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Tony Vaughan KC MP

@tonyvaughanmp.bsky.social
2.1K followers 38 following 344 posts

Proud to be the Labour MP for Folkestone, Hythe and Romney Marsh. Follow me on Instagram @tonyvaughanmp

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Tony Vaughan KC MP @tonyvaughanmp.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
There's negativity around about UK aviation. Why don't we use powers under the Transport Act 2000 to grant smaller airports commercial Special Use Airspace designations. Then they can become centres for civilian drone research and manufacturing? www.goodgrowthfoundation.co.uk/a-golden-tic...
goodgrowthfoundation.co.uk
A Golden Ticket for Government: Fast tracking Special Use Airspace to let innovation take flight at regional airports — The Good Growth Foundation
Regional airports are judged against a passenger model that was never built for them, while regulation blocks anything better. We set out a better way forward. Granting Lydd Airport Special Use Airspa...
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Tony Vaughan KC MP @tonyvaughanmp.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
I agree with Joe, we need regular consular visits, so we can ensure Craig and Lindsay’s welfare and enable regular calls between them and their family. It's not an ask for the impossible, but an ask for practical action to protect their physical and mental wellbeing. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
No regular contact with couple held in Iran, family say
Craig and Lindsay Foreman's family say they were promised contact after they ended hunger strikes.
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Tony Vaughan KC MP @tonyvaughanmp.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
FREE THE FOREMANS: Last week I spoke at a roundtable to mark the appointment of Alistair Burt as the UK’s first Envoy for Complex Consular Cases. I spoke about what I am doing to secure the release of Craig and Lindsay - they are imprisoned arbitrarily in Tehran on totally false charges.
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Tony Vaughan KC MP @tonyvaughanmp.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
This week I participated in a debate on whether there should be a referendum on nationalising the water industry. We need greater public control and ownership of our water sector. We also must strengthen regulation through ensuring independent monitoring of the data private water companies provide.
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Tony Vaughan KC MP @tonyvaughanmp.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Looking forward to this! All LME members welcome to join.
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Tony Vaughan KC MP @tonyvaughanmp.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
Spoke to The Guardian about the intimidation we saw in Dover. It's totally unjustified to see deliberate disruption at a major port, a piece of critical national infrastructure. The Police must have the resources they need to support public order policing. www.theguardian.com/uk-news/ng-i...
theguardian.com
From black-clad agitators to an appeal for ‘Tommo’s Mum’: an unsettling week with the Patriot Platform
A militaristic operation with features of influencer culture, the new anti-migrant movement seems to show a shift in tactics and rhetoric
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Tony Vaughan KC MP @tonyvaughanmp.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
I voted for assisted dying again, as the Bill expanded individual choice, contained incredibly strong safeguards against coercion and abuse, and would have legalised assisted dying in a safe and dignified way. This is not the end of the campaign. Most people in Britain support a law like this.
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Tony Vaughan KC MP @tonyvaughanmp.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
This month I’ll request that the Assembly agrees to take action, so up to 210 billion euros of Russian assets can deliver compensation to Ukrainian victims. I was proud that (PACE) approved the draft resolution and recommendation based on my report. pace.coe.int/en/news/1040...
pace.coe.int
Russian assets should be used to pay Ukraine potentially ‘billions’ in compensation after Strasbourg Court rulings
Russian state assets should be repurposed to pay Ukraine potentially “billions of euros” in compensation after two rulings against Russia by the European Court of Human Rights, according to a committe...
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Tony Vaughan KC MP @tonyvaughanmp.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
Yes to energy independence. Yes to more renewables. Yes to an energy mix, including new nuclear. But covering 10% of Romney Marsh and some of our highest quality arable land, with solar, isn't fair, when the clean energy mission is a national endeavour. www.kentonline.co.uk/romney-marsh...
kentonline.co.uk
‘Covering vast swathes of farmland with solar panels makes no sense’
MP Tony Vaughan says while generating solar energy is important it should not come at the cost of our farming communities.
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Tony Vaughan KC MP @tonyvaughanmp.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
The Folkestone Nepalese Community Centre is raising money for disaster relief in the Nepal-Tibet region. If you would like to make a donation, please use this link: fncuk.org/appeal-for-n... If any constituents need assistance, please email me at: tony.vaughan.mp@parliament.uk
fncuk.org
Nepal Flood Emergency Appeal | Folkestone Nepalese Community
Folkestone Nepalese Community emergency appeal for people affected by the devastating floods and mudslides in Nepal.
