Lauren Edwards MP
@laurenedwardsmp.bsky.social
Labour MP for Rochester and Strood
For all enquiries please contact: [email protected]
You can also visit my website here: www.laurenedwards.uk
For all enquiries please contact: [email protected]
You can also visit my website here: www.laurenedwards.uk
🐦🌳 Great to meet the RSPB team at Northward Hill nature reserve near High Halstow. We discussed protecting green spaces and ensuring access to nature for everyone. Rochester and Strood is lucky to have places like this.
November 27, 2025 at 12:16 PM
🐦🌳 Great to meet the RSPB team at Northward Hill nature reserve near High Halstow. We discussed protecting green spaces and ensuring access to nature for everyone. Rochester and Strood is lucky to have places like this.
From championing local education and skills to tackling fly-tipping and supporting community groups, here’s last week’s round-up:
November 27, 2025 at 11:06 AM
From championing local education and skills to tackling fly-tipping and supporting community groups, here’s last week’s round-up:
Today’s Budget ensures those with the broadest shoulders make the biggest contribution to rebuilding public services and helping families most in need.
Here are some of the measures announced today and how they will support people across Rochester & Strood:
Here are some of the measures announced today and how they will support people across Rochester & Strood:
November 26, 2025 at 6:00 PM
Today’s Budget ensures those with the broadest shoulders make the biggest contribution to rebuilding public services and helping families most in need.
Here are some of the measures announced today and how they will support people across Rochester & Strood:
Here are some of the measures announced today and how they will support people across Rochester & Strood:
🏫Three new free breakfast clubs are coming to Rochester and Strood in 2026! Bligh Primary, Elaine Primary, and Abbey Court Foundation Special School will help children start the day right and save parents money from next year.
November 26, 2025 at 11:59 AM
🏫Three new free breakfast clubs are coming to Rochester and Strood in 2026! Bligh Primary, Elaine Primary, and Abbey Court Foundation Special School will help children start the day right and save parents money from next year.
Today we stand together to end violence against women and girls. Everyone deserves to live free from fear. Proud to be part of a government taking action - but there’s much more to do. We must keep listening, acting, and pushing for lasting change.
November 25, 2025 at 8:38 AM
Today we stand together to end violence against women and girls. Everyone deserves to live free from fear. Proud to be part of a government taking action - but there’s much more to do. We must keep listening, acting, and pushing for lasting change.
Great to be on the sofa for this week’s BBC Politics South East on Sunday. Thanks to presenter Lucinda Adam and all the guests for an insightful discussion.
November 24, 2025 at 2:06 PM
Great to be on the sofa for this week’s BBC Politics South East on Sunday. Thanks to presenter Lucinda Adam and all the guests for an insightful discussion.
🌿 Exciting plans are underway to create a brand-new nature reserve at Temple Marsh in Strood. The £1.2m project will add footpaths, nature play trails, and a wildlife viewing platform - creating a space where wildlife thrives and people can enjoy.
More info in comments 👇
More info in comments 👇
November 23, 2025 at 5:30 PM
🌿 Exciting plans are underway to create a brand-new nature reserve at Temple Marsh in Strood. The £1.2m project will add footpaths, nature play trails, and a wildlife viewing platform - creating a space where wildlife thrives and people can enjoy.
More info in comments 👇
More info in comments 👇
Thanks to the Headteacher, Assistant Head, & school Governor of Cedar Children’s Academy for welcoming me last Friday. Special thanks to Mrs Snowling & her school council students, who gave me a fantastic tour of this wonderful school. They were a credit to the academy & have bright futures ahead!
November 22, 2025 at 5:30 PM
Thanks to the Headteacher, Assistant Head, & school Governor of Cedar Children’s Academy for welcoming me last Friday. Special thanks to Mrs Snowling & her school council students, who gave me a fantastic tour of this wonderful school. They were a credit to the academy & have bright futures ahead!
Nearly one million young people in the UK are not in education, employment, or training. The Government’s new White Paper is welcome, but we need to go further. I explain how local partnerships can lead the way in my Fabian Review article: buff.ly/VeJRF91
Joining the dots - Fabian Society
For decades, young people have been told the same story: work hard, go to university, and the rewards will follow. But for too many graduates today, that promise rings hollow. They invest huge…
buff.ly
November 21, 2025 at 12:16 PM
Nearly one million young people in the UK are not in education, employment, or training. The Government’s new White Paper is welcome, but we need to go further. I explain how local partnerships can lead the way in my Fabian Review article: buff.ly/VeJRF91
🚗 Overly bright headlights aren’t just irritating - they’re dangerous. I called on the Government to act and introduce new rules to tackle this growing safety issue. 96% of people say some headlights are too bright - a clear sign that change is needed.
November 20, 2025 at 12:16 PM
🚗 Overly bright headlights aren’t just irritating - they’re dangerous. I called on the Government to act and introduce new rules to tackle this growing safety issue. 96% of people say some headlights are too bright - a clear sign that change is needed.
Carers are the backbone of our communities. Today we raise awareness of the rights of unpaid carers and the support they deserve. Whether caring for a loved one full-time or balancing care with work, carers must be recognised, respected, and supported. No one should have to struggle alone.
