It’s great that EKC Group, including Ashford College, has had its application approved by the DfE through the Post-16 Capacity Fund. This will create more places in Ashford and the surrounding areas for young people aged 16–19, helping them gain crucial skills to enter work.

The new mental health centre opening at the William Harvey Hospital will help people get the right support where they need it. I spoke with ITV Meridian about why these new centres are good news for the NHS.

I welcome the news that Kent will be getting three new mental health centres, including one at the William Harvey Hospital in Ashford. They will ensure that people get the mental health support they need, where and when they need it.

Great to join the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) in Maidstone this afternoon and show my support for their campaign against cuts to local services. Public safety should always come first, which is why I will continue working to ensure our rural fire stations are protected.

Thanks to QinetiQ for showing me their Ashford manufacturing site. It was good to see they're creating high-skilled jobs in our community, boosting the local economy and producing innovative defence technology that keeps us safe at home and supports our allies around the world.

Great visit to the Family Fun Day at Stanhope Community Centre this afternoon! A fantastic event bringing the community together!

An insightful visit to Wye Fire Station this evening. The safety of residents will always be my top priority. That is why I am opposing the closure of rural fire stations and campaigning to keep these vital services open. Keeping our communities safe must be central to any decision-making.

A good visit to Kamsons Pharmacy this morning. Thank you to the staff for speaking to me about supporting local businesses, including pharmacies, and the vital role they play in our community. It was also great to hear about their work in rolling out the meningitis B vaccine.

Great to join @andyburnham.bsky.social today on his first visit as Labour Leader to Kent! 🌹

Ashford Borough Council and the Ashford Community Safety Partnership will be hosting 'Reach Out'. A day of free music, sport, wellbeing activities and interactive sessions from 1pm to 7pm on 5th August at Civic Park, Tannery Lane, Ashford, TN23 1PL. It will be open to young people aged 11 to 17.

Yesterday morning I visited Churchill Primary School in Hawkinge and spoke with pupils from Years 3 and 4. They asked questions about the environment and the planting of trees at their school. In the afternoon, I raised their concerns with the Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Nature.

Yesterday, I spoke in the debate on corridor care. I welcome this Labour Government’s progress, including placing East Kent Hospitals in the Intensive Recovery Programme. However, we must move faster to end the use of corridors for emergency care by the end of this Parliament.

I’m really pleased that five free primary school breakfast clubs will be rolled out across Ashford, ensuring no child starts the day hungry and saving families up to £450 a year.

It was great to attend the National Prayer Breakfast in Westminster Hall at Parliament this morning. A wonderful demonstration of Christian faith and unity across political parties, colleagues, and invited guests.

Great to attend the 95th Kent County Show this afternoon. A fantastic celebration of agricultural heritage and the things that make Kent such a special place to live.

I’ve been a long-term campaigner for greater online protections for young people. It was great to join East Stour Primary School for Google’s Internet Legends assembly on online safety and answer the students’ questions afterwards.

I will be holding an advice surgery in Willesborough on 17 July between 11:00 am and 13:00 pm You can book an appointment using the link on my website: www.sojanjosephmp.com/surgeries/ or by emailing sojan.joseph.mp@parliament.uk

Ashford Food and Drink Festival was as brilliant as ever! There were some really great stalls with incredible street food, artisan goods, and fresh produce. You still have until 7pm to get down to the town centre, sample what’s on offer, and make the most of it!

Great to attend the very first Kent Pride Games at Ashford’s Julie Rose Stadium, with Pride groups coming together from all over Kent for an inclusive day of sport and celebration!

This Armed Forces Day we honour our service personnel and veterans. Through the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme, I have met personnel who embody the very best of our Armed Forces. Whether deployed abroad or stationed at home, we thank them all for keeping us safe.

Ashford Food and Drink Festival will be in Ashford town centre from 10am to 7pm tomorrow! Head down and check out the fresh artisan produce and street food on offer! For more details, go to: www.visitashfordandtenterden.co.uk/events/ashfo...

A very positive meeting of the HS1 Sub-Committee this morning, which I had the pleasure of chairing, focusing on returning international rail services to Kent. Thank you to the Rail Minister for taking time out of your busy schedule to attend.

It was great to join Help for Heroes today at their Parliamentary drop-in to discuss their suggestions and hear their insights on how we can support members of our Armed Forces.

My statement following the Prime Minister’s decision to resign today.

Some great news – Ashford will be getting a new Primark! I know this will increase footfall on the high street and benefit our local economy. Behind the scenes, I've been working with their team to help make this happen, and I’m delighted they’re going ahead with a new store.

Come on England! 🦁🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

Great to meet with Science & Technology Secretary Liz Kendall to discuss the Government’s social media ban for under-16s. I have been campaigning for stronger online safeguards for young people to protect their mental health, so I welcome the bold action the Government is taking.

Today, in the Environmental Audit Committee. I asked the Climate Minister how to ensure that local authorities, including KCC, make the most of Government grants for electric vehicles so that our constituents benefit fully from the funding and we can meet our net-zero objectives.

Working in NHS mental health services for over 22 years, I saw how social media could have a detrimental effect on young people. I’ve pushed for greater safeguards since entering Parliament, and I truly welcome this announcement today.

Thank you to the Head Teacher at Goat Lees Primary for a really informative discussion and for giving me a tour to show me how they are utilising their resources right across the school!