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Tony Vaughan KC MP @tonyvaughanmp.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
Craig and Lindsay matter. 168 people have signed this petition today. Please consider signing it, see the link below⬇️ www.change.org/p/free-linds...
change.org
Nearly 100,000 People Are Standing With Mum and Craig
The last few weeks have brought some important changes, but they have also made it very clear how much still needs to happen. The five-day fast was an extraordinary show of solidarity with Mum and Craig, and I remain incredibly grateful to everyone who took part, shared it or supported us during those days. It helped bring a very difficult chapter to a close, but our attention now has to be firmly…
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Tony Vaughan KC MP @tonyvaughanmp.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
Progress is being made - still more work to do, and we need to bring asylum accommodation fully in house, so there isn’t private sector profiteering, but this is welcome. www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home...
independent.co.uk
Number of asylum seekers housed in hotels halves and small boat crossings slashed
There were 16,000 asylum seekers living in Home Office hotels in June this year, down 50 per cent on a year earlier
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Tony Vaughan KC MP @tonyvaughanmp.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
Sending my love, thoughts and solidarity to the people of Nepal and Tibet this morning. We have an amazingly vibrant Nepalese community in my constituency. If constituents know anyone affected and they need assistance from the FCDO, please get in touch at tony.vaughan.mp@parliament.uk
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Tony Vaughan KC MP @tonyvaughanmp.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
Incredible news from Sainsbury's - they’ll create 10000 work experience opportunities for young people, starting in October 2026! My office will be in touch with the company today to see what opportunities for young people we can deliver, for Folkestone, Hythe and Romney Marsh.
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Tony Vaughan KC MP @tonyvaughanmp.bsky.social · 23/08/2026
Recent, promising economic news: 1. Consumer confidence at its highest level for 2 years. 2. Private sector productivity growth - 1.8% in Q2 26 compared with 2025, showing some tentative signs of AI adoption driving growth, plus we’ve closed the productivity gap with the US.
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Tony Vaughan KC MP @tonyvaughanmp.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
This is important public health advice from the Food Standards Agency - under fives, over 65s, women who are pregnant and those with health conditions should avoid under-cooked eggs when they are eating out. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Under-fives and pregnant women told to avoid runny eggs when eating out over salmonella risk
The advice also applies to the over-65s and others with underlying medical conditions amid salmonella outbreak.
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Tony Vaughan KC MP @tonyvaughanmp.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
Message from me to all of the students in Folkestone, Hythe and Romney Marsh who collected their GCSE results yesterday: If you got what you wanted, fantastic, if you didn’t, don’t give up on your dreams, see this as a learning experience, and keep fighting for your goals.
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Tony Vaughan KC MP @tonyvaughanmp.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
It’s right that waste criminals will face a tough crackdown under this government. Fines for illegal dumping will rise from £300 to £5k. Fly tippers will now have to complete up to 20 hours of unpaid work cleaning streets, and be required to repay the cost of clearing their dumped waste.
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Tony Vaughan KC MP @tonyvaughanmp.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
The PM wants to end rough sleeping. He’s backing his words with action. £442 million will provide every homeless person with a route off the streets before 25 December. This route may be a place to stay/it could be tailored mental health or addiction support. This is the caring society we must be!
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Tony Vaughan KC MP @tonyvaughanmp.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
It was great to join Hands off our Marsh in Old Romney for their community walk around the proposed South Kent Energy Park. I am concerned about the cumulative impact of the proposed solar farms on the Marsh - covering up to 10% of the land in panels would not be proportionate at all.
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Tony Vaughan KC MP @tonyvaughanmp.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
Good luck to all students receiving their GCSE results today, and a big thanks to teachers and school staff for supporting our young people! #gcseresults
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Tony Vaughan KC MP @tonyvaughanmp.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
Good that Virgin has been granted track access, enabling it to run daily return services between St Pancras and the Channel Tunnel. Ashford International also needs to be an international station again and I'm looking forward to working with Kent Labour MP colleagues to continue our campaign.
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Tony Vaughan KC MP @tonyvaughanmp.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
Great news that disabled people across England will be able to travel on buses for free, all day, every day. Time restrictions on bus passes for disabled people will be lifted from April 2027, benefitting 28000 people in Kent, opening up access to education, work and cultural opportunities.
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Tony Vaughan KC MP @tonyvaughanmp.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
Truth. Justice. Kindness. Peace. Unity. The five words that Joe Bennett’s mother, Lindsay Foreman, told him to reflect on each day.
