Speeding up our communication link is essential (26 Apr 2012)

This week Charlie writes about the priorities for the town fo Deal and his vision to make it a high speed town.

"High-speed trains, high-speed internet, area based wi-fi and more opportunities together offer to give Deal a stronger future as a high-speed town. That is a future I am working to help make a reality."

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Company tax rates of one percent are wrong (19 Apr 2012)

Charlie discusses tax-avoidance by big international businesses operating in the UK.

"In the decade to 2008, the income tax you pay doubled. Yet business receipts only rose by a third. If they had kept pace with income tax the extra money brought in would amount to getting on for £20 billion a year."

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Harbour needs certainty and future planning (12 Apr 2012)

In the light of the news that Dover Harbour Board is delaying matters regarding the port, Charlie reiterates the benefits that the People's Port bid can bring to the community.

“Dover’s future prospects have been held up by the Harbour Board’s sell off quest for too long”, said Charlie.

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We need help to get a fair share of cash (05 Apr 2012)

Charlie would like to help set up a group of people who can give expert funding assistance to our voluntary groups. He would like to hear from anyone with relevant experience interested in helping our excellent voluntary groups reach their potential.

"The problem is not one of the quality of or voluntary groups...we seem to be long on enthusiasm and a little short on the helping hand", explains Charlie.

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Who is set to benefit from the Budget? (29 Mar 2012)

Charlie reviews the Chancellor's "radical and reforming" Budget and looks at how people in Dover and Deal will benefit.

George Osborne's Budget rewards work, boosts business and helps those who aspire to do better for themselves and their families.

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Great occasions in a remarkable year for the UK (22 Mar 2012)

Charlie assesses how family life has changed since the Queen took to the throne, and looks ahead to the exciting events of 2012. 

"So 2012 will be a great year for our country. We celebrate the Queen's long reign. A reign that has seen much peace, prosperity, stability and change in our nation." 

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Pots of cash that could help get things moving (15 Mar 2012)

Talking about efforts to boost local jobs, money and growth, Charlie focuses on some funding initiatives open to Dover and Deal and asks local people for their views on how potential investment could be used.

"How we can boost jobs and money, achieve more regeneration and improve transport links really matter. For me it is a real focus as we need a fairer share locally."

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People power must prevail in running of port (08 Mar 2012)

"After all it can't really be the People's Port if it doesn't have...well, people."

Charlie talks about the two competing visions of the future of Dover Port and looks at why only a community owned port can deliver the bright future of regenration and prosperity the people of Dover want.

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We all need to work together to help Dover (01 Mar 2012)

Following the launch of the Dover Military Tattoo earlier this week, Charlie points to the need for a joined-up tourism strategy for our part of east Kent.

"Everyone knows where Dover is. Everyone knows our history of defiance that is tied up in our community and White Cliffs. Yet many have a poor impression because the seafront at Dover is so appalling."  

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We must work to keep our borders secure (23 Feb 2012)

Following publication of the Vine Report into border security, Charlie praises the excellent work of UKBA staff and highlights some the challenges they face in their efforts to keep our borders safe, particularly at busy times like last weekend.

"At a time when the issue of border security is raised on about half the doorsteps in Dover and Deal, the report highlights failings that are of the gravest public concern."

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Welfare reform is required for a fairer system (16 Feb 2012)

In his article this week, Charlie discusses why the Government's deficit reduction and welfare reform plans are so vital to our national and local interests.

"It is wrong that people on benefits are better off on benefits than in work. A cap equivalent to earnings of £35,000 a year seems sensible to me..."

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Hidden wrongs in European human rights (09 Feb 2012)

Charlie gives his view on European Human Rights legislation.

"The news that Abu Qatada should be freed on the orders of European Human Rights judges drives any sensible person round the bend."

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Working for a better system of social housing (02 Feb 2012)

Charlie gives his view on the state of our social housing system and discusses what more could be done locally to get the waiting list down and more people into housing.

"The last decade amounts to 10 years of failure when it comes to looking after the poorest and most vulnerable in our communities. There are no two ways about it - it's a disgusting record."

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My job is to keep an eye on Government (26 Jan 2012)

As a member of the Public Administration Select Committee in Parliament, Charlie sees at firsthand how the Government operates and how public money is spent. Charlie explains why the way Government works matters to everyone.

"This helps me in my casework and constituency campaigns. And, I hope, helps to ensure that Government is a bit better and more effective in serving us all."

