Labour’s U-turn on Chatham Docks – Betraying the Community

🚢 Save Chatham Docks – Protect Jobs, Industry & Medway’s Future

Reform UK stands united with local workers, businesses, and residents demanding one thing: Save Chatham Docks.

For over 400 years, Chatham Docks has been the lifeblood of Medway’s maritime and industrial identity. Today, it supports 800+ skilled jobs and hosts vital businesses like ArcelorMittal, supplying 30% of the UK’s rebar needs.

But now, Peel L&P — a private developer — aims to shut down the docks and replace them with luxury flats under their so-called “Chatham Waters” scheme.

A Bitter Betrayal by Labour

Back in 2019, Labour councillors, including Vince Maple and Theresa Murray, proudly backed the campaign to save Chatham Docks. Fast forward to today, and those same leaders have done a complete 180 — quietly switching sides to support the developers.

This isn’t just hypocrisy. It’s a betrayal of the very people they promised to protect.

Labour’s silence and actions show they have abandoned Medway’s hardworking families for short-term developer profits. When opposition voices like Cllr Michael Pearce call out Labour’s flip-flopping — especially Cllr Simon Curry’s silence on his past support — the party simply deletes their old promises and moves on.

Medway deserves leadership with integrity, not convenient U-turns.

The Real Story Behind the Closure

Peel L&P claim the cost of refurbishing the docks’ freight lock gates — estimated at over £35 million — makes continued operation “unviable.” But independent assessments say the true cost is much lower, and creative financing options exist that Peel has ignored.

This isn’t regeneration. It’s economic vandalism disguised as “progress.”

What’s at Stake?

❌ Over 800 skilled jobs lost, thousands more impacted
❌ Vital industries sacrificed for luxury flats
❌ Our proud maritime heritage bulldozed
❌ Local businesses crushed under the weight of developer greed
❌ Community sold off to the highest bidder
❌ Short-term profits prioritized over Medway’s long-term prosperity
❌ Increased strain on roads, schools, and healthcare
❌ The heart of Britain’s shipbuilding industry weakened

Reform UK’s Clear Plan

✅ Protect and grow skilled, well-paid local jobs
✅ Invest in maritime industries and future-proof our economy
✅ Save living heritage—not just museums
✅ Put people before property developers
✅ Demand a Medway-wide Industrial Strategy
✅ Oppose unaffordable housing that ignores community needs
✅ Call for an independent, full review of Peel’s plans — before it’s too late

What You Can Do Now

📢 Raise your voice:

• Share this post and spread the word
• Sign the petition to save Chatham Docks: Change.org Petition
• Email Medway Council today:
  • planning.representations@medway.gov.uk
  • customer.relations@medway.gov.uk
  • Subject: Save Chatham Docks – Objection to Redevelopment

Use these points:

• Over 800 skilled jobs depend on the docks
• ArcelorMittal supplies 30% of UK’s rebar needs here
• It’s one of the South East’s last commercial ports
• Redevelopment into luxury flats is short-sighted and damaging

Join Reform UK in defending real people, real jobs, and the future of Medway. Together, we will make them listen.