Rochester & Strood Labour Party

Thanks for your support

We are deeply saddened and angered to report that the Rochester and Strood Labour Party office was attacked overnight on Thursday 9th October. The CLP strongly condemns this cowardly act. Our office is run and staffed entirely by local volunteers people who give up their own time to serve our community, support residents, and promote democracy through peaceful and respectful means. No one who volunteers their time for the good of others should ever feel unsafe or targeted for their beliefs. In a functioning democracy, disagreements between political parties must be resolved at the ballot box or through respectful and open debate, not through acts of intimidation or violence. Across the UK and around the world, we are witnessing a troubling rise in political hostility, and we must stand together to unequivocally reject violence in all its forms. Thankfully, no one was injured during this incident. The matter has been reported to Kent Police and the local authorities for investigation. If you have any information that could assist, please contact Kent Police. We remain united, resilient, and committed to the values of democracy, fairness, and community that underpin our movement. Stephen McCormack Chair, Rochester and Strood Constituency Labour Party On behalf of the CLP Executive Committee

We are saddened and angered to report our offices were attacked overnight on Thursday. Please share any information concerning this vile act with Kent Police

Please see our full statement below and on Facebook

facebook.com/share/p/1BXNPe…

Fantastic evening with Medway Victory Sea Cadets at Chatham Maritime. Great to see young people learning water safety, building confidence, and having fun. Thanks to CO Trevor Eaton and team!

If you’d like to get involved, please visit: buff.ly/13ATG9Y

💧 It’s time to fix our broken water system. For 30 years, companies like Southern Water have prioritised profit over people. Now, Ofwat is being scrapped. A new, stronger regulator will hold polluters to account - protecting our environment, our bills, and our local rivers like the Medway.

Proud to back the Crime & Policing Bill - a big win for safer streets and justice for victims.

The Bill cracks down on knife crime, drink spiking, and more. New powers to tackle nuisance bikes and anti-social behaviour – Respect Orders will help stop reoffending and create safer communities.

Great to host Visit Kent’s annual Parliament reception last week. Spoke about Kent & Medway’s vibrant visitor economy & the need to keep working together - especially on restoring international rail in Kent!

Huge thanks to Deidre & team. Excited for what’s ahead under incoming CEO Jo Richardson.

Many in Rochester & Strood have raised concerns about proposed PIP/benefit changes. I’m asking the Govt to rethink some of the proposed changes.

Reforms must protect people's dignity &independence. You can read my full statement here:

Delighted to chair a cross-party discussion on building a workforce to power the UK’s Industrial Strategy. Thanks to the Industry & Parliament Trust, and to Erica Chamberlain (Careers & Enterprise Co) & Verity Davidge (Make UK) for their great insights.

Today I visited Medway Foodbank to discuss my strong opposition to the Government's PIP reforms and how we can tackle the worrying rates of poverty amongst carers. Thanks to Mike, Ruth and their team, including many volunteers, who help so many people in my constituency.

Thanks to Harry for giving me a tour of the fantastic new Lake View Lodge care home in Halling. It was lovely to meet some of the residents and see what fantastic facilities (and views!) they have right next to St Andrew's Lake.

Lovely visit to Bishopscourt in Rochester today for the National Garden Scheme. Many thanks to the Bishop of Rochester for his informative talk about the history of the house. And excellent tea and cake and inspiration for my garden. I'm off to order a Queen of Sweden rose ...

Earlier this week, I met the fantastic new MHS Homes CEO Marie-Claire Delbrouque. Marie-Claire grew up in social housing and helped start a homeless charity. Her commitment to making sure everyone has a warm and safe home was evident throughout our chat and I look forward to working with her.

