Tony Vaughan KC MP
@tonyvaughanmp.bsky.social
Proud to be the Labour MP for Folkestone, Hythe and Romney Marsh. King's Counsel. Doing my best.
tonyvaughan.co.uk
tonyvaughan.co.uk
Local services in our area are on their knees having suffered from historical funding neglect for decades.
The IMD figures that were recently released are especially shocking.
I will continue to push relentlessly for a better deal for #Folkestone, #Hythe and #RomneyMarsh.
The IMD figures that were recently released are especially shocking.
I will continue to push relentlessly for a better deal for #Folkestone, #Hythe and #RomneyMarsh.
November 24, 2025 at 10:48 AM
Local services in our area are on their knees having suffered from historical funding neglect for decades.
The IMD figures that were recently released are especially shocking.
I will continue to push relentlessly for a better deal for #Folkestone, #Hythe and #RomneyMarsh.
The IMD figures that were recently released are especially shocking.
I will continue to push relentlessly for a better deal for #Folkestone, #Hythe and #RomneyMarsh.
I believe the majority of my constituents in #Folkestone #Hythe & #RomneyMarsh agree we should grant asylum to those fleeing war and persecution – provided the system is fair and managed.
I spoke to one constituent, Janice, this week, who thinks that... 1/2
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
I spoke to one constituent, Janice, this week, who thinks that... 1/2
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
‘It’s wrong’: the Labour MP speaking out against the party’s asylum policy
As a well-informed MP on the frontline of the debate, Tony Vaughan’s views are particularly unwelcome to government
www.theguardian.com
November 22, 2025 at 5:40 PM
I believe the majority of my constituents in #Folkestone #Hythe & #RomneyMarsh agree we should grant asylum to those fleeing war and persecution – provided the system is fair and managed.
I spoke to one constituent, Janice, this week, who thinks that... 1/2
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
I spoke to one constituent, Janice, this week, who thinks that... 1/2
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
The root cause of the small boats challenge is Brexit.
Read my article in the New Statesman on the real political dividing line on border control between Labour and Reform, and my thoughts on how we restore it.
#asylum #immigration #ECHR
t.co/Cbh3ogqH7g
Read my article in the New Statesman on the real political dividing line on border control between Labour and Reform, and my thoughts on how we restore it.
#asylum #immigration #ECHR
t.co/Cbh3ogqH7g
https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk-politics/2025/11/these-are-farages-boats-we-must-not-let-him-off-the-hook
t.co
November 21, 2025 at 10:29 AM
The root cause of the small boats challenge is Brexit.
Read my article in the New Statesman on the real political dividing line on border control between Labour and Reform, and my thoughts on how we restore it.
#asylum #immigration #ECHR
t.co/Cbh3ogqH7g
Read my article in the New Statesman on the real political dividing line on border control between Labour and Reform, and my thoughts on how we restore it.
#asylum #immigration #ECHR
t.co/Cbh3ogqH7g
"Labour must fix the asylum system - but I have two very real concerns with Mahmood's plans"
My op-ed in LBC on the Government's asylum plan
t.co/06PtJfT4NJ
My op-ed in LBC on the Government's asylum plan
t.co/06PtJfT4NJ
https://www.lbc.co.uk/article/labour-fix-asylum-system-real-concerns-opinion-5HjdN4X_2
t.co
November 19, 2025 at 11:54 AM
"Labour must fix the asylum system - but I have two very real concerns with Mahmood's plans"
My op-ed in LBC on the Government's asylum plan
t.co/06PtJfT4NJ
My op-ed in LBC on the Government's asylum plan
t.co/06PtJfT4NJ
The UK isn’t a “soft touch” on asylum.
UK asylum seeker benefits are similar to European neighbours
No right to work before 12 months (it’s 6 months in France, Spain, Belgium, Netherlands)
UK settlement after 5 years (it’s 3 or 4 in Germany)
Let’s cut out the alarmist rhetoric.
UK asylum seeker benefits are similar to European neighbours
No right to work before 12 months (it’s 6 months in France, Spain, Belgium, Netherlands)
UK settlement after 5 years (it’s 3 or 4 in Germany)
Let’s cut out the alarmist rhetoric.
November 19, 2025 at 11:52 AM
The UK isn’t a “soft touch” on asylum.
