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Catch up with all the latest news from across the county with Bartholomew Hall.
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00:00Hello and welcome to Kent Tonight, live on KMTV. I'm Bartholomew Hall. Here are your
00:27top stories on Thursday the 17th of July. Sweet 16. Kent reacts as the voting age lowers
00:34for the first time in 56 years. I think it's a desperate decision from a desperate government.
00:40Victory for the blue badge battle? Minister open for change on Kent Online's campaign.
00:45I could tell from the debate that they'd listened. It wasn't just lip service and also the minister
00:53as well was listening to what they said so I'm feeling really positive. And America in
00:58Town. International Children's Choir performs at Rochester Cathedral. I'm a little jealous
01:04of my students because they get to sing in this space.
01:08Good evening. First tonight. New legislation announced by the government means that 16 and 17 year
01:22olds across the county will now be able to cast their vote in the next general election.
01:27It marks the first time the age has been lowered for voters since 1958 when it changed from 21
01:34to 18. Well the government hopes that the change will increase voting turnout by one and a half
01:39million more people. But what do young people think and are all government parties in favour?
01:44Well our reporter Kristen Hawthorne has been finding out. After years of debates 16 and 17 year olds will now be
01:51given the right to vote in the next general election under new government plans. This makes
01:56it the first time the UK has seen the age lowered since 1969 when it changed from 21 to 18.
02:03In a poll done by the Merlin strategy 500 16 and 17 year olds revealed a near even split on whether or not
02:09they think the voting age should be lowered to 16 with 51% for it and 49% against. So I'm here in Maidstone
02:16to speak to young people who could be casting their vote at the next general election to find out what
02:21they think about the change. I feel like I'd be quite excited to vote if I can vote now because I think
02:25it's good for everybody to have a say in like what's happening with the country. I think it's good
02:29because like it will show that it will give you like a chance to do something before like you're 18.
02:36I'm pretty excited to vote because I feel like this generation is becoming more and more like aware of
02:41like politics and they're becoming like they fall into people. I think that it's really great that 16 year olds
02:47get to vote in the next election because I think young people have probably more opinion than people who are older.
02:54I think that it's really good that we're like the first generation to vote because it really shows like
02:59all the older generations like an insight on how like we can improve the world.
03:02It's quite crazy because you've got to pay like the government for all this stuff and like you've got
03:06to then like you have a say in what everyone's doing around you but you can't drink alcohol.
03:09I do think that that's going to be an issue and that people are going to be influenced especially by MPs
03:14because they think that because we're younger that they can influence us.
03:18I feel like they should like make younger people more aware because like in school we don't know much about it like at all.
03:24Drinking and voting are two very different things like I mean drink is like obviously it's bad for you like
03:30it's not great it's like it's addicting but like voting is like voicing your opinion.
03:35While young people in Midstone feel confident about the change some parties disagree.
03:39Yeah I think it's a desperate decision from a desperate government.
03:42You know you can't marry you can't get married at 16.
03:45You can't go to war at 16.
03:46You can't drive at 16.
03:48You can't buy alcohol.
03:49You can't buy cigarettes.
03:50You can't go into lottery.
03:51You can't even be a jury.
03:52And you can't even view an 18 plus film at the age of 16.
03:55But the idea that you're going to get the constitutional right to then vote in election which is a massive, massive thing.
04:03You know something which cannot be taken for granted.
04:06And this idea we're going to give it to people whom quite frankly irrespective of how talented right they may be
04:12haven't got the necessary experience and are not classified as adults I don't think that's right.
04:17This wasn't the only change that's been announced as now bank cards will be accepted as voter ID under the new proposals.
04:24The government hope that overall this will make a huge difference to voter turnout.
04:28As the last general election seen the lowest figure since 2001 sitting at just under 60%.
04:34So whether or not 16 and 17 year olds will turn up to increase the turnout, it's up to them.
04:39Kristen Hawthorne for KMTV, Maidstone.
04:45Well joining us now here in the studio is KMTV's channel director Andy Richards.
04:49Andy what was your reaction to this news this morning?
04:51Obviously we knew it was going to be coming.
04:53It was in the manifesto last year.
04:55But now we've had the confirmation from the government.
04:57Yeah I think it's really interesting.
04:59I'm obviously here to talk about what effect it's going to have on news and current affairs
05:04and audiences understanding the topics really Bartholomew.
05:07What I think is quite interesting is that if you actually look at the ages of the people that are going to be able to vote now
05:15they're actually in year seven, year eight now.
05:17And so the government I think is going to have a responsibility to really help educate children on the various different issues.
05:26It's going to completely change the types of people that they're going to need to speak to.