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Tony Vaughan KC MP @tonyvaughanmp.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
Tragically, this does not surprise me at all. We must go beyond the Water Special Measures Act by putting our water system under public control. On another note, it surprises me how little the Greens talk about our water system and other environmental issues. www.ft.com/content/91fd...
ft.com
Only 1 in 7 of England’s rivers, lakes and estuaries meet ecological standards
Charity says Environment Agency data shows that the country’s waters are ‘among the filthiest in Europe’
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Tony Vaughan KC MP @tonyvaughanmp.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
2 facts that get lost in the small boats debate: Almost 60% of all Channel crossing events have been stopped before they enter UK waters since July 24. Over 46k small boat crossing attempts have been prevented since July 24. We need proper safe routes provision, but enforcement has stepped up.
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Tony Vaughan KC MP @tonyvaughanmp.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
Heather is right - we can’t achieve stability and prosperity at home if the world is in complete chaos. That’s why we should set out a roadmap to spend 0.7% of GDP on aid and development. labourlist.org/2026/08/putt...
labourlist.org
'Putting development at the heart of foreign policy' - LabourList
Setting a pathway back to 0.7% while using our G20 presidency to champion debt relief and financial reform would honour Labour's internationalist tradition.
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Tony Vaughan KC MP @tonyvaughanmp.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
Announced today: 100 new community mental health centres to open, offering walk-in support. 59 new mental health emergency departments providing specialist care. This is about bringing mental health care closer to communities and ensuring people get early diagnosis, treatment and support.
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Tony Vaughan KC MP @tonyvaughanmp.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
If you’re looking for a brilliant day out this summer, come to Folkestone! Seaside sauna, great fish and chips and seafood, amazing independent businesses, a vibrant arts scene - I agree with Rob Beckett! www.kentonline.co.uk/folkestone/n...
kentonline.co.uk
Rob Beckett raves about great family day out in Kent seaside town
Comedian Rob Beckett has hailed a Kent seaside town as home to the "best fish and chips" he's ever eaten after a recent visit.
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Tony Vaughan KC MP @tonyvaughanmp.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
Chucking the Navy in the Channel won't end small boat crossings. The question is how do we end the small boat crossings whilst meeting our international obligations, our legal obligations and our obligations to our European allies?
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Tony Vaughan KC MP @tonyvaughanmp.bsky.social · 04/08/2026
Incredible work by the RNLI Eastbourne and the UK Border Force vessels, BSC Contender and BSC Courageous, to rescue the people who were on a boat attempting to cross the Channel. What is going to unlock this situation is greater cooperation with Europe; this is a European challenge.
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Tony Vaughan KC MP @tonyvaughanmp.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
University of Kent and University of Greenwich will merge to form London and South East University Group, launching on 7 September. If any students or staff who are constituents have any questions or thoughts, please email me at: tony.vaughan.mp@parliament.uk www.theguardian.com/education/20...
theguardian.com
UK’s first ‘super-university’, merging Greenwich and Kent, to launch in September
The new London and South East University Group will be UK’s third largest higher education institution
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Tony Vaughan KC MP @tonyvaughanmp.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
Lucy is right to focus more on improving technical education, ensuring that schools are not exam factories, but preparing young people for the world of work and business. Rote learning and passing exams should not define a young person's educational output. www.thetimes.com/uk/education...
thetimes.com
Lucy Powell: Schooling ‘straitjacket’ has left million youngsters behind
The education secretary says ‘one-size-fits-all’ academic approach, focusing on English, science and history, has led to children being branded a ‘failure’
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Tony Vaughan KC MP @tonyvaughanmp.bsky.social · 01/08/2026
Congratulations to Bev Craig on an outstanding result! Bev ran an optimistic, hopeful campaign, seeking common ground and unity. Can’t wait to see what Bev does as GM Mayor.
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Tony Vaughan KC MP @tonyvaughanmp.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
Had a positive meeting today at the Foreign Office with Joe Bennett and the UK’s Envoy for Complex Consular Detentions. We explored all the possible solutions. I know that Alistair Burt will do everything he can to help bring the Foremans home, as will I! We must act with urgency and purpose.
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Tony Vaughan KC MP @tonyvaughanmp.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
The EA has moved Kent into Prolonged Dry Weather Status - we've had no significant rainfall in July! A free market won't make the water system as resilient and sustainable as it needs to be. We need public control of water, so we can direct more capital into building the infrastructure.
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Tony Vaughan KC MP @tonyvaughanmp.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
Kanishka is right - emerging technologies must be at the heart of reindustrialising Britain. Lydd Airport in my patch can be at the forefront of drone research, testing and manufacturing. I look forward to working with the new government to make this happen! www.ft.com/content/5b78...
ft.com
Chips and drones to be at heart of Andy Burnham’s push to ‘reindustrialise’, AI minister says
Kanishka Narayan tells FT that new prime minister views technology as way for Britain ‘to get its mojo back’
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Tony Vaughan KC MP @tonyvaughanmp.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
Social care is one of this country's forever problems. We haven't been able to find a lasting solution. We must urgently improve pay, training + working conditions for workers. A National Care Service, fully integrated into the NHS, can be one of the era-defining achievements of this government.
