Dear Residents,
The latest ONS data shows that Labour have shrunk our economy and this week the OECD has cut UK growth forecasts, another blow to local businesses who are telling me they are under growing pressure from the Government’s damaging tax policies.
Residents are also telling me that they are concerned by Labour’s decision to cancel Essex’s local elections. This is due to the Government imposing top-down restructuring on local councils, and whilst there are some councils like Essex that have expressed an interest in restructuring, the whole process has been rushed and flawed. It does not allow them the proper and open consultation required.
In Parliament, the Conservatives are opposing such top-down diktats and are voting against the legislation to cancel the elections. I will continue to monitor developments on this closely to ensure residents in North West Essex are fairly represented. The Government has now launched a Greater Essex devolution consultation and information can be found on the Essex County Council website here.
And finally, I know many of you see snippets of PMQs each week and updates on my social media pages, but if you are interested in some of my longer form interviews, do have a listen to my recent podcast appearances here: Triggernometry, The Free Press, and Jordan Peterson.
It is set to be another busy month ahead as we hear from the Chancellor on the Spring Budget, as always if you have any queries or concerns, please email me at kemi.badenoch.mp@parliament.uk
Prime Minister’s Questions
During PMQs recently I pressed the Prime Minister on securing peace in Ukraine while ensuring Britain isn’t drawn into direct conflict – stressing the importance of maintaining strong ties with the US.
I also raised concerns about our economic security. Britain needs a new approach—one that strengthens our economy and keeps our country safe.
You can watch the full exchange by clicking above.
Helena Romanes School rebuilding project
I recently had the pleasure of visiting Helena Romanes School in Dunmow to get an update on the new all-through school replacing the current site.
The project was part of the previous Government’s school rebuilding programme, and will see new facilities to improve the learning experience for pupils.
I look forward to seeing the project progress and continuing to work with Helena Romanes and schools across North West Essex to ensure every child has the opportunities they deserve
Supporting SEND transport
Labour’s National Insurance hikes are threatening school transport services for children with SEND across North West Essex.
I met with Andy Mahoney, founder of local business the 24×7 Group that provides SEND school transport – we discussed his campaign SENDTO which focuses on the crisis facing operators in light of Labour’s disastrous budget.
In Parliament the Conservatives have pressed Labour to assess the impact of the NICs hikes on the sector – they must do more to protect vital SEND transport services. This week we saw Labour vote to impose their Jobs Tax on hospices, charities, social care and special needs transport providers like 24×7, whilst Conservatives voted to exempt them.
Labour have no idea about the mess they are making or the impact it will have on so many vulnerable people.
The world is changing and Britain isn’t ready.
Last month I delivered a speech on defense and why we in Europe must do whatever it takes, on our own if we must, to ensure that Ukraine can secure its freedom and democracy. For without that, there can be no secure or settled peace for Europe as a whole.
We must build up Nato’s European armed forces, so we are better able to defend ourselves, our freedom, and our values, and to deter the Russian aggressor.
Failing to set out a plan to reach 3 per cent of GDP on defence is tantamount to planning to fail. The road to 3 per cent will require tough choices. But we are living in unprecedentedly tough times. If we want peace, we must prepare for war.
Door knocking in Dunmow
Whether it’s Labour’s jobs tax harming small businesses, the family farms tax or axing winter fuel payments – the feedback on the doorstep was that this Government is failing local residents.
I will continue standing up for our communities in North West Essex.
133 Bus Service update
Many residents have contacted me about Arriva’s decision to withdraw the 133 bus service, which connects Braintree, Felsted, Dunmow, and Takeley to Stansted Airport.
As this service operates on a commercial basis, Essex County Council (ECC) does not provide funding, and Arriva was not required to consult before making their decision to end the service.
However, Central Connect have now confirmed they will be offering a replacement service, which is good news – details can be found on their website.
Pushing for Investment for the A12 Widening Scheme
Residents and businesses in North West Essex rely on strong transport links to access jobs, services, and trade opportunities. That’s why I have written to the Transport Minister, urging the Government to provide certainty on the funding for the A12 widening scheme—an essential infrastructure project for our region.
The A12 is a vital route, connecting Essex’s major economic hubs and providing access to key ports and Stansted Airport. Improving this road will alleviate congestion, unlock new housing developments, and boost economic growth. Additionally, the dualling of the A120 from Braintree to the A12 remains a priority to improve safety and connectivity.
It has now been six months since the Government launched its review into the A12 widening scheme, but residents and businesses still lack clarity on its future. With the deferral of the Lower Thames Crossing increasing pressure on Essex’s road network, it is more important than ever that this project is delivered.
I will continue pressing for this investment to ensure North West Essex gets the infrastructure improvements it needs.
Fighting for local farmers
Despite Labour trying to ignore it, this issue is not going away. This month, I joined farmers and tractors that descended on Whitehall again in protest of Labour’s short-sighted Family Farms Tax.
The government’s changes to inheritance tax for farmers are not only deeply concerning but cruel.
The Autumn Budget capped Agricultural Property Relief at £1 million, meaning anything over that will be taxed at 20%. This change, due to take effect in April 2026, will force many farmers to give up their land and livelihoods.
At a visit to Parsonage Farm in Henham, owned by the Pimblett family since 1902, I met with Sam Pimblett and other local farmers who shared their concerns about the future. The Pimbletts have worked this land for over a century, but this tax could force farms like theirs to break up or sell off land, threatening the future of family-run farming.
Labour do not understand rural communities like ours and we will continue to call for them to reverse their Family Farms Tax.
Labour’s disastrous School’s Bill
The Government’s Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, currently going through Parliament, will negatively impact schools, children, and parents across North West Essex. While it includes some wellbeing measures from the previous Conservative Government, the bill reverses key reforms that have helped make England’s education system one of the best globally.
Labour’s proposals threaten to undermine the system that brought us success, by placing more control in the hands of ministers rather than teachers and school leaders. This includes restricting academies like Joyce Frankland Academy in Newport, Helena Romanes in Dunmow and Beaulieu Park School in Chelmsford from hiring professionals with non-traditional backgrounds and imposing a one-size-fits-all national curriculum.
As your MP and Leader of the Opposition, I am committed to protecting our education system and ensuring every child, including those at local schools like Joyce Frankland, has the opportunities they deserve