05:31And there's not an awful lot of content out there.
05:34The curriculum is all based around in terms of understanding the community around you.
05:41It's all kind of tailored towards you getting to the voting age of around 18.
05:45So that means they're really going to have to fast track in terms of trying to explain to children in a bit more depth
05:52these types of issues and to understand what voting is.
05:54Well talk about responsibility there.
05:56For broadcasters and news outlets like KMTV play a massive role in that education as well.
06:01This is where I get to plug our stuff right.
06:03So yeah we do a lot of educational stuff for children.
06:06We do a lot of Key Stage 2 stuff around, it's called News Nuggets where we do stuff for year five children, year six children.
06:16We also do a bunch of stuff with 11 to 15 year olds.
06:19But this is quite specific.
06:21What's really interesting, as we saw in Kristin's piece there, everyone's going to say,
06:25oh we've got the young vote.
06:27They're going to vote reform, they're going to vote Labour, they're going to vote Conservative.
06:30It's going to be really interesting to see how people will go after those votes in the next few years.
06:35Because I think the first time it happens, it's going to be a huge turnout because it's going to be a first.
06:40So I think there are going to be a lot of young people voting at the next general election.
06:43It will be really interesting to see who they go for.
06:47Andy, thank you very much for bringing us your insight there.
06:50Thanks.
06:52Okay, moving on this evening.
06:54A care home in Medway will remain under special measures after a health watchdog has rated its service as inadequate for a second time.
07:01The White House on Maidstone Road cares for up to 38 residents, many of whom have dementia, and was initially inspected back in March.
07:15Canterbury City Council is offering a £500 reward to anyone who can help track down a prolific graffiti tagger.
07:30Well, this image has been released of the suspect seen spray painting here in St Dunstan Street.
07:35Bosses at the City Council say it's spent around £2,000 cleaning off and covering up the man's tag throughout the district,
07:42including on walls, underpasses and street furniture.
07:45Well, anyone with information can contact the council directly or by calling Crimestoppers anonymously.
07:51The government says it's open to change following Kentonline's blue badge battle.
07:58The campaign highlighted significant challenges faced by those with time-limited medical conditions.
08:04Well, after yesterday, it's hoped the debate will bring temporary concessions for those who do not meet the criteria.
08:10Gabriel Morris was in Westminster for us.
08:12Having to battle for a blue badge while fighting cancer is something patients say they simply don't have the energy for.
08:21That's why Kentonline started campaigning for a fairer system.
08:25Reporter Ellie Hodgson discovered that under current guidance, an illness must last at least three years to be eligible.
08:34The issue now being taken straight to Parliament.
08:37She first spoke to Sandy, who was living with cancer, and heard how a blue badge would ease her recovery from intensive treatment and its side effects.
08:46There's no other option but to apply for a full three year.
08:51If there was a different option, that's what I would have applied for.
08:54But, you know, to deny somebody that needs a badge, to deny them it because their ailment may not last three years, isn't good enough.
09:06Since that first story, dozens of other patients have come forward with similar experiences of being refused a blue badge.
09:14This week, the issue being debated in Parliament.
09:17Sandy hopes her voice will be heard.
09:20It was the MP for Mainstone and Morning who secured this Westminster Hall debate.
09:25An opportunity to speak directly to the Minister.
09:28We need a fairer and faster approach to blue badge eligibility.
09:33An approach that recognises there are highly vulnerable people at the centre of these faceless application processes.
09:42People who deserve care, dignity and respect.
09:47With every Kent MP backing the campaign, it now has local cross-party support.
09:53The focus should be on getting well and it shouldn't be about battling a system.
09:59I also want to pay tribute to the honourable member for bringing this debate.
10:02Can I thank my honourable friend?
10:05I absolutely agree with her that we all have to work within systems, but this system seems heartless and a bit cold.
10:12And I think that is the general experience of many.
10:16The minister then responded. While a debate like this can't change the law directly, campaigners say it's a vital first step.
10:25And I am open to the possibility of change to address some of the concerns that have been rightly raised today.
10:33At the end of the day, I think that's positive. She's also agreed to reconsider the matter.
10:38And I was quite concerned before the debate that the government were fairly resistant, but now there's been a movement and that's good.
10:46For Sandy, she finally feels the government is listening.
10:50Yes, I felt that in our initial meeting a few weeks ago, they'd really taken on board everything I'd said.
10:57I could tell from the debate that they'd listened. It wasn't just lip service. And also the minister as well was listening to what they said. So I'm feeling really positive.
11:09A meeting with the minister, MPs and councillors is now expected to be arranged. But in the meantime, patients could still be being refused a blue badge.