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The nuisance that blights communities (19 Jan 2012)

Charlie talks about some of the cases from his inbox and surgeries that he has helped local residents with recently.

"Quite often the problems are sorted out and it's with a real sense of satisfaction that the lives of people of thus improved."

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Recovery from firm's sinking will take time (12 Jan 2012)

Charlie comments on the news that SeaFrance is to be liquidated.

"We want to see a future for all the excellent SeaFrance workers who are based in the UK. This is the case I am making to DFDS."

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Border control is a profitable service for all (05 Jan 2012)

On the day of his visit to Dover Border Controls with Immigration Minister Damian Green MP, Charlie makes the case for why reducing smuggling at our borders is in all of our best interests.

"Looking through the sheets of how much smuggling had been stopped and tax revenue protected, I could see there was a case to make the controls pay for themselves and should be seen as a profit centre.

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Look ahead to progress and fairness (29 Dec 2011)

In his final article of the year Charlie takes a positive look ahead to 2012.

"Our community is a great community. We need to make the most of our national fame and our brand.

"In Parliament I  bang the drum shamelessly for our needs." 

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The year has seen people unite in town (22 Dec 2011)

Charlie reflects on some of the big local issues of 2011, including the campaign for a new Dover hospital, the new enterprise zone, and the continuing efforts to bring the port into community ownership.

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Protecting the child's right to both parents (15 Dec 2011)

Charlie recently secured a debate in Parliament regarding a child's right to both parents following a separation.

In this week's article, Charlie discusses the significance of this issue and why he is pressing for a change in the law.

"Too often parents sink their children's rights in a sea of acrimony when they split up. That is flat wrong."

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Grilled about the future by Dover's clever youngsters (08 Dec 2011)

"The key is to work harder to regenerate our area and get more businesses to move in and create jobs. That's the best way to do justice by the children of Vale View and our community as a whole."

Reflecting on his recent visit to Vale View Primary School in Dover, Charlie highlights the importance of building a better future for our area by attracting more investment, jobs and infrastructure.

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Public sector has to share nation's pain (01 Dec 2011)

Charlie discusses the need to rebalance the public sector pensions scheme to help get the country's deficit under control.

"Controlling pensions is important for the national finances. Yet it is also important in terms of fairness", says Charlie.

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We want to make Britain strong again (24 Nov 2011)

Ahead of the Chancellor's Autumn Statement, Charlie discusses ideas to help encourage growth and to bring more jobs and money into our economy.

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Anyone seems to be able to wander into our country (17 Nov 2011)

Charlie outlines the need for more secure borders at Calais and Dover to help keep our nation safe.  

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Eurozone folly holds rest of us to ransom (10 Nov 2011)

Charlie gives an update on his work in Parliament and the recent eurozone crisis, reminding us that turning our backs on the crisis at this stage could costs us crucial jobs and money in the future. "If we turn our backs and walk away, however fast we walk the economic maelstrom will catch us up. We would be sucked into the economic vortex", he says.

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Looking back, and foward to the future (03 Nov 2011)

More jobs, money and growth. Charlie comments on the £40m regional growth fund investment announced this week for East Kent.

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Head has to rule the heart over Euro row (27 Oct 2011)

Charlie comments on the recent vote in the House of Commons on Europe and explains why he agrees with local people who would like to see our relationship with Europe recast.

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I put Dover's interests first in port debate (20 Oct 2011)

Charlie talks in depth about pressing Dover's case in Parliament. Putting his constituency's interests first, Charlie recently broke ranks with Government ministers by gaining the the support of Labour MPs for an amendment to change the law regarding the future of the port.

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Future of the port is a key issue for the community (13 Oct 2011)

Charlie writes about why the port is so important to the local community and the future regeneration of Dover. Charlie also talks about amendments to the law he tabled in Parliament this week which could see the sale process for the port taken away from the Harbour Board.

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Showing how UKBA officers do a great job (06 Oct 2011)

Following his recent visit to see the work of UK Border Agency staff at the docks in Dover, Charlie talks about the great work they do and the debt we owe them for keeping our borders secure.

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I'm focused on resolving this sensibly (29 Sep 2011)

Charlie writes on how he has been using the Parliamentary recess as a time to talk to more local people and as a reminder of the real problems facing his constituents.

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Pastors' aim to listen, care and help is inspiring (22 Sep 2011)

Charlie writes about the new Street Pastor scheme, which brings together church members and leaders to help people on nights out in Dover. They will listen to revellers and make sure they get home safely. Charlie believes that their mission to "listen, care and help" is one which we all should remember.

