Sojan Joseph MP

Like many of my constituents, I have lost faith in South East Water. Today I raised the recent shortages, caused by the company’s underinvestment, and asked what the Government can do to ensure it maintains a basic standard of service, especially during periods of high demand.

Today, ahead of Kent Fire and Rescue Service’s consultation, I asked the Leader of the House what steps the Government is taking to protect fire services serving rural communities.

It was a pleasure to speak in today’s King’s Speech debate on the great work this Labour Government has done to deliver positive change over the past 22 months, and on how we must continue to go further and faster to build upon it.

This morning I spoke with @JKyleOfficial on @TalkTV about why we need to continue delivering positive change under Keir Starmer’s leadership: 
NHS investment is UP
NHS waiting times are DOWN
Transport investment is UP
Number of asylum hotels are DOWN
Deportations are UP

I have written to KCC and spoken to its leader about the Ashford Household Waste and Recycling Centre - closed since February. This is causing frustration, especially over bank holidays, and contributing to fly-tipping. I will continue to press KCC to reopen the facility.

Funding for new schools-based nurseries will provide many young people with a great chance for the best start in life. It was brilliant to speak with Damian McBeath, the Principal of the John Wallis Academy will mean for their school and families in our community!

Here’s a message from the Early Education Minister, Olivia Bailey MP about Beaver Green Primary’s new Best Start school-based nursery — helping parents in Ashford with the cost of living and making it easier to balance work and family life. beststartinlife.gov.uk

The events in the Middle East are deeply concerning. Today I asked the Prime Minister about the wider implications of Iran’s destabilisation of the region — for our national security and for the cost of living at home due to potential rises in oil prices.

Since entering Parliament, I’ve worked to strengthen protections for young people from the harms of social media. During my time in the NHS, I saw the impact on mental health and will continue to support efforts to improve safeguards, including the Government’s consultation, which is very welcome.

I spoke with Adam Dowling on BBC Radio Kent about the cost of deploying Operation Brock. It’s vital in emergencies, but it’s too often used as a precaution, at significant expense. I’ll keep working with the Government and any relevant agencies to find a permanent alternative.

The Labour Government has delivered: - £13m for East Kent Hospitals -Free school meals for another 4,970 kids in Ashford - £78.2m for Kent buses - £54m for Kent road maintenance. (Just to name a few achievements!) Only possible because of Keir Starmer’s mandate. Credit: Dom King BBC Radio Kent

Quality transport is key to unlocking growth. Yesterday I spoke about restoring international rail services to #Ashford and using Labour’s record funding to fix roads and improve local transport networks — including rural areas like #Hawkinge — to create economic opportunities.

Earlier this week, I joined 60 other Labour MPs in backing tighter restrictions on social media for teenagers. I spoke with BBC South East to welcome the Government’s consultation and outline the need for a national conversation that includes young people.

A positive meeting with Stagecoach Buses this morning on improving bus services across Ashford, Hawkinge, and the Villages. Good transport links, especially in rural areas, is key to breaking down the barriers to opportunity, and I’ll keep prioritising this as your MP.

Good news for East Kent this week! the latest NHS figures show waiting lists have fallen by almost 9,000 since the election!

Today, I followed up on corridor care at the William Harvey Hospital. There is more work to do, but I welcome the progress being made by the Government - including more doctors, more beds, and faster discharges nationwide - working towards ending corridor care by the end of this Parliament.

Last week, at the Bring Back the Magic event, marking 30 years since international services began at Ashford, I spoke with Michael Keohan about the progress we’ve made, the support from the Government, and the work still to do to bring services back to Kent.

Today the Government launched their 10 Year Health Plan to make the NHS Fit For the Future. I asked, @rthonwesstreeting.bsky.social how opening up talking therapies through the NHS app will improve mental health services and ensure patients can access timely treatment.

Today in Cabinet Questions, I asked the Minister, how the Government’s new agreement with the EU would find solutions to the post-Brexit uncertainties in our constituency, such as Operation Brock.

Today I asked the Prime Minister, Keir Starmer how The #Labour Government would be supporting people like my constituent, Medina, who are disabled and searching for paid employment. #pmqs #PrimeMinistersQuestions