11:19Gabriel Morris for KNTV from the Houses of Parliament.
11:24And we'll hear more on Kent Online's blue badge battle with Gabriel here in the studio later in the programme.
11:29Time now though for a quick break. But coming up, we'll be hearing about how nurseries are ensuring young children are staying safe during the increasing heat we've been seeing across the county.
11:38And we'll hear more about how drones have been used to smuggle illegal items into several of our prisons.
11:45All that and plenty more to come after the break.
11:49We'll see you next time.
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15:18To Kent tonight, live on KMTV.
15:21To Sport now, and Maidstone's Alessio Russo is expected to line up for the Lionesses this evening
15:26as they take on Sweden in the quarterfinals of Euro 2025.
15:31The former Beersted FC player scored last time out as England beat Wales 6-1 in their final group stage game.
15:38It could be a tougher match this time though, as Sweden are ranked just one place below England in the FIFA rankings in sixth place.
15:45Kick-off from Zurich is at 8pm this evening.
15:49A scrapped project to build a film studio in Ashford is now being considered to be turned into affordable housing
15:56after £27 million have already been spent on the redevelopment.
16:01Well, the studio would have had links to Netflix, including four film studios, an 18-storey hotel with commercial units and a rooftop restaurant.
16:10But the international Ashford Development Company has decided to drop the studio's part of the project
16:15as it, quote, can't ignore the financial realities.
16:19Well, now the council leader, Noel Ovenden, has revealed his wish to make 200 affordable homes on the site instead.
16:26Next, over the past two months, Kent has seen its hottest summer so far.
16:34With temperatures reaching to the 30s, it can be hard as adults to deal with the heat, but for young children
16:41and newborn babies, it's a lot more challenging.
16:44From what new parents can do at home to how nurseries are ensuring young children stay safe,
16:50Etterley Reynolds has this report.
16:51Just this summer, the UK has been hit with three heatwaves.
16:55The county alone has seen some of the hottest temperatures across the country,
16:59with multiple heat health alerts being issued in the last couple of weeks.
17:03Adults can find it quite difficult to manage in the heat,
17:06but for younger children and newborns, it can be even more challenging.
17:11For younger children, it can be quite difficult for them to regulate their own body temperatures,
17:15but there are a few simple things that you can do at home to ensure that they remain cool.
17:21For parents of newborn babies, this extreme weather can cause concern and some anxiety.
17:26However, there are lots of small, simple changes that can be done to help regulate a newborn's temperature.
17:32So keeping our son's temperature regulated is the most important thing,
17:37and that's a lot harder to do than it is for adults.
17:42So things like making sure he's wearing less clothes, making sure he's hydrated,
17:48even at night, making sure there's no heavy blankets on him as well,
17:54just to make sure that there is that more consistent temperature that he's going to have during the heatwaves.
18:00Nurseries across the county are implementing a series of precautions and steps
18:04to ensure younger children can stay safe throughout the day.
18:082J's preschool here in Medway have a variety of methods in place,
18:11such as water play, activities in shaded areas, and many more.
18:16The preschool also offer advice to parents, like children's shoulders must be covered,
18:20hats brought in, and wearing sun cream.
18:23Children will dehydrate very, very quickly.
18:27Their skin will burn very, very quickly.
18:30There is, there's, there's a lot that you can do.
18:34Hydration, hydration is, is, is paramount.
18:39Um, making sure that there's water available at all times, water bottles brought in by parents,
18:45possibly even putting them in the fridge, freezing them first, so as they last caught that cool all the way through the day for them.
18:53For parents of young children, extreme weather, like the heat, can be tough, but it's not to be gone through alone.
18:59Talking to your local nursery and seeking advice from the Met Office and government website can help.
19:05Etelie Reynolds for KMTV.
19:06Some great advice there.
19:09Now, don't forget, you can keep up to date with all your latest stories across Kent by logging on to our website.
19:13It's kmtv.co.uk.
19:16When you're there, you'll find all of our reports, including this one, about a new social supermarket in North Kent
19:20aimed at tackling the stigmas around food banks.
19:24A supermarket, but not as you know it.
19:27The Dartford Larder, supported by the Borough Council, is designed to be a stepping stone away from traditional food banks,
19:36allowing those facing food insecurity and hardship in the town to buy the essentials at affordable prices.
19:45We've all, everybody, I think, is just a paycheck away from being in a situation where they need help.
19:51One of the real focuses of this project is providing dignity, so when people come around the shop,
19:55it's actually providing dignity, because it is like a normal shopping experience.
19:59You grab your shopping basket, you go around the shelves, the whole shopping experience is lovely and nice,
20:03so it gives them that dignity to come through and feel, actually, it's the same.