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Boundary shift will not change my priorities (15 Sep 2011)

Charlie stresses that despite a potential increased Conservative majority in Dover following the boundary change recommendations, he will still champion the interests of his constitutents, such as delivering a new hospital for Dover.

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Fast rail service will strengthen local economy (08 Sep 2011)

Charlie praises the Trains4Deal's campaign to get high speed rail in Deal, and the help from South Eastern and Kent County Council. The high speed link will allow people to commute to well paid jobs in London, from Deal, with ease.

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It's difficult to maintain trust in health trust (01 Sep 2011)

Charlie expresses his concerns over the job the health trust is doing in our community. These concerns have arisen from the reduction of nursing cover and the decision of the health trust to postpone building of the new hospital to 2013.

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Long battle to help economy facing change (25 Aug 2011)

Charlie writes about the need for the Government to encourage new investment in the area, which is being done with the extension of the high-speed line and the enterprise zone at the Pfizer site.

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We must have a debate on Deal's future (18 Aug 2011)

Charlie writes about the need for a plan regarding future of Deal and Walmer, and his plan to carry out a survey to help prompt debate and develop a community-wide consensus.

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Persisting with efforts despite slow progress (11 Aug 2011)

Charlie writes about the great potential for growth in the area with much to attract tourists and investment such as the area's history, stunning scenery and the port.

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Looking back on progress in several areas (04 Aug 2011)

Charlie writes about progress made over the last year with the concerns of his constituents, the port and the new hospital. 

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End-of-term report on first year as MP (27 Jul 2011)

Charlie reflects on his first year as MP and on issues such as the future of the port, a new hospital for Dover, and high speed rail services from Deal.

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Smuggling is a better reason to protect jobs (21 Jul 2011)

Cuts to the UKBA will see a rise in smuggling and ultimately lead to further economic loss for the Government. Charlie fights to save Dover's UKBA jobs.

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NHS delays not acceptable (14 Jul 2011)

Charlie fights against delays in getting our fair share of healthcare.

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Bosses dodge responsibility (07 Jul 2011)

We need businesses to do their bit to help the UK uemployed urges Charlie.

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Concentrating on issues that matter most (30 Jun 2011)

Parliament is the best place to try to get real change writes Charlie.

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Charity begins at home (23 Jun 2011)

Charlie argues that with the current economic hardship we need to be focussed on concentrating our resources on helping our families and our communities.

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Pupils' concern for our community (16 Jun 2011)

As young children display their passion for changing and improving our community Charlie writes that we should be proud of them and follow their lead.

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Maintaining the pressure to keep borders secure (09 Jun 2011)

Following the recent visit by the Home Secretary to our border controls, Charlie emphasises the need to maintain security.

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Our chance to take control of Dover's future (02 Jun 2011)

Charlie sees through the desperate last-ditch measure by the Harbour Board.

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Torch to visit Dover (26 May 2011)

It is all down to our young children that the Oympic Torch will be coming to Dover writes Charlie.

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Top priorities (12 May 2011)

Charlie sets out the major issues affecting our community in his annual review.

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Progress made on getting us a fairer share (05 May 2011)

Reflecting on a year as your MP Charlie outlines progress made so far.

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Pride in history - and our young people (28 Apr 2011)

Charlie looks forward to the royal wedding as a reminder of the promise of our young people.

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Guidlines on sentences need to be made fair (21 Apr 2011)

Charlie presses for guidlines on sentencing to be changed in light of the case of Julia Saker.

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AV is a recipe for compromise (14 Apr 2011)

Charlie explains why he will be voting 'no' in May.

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Children have right to know both parents (07 Apr 2011)

Charlie presents a Bill to Parliament calling for a change to family law.

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The Budget (24 Mar 2011)

The latest budget must help small business states Charlie.

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Future of the port is the future of the community (17 Mar 2011)

Charlie prepares for polling day for Dover's referendum on the future of the port.

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Time now for voters to nail apathy myth (10 Mar 2011)

A packed public meeting helps Charlie to prove apathy does not reign supreme in Dover.

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The Big Society benefits all (03 Mar 2011)

A popular debate proposed by Charlie on the Big Society heard in the House of Commons.

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You vote on the People's Port (24 Feb 2011)

Charlie explains how you can have your say on the port of Dover by calling for a local referendum.

