Mark Wooding

My Six Priorities

Combating crime and anti-social behaviour

Mark Wooding
Mark with community police officer.

I believe there needs to be a greater focus on the causes and impact of anti-social behaviour, drugs and crime and in particular, the devastating and growing effects of gang culture, gun and knife crime that concern many in our community and which require effective, lasting solutions and a strong, effective community-based police force unhindered by bureaucracy.

Strengthening our local communities

Mark WoodingMark campaigning to retain rail services from Maidstone East station

I believe we need to promote greater social cohesion and improve social mobility in areas of deprivation. I support the retention and enhancement of all local community services, from the provision of social housing to investment in sustainable transport and infrastructure.

Delivering a modern 21st century healthcare

Mark Wooding
Mark at Maidstone Hospital.

I believe in a National Health Service that is free from the bureaucracy and top-down targets that lead to confusing and misguided priorities. The targets imposed by central government need to be ditched and front line staff need to be empowered to make decisions. NHS professionals need to be answerable to patients, not politicians. I will continue to oppose Brown’s cuts and fight to retain vital hospital services.

Providing High Quality Education

Mark Wooding
Mark with the local Brownies.

I believe we should invest in the formative years to give young people the best possible start in life, equipping them with the skills necessary to support and develop business. We should give everyone the opportunity to succeed in their chosen field, within all schools, regardless of background and eradicate centralised over-bureaucracy that is suffocating the current system.

Support for families and business

Mark Wooding
Dan Hannan MEP discussing with Mark how EU regulations are affecting
British business.

I believe we should work to create an environment that allows family life and businesses to thrive, protecting the jobs and financial stability of those who are struggling in these difficult economic times as they provide jobs and community services. Businesses are hampered by tax and red tape, not least from the EU; and we should act to stop squeezing the economy and instead help it to flourish.

Protecting the environment for future generations

Mark Wooding
Mark discussing garden grabbing proposals with
local residents and Caroline Spelman on a visit
to Maidstone.

I believe that we have so many beautiful areas in this country that are threatened by this government’s planning policies, and that we need to protect our heritage and areas of outstanding natural beauty. We need a planning system that deals with inappropriate development and safeguards green areas from regeneration projects, threatening the character of existing communities.