Chief Executive’s removal, after many constituents were again left without running water. Constituents found themselves without any bottled water easily accessible and limited information about their water supply. Following the horrendous situation so many in Canterbury faced last summer without water supplies, this is completely unacceptable. South East Water must take proper accountabili

Last week, Rosie Duffield MP hosted a roundtable discussion with Headteachers, SENCOs and parents of children with SEND alongside representatives from the Department of Education, to discuss the ongoing SEND funding crisis and explore what is going wrong and what more can be done to ensure some of the most vulnerable children in our society are not failed. It was heart-breaking to hear yet more desperate stories about children with documented needs on an EHCP (Educational Hea

Rosie Duffield MP visited a number of Canterbury’s brilliant small businesses to promote Small Business Saturday. Support for small businesses has never been needed more as they face huge financial pressures and manage the fallout from the last two Budget events. These small businesses are local, innovative and make and sell excellent and unique products; I’d encourage you to visit these businesses like I did and shop locally if you can - and come away with wonderful gifts fo

Ahead of the Autumn Budget, Rosie Duffield MP hosted a hospitality roundtable with Sir Roger Gale MP at Broome Park Hotel to hear from businesses in our part of East Kent. The message is stark and clear. The combined effects of the increase in NICs, Business Rates, soaring Energy Prices and uncompetitive rates of VAT are decimating our hospitality sector. Rosie and Sir Roger have written to the Chancellor, calling on her to take meaningful action and restore confidence in thi

Rosie Duffield MP recently attended the Kent Police Rural Crime Conference to hear speakers including Chief Constable Tim Smith and Kent Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Scott talk about efforts to tackle rural crime across our county. The conference provided an opportunity to discuss best practice, ask questions and explore how key stakeholders can work together better to better prevent and detect crime. Rosie caught up with representatives from the National Farmers Uni

Rosie Duffield MP joined her friend Eric and fellow Royal British Legion veterans and volunteers at their annual Poppy Appeal stall. Rosie spoke warmly with volunteers and supporters, acknowledging the essential work they do to honour the nation’s servicemen and women. Sunday 9th November The wreath-laying ceremony on Sunday, held in remembrance of all those who gave their lives, was followed by a moving and well-attended service at Canterbury Cathedral. Rosie noted how power

Rosie Duffield MP recently visited the site of the new South East Water reservoir being built in Canterbury. With the recent water supply problems over the summer, a new reservoir couldn’t come soon enough, with rising demand and climate uncertainty putting pressure on our infrastructure. I welcome the project as an investment into our water security, sustainable farming and local economy. I look forward to visiting the site frequently during construction to see the progress.

Last week, Rosie Duffield MP visited Hoath Farm's Pick Your Own pumpkin patch in Canterbury with local NFU representatives and Canterbury Young Farmers. The current direction of Government policy is very concerning given its impact on rural jobs and the future of British agriculture, an industry so important to so many in Canterbury and beyond. They discussed the constant challenges facing farmers including the extremely unpopular Family Farm Tax, unreliable local water resou

Thanington Rec is an important green space enjoyed by so many in our community. Canterbury City Council need to think again. Tomorrow is the deadline to have your say and feedback on Canterbury City Council’s Local Plan. You can raise your concerns via the following channels: Canterbury City Council's Website Email: consultations@canterbury.gov.uk Write to: Consultations Team, Canterbury City Council, 14 Rose Lane, Canterbury, CT1 2UR (you will likely need to hand deliver bef

Thank you to all those who have written to me to share their concerns about Canterbury City Council's Local Plan. This has been the subject of heated discussion for the last few years. I have heard from constituents concerned about proposed developments in Chestfield, Wincheap - especially the latest plans for development of Thannington Rec, as well as the ongoing controversial proposal for Brooklands Farm, and the recently reversed and extremely unpopular Blean development.

At a recent surgery, Rosie Duffield MP met with Whitstable Day Nursery to discuss their concerns around the new funding structure within...

Canterbury City Council are undertaking a focused consultation which will help shape the final Draft Local Plan to be published early...