UK asylum seeker benefits are similar to European neighbours
No right to work before 12 months (it’s 6 months in France, Spain, Belgium, Netherlands)
UK settlement after 5 years (it’s 3 or 4 in Germany)
Let’s cut out the alarmist rhetoric.
UK asylum seeker benefits are similar to European neighbours
No right to work before 12 months (it’s 6 months in France, Spain, Belgium, Netherlands)
UK settlement after 5 years (it’s 3 or 4 in Germany)
Let’s cut out the alarmist rhetoric.
The Prime Minister said in September that we are at a fork in the road. These asylum proposals suggest we have taken the wrong turning.
The idea that recognised refugees need to be deported is wrong.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
The idea that recognised refugees need to be deported is wrong.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Asylum system in UK ‘out of control’ and dividing country, home secretary says
Shabana Mahmood to unveil new proposals modelled on Denmark’s controversial system
www.theguardian.com
November 16, 2025 at 5:45 PM
The Prime Minister said in September that we are at a fork in the road. These asylum proposals suggest we have taken the wrong turning.
The idea that recognised refugees need to be deported is wrong.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
The idea that recognised refugees need to be deported is wrong.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
It is unacceptable that Littlestone and Dymchurch beaches still have “no swim” warnings in place. Dymchurch has seen big improvements this year, so I wrote to the Environment Agency asking to upgrade Dymchurch’s rating.
I will be meeting the Water Minister to press the situation next week.
I will be meeting the Water Minister to press the situation next week.
November 14, 2025 at 10:55 AM
It is unacceptable that Littlestone and Dymchurch beaches still have “no swim” warnings in place. Dymchurch has seen big improvements this year, so I wrote to the Environment Agency asking to upgrade Dymchurch’s rating.
I will be meeting the Water Minister to press the situation next week.
I will be meeting the Water Minister to press the situation next week.
Our #BBC is a vital national asset.
It supports our democratic culture, is a lifeline to UK creative industries and globally is trusted by hundreds of millions.
Ironically, recent events highlight the importance of well researched, balanced public broadcasting.
We must stand by the BBC resolutely
It supports our democratic culture, is a lifeline to UK creative industries and globally is trusted by hundreds of millions.
Ironically, recent events highlight the importance of well researched, balanced public broadcasting.
We must stand by the BBC resolutely
November 11, 2025 at 1:57 PM
Our #BBC is a vital national asset.
It supports our democratic culture, is a lifeline to UK creative industries and globally is trusted by hundreds of millions.
Ironically, recent events highlight the importance of well researched, balanced public broadcasting.
We must stand by the BBC resolutely
It supports our democratic culture, is a lifeline to UK creative industries and globally is trusted by hundreds of millions.
Ironically, recent events highlight the importance of well researched, balanced public broadcasting.
We must stand by the BBC resolutely
It was an honour to hold a minute's silence to commemorate the incredible contribution of Gurkha communities.
In Folkestone, we are lucky to have the Royal Gurkha Rifles 1st Battalion situated at the heart of our community.
Thank you Alex Baker for organising a beautiful ceremony.
#Gurkhas
In Folkestone, we are lucky to have the Royal Gurkha Rifles 1st Battalion situated at the heart of our community.
Thank you Alex Baker for organising a beautiful ceremony.
#Gurkhas
November 6, 2025 at 4:16 PM
It was an honour to hold a minute's silence to commemorate the incredible contribution of Gurkha communities.
In Folkestone, we are lucky to have the Royal Gurkha Rifles 1st Battalion situated at the heart of our community.
Thank you Alex Baker for organising a beautiful ceremony.
#Gurkhas
In Folkestone, we are lucky to have the Royal Gurkha Rifles 1st Battalion situated at the heart of our community.
Thank you Alex Baker for organising a beautiful ceremony.
#Gurkhas
Our military personnel put their lives on the line to keep Britain safe.
This Labour Government is upgrading 9 in 10 military residences across the UK with a £9 billion investment through the Defence Housing Strategy.
Homes fit for heroes. Delivered by Labour. 🇬🇧
This Labour Government is upgrading 9 in 10 military residences across the UK with a £9 billion investment through the Defence Housing Strategy.
Homes fit for heroes. Delivered by Labour. 🇬🇧
November 6, 2025 at 1:52 PM
Our military personnel put their lives on the line to keep Britain safe.
This Labour Government is upgrading 9 in 10 military residences across the UK with a £9 billion investment through the Defence Housing Strategy.