20:08Every time you come to visit the Dartford Larder, you can only have 13 items per shop.
20:14It's all around helping people make healthy choices.
20:18Green items, such as onions, you can have as many different kinds of those as you want.
20:24Blue items, you're only allowed nine.
20:28Red items, you're only allowed four.
20:31And this is designed to not only help the shop maintain its stock,
20:36but help people get what they need to live better lives.
20:41When you go to a shop, it's more expensive to buy some fruit and vegetables than it is a 50p packet of biscuits.
20:48So we want to try and help promote that healthier eating.
20:50The Larder has only been open for a month, but already there's been more than 160 people using the service.
21:00I got involved with it in the beginning because of the fact I was unemployed.
21:04Literally couldn't make ends meet.
21:06We used to go without food so that the kids could eat.
21:09So it was a bit more easier for me to understand what was needed.
21:13To have someone come in that's got anxiety or depression or is struggling, has been made homeless,
21:19they need someone to talk to that's not a council official.
21:22They need someone that is going to either be in the situation themselves or understand the situation.
21:28To use the service, residents in the town need to be assessed on their first visit.
21:34But for those struggling to afford their shopping, the Larder might be somewhere worth a checkout.
21:42Ollie Leder in Dartford.
21:46And plenty more reports just like that one over on our website, kmtv.co.uk.
21:51Now, a yellow weather alert has been put in place for thunderstorms across Kent and much of the country for that matter.
21:58The warning will be in place from 9pm tomorrow until 6pm on Saturday.
22:03The Met Office warning that torrential rain could bring 20 to 30 millimetres of rainfall,
22:09with some places seeing as much as 90 millimetres.
22:12The weather also brings with it warnings of dangers to drivers,
22:16as it could cause difficult driving conditions and road closures.
22:20So the public is being urged to take precautions, especially for any flash flooding.
22:25Well, with that it being said, let's take a look at the full weather forecast for the coming days.
22:35Tonight brings partly cloudy skies, temperatures ranging from 17 all the way up to 21 degrees tomorrow morning.
22:42That thunderstorm warning does come in force, with clouds scattered across the sky,
22:47temperatures reaching an average of 21 degrees as we're going towards the afternoon.
22:52Some of that cloud subsiding, temperatures rising up to highs of 28 degrees in the north of the county.
22:57And here it is as we go towards the rest of the weekend and towards Monday,
23:01staying with that thunderstorm warning on Saturday, temperatures in the low 20s.
23:12Now, two men who used drones to smuggle drugs, tobacco and knives into several of our Kent prisons have been sentenced to prison.
23:21Jamie Groves and Alan Kane delivered the packages on 136 different occasions,
23:27specific locations of HMP Maidstone and HMP Swaleside.
23:31Well, Finn McDermott joins me in the studio now to talk through the story.
23:35Finn, what do we know about these two?
23:37Well, this is, like you say, Jamie Groves and Alan Kane.
23:42And like you mentioned, over 136 different instances and across 19 prisons in total across the country.
23:49For us in Kent here, as you mentioned, HMP Maidstone and HMP Swaleside.
23:53They dropped off packages of Class A and B drugs, Stanley knives, tobacco, mobile phones, USB sticks and clothing.
24:00As you mentioned, the only Kent prisons there, HMP Maidstone and HMP Swaleside,
24:05where the pair operated between May and September last year.
24:08Maidstone Crown Court heard that they targeted windows and used designated yard areas and locations to drop off the parcels.
24:17And talk to me about their sentencing, the details that we found out today.
24:22Well, Groves and Kane had previously pled guilty to the charge of conspiracy to convey List A articles into prison.
24:29At the hearing on Maidstone Crown Court on the 15th of July, Groves was sentenced to two and a half years imprisonment,
24:37while Kane was dealt a term of three years and eight months.
24:41He was also banned from owning or being in control of a drone for five years after his release.
24:46And we can see here some pictures of the prisons they targeted, HMP Maidstone, of course,
24:50and some pictures in a moment of HMP Swaleside.
24:53Police have also commented on the situation.
24:57The head of the South East Organised Crime Unit, Detective Chief Superintendent Steve Boniface,
25:03said this case highlights a serious and sustained threat to prison safety and order,
25:07with a staggering 136 suspected drone drops across 19 HMP establishments.
25:13Well, Finn, definitely something to keep an eye on as technology continues to develop
25:20and we see these drones being used more and more for this purpose.
25:24But good to see that it has been caught in this instance.
25:26Thank you very much for those details.
25:30Time now for a very quick break.
25:32But coming up, we'll be looking back at our top story this evening,
25:36including how the voting age will be lowered to 16 by the next general election.