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Tony Vaughan KC MP @tonyvaughanmp.bsky.social · 18/07/2026
Was great to be in Gravesend yesterday to hear Andy speak about his devolution and reindustrialisation agenda. His mission to devolve power to local communities, to boost hospitality, and to wrestle life’s essentials away from the grasp of the free market, will benefit coastal communities.
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Tony Vaughan KC MP @tonyvaughanmp.bsky.social · 18/07/2026
I welcome the new special envoy to deal with complex consular cases. This is a long overdue move for Britain; the US special presidential envoy for hostages has worked well. I look forward to meeting Mr Burt soon to talk about how we bring the Foremans home. www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
theguardian.com
Foreign Office appoints first special envoy for Britons detained overseas
Alistair Burt will bring diplomatic clout to complex cases involving human rights violations and arbitrary detention
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Tony Vaughan KC MP @tonyvaughanmp.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
Keir Mather has done the right thing. The gov is right to not move to an expenses only model for CROs. People like Sonny from my constituency, are the fourth blue light service and they are required to do over 100 hours of training. Let's recognise their courage and selflessness.
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Tony Vaughan KC MP @tonyvaughanmp.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
My constituent Mr Cleeland has been fighting to clear his name for decades. I've discussed Paul's case with him at length and pressed the gov. I'm pleased to see that the CCRC is reopening his case, after new forensic evidence has been discovered. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Paul Cleeland murder case from 1972 reopens after gunshot review
A murder case dating back to 1972 that saw a man serve 26 years in jail is reopened by the CCRC.
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Tony Vaughan KC MP @tonyvaughanmp.bsky.social · 12/07/2026
Denmark tried getting lay people (non-lawyers) to decide asylum appeals. It didn’t work out. Interesting evidence on this from former UK Upper Tribunal Judge, Nadine Finch, at the Justice Committee last week.
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Tony Vaughan KC MP @tonyvaughanmp.bsky.social · 11/07/2026
The Home Office wants to clear the asylum appeals backlog not by resourcing the existing appeals system better. It wants to abolish the current judicial appeals body and build a new one staffed largely by non-legally trained adjudicators (members of the public who’ve done a training course).
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Tony Vaughan KC MP @tonyvaughanmp.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
Thank you to the MPs, Peers and staff who attended our Free the Foremans from Iran campaign drop-in. Craig and Lindsay urgently need an independent medical assessment. The Gov must declare their detention as arbitrary, give the Foremans diplomatic protection and bring their case before the ICJ.
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Tony Vaughan KC MP @tonyvaughanmp.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
This kind of story is precisely why we need greater public control of our water industry! www.thetimes.com/business/com...
thetimes.com
United Utilities boss under fire for £435,000 annual allowance
Shareholder advisory group ISS has criticised a plan by the water company to hand Louise Beardmore the money to counter a clampdown on bonuses
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Tony Vaughan KC MP @tonyvaughanmp.bsky.social · 30/06/2026
I was proud to support the work of Louise Thompson and the campaigners on the issue of securing a Maternity Commissioner. Having led a Westminster Hall debate on a Maternity Commissioner, I welcome the announcement that the UK will have its first Commissioner for Maternity and Neonatal Care.
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Tony Vaughan KC MP @tonyvaughanmp.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
Businesses - we need you! From tomorrow, businesses can access the new Youth Jobs Grant, paying £3,000 for every eligible young person they hire. This is a major investment, helping up to 60,000 people aged 18-24. If you're part of a business, sign up here: business.gov.uk/recruit.
business.gov.uk
Recruit the right people with Jobcentre Plus
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Tony Vaughan KC MP @tonyvaughanmp.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
Great speech from Andy B - filled with optimism and hope. It was deadly serious about using devolution to drive reindustrialisation and fix our failing utilities. Brilliant to see the focus on building the social homes we desperately need, as well as the more collaborative political culture.
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Tony Vaughan KC MP @tonyvaughanmp.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
I'M RECRUITING! DEADLINE THIS THURSDAY Are you passionate about #Folkestone #Hythe & #RomneyMarsh? Do you enjoy being a member of a team? Are you a problem solver and love a challenge? If Yes is the answer, then apply to join my Constituency Office team. www.w4mpjobs.org/Default.aspx
w4mpjobs.org
w4mp | The site for everyone working for an MP
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