Homes fit for heroes. Delivered by Labour. 🇬🇧
This Labour Government is upgrading 9 in 10 military residences across the UK with a £9 billion investment through the Defence Housing Strategy.
Homes fit for heroes. Delivered by Labour. 🇬🇧
For decades, too many renters have lived at the mercy of rogue landlords.
Labour have rebalanced that relationship with the Renters Rights Act.
Interesting that Reform backed the landlords, rather than voting to give renters the security they deserve...
#RentersRightsBill #Labour
Labour have rebalanced that relationship with the Renters Rights Act.
Interesting that Reform backed the landlords, rather than voting to give renters the security they deserve...
#RentersRightsBill #Labour
November 4, 2025 at 10:29 AM
For decades, too many renters have lived at the mercy of rogue landlords.
Labour have rebalanced that relationship with the Renters Rights Act.
Interesting that Reform backed the landlords, rather than voting to give renters the security they deserve...
#RentersRightsBill #Labour
Labour have rebalanced that relationship with the Renters Rights Act.
Interesting that Reform backed the landlords, rather than voting to give renters the security they deserve...
#RentersRightsBill #Labour
Reposted by Tony Vaughan KC MP
Support for LGBT people is fundamental to my British values
When a ReformUK MP compares that to backing Hamas, it needs calling out
When a ReformUK MP compares that to backing Hamas, it needs calling out
October 30, 2025 at 3:30 PM
Support for LGBT people is fundamental to my British values
When a ReformUK MP compares that to backing Hamas, it needs calling out
When a ReformUK MP compares that to backing Hamas, it needs calling out
Since July 2024, Kent Labour MPs have been pulling out all the stops to bring international rail back to Ashford.
This is a key hurdle that we have cleared, and we will carry on fighting.
#AshfordInternational #ORR #Ashford #eurostar #virgintrains #virgin
This is a key hurdle that we have cleared, and we will carry on fighting.
#AshfordInternational #ORR #Ashford #eurostar #virgintrains #virgin
October 30, 2025 at 12:55 PM
Since July 2024, Kent Labour MPs have been pulling out all the stops to bring international rail back to Ashford.
This is a key hurdle that we have cleared, and we will carry on fighting.
#AshfordInternational #ORR #Ashford #eurostar #virgintrains #virgin
This is a key hurdle that we have cleared, and we will carry on fighting.
#AshfordInternational #ORR #Ashford #eurostar #virgintrains #virgin
I voted against Farage’s “Brexit 2.0” bill today.
It had 0% chance of becoming law.
But his lie that Parliament is not sovereign had to be slapped down.
PARLIAMENT IS ALREADY SOVEREIGN. It’s ALREADY in control. NO court can overrule Acts of Parliament.
1/2
It had 0% chance of becoming law.
But his lie that Parliament is not sovereign had to be slapped down.
PARLIAMENT IS ALREADY SOVEREIGN. It’s ALREADY in control. NO court can overrule Acts of Parliament.
1/2
October 29, 2025 at 8:32 PM
I voted against Farage’s “Brexit 2.0” bill today.
It had 0% chance of becoming law.
But his lie that Parliament is not sovereign had to be slapped down.
PARLIAMENT IS ALREADY SOVEREIGN. It’s ALREADY in control. NO court can overrule Acts of Parliament.
1/2
It had 0% chance of becoming law.
But his lie that Parliament is not sovereign had to be slapped down.
PARLIAMENT IS ALREADY SOVEREIGN. It’s ALREADY in control. NO court can overrule Acts of Parliament.
1/2
It is an honour to have been elected to serve on the Justice Select Committee.
I will use my new position to:
- Defend the ECHR,
- Protect the rule of law,
- Improve the sentencing, probation and prison system,
- Get the Hillsborough Law implemented in full.
#justice #justiceselectcommittee
I will use my new position to:
- Defend the ECHR,
- Protect the rule of law,
- Improve the sentencing, probation and prison system,
- Get the Hillsborough Law implemented in full.
#justice #justiceselectcommittee
October 29, 2025 at 2:37 PM
It is an honour to have been elected to serve on the Justice Select Committee.
I will use my new position to:
- Defend the ECHR,
- Protect the rule of law,
- Improve the sentencing, probation and prison system,
- Get the Hillsborough Law implemented in full.
