The Folkestone and Hythe Extra has confirmed that two wards at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Folkestone are earmarked are earmarked for closure. The Shepway Primary Care Trust which runs the hospital is suggesting the closure of the Fitton and Edinburgh wards and the transfer of the services they provide to Dover.
Lib Dem campaigner Peter Carroll visited Folkestone Fire Station on Friday to see at first hand the work of the Fire Service in Folkestone. During the visit, Station Officer Barry Douglas and Watch Commander Vic Thurgood explained the extent of the fire prevention work carried out by the Brigade and demonstrated the new technology and equipment used in Fire & Rescue situations.
The Folkestone based 1st Royal Gurkha Rifles have not been included in a series of mergers and battalion reductions announced by Minister for Defence Geoff Hoon in a statement to Parliament today. Despite fears that the Gurkhas were amongst those facing cuts, the announcement seems to safeguard the future of the batallion.
Speaking out against the proposed cuts to the Armed Forces, Peter Carroll said "The Armed Forces are being terribly over stretched. The idea of cuts is totally inappropriate. The Army is having trouble recruiting and the Gurkhas are playing a vital role in today's Army."
Lib Dem Spokesman Peter Carroll has today urged local people to join the campaign to keep the services offered by the Royal Victoria Hospital here in Folkestone.
Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour have once again been big issues in my Postbag. There are a number of communities across Shepway who are suffering persistent and recurring anti-social behaviour. In some of the cases progress has been made. By working together, the Police, Council, Social Services and other agencies have focused a lot of attention of these cases. This is good news. However, in order to work properly, this 'multi-agency' working needs a lot of time and resources, particularly from the Police. My view is that the Police need more Officers who can be assigned to these types of situations so that more cases can get the attention they deserve.
Sam Green was the first openly gay politician ever elected in the UK – and possibly the world.
November 13−19 2025 marks Trans Awareness Week. It is a time to listen to and act on the voices of transgender and non-binary people, celebrate their contributions and resilience, and recognise the barriers they continue to face.
Members have elected Josh Babarinde, MP for Eastbourne, as the new President of the Liberal Democrats.
November marks Islamophobia Awareness Month, a time to reflect on the experiences of Muslim communities in the UK and to stand with them against prejudice, discrimination and hatred.
Ed Davey remembers Ming Campbell in remarks made to the House of Commons
October has arrived, bringing with it Black History Month - a time to celebrate the Black British community and their past, present and future contributions.
Ed Davey is a husband, a father and a carer. He is the Leader of the Liberal Democrats.
It is Ed’s experience of caring that drives much of his politics, and motivates his tireless campaigning for a fair deal.
Meet our representatives and candidates.
