Some distressing scenes in my city of Southend last night. I drove around in the evening to see the issues. There are some active crime scenes but the disorder had ceased. Multiple arrests and some critically injured people. Thank you to the emergency services for the speedy

Update: Today I have had 2 briefings with Essex Police to pin down exactly what happened last night and discuss how we prevent it happening again. I am reassured by the measures that are being put in place to prevent further disorder. Alongside additional presence on the

Update: Evening all, this afternoon David Burton-Sampson MP and I met with the police to talk about the additional measures put in place to prevent a repeat of Tuesday’s scenes. Additional officers have been deployed across Southend, as well as at specific stations in East London. This

Very pleased to have support from Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds Jonathan Reynolds for our new Future of the High Street report. The Secretary of State said: "Our mission is to bring economic growth to every part of the UK. Breathing life into our high streets is a

Update: Morning all, I wanted to share some nice news about the amazing community events I attended and how peaceful and welcoming Southend was over the weekend. But that would be inappropriate considering the news I heard yesterday afternoon. I'm also mindful of fake news and

Update Yesterday passed peacefully without demonstrations. I would like to thank Essex Police and all the people that stood up and made sure that Southend was not in the news for the wrong reasons. I would also like to pay tribute to all the small businesses that had to close

Over the weekend I visited the 40th annual Shoeburyness Model Railway Club exhibition. It was busy and full of outstanding stands and displays. Thanks to Trevor Grout and his team for inviting me down. I'm looking forward to supporting the club and coming over to meet your

Today I spent some time on Hamlet Court Road. I spoke to the press about what makes our community great and reassured them that Southend is open for business! I am incredibly proud of our community and keen to ensure that the impact of recent events on local businesses and

A fantastic weekend of sunny weather is forecast. Visit Southend for a great day out combining the seaside with some great attractions, shops and restaurants! visitsouthend.co.uk

I stopped to meet Iman Iftakhar and the EssexJammeMasjid Mosque committee to discuss their concerns over recent national events. I reassured them that we hear their concerns and reiterated that we will get through these troubling times as ONE big British community.

Thank you Team GB - you made us all proud👌🏿

In a long overdue appointment, I visited the inspiring #oneLoveProject. Sharon and her team are providing invaluable support for some of our communities most vulnerable in one of the most respectful ways that I've seen. I'm looking forward to supporting them.

As we commemorate VJ Day, we express our gratitude for the immense sacrifice made by our armed forces during World War II.

Congratulations to all the students in Southend East and Rochford who received exam results today! I wish all of you the best of luck with your next steps. And thank you to all our local teachers and staff, for all your hard work.

Thank you SHIP for inviting me down to your Annual Heritage and Wildlife Event. Southchurch Hall is a gem in the crown of Southend. And the work they have undertaken to safeguard this heritage asset is appreciated and key to our communities cultural offer.

My first month as Minister for Veterans and People has filled me with a deep sense of pride- not only for those who are serving, but those who have served and the incredible families that support them. Ministry of Defence 🇬🇧 #Veterans #pride #support #service #ArmedForces

🎉Southendcityjam is bringing the streets of Southend to life this weekend and whether you're a local or coming from afar, getting here couldn’t be easier, our friends at c2c Rail have you covered! Getting here: c2c-online.co.uk Festival Info: southendcityjam.co.uk

I was delighted on Wednesday to make my Maiden Speech to the House of Commons. I discussed Southend’s tourist economy and proud military history. I pledged to support the ‘Southend Renaissance’ in its next phase, including the future of buildings like the Kursaal and the Freight

“Many of the jewels in Southend’s crown – The Kursaal on the seafront, The Freight House in Rochford – remain unused or under-used. I am determined that these buildings will be part of our future as well as our past.” It was a privilege, in my Maiden Speech last week, to discuss

“To properly understand Southend you need to understand its military history.” I was proud to speak, in my Maiden Speech last Wednesday, about my constituency’s military history. From Shoebury Garrison to the airfield that helped fend of fascism in WW2, Southend is a city built