25:42We'll also be joined by Chatham and Ellsford MP Tristan Osborne about the matter
25:47and what he thinks about the impact of lowering the voting age will be.
25:52Lots of questions around it.
25:53Of course, as we've been hearing, lots of different opinions,
25:56especially from those young people themselves who will now be able to get the vote.
26:01We'll also be looking into plenty more in the programme this evening.
26:04We'll have more on that weather alert as the rain is expected to join us for the weekend.
26:10And we'll have plenty more in the show as well.
26:13Plenty more to come and we'll be bringing you more after the break.
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33:02not great it's like it's addicting but like voting is like voicing your opinion.
33:06While young people in Midstone feel confident about the change some parties disagree.
33:10Yeah I think it's a desperate decision from a desperate government you know you can't
33:14marry you can't get married at 16 you can't go to war at 16 you can't drive at 16 you
33:19can't buy alcohol you can't buy cigarettes can't go into lottery you can't even be a
33:23jury and you can't even view an 18 plus film at the age of 16 but the idea that you're
33:28going to get the constitutional right to then vote in election which is a very it's a massive
33:33massive thing you know something which cannot be taken for granted and this idea we're going
33:38to give it to people whom quite frankly irrespective of how talented right they may be haven't got the
33:44necessary experience and are not classified as adults I don't think that's right.
33:47This wasn't the only change that's been announced as now bank cards will be accepted as voter ID
33:53under the new proposals. The government hope that overall this will make a huge difference
33:58to voter turnout as the last general election seen the lowest figure since 2001 sitting at
34:03just under 60 percent. So whether or not 16 and 17 year olds will turn up to increase the
34:09turnout it's up to them. Kristen Hawthorne for KMTV Maidstone.
34:13Well we're joined now by the MP for Chatham and now it's for Tristan Osborne. Tristan thank you very
34:20much for joining us this evening you are in favour of this change of course it was one of the key
34:26issues that your party put in its manifesto last year before the general election and but what's
34:31your response to some of the critics here they're saying that 16 year olds can't drive they can't
34:35legally buy alcohol they can't even go and see an 18 movie so what gives them the right and the
34:41responsibility to be able to decide on our future? Well not everyone can drive as people choose to drive
34:49of course and choose to take the test this was a manifesto commitment made in our manifesto we won the
34:56general election last year on the back of that many people who are 16 can consent to relationships
35:03and also serve in our armed forces albeit not in a frontline role and many are also subject to
35:10major decisions in their life including whether to go to college to take an apprenticeship so and
35:17this isn't forcing young people to vote this is as is every age group giving them that opportunity
35:24to express their view if they feel that they have all of the literature and the education to make a
35:30decision so what we're saying and we have said this consistently now is that because it's already
35:37happening in parts of our country for other elections including in Wales and Scotland that we're just
35:42saying it's worked there we haven't had all of these major issues that have been highlighted by the reform
35:48whip that have that's been raised and we've actually had an increase in turnout from that generation
35:54which your video highlighted many of these young people have strong views and want to engage in the
36:00process. I suppose these young people as well they do have to stay in some form of education until
36:04they do reach 18. Some critics would also say that 16 year olds don't lack the they do lack the
36:11knowledge or the maturity to be able to vote responsibly of course very well documented you were a
36:17secondary school teacher yourself so tell us what is the state of young people at the moment?
