Protecting our Coastguard Volunteers
I have spoken out in Westminster expressing support and solidarity for our coastguard volunteers.
A Court of Appeal ruling in January 2026 found that the volunteers were actually paid emergency workers, not true volunteers, a significant legal distinction.
In response, the Maritime Coastguard Agency proposed replacing the hourly payments with an expenses-only model, covering things like training, equipment, operational support, uniforms and PPE, but not an hourly wage.
Up to half of the volunteers said they would quit or reduce their hours if the change went ahead.
I met with volunteer officers from Kent in Parliament and one of them said something that will stick with me forever: “we do not do this for the money; the money means we can do it”.
I spoke out about the volunteers’ concerns and the lack of government engagement with them at a Westminster Hall debate and wrote a letter to the Aviation, Maritime and Security Minister, Keir Mather. Our volunteer officers risk their lives. Their training, dedication, skill and selflessness means that they can get to hard-to-reach places that the police, paramedics and fire service just can’t. They deserve to have proper financial recognition just like any other emergency service.
I have been pleased to see that the UK government has now scrapped the plan to move to an expenses-only model, keeping the current payment arrangements in place. I know that the Government have said they would carry out further engagement with unions, rescue officers and MPs before considering any future changes.
Realising rail freight’s potential
I spoke up for expanding rail freight capacity in the southeast of England during a Westminster Hall debate. Small-scale investment in rail freight would boost productivity, create jobs, increase business profitability and be good for our environment, whilst enhancing UK – Europe trade links.
Maternity commissioner
I was pleased to see one of the recommendations from Amos report is coming online. A Maternity Commissioner will be appointed, which is significant progress. I was proud to amplify the voices of mothers, activists and healthcare professionals on this issue through a Westminster Hall debate on maternity care that I led in April 2026.
Campaigns
Accessing GP Services
I completed a round of GP Access form-filling sessions where my team and I help those who are digitally excluded or whose first language is not English fill out my survey. It was great to be at Age UK in Hythe where service users were able to share with me the issues they were facing.
If you or anyone you know would like to share experiences with accessing face-to-face GP appointments, fill out my form here: tonyvaughan.co.uk/gp-access-survey.
Potholes
I know how hazardous these potholes can be. If you know of any particular potholes, please take a picture of them with the exact location and submit it here: tonyvaughan.co.uk/potholes
Tackling rogue landlords
I am running a survey on issues people are facing in their private rented accommodation – if you have any experiences you would like to share, you can fill out my anonymous survey here: tonyvaughan.co.uk/private-rented-housing
A route to the William Harvey Hospital
Fill out my survey on how to improve the No.10 Service to the William Harvey Hospital. https://www.tonyvaughan.co.uk/bus-survey/
Policy Success
Great British Summer Savings
As part of the Government’s Great British Summer Savings scheme, children between the ages of 5 – 15 in England travelled free on the bus throughout August.
The scheme will mean cuts to VAT on children’s meals in restaurants from 20% to 5% for the period between 25th June and 1st September. The reduction will also apply to a wide range of family activities, including children’s tickets for cinemas, theatres, concerts, and entry to amusement parks, wildlife parks, museums, and soft play centres.
Hospitality sector needs more than hope
I spoke in a Westminster Hall debate on government support for seasonal hospitality businesses in coastal areas.
In the debate, I talked about how the UK – EU Youth Mobility Scheme, as well as the new Youth Hub our community will have, will be vital for tackling local skills shortages.
The hospitality sector is a critical local employer, especially for young people, and we need to provide local people with the respect, training and reward for working in what is a very demanding industry.
Fighting for the Foremans
Craig and Lindsay Foreman’s son, Joe Bennett, is a Folkestone resident; he is one of the bravest people I know. He is campaigning tirelessly and fearlessly for their release and return from Iran.
I speak about the Foremans’ case at every available opportunity in Parliament and in the media.
I used a debate recently in the House of Commons regarding Israeli Defence Force operations in Lebanon, to raise the Foremans’ case with the then Minister for the Middle East, Hamish Falconer.
I urged the Government to publicly define their detention as arbitrary (which would make their case more of a priority within the Foreign Office), secure consular access to check on Craig and Lindsay’s welfare and use international levers to pressure Iran to release them.
Progress in Parliament
This Labour Government has made some significant progress with its legislative programme in June. Here are some of the highlight achievements:
1. Second Reading of the Health Bill, raising efficiency in the NHS though requiring all NHS providers, including GPs, to disclose data, so it can be combined into a single patient record. The Bill also abolishes NHS England and transfers its functions to either integrated care boards (ICBs) or the Department of Health and Social Care, including transferring some powers directly to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care. It is the government’s primary vehicle for delivering the largest reorganisation of the NHS in more than a decade and implementing its 10 Year Health Plan.
2. Third Reading of the Armed Forces Bill, delivering the government’s manifesto commitment to put the Armed Forces Covenant fully into law. The Covenant is the nation’s commitment that serving personnel, their families, and veterans must never be disadvantaged in civilian life because of their service.
3. Final stages of the Railways Bill in the Commons, implementing the government’s manifesto commitment to bring the railways back into public ownership by establishing Great British Railways and giving new powers to the Passengers’ Council, meaning it can investigate complaints, enforce improvement plans, and set service standards.
4. Steel Industry (Nationalisation) Act – fast tracked through Parliament, enabling the nationalisation of British Steel.
Youth Jobs Grant Expansion
This expansion consists of two main commitments: a guarantee of a six month work placement for 18-24-year-olds who have been on Universal Credit and looking for work for 18 months, with wages paid in full by the government; new grants for businesses of £2,000 for recruiting an apprentice aged 16-24 and £3,000 for hiring a young person aged 18-24 who has been on Universal Credit for six months; and fully-funded apprenticeships for young people.
NHS
January saw the fastest ambulance response times in five years, and waiting times at A&E are the shortest for four years. An extra 2000 GPs have been hired and prescriptions charges have been frozen.