November 20, 2025 at 10:13 AM
Carers are the backbone of our communities. Today we raise awareness of the rights of unpaid carers and the support they deserve. Whether caring for a loved one full-time or balancing care with work, carers must be recognised, respected, and supported. No one should have to struggle alone.
Today we remember and honour trans people whose lives were lost to violence and discrimination. In a time of increased division, it’s more important than ever to stand in solidarity with the trans community. Everyone deserves safety, dignity, and respect – free from fear and hatred.
November 20, 2025 at 9:27 AM
Today we remember and honour trans people whose lives were lost to violence and discrimination. In a time of increased division, it’s more important than ever to stand in solidarity with the trans community. Everyone deserves safety, dignity, and respect – free from fear and hatred.
Last Friday, I hosted a panel in Rochester and Strood for Women’s Entrepreneurship Day, discussing how women-led businesses can overcome funding challenges. Huge thanks to Susan Elliot, Lucy Druesne, Sian Murphy and Ascend Coworking for making it a success.
November 19, 2025 at 5:30 PM
Last Friday, I hosted a panel in Rochester and Strood for Women’s Entrepreneurship Day, discussing how women-led businesses can overcome funding challenges. Huge thanks to Susan Elliot, Lucy Druesne, Sian Murphy and Ascend Coworking for making it a success.
Today, I’ve written to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government to demand a fairer funding deal for Rochester and Strood. Cuts of 91% since 2010 have hit social care, SEND and frontline services hard.
Read my full letter here: buff.ly/jUPNIP7
Read my full letter here: buff.ly/jUPNIP7
November 19, 2025 at 12:36 PM
Today, I’ve written to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government to demand a fairer funding deal for Rochester and Strood. Cuts of 91% since 2010 have hit social care, SEND and frontline services hard.
Read my full letter here: buff.ly/jUPNIP7
Read my full letter here: buff.ly/jUPNIP7
Another busy week working with local businesses, focusing on skills, and more - find out what we’ve been up to in this week’s round-up:
November 19, 2025 at 11:47 AM
Another busy week working with local businesses, focusing on skills, and more - find out what we’ve been up to in this week’s round-up:
Another great session speaking with residents in Fort Pitt and Brompton on Saturday!
Thank you to everyone who took the time to share your views and discuss local issues with me on the doorstep.
Thank you to everyone who took the time to share your views and discuss local issues with me on the doorstep.
November 18, 2025 at 2:42 PM
Another great session speaking with residents in Fort Pitt and Brompton on Saturday!
Thank you to everyone who took the time to share your views and discuss local issues with me on the doorstep.
Thank you to everyone who took the time to share your views and discuss local issues with me on the doorstep.
Congratulations to all the nominees and winners at the Medway Business Awards!
A fantastic evening celebrating the creativity and innovation driving growth across Rochester & Strood.
Huge thanks to the organisers for showcasing Medway’s best business talent.
A fantastic evening celebrating the creativity and innovation driving growth across Rochester & Strood.
Huge thanks to the organisers for showcasing Medway’s best business talent.
November 17, 2025 at 7:02 PM
Congratulations to all the nominees and winners at the Medway Business Awards!
A fantastic evening celebrating the creativity and innovation driving growth across Rochester & Strood.
Huge thanks to the organisers for showcasing Medway’s best business talent.
A fantastic evening celebrating the creativity and innovation driving growth across Rochester & Strood.
Huge thanks to the organisers for showcasing Medway’s best business talent.
🎨🎭 Huge congratulations to Chatham-based charity Ideas Test on securing £990,000 of new funding!
This Arts Council award will help expand creative activities and learning across Rochester and Strood.
👉 Find out more about their work and how you can get involved: www.ideastest.org.uk
This Arts Council award will help expand creative activities and learning across Rochester and Strood.
👉 Find out more about their work and how you can get involved: www.ideastest.org.uk
November 17, 2025 at 12:16 PM
🎨🎭 Huge congratulations to Chatham-based charity Ideas Test on securing £990,000 of new funding!
This Arts Council award will help expand creative activities and learning across Rochester and Strood.
👉 Find out more about their work and how you can get involved: www.ideastest.org.uk
This Arts Council award will help expand creative activities and learning across Rochester and Strood.
👉 Find out more about their work and how you can get involved: www.ideastest.org.uk
Movember shines a light on men’s health - both mental and physical. This November, let’s keep the conversation going, support those facing challenges, and take the opportunity to check in with our male friends, family, and colleagues.
November 16, 2025 at 2:50 PM
Movember shines a light on men’s health - both mental and physical. This November, let’s keep the conversation going, support those facing challenges, and take the opportunity to check in with our male friends, family, and colleagues.
🏠 Awaab’s Law is now in force, giving social housing tenants stronger rights. This follows the tragic death of Awaab Ishak, aged two, from mould exposure. I was proud to vote for this law, which will make a real difference locally.
November 16, 2025 at 12:16 PM
🏠 Awaab’s Law is now in force, giving social housing tenants stronger rights. This follows the tragic death of Awaab Ishak, aged two, from mould exposure. I was proud to vote for this law, which will make a real difference locally.
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.
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
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.
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 👇