36:22Well look if the franchise is not given to people based on their experience and maturity it's given
36:28to them based on the individual making a decision on their environments and on what they consider to
36:35be best for their future we don't have an arbitrary judgment on intelligence or other criteria that we set
36:41so what I would argue is that many 16 year olds you've heard some in your vox pop today do want
36:49to express their views have passionate viewpoints on the climate on the civil society around them
36:57equality and other types of issues and they should be entitled to have that say as they do already in
37:02other elections in Wales and Scotland without any problems and just lastly many of those that I taught
37:08were extremely intelligent children uh who went on to become adults that had very uh very very strong
37:17views actually on the political dynamics of this country and I can say that this isn't based on age
37:23I meet adults that don't understand the political system and we need to do better there and I also have
37:29worked with young people as well who are 16 17 who have a similar perspective so we shouldn't judge
37:34everyone by arbitrary criteria if you're able to consent to sexual relationships if you're able to
37:41take part in our armed forces um and if you're able to do many other things um including to make
37:48decisions about your career and your life then you should be entitled to have a say about who governs you
37:52what do you think could happen to our classrooms now of course there'll be a lot more political
37:57discourse if youngsters are going to be you know having to make their decision but is there not also an
38:02increased responsibility on teachers and and the sort of things that they're they're telling their
38:06students look already there are very strict rules around political education in the classroom it has to
38:14always remain neutral uh it can't be party political in that sense um we already engage in citizenship many
38:22schools uh in in both lessons but also in assemblies and other types of forums um and the teacher
38:30relationship with their student would remain uh as a chair you would chair a debate and allow different
38:35perspectives to be articulated many schools actually already have internal elections for their council
38:41roles and some schools even have mock elections where they do represent the major parties to try
38:46and engage their students so actually i think this is uh this is a positive thing because actually
38:52people of the uh who are in year 10 and 11 will have be aware that they will have that
38:58responsibility and as we heard in the vox pop many people would then choose to enunciate that in the
39:03ballot box this isn't compulsory voting this is about giving those that want to express their view
39:09that opportunity and to allow them to access the information to make a choice whether that be my party or
39:15another party well it'll be very interesting to see how the parties react as we go towards that next
39:19general election and in their campaigning thank you very much for joining us this evening
39:23no problem thanks for having me don't forget you can keep up to date with all your latest stories
39:28on our website kmtv.co.uk you'll see reports just like this one we all remember our school sports
39:34days but what about a sports week that's exactly what spring gate primary school in chatham are
39:41embracing here as part of their healthy living week swing gates healthy living week has officially
39:48kicked off let's go around and see what's on offer from basketball dancing and martial arts the aim of
40:00this week is to get children to try as many sports as possible i think it's important to educate them
40:06young to understand that physical activity keep the mind and soul as healthy as the body so it's
40:11important to encourage them to take part in physical activity every day and try to make it
40:18as fun as possible so they can carry on that without the support of other clubs in the community
40:24and they can take that initiative to to keep playing and have fun outside school was that much
40:29disease in school for some of the volunteers the healthy living week allowed them to reflect on their
40:35own journeys so my situation is a little bit different so my parents actually started up the school
40:40and they thought it'd be a really good idea for obviously me to try it so I did and when they're 18
40:47that's when they gave me a choice of whether I wanted to carry on and because of all the stuff
40:51it had done to help me in my life and tons of aspects which it really came in handy and I thought
40:58I might as well keep on with it I've done it this long and I might as well carry on swing gate primary
41:03has been running this tradition for four years now and are keen to keep up its success so we have had
41:10really good results so recently we were really really lucky to win the medway sport primary school
41:16of the year and we were actually the reigning winners of that we won it previously a couple of
41:21years ago so we're really proud of that we've also just won our quadruple school games mark gold which
41:28we're really proud of which you win those things because you are providing a variety of physical
41:33opportunities for your children and making sure that we are encouraging all that movement and trying
41:39different activities and sports even if there are winners the main purpose of the healthy living week
41:45is to keep pupils active long after they graduate and teach them it's not whether you win or lose
41:52it's how you play the game Henry Luck for KMTV in Chatham time for a break see you soon
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45:03Hello and welcome back to Kent Tonight Live on KMTV.
45:20Now, the government says it's open to change following Kent Online's blue badge battle.
45:24The campaign has highlighted significant challenges faced by those with time-limited medical conditions
45:30when looking for a parking permit.
45:32Well, yesterday, after the debate, it's hoped that it will bring temporary concessions for those who do not meet the criteria.
45:40Our reporter Gabriel Morris was in Westminster and sent us this report.
45:44Having to battle for a blue badge while fighting cancer is something patients say they simply don't have the energy for.
45:51That's why Kent Online started campaigning for a fairer system.
45:55Reporter Ellie Hodgson discovered that under current guidance, an illness must last at least three years to be eligible.
46:05The issue now being taken straight to Parliament.
46:08She first spoke to Sandy, who was living with cancer, and heard how a blue badge would ease her recovery from intensive treatment and its side effects.
46:16There's no other option but to apply for a full three-year.
46:21If there was a different option, that's what I would have applied for.
46:25But, you know, to deny somebody that needs a badge, to deny them it because their ailment may not last three years, isn't good enough.
46:37Since that first story, dozens of other patients have come forward with similar experiences of being refused a blue badge.
46:44This week, the issue being debated in Parliament.
46:48Sandy hopes her voice will be heard.
46:50It was the MP for Mainstone and Morning who secured this Westminster Hall debate.
46:55An opportunity to speak directly to the Minister.
46:58We need a fairer and faster approach to blue badge eligibility.
47:04An approach that recognises there are highly vulnerable people at the centre of these faceless application processes.
47:13People who deserve care, dignity and respect.
47:18With every Kent MP backing the campaign, it now has local cross-party support.
47:24Their focus should be on getting well and it shouldn't be about battling a system.