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Taking charge of our port's future (17 Feb 2011)

The People's Port community trust bid matters so much to us all writes Charlie.

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Rebuilding Kent Business (10 Feb 2011)

The Pfizer announcement comes as a shock, but that doesn't mean we have to accept defeat writes Charlie.

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Government to bestow new city status (03 Feb 2011)

Charlie makes the case for Dover's right to be granted city status.

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Working towards a prosperous local economy (20 Jan 2011)

The great work of Pitman Training in Dover in developing people's skills is just one example of how to help our local economy. As Charlie writes Dover and Deal can be as prosperous as West Kent.

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A year of change (13 Jan 2011)

Charlie looks ahead to the changes that this year will bring, both locally and nationally.

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Tough choices but we're not that badly off (16 Dec 2010)

Charlie writes about the effect of the nation's broken finances.

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A hospital for Dover (09 Dec 2010)

A hospital for Dover could be here soon. Excited by the news Charlie outlines the progress made so far.

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National cause for celebration (25 Nov 2010)

Charlie expresses his delight at the news that Prince William is to marry Kate. He argues against an austere wedding, and hopes for all the pomp and circumstance to cheer us up and to remind the world why Britain is Great.

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A royal engagement (25 Nov 2010)

A national celebration like a royal wedding is the tonic needed to raise the nation's spirits writes Charlie.

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Improving Asian trade (18 Nov 2010)

To improve our economy we need stronger relations with the East, writes Charlie.

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The strength of our community (11 Nov 2010)

With so much going on Charlie reflects on the community teams that are pushing for success in local campaigns.

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People's Port (04 Nov 2010)

Charlie reflects on the launch of the People's Port bid.

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People's Port bid launched. (28 Oct 2010)

Dame Vera Lynn to launch the People's Port bid which, Charlie writes, could help guarantee Dover's future.

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Five months in Parliament (21 Oct 2010)

Charlie reflects on his first five months as Dover and Deal's Member of Parliament.

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Government Spending Review (14 Oct 2010)

Charlie discusses the tough choices ahead with the spending review.

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Looking ahead to a brighter future for us all (07 Oct 2010)

Charlie focuses on the local issues he will be raising at this year's Conservative Party Conference.

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Confidence is the key (30 Sep 2010)

Charlie writes that confidence and self belief are the things that will turn Dover back into a Jewel in the Crown of the nation.

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Visit of Pope gave us all food for thought (23 Sep 2010)

The visit of Benedict XVI brought into focus some of the key moral and scientific challenges of our time, challenges for those both with a faith and for those with none.

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We have to be masters of our own destiny (16 Sep 2010)

In which direction should the UK be headed; toward the USA or the EU?  Charlie writes that the UK should carve out its own place in the world.

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I enjoy recess - its when I get real work done (09 Sep 2010)

There's no rest for the wicked as Charlie writes about the work he's continuing to undertake for Dover and Deal during the Parliamentary recess.

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Impressed by community group's efforts (02 Sep 2010)

Charlie writes how grateful he is to the whole community pulling together to help him create the "People's Port" of Dover

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Proof that the idea of the "people's port" could float (26 Aug 2010)

The feedback on the "people's port" has been positive, writes Charlie, but the battle is not won yet

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Port's sell off benefits only management (19 Aug 2010)

Proposals for the Port of Dover should benefit the whole community, writes Charlie

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Even in recess, an MP's work is never done (12 Aug 2010)

Charlie outlines his priorities and activity now that Parliament has risen for the Summer

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Looking back on this session of Parliament (05 Aug 2010)

Charlie reflects on his first few months representing Dover and Deal at Westminster

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Bosses must set an example to front-line staff (29 Jul 2010)

Charlie praises the work of the UK Borders Agency and says that public sector cuts should be shared by the top brass too.

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Plan will boost vibrancy in our community (22 Jul 2010)

The "people's port" plan will benefit the whole community, writes Charlie

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Out and about at schools and summer fetes (15 Jul 2010)

Charlie and the rest of the Elphicke family go out and about at community events

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Major Shaw's release a high point (08 Jul 2010)

Charlie says the release of Major Bill Shaw is a high point in difficult times.

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Least well-off will be protected by Emergency budget (01 Jul 2010)

The Emergency budget; fair and responsible

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Maiden speech in Parliament: (10 Jun 2010)

In his Maiden Speech, Charlie celebrates the achievements of his community and outlines what he wants to do improve the lot of his new constituents in Dover and Deal

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