45 minutes | Friday, 22 November 2024
THE KENT POLITICS PODCASTEpisode 44 - Farmer’s fury, the first Brexit domino, and Kent’s biggest solar farm, with special guest Polly Billington MPWelcome to the latest edition of the Kent Politics Podcast, your go-to source for insightful discussions on both local and national political matters. In this episode, we delve into significant events shaping Kent's political landscape, from historical by-elections to contemporary infrastructure projects.Key Segments1. Rochester and Strood By-Election AnniversaryDiscussion: Reflecting on the intense 2014 Rochester and Strood by-election when Mark Reckless defected from Conservatives to UKIP.Guests: Former candidates share their experiences amid media scrutiny.Insights: The impact of Emily Thornberry’s controversial tweet and its implications on Labour's working-class support.2. Proposed Solar Farm in Romney MarshTopic: South Kent Energy Park proposal—a massive solar farm covering nearly 1500 acres.Impact Assessment: Potential effects on local agriculture and economy discussed with stakeholders.3. Kent County Council Financial ConcernsIssue: Rising costs due to increased National Insurance contributions affecting social care providers.Political Angle: Conservative leadership at KCC voices concerns over funding gaps exacerbated by recent budget announcements.4. Farmers' Protest Against New Tax PoliciesFarmers protest against a proposed inheritance tax that could affect rural family businesses significantly.5.New Funding for Bus Services in KentGovernment announces £23 million investment aimed at improving public transport services across the county.Special Guest Interview: Polly BillingtonPolly Billington shares her journey from journalism to politics as East Thanet’s new Labour MP:Focuses include cost-of-living issues, NHS challenges, immigration, environmental concerns, and enhancing local bus services.#KentPoliticsPodcast #LocalDemocracy #UKPolitics #WestminsterWatch #RochesterByElectionAnniversary #SolarEnergyRevolution #EastThanetMPInterview #FarmingFutureDebate #NHSChallenges2023 #CostOfLivingCrisisUK
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