After almost 20 years working as a barrister, I came into politics in July 2024 to serve the community I love.
Folkestone and Hythe is where my children grew up, where I served as a trustee of a local charity, and where the most beautiful coastline, sunrises and sunsets unite the community in a love for this wonderful area.
My mother worked as a care assistant her whole life, having come here from the Philippines in the 1970s. My father was an engineer from London. My parents’ values of hard work, respect and compassion drive everything I do.
Folkestone and Hythe was for so many years forgotten by Westminster. Not any longer.
As your first ever Labour MP, I will fight every day to improve your lives and be your voice in Parliament, so we can make this area the best it can be for everyone.
LATEST NEWS
Media
Craig and Lindsay Foreman's Detention in Iran - 1 Year On
Asking about Dungeness Power Station and the Nuclear Taskforce Recommendations at DESNZ questions
My Westminster Hall Debate on SEND provision in Kent
My question to the PM following his trip to China
Public transportation
Solar for the local area
Book a one-to-one surgery appointment
Request to attend a local coffee meeting
Send me a message
This week’s surgery is all finished here at Lydd Town Hall - a whole range of issues coming up, especially housing.
My surgery takes place on the Marsh once per month at different locations - please book in advance at tonyvaughan.co.uk/surgeries.
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It is great news that Sandgate is one of 13 newly proposed bathing sites across the country!
Securing this formal designation would ensure the area is subject to official water quality testing and greater environmental protections.
The application will now proceed to the next stage of the process: a public consultation.
This consultation opens today and will run until 23 March 2026—allowing local residents, businesses, swimmers, and other recreational users of the sea to share their views with the Government on why our beach deserves official bathing water status.
Please use the link below to make your voice heard!
Link to the consultation: consult.defra.gov.uk/water/13-proposed-bathing-water-sites/
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I was glad to welcome Joe Bennett to Parliament yesterday. Joe’s parents, Lindsay and Craig Foreman, have been detained in Iran for over a year now in terrible conditions, and their case remains stuck with no chance of resolution in sight.
This was an important opportunity for Joe to explain his parents’ situation to MPs and to gain support for the motion I plan to table before the House of Commons in the coming weeks, calling for the UK Government to recognise Craig and Lindsay’s detention as “arbitrary” under international law.
This will add priority and impetus to their case and maximise pressure on the Government to take all necessary steps to bring Craig and Lindsay home.
I will continue working with Joe and his campaign until Craig and Lindsay are free.
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Delighted to hear that Sandgate is one of 13 spots across the country being considered for official bathing water status!
This designation would ensure the area is subject to rigorous water quality testing and much-needed protections.
I have cherished memories of the decade I spent living in Sandgate—swimming, paddleboarding, and spending time with my family, friends, and dog, Harry, at this beautiful beach. I am excited to see it return to its former glory after years of unforgivable pollution.
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It’s National Apprenticeship Week! 🛠️
I visited EKC Folkestone to meet some incredible young people who are learning the skills needed to build our homes of the future.
A huge shoutout to Persimmon Homes for their partnership with the East Kent College group, donating 10,000 bricks 🧱 to ensure these apprentices have the hands-on materials they need to succeed.
The Government is rightly championing apprenticeships and T Levels across our schools to create real, tangible opportunities for the next generation. 🚀
#NAW2026 #Apprenticeships #EastKentCollege #TLevels #Folkestone Hythe RomneyMarsh ... See MoreSee Less
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🥞 3 New Breakfast Clubs for Folkestone, Hythe, and Romney Marsh! 🥞
Last year, over 4,000 children in Folkestone, Hythe, and Romney Marsh were provided with free school meals by the Labour Government.
Now, three more schools will benefit from free breakfast clubs starting this April.
Tackling child poverty. Cutting the cost of living.
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Great to drop by SD Projects' Zine Mela - a 3 day festival observing DIY booklets made by South Asian diaspora. I even managed to fit in a game of Carrom before my surgery in Folkestone!
I had never heard of zines before, but here I am holding one called 'Diaries of a Diaspora' made by Kamana Rai and Garima Rai.
Head down to the Old Post Office on Tontine Street this weekend to check out Zine Mela!
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Last night, I was proud to vote with the Labour Government to scrap the two child benefit cap. This will benefit over 2,000 children in Folkestone, Hythe and Romney Marsh. Hopefully it will mean fewer families having to rely on food banks – like the Hythe Pantry run by the brilliant Folkestone Rainbow Centre.
The Tories and Reform voted against this – even though children have no control over their parents’ circumstances.
The Labour Government is tackling child poverty and giving every child the best possible start in life – and we are on track to deliver the biggest reduction of child poverty in a single Parliament.
#EndChildPoverty #Folkestone #Hythe #RomneyMarsh ... See MoreSee Less
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👩⚕️FOLCA 2 is a chance to revitalise our local health services👨⚕
"In our community we have already seen part one of the transformation of the NHS locally with the introduction of the Neighbourhood Health Services pilot under this Government, which is helping bring healthcare to the doorsteps of those who need it most, who are suffering from chronic health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and COPD.
Now it’s time for part two of the local NHS transformation, which I hope will be FOLCA II.
I will continue to do all that I can to ensure we transform our local NHS so that we have an expansion of local GP services, modernised NHS facilities, an NHS which is a neighbourhood health service and not just a national one.".
Read more below. A more accessible version is available at www.tonyvaughan.co.uk/articles
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9 CommentsComment on Facebook