Rochester & Strood is full of history – now you can help celebrate it! Nominate a local person for a National Blue Plaque by 10 July. If you have a personal hero or a passion for a story or event, don’t miss the chance to bring a new iconic plaque to your area. Submit here: buff.ly/eDY2VTX

Another great APPG meeting on Digital Money and Markets. Fascinating presentations on tokenisation helping small businesses with faster payments and better processes. Key for boosting UK economic growth. Extra thanks to Dr Vahid Mirzabeiki (University of Surrey) and Muhammad Tanoli (Portdex).

Great to attend the launch of a new Unison report setting out their vision for the future of Further Education. Colleges are key to creating economic growth in all parts of the UK, and staff in the sector, including support staff, need fair pay and terms and conditions.

Yesterday, we had a productive meeting of the APPG on Fair Growth in the Thames Estuary, where I raised the importance of the Gridlink interconnector project between France and my constituency in ensuring we meet our climate change and economic growth goals. (1/2)

Lets Celebrate Towns People up and down the country are talking about towns, where the majority of us live, work and raise our families. Against a challenging backdrop, there is a lot of positive momentum behind creating…

I’m pleased to see the return of Visa’s Let’s Celebrate Towns Awards—an excellent opportunity to showcase the incredible work happening across Rochester and Strood. Towns can win £20,000 for a local initiative. Submit your nomination by June 8th: buff.ly/62zUeH3

A busy and productive week representing Rochester and Strood - both at home and in Westminster. From strengthening border security and exploring digital money, to backing green energy and celebrating local charities. Thank you to everyone I met and worked with this week. Read more below:

Today is the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia & Biphobia. Love is love, and everyone deserves respect and safety. I stand with the LGBTQ+ community against hatred and discrimination - let’s continue to build communities centred on tolerance, diversity and inclusion.

Last Thursday, on VE Day, we remembered the courage and sacrifice of those who secured peace in Europe 80 years ago and took a moment to reflect on the importance of peace in an increasingly uncertain world. (1/4)

Great to meet Kieran from Rubbish Snooker during the VE Day 80th anniversary celebrations at the Royal Engineers Museum last week. He takes litter from Medway's streets and turns it into art - including this brilliant bottlecap Spitfire! Check out his website: buff.ly/ZTbJJKB

Many households in Medway are feeling the pressure of the cost of living. Medway Council’s Household Support Fund offers government-backed help with essentials like school uniforms, energy or water bills, and other vital needs. You don’t need to be on benefits to apply. Apply here: buff.ly/xqjW0ZP

Last Tuesday, I asked Ed Miliband, Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, about Gridlink, a proposed energy connection from Kingsnorth in my constituency across to France. This connection, which could be ready by 2030, will help us meet our clean energy goals. (1/2)

Excellent roundtable last Friday with a range of businesses from across the construction sector at Waterfront UTC. University Technical Colleges like Waterfront provide hugely valuable technical education opportunities, as well as giving students great career advice and work-readiness skills. (1/2)

It was great to join the New Statesman's Energy and Climate Change Conference to speak on the green skills panel. Green skills can play a big part in regenerating areas like Rochester & Strood, especially through big infrastructure projects like the Lower Thames Crossing.

Great to speak alongside Skills Minister Jacqui Smith at the Lifelong Education Institute’s 2025 conference. I spoke on how the Growth & Skills Levy and Skills England can simplify the system and expand opportunities. Thanks to Dame Ann Limn for chairing a great panel!

Thanks to Judy and Richard for inviting me to hear more about Everycare Medway and Swale, based on Medway City Estate. Care providers like Everycare offer a crucial service in an increasingly complex environment. Joined-up thinking between the care sector & the NHS is vital to improve care locally.

Thank you to the Innovate Finance Global Summit for having me on their panel last week. It was great to discuss the future of global digital money and to be on the same stage where earlier that day the Chancellor announced the Gov will be bringing in laws to regulate cryptoassets - a welcome change.

Popped along to the Sun Pier House open day for their fantastic new accessible creative space. It was great to catch up with Hannah and see what a fantastic community hub the team are building!