47:30I also want to pay tribute to the Honourable Member for bringing this debate.
47:32Can I thank my Honourable Friend?
47:36I absolutely agree with her that we all have to work within systems, but this system seems heartless and a bit cold.
47:43And I think that is the general experience of many.
47:47The Minister then responded.
47:49While a debate like this can't change the law directly, campaigners say it's a vital first step.
47:56And I am open to the possibility of change to address some of the concerns that have been rightly raised today.
48:04At the end of the day, I think that's positive.
48:06She's also agreed to reconsider the matter.
48:10And I was quite concerned before the debate that the government were fairly resistant,
48:14but now there's been a movement and that's good.
48:17For Sandy, she finally feels the government is listening.
48:20Yes, I felt that in our initial meeting a few weeks ago, they'd really taken on board everything I'd said.
48:28I could tell from the debate that they'd listened.
48:32It wasn't just lip service.
48:34And also the Minister as well was listening to what they said.
48:37So I'm feeling really positive.
48:39A meeting with the Minister, MPs and councillors is now expected to be arranged.
48:44But in the meantime, patients could still be being refused a blue badge.
48:49Well, Gabriel's here with us in the studio now.
48:56Gabriel, behind us, we have a picture of all of Kent MPs, all of the Kent MPs,
49:00because every single one of them have said that they'll back this campaign.
49:02A few of them in that debate yesterday.
49:04What happens next to see that this gets put into law?
49:08Yeah, pretty exceptional that all of our Kent MPs, cross-party, Lib Dem, Labour,
49:13other independent and Conservative MPs amongst those 18 support this.
49:18It doesn't often happen.
49:19You do occasionally see it for different policies.
49:22But coming together, it shows that they've noticed that there's an issue with what Kent Online
49:26highlighted and they're willing to change it.
49:28Now, the next step will be is looking at whether Lillian Greenwood, the Minister,
49:33at how the practicalities of this, how it's going to work.
49:37Is it going to be effective?
49:38Could it cause problems?
49:39Are they going to change it?
49:40They've got a summer.
49:41They've got the civil servants who will look over, I'm sure,
49:43about the details over the summer going into the next parliament in September
49:48after the party just go off on a break again then.
49:53So I think this is going to take a little bit of time now.
49:56But there is some confidence from the campaigners yesterday.
50:00Lillian Greenwood said she's open to change.
50:02Quite frankly, you don't get that sort of positivity that often from a Westminster Hall debate.
50:10So it is looking up.
50:12And then after that, it could be an amendment to a bill.
50:14It could be a private member's bill, which could be brought forward by any of these MPs,
50:18most likely Helen Grant.
50:19She's the person who's been sort of leading this.
50:21She was the person who got the head at Westminster Hall debate yesterday.
50:24And then the devil's in the detail.
50:25How are we going to do this?
50:27How is this going to be enforced?
50:28Is it going to be a blue badge or are we going to have a different badge altogether?
50:31Could it be a red badge?
50:32Could it be a white badge?
50:33Could it be a green badge?
50:34It could be something else altogether.
50:36And then talking to councils about how this practicality is going to work.
50:39This is when some level of disagreement might occur.
50:42I'm sure different parties would have a fairing opinion of how that's going to work.
50:46But we're still a little while away from that.
50:48Now, plenty more politics to come this week.
50:49We've got a new episode of the Kent Politics Show tomorrow.
50:52You can give us a bit of a sneak preview as to what's to come then.
50:55Yeah, we had the leader of Medway Council, Vince Maple, and Conservative Opposition Councillor
51:01Habib Dijan on the programme.
51:02They'll be on the show.
51:04You'll be able to see that tomorrow at 5 o'clock here on KMTV.
51:07But this evening, it's Medway Council's full council.
51:11And there's going to be a motion.
51:12It was brought forward by the Reform Group.
51:14And I was talking to both of them a little bit about that.
51:18Well, once you see something that is not right and it's impacting people in our community,
51:24I mean, no one is immune from illness or from difficulties.
51:28So, you know, yes, it's something that could and should have been looked at previously.
51:33But, you know, Kent Alarm started a campaign and I think it's got cross-party support,
51:38which is great.
51:39I mean, it's a good place to be.
51:40And how can you see this being implemented?
51:42What do you think the practicalities look like?
51:44Or is it even too early to start talking about those at the moment?
51:47As Habib says, there are variations and schemes.
51:50In some councils, the vast majority of councils don't have local schemes.
51:54It's worth saying that, which is why there is this potential call for national change.
51:58And, again, I think we saw, I think, really positive noise from the Minister,
52:02Lillian Greenwood, to say absolutely they're still listening, they're looking at this.
