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
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
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.
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 👇
📄 Full letter below 👇
November 13, 2025 at 5:30 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 👇
📄 Full letter below 👇
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
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
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
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.
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
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.
💡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
💡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.
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
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.
🚓 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
🚓 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.
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
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.
🌱 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
🌱 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)
🚜 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
🚜 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.
🏡 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
🏡 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.
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
Wishing those celebrating the birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji a reflective and joyful day across Rochester and Strood.
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
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:
👥💼 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
👥💼 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.
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
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.
🔧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
🔧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.
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
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.
📢 Campaign win: After lobbying ministers and raising the issue in Westminster, I’m proud to confirm long-term funding for children’s hospices - including Demelza House, the closest for Rochester and Strood. £26m now confirmed annually through to 2028/29.
November 1, 2025 at 12:16 PM
📢 Campaign win: After lobbying ministers and raising the issue in Westminster, I’m proud to confirm long-term funding for children’s hospices - including Demelza House, the closest for Rochester and Strood. £26m now confirmed annually through to 2028/29.
On this day, the National Minimum Wage Act was passed by a Labour Government - introducing a legal minimum for workers’ pay and protecting millions from exploitation. Nearly 30 years later, it continues to shape fairness in our economy. Supporting workers remains at the heart of Labour values.
October 31, 2025 at 3:47 PM
On this day, the National Minimum Wage Act was passed by a Labour Government - introducing a legal minimum for workers’ pay and protecting millions from exploitation. Nearly 30 years later, it continues to shape fairness in our economy. Supporting workers remains at the heart of Labour values.
This week marks the 75th anniversary of the rebuilding of the House of Commons Chamber, following its bombing during the Second World War. It’s a real privilege to work in such an important and historic symbol of our democracy, advocating for the residents of Rochester and Strood.
October 31, 2025 at 12:16 PM
This week marks the 75th anniversary of the rebuilding of the House of Commons Chamber, following its bombing during the Second World War. It’s a real privilege to work in such an important and historic symbol of our democracy, advocating for the residents of Rochester and Strood.
🚆 Big step forward for international trains in Kent! The Office of Rail and Road has opened High Speed One to new providers. I’ve long called for Eurostar to restart services from Ebbsfleet and Ashford - this move opens the door for others to do just that.
🔗 More info: buff.ly/C2wtTl1
🔗 More info: buff.ly/C2wtTl1
October 30, 2025 at 5:31 PM
🚆 Big step forward for international trains in Kent! The Office of Rail and Road has opened High Speed One to new providers. I’ve long called for Eurostar to restart services from Ebbsfleet and Ashford - this move opens the door for others to do just that.
🔗 More info: buff.ly/C2wtTl1
🔗 More info: buff.ly/C2wtTl1
Wonderful to speak at the 2025 Medway Death Café Conference. Grateful for the conversations with residents, community leaders, and grief experts about the importance of support networks and safe spaces for those navigating loss.
More info below 👇
More info below 👇
October 30, 2025 at 12:16 PM
Wonderful to speak at the 2025 Medway Death Café Conference. Grateful for the conversations with residents, community leaders, and grief experts about the importance of support networks and safe spaces for those navigating loss.
More info below 👇
More info below 👇