#justice #justiceselectcommittee
I will use my new position to:
- Defend the ECHR,
- Protect the rule of law,
- Improve the sentencing, probation and prison system,
- Get the Hillsborough Law implemented in full.
#justice #justiceselectcommittee
Reposted by Tony Vaughan KC MP
🚨OUT NOW 🚨 Can government solve its China problem?
Host @alaintolhurst.bsky.social looks at the state of the Anglo-Sino relationship and the challenges therein with Labour MP @tonyvaughanmp.bsky.social, ex-Asia minister Mark Field, Prof Kerry Brown and Luke de Pulford
podfollow.com/politicshome...
Host @alaintolhurst.bsky.social looks at the state of the Anglo-Sino relationship and the challenges therein with Labour MP @tonyvaughanmp.bsky.social, ex-Asia minister Mark Field, Prof Kerry Brown and Luke de Pulford
podfollow.com/politicshome...
October 17, 2025 at 11:30 AM
🚨OUT NOW 🚨 Can government solve its China problem?
Host @alaintolhurst.bsky.social looks at the state of the Anglo-Sino relationship and the challenges therein with Labour MP @tonyvaughanmp.bsky.social, ex-Asia minister Mark Field, Prof Kerry Brown and Luke de Pulford
podfollow.com/politicshome...
Host @alaintolhurst.bsky.social looks at the state of the Anglo-Sino relationship and the challenges therein with Labour MP @tonyvaughanmp.bsky.social, ex-Asia minister Mark Field, Prof Kerry Brown and Luke de Pulford
podfollow.com/politicshome...
Reposted by Tony Vaughan KC MP
"If we took the position of the Conservative Party, which is to withdraw from the European Convention and other international instruments, who is going to work with us upstream? It's Brexit 2.0 from the party opposite."
@tonyvaughanmp.bsky.social having a very good debate on the asylum system. ~AA
@tonyvaughanmp.bsky.social having a very good debate on the asylum system. ~AA
October 20, 2025 at 4:45 PM
"If we took the position of the Conservative Party, which is to withdraw from the European Convention and other international instruments, who is going to work with us upstream? It's Brexit 2.0 from the party opposite."
@tonyvaughanmp.bsky.social having a very good debate on the asylum system. ~AA
@tonyvaughanmp.bsky.social having a very good debate on the asylum system. ~AA
Major pension funds just announced £3 Billion of investment into UK rental homes, infrastructure and fast-growing companies providing 10s of thousands of new jobs and houses.
This is a huge vote of confidence in our regions and our long-term plan to unlock sustainable economic growth.
This is a huge vote of confidence in our regions and our long-term plan to unlock sustainable economic growth.
October 21, 2025 at 10:35 AM
Major pension funds just announced £3 Billion of investment into UK rental homes, infrastructure and fast-growing companies providing 10s of thousands of new jobs and houses.
This is a huge vote of confidence in our regions and our long-term plan to unlock sustainable economic growth.
This is a huge vote of confidence in our regions and our long-term plan to unlock sustainable economic growth.
V-Levels will streamline the confusing vocational qualification system with rigorous, flexible courses linked to real jobs.
I’m proud to support the introduction of V-Levels, so we can build an opportunity society for our young people.
#education #V-Levels
I’m proud to support the introduction of V-Levels, so we can build an opportunity society for our young people.
#education #V-Levels
October 20, 2025 at 1:43 PM
V-Levels will streamline the confusing vocational qualification system with rigorous, flexible courses linked to real jobs.
I’m proud to support the introduction of V-Levels, so we can build an opportunity society for our young people.
#education #V-Levels
I’m proud to support the introduction of V-Levels, so we can build an opportunity society for our young people.
#education #V-Levels
Reform's leader in Kent said that Reform councils were ‘the biggest advert’ for what a Nigel Farage government would look like.
Unfortunately, its a bad advert.
This video shows us what's really under the bonnet of Reform's chaotic operation in Kent.
Unfortunately, its a bad advert.
This video shows us what's really under the bonnet of Reform's chaotic operation in Kent.
October 20, 2025 at 12:19 PM
Reform's leader in Kent said that Reform councils were ‘the biggest advert’ for what a Nigel Farage government would look like.
Unfortunately, its a bad advert.
This video shows us what's really under the bonnet of Reform's chaotic operation in Kent.
Unfortunately, its a bad advert.
