I cannot start my newsletter without reflecting on the
international developments in Ukraine. The decision by Russia to invade is devastating, and I am appalled by Putin’s unprovoked attack. I welcome the Prime Ministers strong package of sanctions on Russia and my thoughts and prayers are with all those in Ukraine. Over the last few days, I have been supporting constituents who have immediate family still in Ukraine, as well as speaking with local businesses whose supply chains have been impacted by the conflict. If either of these also apply to you, or someone you know, please do encourage them to email me at [email protected]. My team and I will do all we can to support at this difficult time.
I am also trying to raise the issue of sexual violence in conflict. Last year the UK issued a statement that made clear that the use of sexual violence in conflict was a red line, akin to the use of chemical weapons. Last week I asked the Prime Minister in the House of Commons to reaffirm this commitment and to send a strong message to Russia that the international community will not tolerate sexual violence as a weapon in this conflict.
I have also been working very closely with communities across the constituency following the arrival of Storm Eunice. I would like to start by thanking our emergency services and the many volunteers who following Storm Eunice were out supporting our community in the clean-up effort. Following the red weather warning issued, conditions across the constituency left many homes without power – including my own. I worked closely with UK Power Networks to ensure families and the most vulnerable were supported whilst they waited to be reconnected, and I thank the team at UK Power Networks for their round the clock support and hard work – which included a door to door visit in Swanley to check those who remained without power were supported and safe. Last week I also asked the Business Secretary in the House of Commons for reassurance that areas such as Knockholt, and Swanley Village, who have faced difficulty being reconnected after the storm, and have had repeated power cuts over the years due to out of date infrastructure, will be prioritised for an upgrade. I will continue to campaign for this in Parliament.
Finally, I am delighted that February saw local Conservatives succeed in delivering three local campaigns: protecting the Green Belt at Broke Hill, improved school provisions locally by opening the Sevenoaks annex of Tunbridge Wells School for Boys and securing additional funding for the continuation of the Kent Nightingale Court. I have shared below more details on each. I want to make Sevenoaks and Swanley an ever-better place to live and work for all residents, so if you wish to raise any local concerns with me, do get in touch.
Laura Trott
MP for Sevenoaks and Swanley
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