52:06Some of this may be about talking to other government departments as well.
52:09So, from a local perspective, having spoken to our hard-working officers,
52:12and actually this part of the council works incredibly hard to keep our traffic moving,
52:17there are some real practical issues.
52:20So, we just need to look at what those solutions may be.
52:22Certainly, those will be some of the things we'll be talking with.
52:24Helen, Tris Osborne from the Labour Party, and, of course, Mike Martin from the Lib Dems.
52:29As Habib says, a true cross-party approach from our MPs.
52:33And we're having a debate tonight at full council, so by the time people are seeing this,
52:37we will have seen it.
52:38I'm hopeful we'll see very strong cross-party support at council tonight,
52:43to say we support this campaign, and recognising both the Westminster Hall debate,
52:47the cross-party MPs support, and the support from the local media in Kent Online,
52:52to say, actually, this is something we should be considering.
52:54And I'm hopeful we'll make progress as quickly as we can.
52:56I don't want to promise we'll get it done by this date, and we don't,
53:00because there are quite a lot of practical issues, but we're a doing council,
53:04we want to get on with that, and we'll be having those conversations from next week.
53:08And you can hear the rest of that discussion on the Kent Politics Show
53:11right here on KMTV tomorrow at 5pm.
53:14Now, though, a children's choir from America has made its way to Rochester Cathedral
53:19as part of an international concert.
53:21Lift Every Voice and Sing saw around 100 young voices from Carolina
53:26and Virginia sing from London, Canterbury, and, of course, here, Rochester.
53:31Vox Anima London organised the concert to widen students' perspective on the world
53:36and increase their confidence.
53:38Our community reporter, Henry Luck, went down to find out more.
53:42Rochester Cathedral has hosted many unique voices.
53:46This time, they're welcoming young voices from America
53:50who are part of Vox Anima London's International Children's Choir Festival of 2025,
53:57bringing the spirit of the South to Kent
53:59as part of their Lift Every Voice and Sing concert.
54:03I'm a little jealous of my students because they get to sing in this space.
54:07Yesterday at Evensong, we had an opportunity to sing a hymn
54:11with the whole congregation,
54:12and it was wonderful for all the teachers and the parents
54:16to be able to sing right along with these children.
54:19It was very special.
54:20You know, experiences like this for young people are wonderful,
54:24and it's been great to be over here in the UK
54:26and to experience the wonderful hospitality
54:29that everyone has shown us and these singers
54:32and how we've been welcomed into these places,
54:35and it's just a joy to be able to share our music with everybody over here.
54:39One member of Vox Anima London has even made Kent their home
54:44and was delighted to meet the American students,
54:48many of whom are witnessing their first time out of their home country.
54:52Well, Kent is important to me because I live here.
54:55I am originally from America, but I'm a dual citizen now,
54:59and Kent is just down the road from our home,
55:02and so to welcome these fine choirs over from America
55:05to be in this place that we consider so close to home
55:09is a great honour for us.
55:12As well as introducing singers to UK soil,
55:15the concert has also given them the opportunity
55:18to boost their confidence
55:20and prepare for more choir events in the future.
55:24I'm personally, I'm very happy about this.
55:27It's a wonderful opportunity, once-in-a-lifetime trip.
55:30I'm a little bit nervous because it's a new thing,
55:32but we have wonderful directors and everyone's supportive,
55:35so I'm not exactly worried.
55:36Yeah, I'm really excited because we get to finally showcase
55:39all the music that we've been practising really hard on
55:41for the past few days.
55:44Hopefully, the hearts and minds of Kent
55:46will think of this choir long after they've returned home.
55:51Henry Luck for KMTV in Rochester.
55:55Some lovely singing there.
56:01Let's see if they'll be singing in the rain
56:03with the weather this weekend.
56:09OK, tonight brings partly cloudy skies.
56:11Temperatures ranging from 17 degrees
56:13all the way up to 21 in Dartford.
56:15Tomorrow morning, that thunderstorm warning in place,
56:17which we mentioned earlier.
56:18Clouds scattered across the county.
56:21Temperatures reaching an average of 21 degrees.
56:23As we go into the afternoon, the sun will be coming out
56:26with temperatures rising up to highs of 28
56:28in the north of the county.
56:30Wind speeds at 7 miles per hour.
56:31Here's your outlook for the rest of the weekend
56:33as we go into next week.
56:35Highs of 24 with that rain hanging around.
56:39That is up.
56:40That is it from us today on Kent Tonight.
56:42Live on KMTV, plenty more news made just for Kent
56:44throughout the evening.
56:45We'll see you tomorrow.
56:46Bye-bye.
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