Lauren Edwards MP
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laurenedwardsmp.bsky.social
Lauren Edwards MP
@laurenedwardsmp.bsky.social
Labour MP for Rochester and Strood

For all enquiries please contact: lauren.edwards.mp@parliament.uk
You can also visit my website here: www.laurenedwards.uk
Next steps for reforming PIP payments put disabled people’s experience at the heart of change. I raised concerns in June, and I’m proud the review will be led by two people with lived experience. Reform must support work while protecting the most vulnerable.
November 15, 2025 at 5:30 PM
Since being elected, I’ve been working with Medway Council, Kent Police, and the Environment Agency to tackle fly-tipping at Brambletree Wharf. The enforcement notice has expired, but the site remains uncleared. I’ll keep fighting to ensure it’s restored - not left as a blight on our landscape.
November 14, 2025 at 1:08 PM
Reform’s chaotic leadership of Kent County Council is putting the Kent & Medway Fire Authority at risk. Suspensions and defections mean vital plans can’t be approved - threatening fire safety. I’ve written to the KCC Leader demanding urgent action to protect local residents.

📄 Full letter below 👇
November 13, 2025 at 5:30 PM
Grateful to lead an Industry Forum roundtable on how UK pension funds can help finance major infrastructure—from new rail lines to the Lower Thames Crossing. Unlocking upfront investment could accelerate growth and deliver long-term benefits. #Infrastructure #Investment
November 13, 2025 at 12:16 PM
KentOnline’s Blue Badge Battle campaign is shortlisted for the 2025 ‘Making a Difference Award’. I'm proud to support this push for stronger protections for disabled drivers in Kent and Medway.

🗳️ Voting is open now - support the campaign here:
Regional & Local Campaigns Archives - News Media Association
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November 12, 2025 at 12:16 PM
November 12, 2025 at 10:21 AM
I was honoured to attend local Remembrance services over the last few days – from the early Sunday ceremony at the Naval Memorial in Great Lines Park, to the service and wreath-laying at Rochester Cathedral, and the Armistice Day service at Chatham Historic Dockyard today. Lest We Forget.
November 11, 2025 at 7:18 PM
At the eleventh hour this morning, we remember the fallen and reflect on the enduring importance of peace and unity. Today marks the 107th anniversary of the end of the First World War – a moment to honour the sacrifices of service personnel.
November 11, 2025 at 8:32 AM
💡Chaired another powerful evidence session in our year-long inquiry into tackling the root causes of young people becoming NEET. Heard from Rosie Ginday, Eddie Playfair, Dr Peter Wilson and others working to create real opportunities.
November 10, 2025 at 8:16 PM
Today we pause to honour all those who served and sacrificed for our country. We will remember them. I look forward to sharing this important time of reflection and remembrance with communities across Rochester and Strood later today.
November 9, 2025 at 8:47 AM
🚓 Great to meet Kent Police’s PC Jess Walton at her monthly police surgery in Borstal to discuss local policing issues. Community policing is so important, and it’s reassuring to see officers like Jess doing such vital work in Borstal and across Rochester and Strood.
November 8, 2025 at 12:16 PM
Supporting a Strood family after a loved one’s death in India. They’ve had few answers answers or support from the Foreign Office. So I’ve asked to meet Ministers to push for change and better protections for families in similar situations.
November 7, 2025 at 5:31 PM
🌱 Green Careers Week is a powerful reminder that green skills are the future of our economy and communities. Investing in these skills helps us meet Net Zero goals and protect the planet—while unlocking growth, innovation, and decent jobs. (1/2)
November 7, 2025 at 12:16 PM
🚜 Great to meet with local NFU representatives and three fourth-generation farmers at Church Farm last week. Family farms are an integral part of Rochester and Strood’s rural communities, and it was a pleasure to discuss how I can support them - both locally and in Parliament.
November 6, 2025 at 5:30 PM
Spoke in Parliament about improving access to training in prisons. Too often, short sentences or transfers mean courses go unfinished. We must rethink provision at places like HMP Rochester - skills and jobs reduce reoffending.

📖 Read my full contribution here:
Work for Serving Prisoners - Hansard - UK Parliament
Hansard record of the item : ' Work for Serving Prisoners' on Wednesday 15 October 2025.
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November 6, 2025 at 12:16 PM
🌱 £50m investment into Rochester and Strood’s green economy! Syntech Biofuel will expand its Kingsnorth site, converting waste oil into low-carbon fuel for projects like the Lower Thames Crossing. A big win for green jobs and innovation. (1/2)
Medway to get new £50m biofuel plant after plans approved
Medway Council has approved the expansion to the Syntech Biofuel facility near Hoo.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 5, 2025 at 5:30 PM
🏡 The Renters’ Rights Act is now law - ending bidding wars, no-fault evictions, and fixed-term contracts. It caps rent in advance at one month and creates rolling tenancies by default. I’m proud to have voted for this law to protect over 7,600 renters in Rochester and Strood.
November 5, 2025 at 12:16 PM
Wishing those celebrating the birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji a reflective and joyful day across Rochester and Strood.
November 5, 2025 at 7:45 AM
This past week, I’ve focused on listening to residents and pushing for change - both locally and in Parliament. You can learn more in last week’s round-up:
November 4, 2025 at 6:37 PM
👥💼 Great to visit Chatham Jobcentre with Tris Osborne MP to learn how staff are supporting local job seekers and working with businesses to create opportunities. Especially encouraged by the Ex-Offender Team’s work helping people into stable jobs and reducing reoffending.
November 4, 2025 at 5:31 PM
Spoke in Parliament on the Government’s new report on post-16 education. With too many young people NEET, I asked what steps will support colleges like North Kent and MidKent to ensure enough places match aspirations and deliver the jobs our communities need.
November 4, 2025 at 12:16 PM
November 3, 2025 at 7:24 PM
🔧Another productive meeting with Skills Minister Jacqui Smith! We discussed how to boost apprenticeship completions and support SMEs across Rochester and Strood to grow, access contracts, and benefit from new construction skills opportunities at North Kent and MidKent Colleges.
November 3, 2025 at 5:30 PM
Earlier this year, I hosted a coffee morning to discuss crime on Chatham High Street. Since then, I’ve worked with Kent Police and others to secure resources. Over 1,000 hours of police time and 120+ arrests between June and August show real progress.

📖 Read more here: buff.ly/Wl5aZVT
Police step up patrols in troubled town as 123 arrests made
A crackdown on violent crime and antisocial behaviour has led to hundreds of arrests in one town in just three months.
www.kentonline.co.uk
November 3, 2025 at 12:16 PM
Had a great evening sponsoring the ABI’s 40th Anniversary celebration in Parliament. A chance to reflect on my Bank of England experience and current APPG work - and discuss the vital role of insurers, MPs, and Government in supporting consumers and growing the economy.
November 2, 2025 at 1:56 PM