This video shows us what's really under the bonnet of Reform's chaotic operation in Kent.
The ceasefire agreement in Gaza is a source of immense hope.
Hope that we can see an end to the suffering. Hope that we can see hostages returned to their loved ones. Hope that we are on a path to a just and lasting peace.
The UK Government will play it's full part to secure this peace.
Hope that we can see an end to the suffering. Hope that we can see hostages returned to their loved ones. Hope that we are on a path to a just and lasting peace.
The UK Government will play it's full part to secure this peace.
October 10, 2025 at 10:45 AM
The ceasefire agreement in Gaza is a source of immense hope.
Hope that we can see an end to the suffering. Hope that we can see hostages returned to their loved ones. Hope that we are on a path to a just and lasting peace.
The UK Government will play it's full part to secure this peace.
Hope that we can see an end to the suffering. Hope that we can see hostages returned to their loved ones. Hope that we are on a path to a just and lasting peace.
The UK Government will play it's full part to secure this peace.
Our judiciary is world renowned.
Yet this man wants to hand pick our judges and destroy centuries of judicial independence. It would be a full-scale assault on British democracy and our values. Judges should be picked on merit, not ideology - and Jenrick knows it.
#Jenrick
Yet this man wants to hand pick our judges and destroy centuries of judicial independence. It would be a full-scale assault on British democracy and our values. Judges should be picked on merit, not ideology - and Jenrick knows it.
#Jenrick
October 8, 2025 at 9:21 AM
Our judiciary is world renowned.
Yet this man wants to hand pick our judges and destroy centuries of judicial independence. It would be a full-scale assault on British democracy and our values. Judges should be picked on merit, not ideology - and Jenrick knows it.
#Jenrick
Yet this man wants to hand pick our judges and destroy centuries of judicial independence. It would be a full-scale assault on British democracy and our values. Judges should be picked on merit, not ideology - and Jenrick knows it.
#Jenrick
Two years on from Hamas's horrific terrorist attack on Israel, we remember those who lost their lives. We also remember the victims’ families, and those still held hostage.
I am committed to a lasting peace, a two-state solution, and a secure future for both Israelis and Palestinians.
I am committed to a lasting peace, a two-state solution, and a secure future for both Israelis and Palestinians.
October 7, 2025 at 10:27 AM
Two years on from Hamas's horrific terrorist attack on Israel, we remember those who lost their lives. We also remember the victims’ families, and those still held hostage.
I am committed to a lasting peace, a two-state solution, and a secure future for both Israelis and Palestinians.
I am committed to a lasting peace, a two-state solution, and a secure future for both Israelis and Palestinians.
How have Folkestone, Hythe, and Romney Marsh benefited from Government infrastructure investment since Labour came to power?
- East Kent Hospitals Trust: £13 million
- Flood defences in our area: £2.8 million
- Filling potholes: £67 million across Kent
- East Kent Hospitals Trust: £13 million
- Flood defences in our area: £2.8 million
- Filling potholes: £67 million across Kent
September 23, 2025 at 10:35 AM
How have Folkestone, Hythe, and Romney Marsh benefited from Government infrastructure investment since Labour came to power?
- East Kent Hospitals Trust: £13 million
- Flood defences in our area: £2.8 million
- Filling potholes: £67 million across Kent
- East Kent Hospitals Trust: £13 million
- Flood defences in our area: £2.8 million
- Filling potholes: £67 million across Kent
I condemn the latest Israeli military offensive in Gaza City on Sunday, which killed 31 Palestinians.
I am also horrified by the latest Israeli strike in Lebanon which killed 3 children.
www.reuters.com/world/middle...
I am also horrified by the latest Israeli strike in Lebanon which killed 3 children.
www.reuters.com/world/middle...
Israeli drone strikes kill five, including children, in southern Lebanon, ministry says
An Israeli drone strike killed five people, including three children, in the southern Lebanese town of Bint Jbeil on Sunday, Lebanon's health ministry said.
www.reuters.com
September 22, 2025 at 4:32 PM
I condemn the latest Israeli military offensive in Gaza City on Sunday, which killed 31 Palestinians.
I am also horrified by the latest Israeli strike in Lebanon which killed 3 children.
www.reuters.com/world/middle...
I am also horrified by the latest Israeli strike in Lebanon which killed 3 children.
www.reuters.com/world/middle...